PASSOVER & THE LORD’S SUPPER

EXODUS 12


Pastor Rick Jackson


I. THE EXPECTANCY [v. 1-11]


1. “A Lamb” for a new Beginning [v. 1-3]

2. “The Lamb” that Counts [v. 4]

3. “Your Lamb” that must be Applied [v. 5-10]

4. God’s Lamb that speaks of Departure [v. 11]


II. THE UNDERSTANDING [v. 12-27]


1. Redemption or judgment? [v. 12]

2. Redemption by Blood [v. 13]

3. Redemption of Separation TO God [v. 14-27]


III. THE RELATIONSHIP [v. 28-51]


1. The LORD is the Lawgiver [v. 28, 40-42]

2. All or Nothing [v. 43-46, Rm. 11:6]

3. One Way for Everyone [v. 47-49]

The Old Rugged Cross

The Old Rugged Cross March 31, 2010 "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world." (Galatians 6:14) As we ponder the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ, a fuller understanding should bring us to an ever-deeper reliance on and identification with Him. To assist us in examining the work of Christ on the cross, let us use the beloved hymn "The Old Rugged Cross." Here we will find its words reflecting a deep and abiding love for Christ and His cross. The next four days we will, in turn, study each of its four verses, but today, note its chorus: So I'll cherish the old rugged cross, Till my trophies at last I lay down; I will cling to the old rugged cross, And exchange it some day for a crown. Our text reminds us that there is no worth in any deed of our own, including even a full adherence to the law of Moses (Galatians 6:12-13). Only through the cross and the salvation by grace made possible by the cross do we have any standing before God. We must cherish the cross, and cling to it! Thus, we can say with Paul that this "world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world"--its sinful allurements and the recognition of men of no value. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8). All our legitimate accomplishments: those true trophies or "crowns of rejoicing" (1 Thessalonians 2:19) done in His power and for His glory will be cast before His throne (Revelation 4:10) in recognition of His worth and kingship. His cross made it all possible. So I'll cherish the old rugged cross. JDM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

The Last Days, are they ever near

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation unsubscribe change email view archive

The Last Days, are they ever near From the writings of Sumner Wemp The last days, are they ever near! With a passion, I want for you to be people "that have understanding of the times" 1 Chron 12:32 "to know what Israel (God's people today and yourself in particular) ought to do." Doesn't that make sense for all of us? The last days "But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth" 1 Tim. 4:1-3. It becomes obvious as you really study, that "the latter times," the "last days" started even in the days of Paul. What he is saying is describing conditions all through the church age until the very end. These conditions described above go back to the early centuries of this age. These warnings are to keep us aware that Jesus could come any minute and keep us living right. Perilous times "But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy" (2 Tim. 3:1,2). This describes so vividly the early rulers of Rome, Egypt and other places where they declared themselves to be gods. The rest of the story "Disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affections, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good" When I was a kid, in the thirties and forties, you never heard the term "juvenile delinquents." O, we were not perfect but it was rare to find kids deliberately, defiantly, disobedient to parents. Today, it seems wholesale. Back then, "the all American boy" the good kid, was extolled and admired. Today, he is scorned if he or she remains a virgin until marriage. He is ridiculed as "mama's boy" if he does not go along with the crowd. The beginning of birth pains Along with "wars, famines, pestilence's and earthquakes in various places" Matt. 24: 4-7, "men fainting from fear and the expectation of the things which are coming upon the world; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken" Luke 21:26. These are all "the beginning of sorrows" Matt. 24:8. The Greek word for "sorrows" is "birth pains." Now that tells a lot. When the pains first start, you don't run immediately to the hospital and panic. As the pains become more frequent and intense you know the event (the birth) is getting near. "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" Luke 21:28. We have 5 children. I remember well the birth of each. When the pains were as frequent as the pains described in the Bible, I would RUN TO THE HOSPITAL like mad. Dear people "the signs of the last days" are so frequent and intense we must "prepare to meet your God" Amos 4:12. "Remember also, prophecy is not to satisfy your curiosity but to stir your character. Prayer: Father, bless Your dear people and help us to see and heed the signs of the last days so that we set our affections on things above and for your glory, in Jesus name. "Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation" 2 Peter 3:3-4. No, it hasn't. More on this later. And I love you, all because the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again so we can be forgiven and go to heaven, sumner. Do you believe in that alone for your salvation? Believe and pray to receive Him as your Savior right now. "He that has the Son, has life" www.eastwest.orgClick here to visit the East-West Web Site Write us and let know how these devotionals are ministering to you. sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Brother Bobby, if you hurt me, it's not your fault. It's my fault, because I am supposed to be dead and you can't hurt anything dead. - Lester Roloff

The Devil will make sure that somebody, it'll be our best friend sometimes, somebody will hurt us and abuse us- but die to it, hold no grudges, love 'em, and keep going on. - Bobby Roberson

Deception will enslave you while the truth will set you free. - Evangelist Chris Miller

The normal Christian life is the victorious Christian life because its not us- its Jesus Christ. - Miller

I wanted to tell you... I enjoyed having our guy Chris Miller there ... you know Miller time used to mean a beer for me before I got saved but now it means I got to hear Chris Miller, Evangelist. That's a good testimony there I think, but I enjoyed Miller time yesterday! Alright y'all have a good one and we're going to keep praying... - Billy Jackson

Fatherly Discipline

Subject: Daily Devotional for March 29, 2010

Isaiah 9:12b-13 "For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts." Any dad (or mom) knows what each cry of his child means. In devotions here at the Ranch, some dads mentioned cries of hurt, hunger, anger, or being scared-and one wise lady mentioned the cry we had "forgotten," the dirty diaper cry! Any dad also knows the cries when he disciplines his youngster. A dad, if he is worth anything, will discipline until the child's will is broken. If you stop too early, you may have crying, but it will be angry crying, not sorrowful crying. In the end, though, the child will turn toward the same hand that just disciplined him. Now, the illustration goes beyond just earthly parents and children; God is our Heavenly Father. He does not discipline us (His children) because He hates us; He disciplines because He is a good (and perfect) Father. He knows and wants what is best for us. Isaiah 9 says that God's anger had not stopped, like a father disciplining his child. Why was this? "For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they see the LORD of hosts." In verse 10, they didn't turn to God because they were indifferent. Their cities were being destroyed, and their walls were broken down. Their answer was, "We will build with hewn stones . . . we will change them into cedars." Here these folks were being overrun and destroyed, yet it did not seem wrong. They did not even consider why it was happening-they were indifferent. Every time something bad happens in your life, it is not God chastening you. But can't you see that God was obviously working in their lives? But they didn't even notice. They figured building with stones and cedars instead of bricks and sycamores would fix the problem. How foolish! God wanted them to turn back to Him and seek Him. Yet they missed out because of indifference. Not only were they indifferent, but they were also independent. Independence from people is not always bad, but independence from God is never good. God did not turn from His anger because they didn't turn to Him. God will not tolerate, nor is He impressed, by your independence from Him. The wonderful and familiar verse of Isaiah 9 is verse 6: "For unto us a child is born . . . and his name shall be called . . . The everlasting Father. . . ." The promised Messiah was to be a Father for His people. Sadly, God's children were too busy-too indifferent and independent-to realize God's hand was "stretched out still." The New Testament tells us, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth. . . ." Again, every time something bad happens in your life, it is not necessarily the chastening of God. God is not always "after you." But anytime God is after you, it is for your good. So next time you hear a baby cry (maybe this morning for some!), remember that God is our Heavenly Father. Missed a First Light? Browse the archives here: firstlight-blog

Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128

Self Check-up

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation      view archive

Self Check-up From the writings of Sumner Wemp   Self Check-Up   I AM BACKSLIDEN [Copied]   I.   WHEN CALVARY DOESN'T BREAK ME. II.  WHEN SIN DOESN'T BOTHER ME. III. WHEN MISSING CHURCH DOESN'T BEREAVE ME. IV.  WHEN BIBLE STUDY DOESN'T BLESS ME V. WHEN PRAYERS DON'T BREATHE FROM ME VI.   WHEN SATAN DOESN'T BATTLE ME. VII.  WHEN SOULS DON'T BURDEN ME. VII. WHEN THE SAVIOR'S COMING DOESN'T BOOST ME.   "Examine yourselves" 2 Cor. 13:5. "But if we judged ourselves rightly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world" 1 Cor. 11:31.   Prayer:  Father, may we have a good check up so that we do not have to be spanked. In Jesus' Name   And I love you, all because the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again so we can be forgiven and go to heaven, sumner. Do you believe in that alone for your salvation? Believe and pray to receive Him as your Savior right now. "He that has the Son, has life"   www.eastwest.orgClick here for the East-West Ministries Web Site   Send us an email when you get a chance   sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

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Question of the Week: Did mercury poisoning create a toxic Flood?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us March 27, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Did mercury poisoning create a toxid Flood? Special Notice: Apologetics for the Family! Video On Demand: Four Power Questions to Ask an Evolutionist, Part 1 News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog Museum News Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis Q: Did mercury poisoning create a toxic Flood? A: Today we are hearing more and more about mercury pollution. Mercury could contaminate the water we drink, the air we breathe, or, most commonly, the fish we eat. In the last six decades alone it has proven to be directly responsible for thousands of deaths worldwide and has caused untold illness. Mercury's danger has led some skeptics to argue that the global Flood described in Genesis would have released so much mercury into the environment that life would be impossible. God created mercury for man's benefit and designed natural processes to regulate its concentration and form in the environment. To understand these processes, let's look at how mercury levels remained relatively safe even in the greatest disaster in history, the Genesis Flood. Continue reading to find out how God provided for the preservation of life during the Flood of Noah's day. This question is answered, along with many others like it, in our latest edition of Answers Magazine. You can subscribe online to enjoy quarterly issues of this fast-growing, creation-based worldview magazine, published by Answers in Genesis. Apologetics for the Family! Our Defending the Faith 2010 conference is coming in July, but there are only a few days left to get the special "early bird" discount. Enjoy great biblical teaching from some of the nation's leading apologists, including Ken Ham, Dr. Voddie Baucham, Dr. Herb Samworth, and many others—with additional sessions specifically for women and teens. This will also be a great time to make special family memories at some family-friendly attractions in the Smoky Mountains, such as the Dollywood theme park and The Miracle Theater. If you purchase your Dollywood tickets through Answers in Genesis when you register, you can save over $22 (adult) and $16 (child) admission off Dollywood's gate price. When purchasing tickets for The Miracle Theater, you can save 30% off adult admission, plus one child free with each paid adult. Register by March 31 to save up to $40 off a family registration! Several area hotels have partnered with us to offer excellent savings for our conference guests. As the vacation season draws nearer, these hotel rooms will fill up quickly, though, so make your reservations soon. Make sure you let these hotels know that you appreciate them partnering with Answers in Genesis. By the way, over 1700 people have already registered! We look forward to seeing you at Defending the Faith 2010 in July. News to Note Quick Look Our X-men kin: Neanderthals, move over—there may have been another "human lineage" walking on earth in recent history, known only from an individual called "X-woman" (elsewhere reported as "Woman X") Read more. A dinosaur's best friend: While the well-known tale is that one kind of catastrophe drove the dinosaurs extinct, new research suggests another kind of catastrophe may have given them a leg up. Read more. Also: Obituary: Seitaad ruessi Darwin the impostor? The angry creationist mob 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 Museums—can we really trust them? The Ice Age—do creationists believe in it? Children's books—what's missing? Horseshoe crabs—primitive and advanced? Dead whales—they do tell tales! After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Outreach Answers Outreach Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Tough Questions about the Flood (Mar 26) Chapter 3: Are Biblical Creationists Divisive? (Mar 25) Whole-Rock K-Ar Model and Isochron, and Rb-Sr, Sm-Nd, and Pb-Pb Isochron, "Dating" of the Somerset Dam Layered Mafic Intrusion, Australia (Mar 24) Did Adam and Eve Have to Sleep Before the Fall? (Mar 23) Not Ashamed to be a Creation Scientist (Mar 22) A Better Title for New TV Series? (Mar 22) Video On Demand Four Power Questions to Ask an Evolutionist (Part 1) Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States The Egypt File: Student Guides I Am Not Ashamed Black T-shirt New Answers Book 3 More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Surprise Museum Visitor Archaeology and the Bible Back from Europe Demand for Haitian 7 C's Booklet The Typical Evolutionist Straw Man Previous entries Museum News Return of the Sharks Spring is Coming Answers for Teachers Previous entries Upcoming Events ALBERTA Sunday Speaking, April 18-April 18 Washington Home Educators Conference, April 23-April 24 Colorado Answers in Genesis Conference, May 23-May 24 More events Job Opportunities Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Customer Service Manager Housekeeping Staff Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Strategic Scheduling Coordinator Systems Analyst/Coordinator Writer/Editor (Web Department)
This message was provided by Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road Petersburg, KY 41080 © Copyright 2010 Answers in Genesis | All rights reserved.

 

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Zombies hate fast food. -seen on a T-shirt

The Devil is mad- now be glad because my mother said, "When the Devil fights the hardest- that's when the Lord is trying to bless the most." - Johnny Pope

If Hell is as severe as fire- why not fire? - R.G. Lee

Legalism is NOT when someone is obeying the Bible. Legalism deals with motive not action. If you refrain from telling a lie in order to be saved- that's legalism. If you don't lie because you are saved- that's gratitude. If you think it's okay to lie even though you're saved- that's carnality.

It is safer on the waves with Jesus, than in the boat without Him. God promises a safe landing, but not a calm passage. - Adrian Rogers

Seasons

 

Galatians 6:9-10  "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."     Weary. Well-doing. Those two words just seem to go together, don't they? The Bible encourages us to "faint not" and to "not be weary" in doing well because there is a promise--"for in due season we shall reap."  But the promise of reaping what is right is conditional upon not fainting!   Our nature never tires of serving self and serving the wrong thing, but sowing to the flesh will mean reaping corruption (verse 8). To reap good things, we must keep up the well-doing and not be weary or faint. There is a season of reaping to come (verse 9).   In light of sowing and reaping, verse 10 mentions "opportunity," which is actually the same word for "season" in verse 9. There will be different opportunities--"seasons"--in which to do good. And the season I have today and this month is probably different than the opportunities that were present yesterday and last month.   What are we to do? "Do good." When are we to do good? "As we have therefore opportunity (season)." To whom are we to do good? "All men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Verse 10 covers it all!   How do you start doing good to "all men" and to the "the household of faith"? Well, why not start with those in your own house?! How about the folks in your church? They certainly qualify! These are at least two places to start; anyone can begin there.   Just like a farmer knows what season it is--whether it is plowing time, sowing time, growing time, or harvest time--we ought to be tuned in to the "seasons" we have now. What you are going to do, do now. Make your work and time count. Don't worry about what other people may be doing or what other seasons may bring; consider what "season" it is today and get to work!   "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."     Prayer Requests: 1. A word from Bro. Rice regarding a special project need this month     Missed a First Light?  Browse the archives here: firstlight-blog

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

Babes in Christ

Babes in Christ   March 26, 2010     "Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men." (1 Corinthians 14:20)     The Christian life is entered by the new birth so that everyone who is genuinely born again must begin as a spiritual babe. "Except ye be converted, and become as little children," said the Lord Jesus, "ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3).     Furthermore, they should continue to be as innocent children insofar as "malice" (Greek kakia, literally meaning "wickedness" or "evil") is concerned. This is an attribute which should diminish, not grow, in a believer.     The sad truth, however, is that many born-again Christians remain spiritual babes in attributes which should characterize strong men and women of God. Paul equated the term "babes in Christ" with carnality, characterized by "envying, and strife, and divisions" (1 Corinthians 3:1, 3). Paul also speaks of those Christians as "children" who are "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14). He urges each one to be "speaking the truth in love," so that we "may grow up into him |Christ| in all things" (Ephesians 4:15).     Spiritual growth, of course, can come only through spiritual food and spiritual exercise. "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2). "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).     Christians should become mature, both in understanding and in behavior. The last reference to growth in the Bible applies to each Christian: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Look what God Gave you til He Returns

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation      view archive

Look what God Gave you til He Returns From the writings of Sumner Wemp   Look what God gave you "til He Returns"   God trusts you: do you respond?   "For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. "To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey" Matt. 25:14-15. What are you doing with what God gave you? This is a principle of judgment, like Wednesday's lesson in Luke 19. "When He comes" we will be judged for what we do with what God gave us to put to use until He comes. Imagine, God trusted you would use what He gave you when He bought (through His death on the cross) you and saved you. The gifts and abilities are of inestimable value. We must invest them in eternal things.   Some are given more than others, so what In Luke 19 each one is given the same amount and each received different amounts of reward according to how much they gained. Here, each one is given a different amount ("according to his abilities.") The one given five talents, gained five talent and the one given two gained two and EACH RECEIVED THE SAME REWARD!   Be encouraged This is so encouraging, for each of us to know there are those who have much more ability than we have. "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required" Luke 12:48. In this parable, those who had more and gained more received the same reward as those who had less but gained the same proportion. Don't worry about others, just put to use, to the fullest, what God gave you and when He comes, you will be rewarded as much as others. The key is that each of us MUST put to use what God gave us "until He comes." We must not hide our light under a bushel Matt. 5:15. "Be faithful until death" Rev. 2:10   O dear people, you are gifted by Almighty God. Don't sit, soak and sour. He is coming again and we will have to give an account of what we did with what He gave us. My passion for you is that you "gain" much for His glory and your good in eternity.   Prayer:  Father, You love us. You trust us. You invest in us. You want to bless and use us. You want us to be fulfilled and rewarded. Help us to get busy about "our father's business." In Jesus name.   "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away" Matt 25:29. To visit the East-West Ministries Web Site Click Here   Also we would love to hear from you.   sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

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If Only...

Letter From the Boss:   As the CEO of this organization, I have resigned myself to the fact that Barrack Obama is our President and that our taxes and government fees will increase in a BIG way. To compensate for these increases, our prices would have to increase by about 10%. Because we cannot increase our prices right now due to the dismal state of the economy, we will have to lay off sixty of our employees instead. This has really been bothering me since I believe we are family here and I didn't know how to choose who would have to go.  So, this is what I did. I walked through our parking lots and found sixty 'Obama' bumper stickers on our employees' cars and have decided these folks will be the ones to let go. I can't think of a  more fair way to approach this problem. They voted for change, I gave it to them.  I will see the rest of you at the annual company picnic!

CONSIDER HIM [Points 6-10]

Pastor Rick Jackson*

1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart;: for consider how great things he hath done for you.
Job 23:15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
Job 34:27 Because they turned back from him, and would not consider any of his ways:
Isaiah 52:13-15 Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonied at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men: So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Hebrews 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

So the Word of God tells us many times to “consider” Him. To think on Him, to know Him, to keep our focus on Him!

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

What are some characteristics of Jesus that set Him apart from others?

6. He was never in a Hurry [Jn. 11:1-6]

7. He never distrusted God [Jn. 18:11]

8. He never Failed [Jn. 19:30]

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

9. He was never Unfaithful [Heb. 3:1-3]

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10. He never Sinned [I Peter 2:21-22]

Now consider these traits when you go to pray, to trust, to lean on Him. Or consider when you want to falter, quit, murmur, whine, and complain. Consider HIM!





*from an idea by Evangelist Bill Compton

Building-Vine-Body

Building-Vine-Body   March 24, 2010     "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:3)     There are three wonderful figures in the New Testament which depict the relationship of the individual believer to all other believers and to Christ Himself. Christians are like little branches in the great vine, which is Christ. They are stones in a great building of which He is the foundation and corner stone. They are all members of the great body of which He is the head. In each case, they have been placed "in Christ," and they derive all life and meaning from Him.     As a stone lying alone on the ground is useless and ugly, so would be a professing Christian who is not truly in Christ. But we, "as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5) as "the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22).     Similarly, a branch without its vine and roots is lifeless. Jesus said: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5).     The members of a body are functionless without the head to direct them. "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him" (1 Corinthians 12:18), and it is intended that we "may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together . . . maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:15-16).     Outside of Christ, we are useless, and lifeless, and without direction. In Him, we become a beautiful temple, a fruitful vine, and a strong body. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research

POEM OF THE WEEK

I MET THE MASTER

I had walked life's way with an easy tread;
Had followed where pleasure and comfort led.
Until one day in a quiet place,
I met the Master face-to-face.

With station and rank and wealth for my goal;
Much thought for my body and none for my soul.
I had entered to win in life's big race,
When I met the Master face-to-face.

I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see,
That His eyes, full of sorrow, were fixed on me.
And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,
While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished and in their place,
Naught else did I see but the Master's face.
And I cried aloud "Oh, make me meet,
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."

My thoughts are now for the souls of men.
I have lost my life to find it again.
E'er since that day in a quiet place,
I met the Master face-to-face!


Author Unknown

THE CONCEPT OF CLOTHES

GENESIS 3:21

Pastor Rick Jackson

Someone said, “Clothes makes the man.” Brother Lester Roloff said, “No, man makes the clothes.”
Benjamin Franklin said, “Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.“
It was John Wesley who said, “As to the matter of dress, I would recommend one never to be first in the fashion, nor the last out of it.”

I. SOME USES OF EARTHLY GARMENTS

1. Cover [Gn. 3:21]

Proponents of nudism often say they want to get back to the way God intended man to be in the Garden of Eden but they have forgotten that was man in a state of innocence, before the fall, without a sin nature. They forget that it was God who introduced viable clothing to the first man and the first woman to be used as a covering.

2. Comfort [II Tm. 4:13]

3. Categorize [II Chr. 18:28-32]

“An emperor in his night-cap would not meet with half the respect of an emperor with a crown.” - Goldsmith

4. Camouflage [Mt. 7:15]

II. SOME LIMITATIONS OF EARTHLY GARMENTS

1. Cannot Cover Sin [Gn. 3:7-10]

2. Cannot Camouflage Us from God [II Chr. 18:15-16, 33-34

3. Cannot Change Our Nature [Mt. 7:15]

Wearing scrubs doesn’t make you a surgeon, wearing a Superman cape…

III. SPECIAL HEAVENLY GARMENTS WE ALL NEED

1. The Garment of Salvation [Is. 61:10, II Cor. 5:21]

2. The New Nature [Eph. 4:21-32]

3. The Armor of God [Eph. 6:10-18]

How Shall we live til He comes?

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation view archive

How Shall we live til He comes? From the writings of Sumner Wemp Mar 22, 2010 "How Shall We Live" til He comes? The parable of the Nobleman "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost." While they were listening to these things, Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the kingdom of God was going to appear immediately. So He said, "A nobleman went to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then returned. "And he called ten of his slaves, and gave them ten minas and said to them, 'Do business with this until I come back.'" Luke 19:10-13. The parable is about Christ He came into a far country, our world, and gave to each of us, his servants, an equal amount and said, "Occupy or trade or put it to use tiI I come again." Jesus instituted the "equal opportunity act" two thousand years ago. We each have the identical amount of time. The richest man alive cannot buy one minute more than you and I have. We are to put to use, our pound, in our time to ultimately "seek and save" (vs. 10) the lost! That is the whole context of this passage. Doesn't that make sense? When He comes, we shall rule with Him-fantastic. The servant who put to use his pound gained 10 pounds and was "to have authority over ten cities." The one who gained five pounds was to have authority over five cities. The one who did nothing with what he was given was called "a wicked servant," lost what he was given and reprimanded severely. It is going to make a lot of difference during the reign of Christ and eternity, what we do after we are saved down here. O dear people, God did not leave us here to "serve our time," or "to endure to the end" or "to wait til He comes" but to put to use what God has given us so that everyone we have a moment with has a chance to go to heaven just as someone gave us a chance to go to heaven. "Follow me and I will make you fishers of men" Matt. 4:19. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses " Acts 1:8. Doesn't that make sense? We will be glad we witnessed to the lost when He does come and terribly sorry if we don't! One of you A lady wrote me and I sent it on to you, how she led her friend to Christ and said she got the urge through these emails. Now, she just wrote again and has led another lady to Christ. She thanked me for keeping witnessing on the front burner. Prayer: Father, thank You that someone obeyed You and got the gospel to each of us. Help us to obey You and get the gospel to our friends and loved ones. In Jesus name. And I love you, all because the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again so we can be forgiven and go to heaven, sumner. Do you believe that alone for your salvation? Believe and receive Him right now. "He that has the Son, has life" Come visit our East-West Web Site www.eastwest.orgClick here We love to hear your stories and how these devotionals have affected your life. sumnerwempwritings@eastwest.org

IJCWM2H-GA007EM8-OA007GRN-DB007HE4-2HIJCWM

Working Without Washing, Part 2

 

Isaiah 1:16  "Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;"       We have already looked at the truth that working without washing does not please God. Just like you and I would not want to eat food served by dirty hands, the Lord is not interested in our work without washing. In fact, the Lord compared Judah to rebellious children who were "biting the hand the feeds them," to a vacant shack, and to an unfaithful spouse. God is serious about this problem of working without washing, evidenced by His calling their work "vain" and an "abomination." He even says in verse 14 that He hates their work and is "weary to bear them"!   But what are we to do? The wonderful truth of part 2 is that God says, "Wash you, make you clean. . . ."  There is hope; there is an answer! God wants our service; but before that, He wants us to be clean. If you find yourself in the same place as Judah in Isaiah 1, the call of God is still the same: "Wash you, make you clean."   God's people were hard workers. Now, being a hard worker is not a bad thing; but just working hard whenever you have dirty hands is not good. "Wash up" before returning to work, and then determine, by God's grace, to work hard at what He has given you to do.   Verse 26 is wonderfully encouraging. God is speaking, and He says, "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellers as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city." These folks were much like an unfaithful spouse in verse 21, but God says that He will "restore" and that they will be called "faithful."   Before leaving Isaiah chapter 1, consider your own life before a Holy God. Are you working without having washed? If so, the call goes out to you this morning, "Wash you, make you clean."  May God help us to not be hard workers with dirty hands, but may we be clean and hard-working children of God who He can call "faithful."     Prayer Requests: - Revival service tonight in Flagstaff, AZ   Missed a First Light?  Browse the archives here: firstlight-blog

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

PRINCIPLES OF LEADERSHIP

I PETER 5:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

The first few verses of chapter 5 deal with leadership in the church but the principles of leadership cannot, or rather, should not be ignored by anyone. Almost anyone is a leader to someone and everyone should be following the God-given authority in their lives wherever it may be.

I. THE PRESENTATION OF SIMON PETER [v. 1]

1. Elder to Elder

presbuteros, pres-boo'-ter-os; comparative of presbus (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist or Christian "presbyter":-- elder(-est), old

Matthew 26:59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death;

2. Witness to Witness

martus, mar'-toos; of uncertain affinity; a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr":-- martyr, record, witness.

3. Partaker to Partaker

koinonos; a sharer, i.e. associate:--companion, × fellowship, partaker, partner.

II. THE PART OF THE PASTOR [v. 2-3]

1. Feed God’s Flock [v. 2]

2. Willingly Oversee [v. 2]

episkopeo, ep-ee-skop-eh'-o; from 1909 and 4648; to oversee; by implication, to beware:--look diligently, take the oversight.

3. Set An Example [v. 3]

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

There is obviously authority in the pastoral office but the pastor cannot make a person obey any more than a husband can make a wife submit. If they won’t submit to God what chance does the pastor have? He is to be an example.

III. THE POWER OF PROMOTION [v. 4]

1. The Perfect Presenter - the Chief Shepherd [v. 4, 1:20]

John 21:1 After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
John 21:14 This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.

2. The Perfect Prize - the Crown of Glory

3. The Perfect Particulars - that fadeth not away

1 Corinthians 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
1 Peter 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Revelation 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

FW: Answers Weekly: What's the best "proof" of Creation?

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answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us March 20, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: What's the best "proof" of Creation? Video On Demand: State of the Nation 2 News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog Museum News Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis Q: What's the best "proof" of Creation? A: Creationists and evolutionists, Christians and non-Christians, all have the same facts. Think about it: we all have the same earth, the same fossil layers, the same animals and plants, the same stars—the facts are all the same. The difference is in the way we all interpret the facts. And why do we interpret facts differently? Because we start with different presuppositions; these are things that are assumed to be true without being able to prove them. These then become the basis for other conclusions. All reasoning is based on presuppositions (also called axioms). This becomes especially relevant when dealing with past events. This is one of the most-asked questions by Christians who want to defend their faith. Continue reading the answer in chapter two of our online New Answers Book 2. If this answer was helpful to you, why not stop by our online store and purchase your own copy, or check out our just-released New Answers Book 3. News to Note Quick Look The ancient Hobbiton: Did "hobbits" inhabit Indonesia's Flores island more than a million years ago? Read more. A stony planet: A faraway gaseous planet may also be, in a metaphorical sense, "rocky": astronomers hope it will be a "Rosetta stone" for exoplanetary research. Read more. Also: Future alien life discovered? Will the real (social) Darwinists please stand up? Star of Tourism 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 Dinosaurs . . . grazing in Kentucky? Intelligent Design—is it creationism? "Historical science"—what is it? Evolution—do we ever see it in action? Your tax dollars at work . . . to promote evolution. After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Answers Outreach Answers Outreach Answers Magazine   Answers VBS   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: A Heavy Burden? (Mar 19) Chapter 2: What's the Best "Proof" of Creation? (Mar 18) Untangling Uniformitarianism (Mar 17) Who Is Satan and Was He Always Called "Satan"? (Mar 16) Feeding Your Pastor at an Answers in Genesis Conference (Mar 15) Ants: Millimeter Messengers (Mar 14) Video On Demand State of the Nation 2 Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States I Am Not Ashamed Black T-shirt Easter Outreach Kit New Answers Book 3 More current bestsellers Ken's Blog On Another Nationally Syndicated Radio Program On the Air with Chuck Smith Smithsonian's New Human Evolution Exhibit Opens Today Thousands Hear AiG Message at Chino Hills You Won't Believe What Came Out of Calvin College Last Week Ministry Leaders in for a Museum Tour "Awe Inspiring" Previous entries Museum News Return of the Sharks Spring is Coming Answers for Teachers Previous entries Upcoming Events Washington Home Educators Conference, April 23-April 24 Colorado Answers in Genesis Conference, May 23-May 24 More events Job Opportunities Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Customer Service Manager Housekeeping Staff Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Strategic Scheduling Coordinator Writer/Editor (Web Department)
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