4 RULES OF SUCCESS

II TIMOTHY

Pastor Rick Jackson

One of the greatest generals to live in the last 100 years or so was General Douglas MacArthur, commander of the Allied Forces in the Pacific during World War II. Perhaps best known for his, “I shall return” promise to the Philippines. MacArthur made a list of “4 RULES OF SUCCESS” in military battles. I don’t know if he was basing them on Scripture (he professed to be a Christian) but his list is indeed Scriptural. In fact, God used the Apostle Paul to describe them almost 2000 years before MacArthur.

I. “A CAUSE TO DIE FOR”

On Memorial day we remember those who gave their lives for our freedom. In I Samuel 17:29 David asked the question near a battlefield, “Is there not a cause?” Paul gave a cause in 2 Timothy 2:1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Was this something he was willing to die for? He gave the answer to some Christians who were worried about his safety in Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Many have given their lives for the promotion of the freedom that Christ offers, [John 8:36] If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

II. “AN ADEQUATELY TRAINED AND EQUIPPED ARMY”

2 Timothy 2:1-19, 3:16-17

III. “AN ADEQUATE MEANS OF SUPPORT”

2 Timothy 1:6-18

IV. “KNOWING YOUR ENEMY”

2 Timothy 2:19-26

ANOTHER GUY NAMED JOE

MATTHEW 1-2


Pastor Rick Jackson


I. KEYS TO HIS PERSON [Matthew 1]


1. His Godly Upbringing [v. 16-17]

2. His Good Standards [v. 18]

3. His God-given Salvation [v. 19a, 9:13]


II. KEYS TO HIS CHARACTER [Matthew 1]


1. Having been shown mercy he was merciful [v. 19]

2. Held Godliness in higher esteem than emotions [v. 19]

3. Highly Receptive to the Word of God [v. 20-24a]


III. KEYS TO HIS CHOICES [Matthew 1:24b-2:23]


1. He Chose to be Patient [v. 24b]

2. He Chose to be Protective [2:13-15]

3. He Chose to be Paternal [2:19-23]

And in doing so chose obedience over fear.

The Crucial Point

The Crucial Point   May 29, 2010   "But 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)   Whenever people speak of "the crucial point of the issue" or "the crux of the matter," they are inadvertently acknowledging the centrality of the cross of Christ, for these words are derived from the Latin crux, meaning "a cross."   The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is right at the very heart of Christianity and also at the very heart of the opposition to Christianity. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18).   It was at the cross, and on the cross, that Christ defeated Satan. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (Colossians 2:14-15).   And it is at the cross that we also must be crucified, spiritually, if Satan is to be defeated in our own lives. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20). "And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts" (Galatians 5:24). "Our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin" (Romans 6:6).   Crucifixion, of course, is exceedingly painful, and therefore there is a very real "offense of the cross" (Galatians 5:11). Many Christians resist the demands on the life and the mind and the body that are entailed in such total identification with Christ. They would rather glory in earthly things. But how much better it is to glory, as Paul did, only in the cross, crucified unto the world. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Question of the Week: Did Methuselah Really Live 969 Years?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us May 29, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Did Methuselah really live 969 years? Video On Demand: Evolution in Pop Culture, Part 1 (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog (Sidebar) Museum News (Sidebar) Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Did Methuselah really live 969 years? A: Many people find it difficult to believe that Methuselah lived to be 969 years old. Nevertheless, the Bible teaches quite plainly that the early patriarchs often lived to be nearly 1,000 years old and even had children when they were several hundred years old! Similar claims of long life spans are found in the secular literature of several ancient cultures (including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Indians, and Chinese). But even a life span of nearly 1,000 years is sadly abbreviated when we consider that God initially created us to live forever. According to the Bible, God created the first humans—Adam and Eve—without sin and with the ability to live forever. God gave the first human couple everything they needed for their eternal health and happiness in the Garden of Eden; but He warned them not to eat fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil or they would die, as indeed would all their descendants after them (Genesis 2:16–17). When Satan's deception prompted Eve to disobey this command and then Adam willfully disobeyed, their minds and bodies profoundly changed (Genesis 3). Not only did they become subject to death, but their firstborn child (Cain) became the world's first murderer. Truly, the wages of sin is death, physically and spiritually. It is sobering to think that the Bible would have been only a few pages long—from creation to the fall into sin—were it not for the undeserved love of God who both promised and sent the Messiah to save us from sin and death (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 25:8; Psalm 49:14–15; 1 John 5:13). For 1,500 years after creation, men lived such long lives that most were either contemporaries of the first man, Adam, or personally knew someone who was! The ten patriarchs (excluding Enoch) who preceded the Great Flood lived an average of 912 years. Lamech died the youngest at the age of 777, and Methuselah lived to be the oldest at 969. Continue reading to discover more about why we age, and how the patriarchs could have lived so long. News to Note Quick Look Hello, Homo: Add to the list of ancient humans Homo gautengensis, a chimp-like creature that may have had a dark past. Read more. Intelligent design to prove evolution?: Last week's major announcement about the creation of a "synthetic" organism spurred evolution talk then—and continues to do so this week. Read more. Also: Water: it ain't so great? High five, Mr. Handfish Who’s not playing well? 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 An eisegesis virus—spreading in churches? Seventh day of creation—never ending? Students—dissecting living fossils! Clay to rock . . . in just minutes! Neutrality . . . in public schools? 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: Native Americans and the Bible (May 28) Why Study the Chronology of the Flood? (May 27) Chapter 16: Did People Like Adam and Noah Really Live Over 900 Years of Age? (May 27) A Proposed Bible-Science Perspective on Global Warming (May 26) Leading Atheists Display Their Bias (May 25) Your Pastor Needs to Attend (May 24) Christ's Obedience to the Authority of God (May 23) Video On Demand Demolishing Strongholds Evolution in Pop Culture Part 1 Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States The Egypt File: Memory Verse Posters The Egypt File: Outdoor Vinyl Banner The Egypt File: T-Shirts More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Happy Birthday to the Creation Museum! Why is AiG Relevant? Putting Down a Book Third Anniversary and Kneehigh Museum Ribbon Cutting—at the Creation Museum on Friday Special Visitors at the Creation Museum Previous entries Museum News Are You Going "Behind the Scenes?" Taking Back American Education Book Signing with Julie Cave Previous entries Upcoming Events Pennsylvania Answers in Genesis Conference, June 6–8 Virginia Home Educators Conference, June 10–12 Missouri 26th Annual Christian Home Educators Fellowship Conference & Curriculum Fair, June 22–23 Washington Answers in Genesis Conference, June 27–29 Tennessee Defending the Faith 2010, July 19–22 More events Job Opportunities A/V Technician Advancement Specialist Children’s Illustrator Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Correspondence Representative Customer Service Manager Food Service Support Staff Graphic Designer Manager of Advancement Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Video Editor/Animator/VFX Warehouse Specialist Web Designer Zoo Keeper
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The Good Pastor

The Good Pastor May 28, 2010 "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine." (John 10:14) The Greek word used here for "shepherd" is the same as for "pastor." The Lord Jesus, therefore, was saying, in effect: "I am the good pastor: the good pastor giveth His life for the sheep that is, 'for His flock'." A good pastor is, thus, one who leads his flock into good pasture, who knows his flock, and who is known by his flock. A good pastor would even give his life for his flock (vv. 1-16). However, this is not merely a term for the leader of a church congregation. The term and the concept are sufficiently broad to include all those individuals (teachers, military officers, parents, etc.) who have leadership responsibilities. In all such cases, our guide and example is our good shepherd, our good pastor, our good leader--the Lord Jesus Christ. With this in mind, consider some of the other biblical references to our good shepherd: "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5:2-4). Note also Hebrews 13:20-21: "Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever." Most every Christian, at least on occasion, must assume the function of a spiritual shepherd, and every Christian, always, is spiritually a sheep. The Lord Jesus is our good shepherd, and we do well to follow Him in all things. HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

QUOTES OF THE WEEK

Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. - Will Rogers

The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on. - Robert Bloch

Regardless of the circumstances of our lives, we each choose how we will conduct ourselves. I have the same choices today that I had in a Cuban prison. Every morning when I get out of bed, I have the option of being a sinner or a saint, a coward or a comforter. Will I let circumstances control my decision,or will I choose this day to serve God and go out and make a difference?
God continues to triumph by using people in the midst of difficulty and tragedy. He can use anyone. He uses us. - Tom White, Director, The Voice of the Martyrs

God isn't looking for people of great faith, but for individuals ready to follow Him. - Hudson Taylor

The Spirit of Christ is the Spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become. - Henry Martyn

Lord, there are villages back in the jungle where no white man has gone. They need Jesus, too. Help me reach them! - Mary Slessor

If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him. - C.T. Studd

To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map. - William Carey

The notion of God's love coming to us free of charge, no strings attached, seems to be against every instinct of humanity. - C.S. Lewis

THE REFINER’S FIRE

Malachi 3:1-4

Pastor Rick Jackson

Several facts are given in this section concerning the Lord’s return in relation to Israel.

1. The Messenger, the Lord Himself, is Coming [v. 1]

2. Israel has been looking for His Appearing [v. 1]

3. His Coming will not be altogether pleasant [v. 2]

Isaiah 2:12 For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty.
Jeremiah 46:10 For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts hath a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.
Joel 1:15 Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.
Joel 2:1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
Joel 2:11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.
Amos 5:18 Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.
Amos 5:20 Shall not the day of the LORD be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?
Zephaniah 1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
Zechariah 14:1 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.

4. He, the Lord will both purify and purge Israel [v. 3, Luke 3:16]

John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

5. Israel will once again offer acceptable Sacrifices [v. 3-4, Rm. 10:16-11:36, I Peter 2:1-10]

Jeremiah 6:20 To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet unto me.
Hosea 9:4 They shall not offer wine offerings to the LORD, neither shall they be pleasing unto him: their sacrifices shall be unto them as the bread of mourners; all that eat thereof shall be polluted: for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the LORD.
Malachi 3:4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.

Thanks for Everything

Thanks for Everything   May 25, 2010   "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:20)   Being thankful for everything that happens in his or her life to a Christian believer is listed in this section of Paul's letter to the Ephesians as one of the evidences that a Christian is indeed "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18).   That is not all. Not only for everything, but in everything, we should give thanks to God. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).   These two commands are easy to obey when the living is easy, as the song says, though we might easily forget to do so. But when the Lord is allowing us to hurt for a while, thanksgiving becomes hard. It is hard while we are experiencing the difficulty and just as hard when it has passed with no relief in sight. The two small prepositions "in" and "for" are different in New Testament Greek as well as in modern English, and God really wants us to learn how to thank Him both during and after the hard experience.   Because He has allowed it for a good purpose! The apostle James urges us to "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (that is, "various testings"); "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing" (James 1:3-4). Paul says that we can even "glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" (Romans 5:3-5). Patience and real love will come to characterize an habitually thankful Christian. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Created and Made

Created and Made "These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens." (Genesis 2:4) There are two accounts of creation in Genesis, with the above text marking the dividing point. In the first (Genesis 1-2:4), the name used for the Creator is "God" (Hebrew Elohim), and its termination is the summarizing "signature," as it were: "These are the generations (Hebrew toledoth) of the heavens and the earth when they were created." The second account (Genesis 2:4-5:1) normally uses the name "LORD God" (Jehovah Elohim) in chapters 2 and 3 (except where the serpent and Eve used Elohim when she was being tempted) and then simply "LORD" (Hebrew Jehovah) in chapter 4. This second creation account ends with Adam's signature: "This is the book of the generations i.e., toledoth of Adam." Critics claim that the two accounts are contradictory. Actually they are complementary, the second merely giving more details of the events of the fifth and sixth days of creation week. The Lord Jesus (who was there as the Creator!) used them both, quoting from each (Matthew 19:4-6) at the same time in the same context. Note also that "create" (Hebrew bara) is used seven times in Genesis 1, never in Genesis 2-4. In that second account, "made" and "formed" (Hebrew asah, yatsar) are the words used. Genesis 2:3 stresses the fact that "create" and "make" are different, when it tells us that God rested "from all His work which God created and made." Evidently the verb "create," which always has the Creator as its subject, refers to His work in calling entities into existence; "make" refers to systems constructed (by either God or men) out of previously created entities. The heavens and the earth were both "created" and "made" (see our text). HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

THE PEACE OF THE CITY

Jeremiah 29:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE PEACE OF YOUR CITY [Jeremiah 29:7]

1. Be Involved [v. 4-7]

"Seek" darash, daw-rash'; a primitive root; properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search)

Christians ought be good citizens- be informed, vote, do your other civic duty [jury duty, report crimes, etc.]

2. Be Interceding "pray" [I Tm. 2:1-6, Jer. 29:7b]

3. Be Illuminating [Mt. 5:13-16]

II. THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM [Psalm 122:6]

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

1. Pray for the Jews [Ps. 122:6]

2. Present the Messiah [Rom. 10:1] through personal testimony and missions

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

3. Prepare for the Future [Ps. 122, Rm. 11]

III. THE PEACE OF ANY CITY

1. Dependent Upon the Prince of Peace [Isaiah 48:22]

There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

2. Dependent upon the Permeation of the Gospel [Genesis 18:32]

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.

3. Dependent upon the Prayers of God's People [II Chr. 7:14]

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Question of the Week: How should a Christian respond to "gay marriage"?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us May 22, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: How should a Christian respond to "gay marriage"? Special Notice: Christian Apologetics Training Video on Demand: War of the Worldviews Part 2 (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog (Sidebar) Museum News (Sidebar) Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: How should a Christian respond to "gay marriage"? A: The "gay marriage" issue has been headline news across North America and on other continents. Even the acceptance of gay clergy has been widely noted in both secular and Christian media outlets. Some who defend marriage as a union between one man and one woman claim that it can be shown that cultures that have not adhered to this doctrine have reaped all sorts of problems (whether the spread of diseases or other issues). Thus, they claim, on this basis, it's obvious that marriage should be between one man and one woman only. Even though such problems as the spread of HIV might be shown to be a sound argument in this issue, ultimately it's not a good basis for stating that one man for one woman must be the rule. It may be a sound argument based on the pragmatics of wanting to maintain a healthy physical body, but why should one or more human beings have the right to dictate to others what they can or can't do in sexual relationships? Ultimately, it comes down to this: How does a culture determine what is right and what is wrong? If the majority agrees on a set of standards, what happens when that majority is replaced by a different majority? Continue reading to take a thorough look at this pertinent issue and the biblical response in chapter 15 of the New Answers Book 2. Christian Apologetics Training The next session of our online education courses begins soon, and registration is open until May 26. Foundations in Creation Apologetics is a 12-week course designed to equip you to defend your faith in an evolution-dominated world that is increasingly hostile to Christianity. Each weekly lesson is designed so that you can work at your own pace, so it is ideal for both students and working people. The lessons focus on helping you understand the issues involved and how to use the information you learn to share your faith with others. As a student, you will participate in reading articles, watching videos, discussing ideas with classmates and instructors, and applying what you have learned in the assessments. Do you want to learn more about how the Bible is confirmed by archaeology, science, and everything we see around us? Join us for a six-week study in Creation Apologetics and the Bible. You will explore how we arrive at the age of the earth, the historical accuracy of the biblical record, the authority of Scripture, and more. Interact with other students from around the world and strengthen your faith as you dive deep into God's Word in this course. Visit our website to see all available courses and enroll now. News to Note Quick Look Playing God?: A team of scientists has succeeded in creating artificial life. But just how "artificial" is it? Read more. Anniversary of catastrophe: Three decades have passed since the devastating eruption of Washington State's Mount St. Helens. Read more. Also: Bacterial evolution? Hammerhead evolution? Birdbrains all around us Evolutionary morality 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 Millions of light years—what does it mean? The earth—it's just a hunk of rock! Light travel-time—a problem for the big bang! The universe—is it stuffed with life? The big bang—is it biblical? 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 . . . Has Life Been Created in a Lab? (May 21) Feedback: Look Only at Spiritual Fruit? (May 21) Chapter 15: How Should a Christian Respond to "Gay Marriage"? (May 20) Sand Transported Cross Country (May 19) Thirtieth Anniversary of a Geologic Catastrophe (May 18) Questions about the Tree of Life (May 18) The Church and the Global Genesis Flood (May 17) Shooting Stars (May 16) Video On Demand Demolishing Strongholds: War of the Worldviews Part 2 Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Answers Book for Kids Complete Set (The) The Egypt File: Outdoor Vinyl Banner I Am Not Ashamed Black T-shirt More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Reaching Pastors Canadians for Creation Our Mission Is Groupon Anti-Christian? A Video That Changed a Life Previous entries Museum News Under the Stars Mount St. Helens Meet Ken Ham Previous entries Upcoming Events Colorado Answers in Genesis Conference, May 23–24 Pennsylvania Answers in Genesis Conference, June 6–8 Virginia Home Educators Conference, June 10–12 Missouri 26th Annual Christian Home Educators Fellowship Conference & Curriculum Fair, June 22–23 Washington Answers in Genesis Conference, June 27–29 More events Job Opportunities Advancement Specialist Children's Illustrator Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Cook Correspondence Representative Customer Service Manager Food Service Support Staff Graphic Designer Manager of Advancement Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Warehouse Specialist Web Designer Zoo Keeper
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Standing Alone

 

Jeremiah 15:17 "I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation."   Looking back on the loneliest times in your life, you might find that those times were lonely, not because of a lack of people, but because of many people who would not stand with you. In other words, you were standing alone. Well, that is how Jeremiah felt in chapter 15. He said in verse 10, "Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention. . . ." All of the hardships came, not because of something wrong that he had done, but precisely because of what he had done that was right. He had given God's Word to God's people, even though it was a difficult message.   Jeremiah felt lonely in verse 15 and said, "O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me. . . ." Perhaps he thought that God had forgotten him and had not been with him. Maybe he felt like God was not pulling for him, even though he was speaking for God. What Jeremiah experienced was directly related to God's Word and God's will for him. He said, "Know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke." Can you relate to that feeling? Have you ever found yourself in Jeremiah's sandals?   When you stand alone, you may find yourself like Jeremiah sitting alone-in a school cafeteria, at work, or among other preachers. No one needs to seek being alone; what you need to seek is the company of God. This morning, it is important to remember that when you stand with truth and with God, you do not stand alone.You and God always make a majority. Do not seek a majority; seek God. When you have God, you need nothing else.   The way to get rid of loneliness is not to go the wrong way but to have people come along with you (verse 19). Win them to the truth! Never forget that when you stand with truth and with God, you do not stand alone though it may seem lonely.   Missed a First Light?  Browse the archives here: firstlight-blog

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The Christian's Calling

The Christian's Calling       "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called." (Ephesians 4:1)   The Christian's calling in Christ is a high calling. Since we are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, it behooves us to make careful study of it, lest our lifestyle bring reproach to the One who has called us. Consider the following sampling of the uses of this important word:   First, the calling is "of God" and irrevocable (Romans 11:29). We are called "by his grace" (Galatians 1:15) and "into the grace of Christ" (Galatians 1:6). We are called "out of darkness" and "into his marvellous light" (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, we are "called to be saints" (Romans 1:7). He has "called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace" (2 Timothy 1:9). We are "partakers of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1), and in response, we should "press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).   The New Testament writers as well mention many things to which we are called. We are "called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord" (1 Corinthians 1:9). We are "called unto liberty" (Galatians 5:13) and are now free to "serve one another," even though it means accepting the call to suffering. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21). The "eternal life, whereunto thou art also called" may not come easily, for it involves the "good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12). We are calle d "to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3), even "his eternal glory by Christ Jesus" (1 Peter 5:10), for we are "called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1). "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure" (2 Peter 1:10). JDM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Afraid to Understand

Afraid to Understand   May 19, 2010     "For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day. But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him." (Mark 9:31-32)   When the Lord Jesus told His disciples about His coming death and resurrection, He could hardly have spoken more plainly, yet they "understood not." Not willing to believe that He meant what He said (with all its uncomfortable implications for their own futures), they were "afraid to ask Him" what He meant, lest He confirm that His words should be taken literally.   This was not the only time. Again and again He told them that He would be crucified and then rise again, but they could not (or would not) understand. On one such occasion, Peter even rebuked Him, and said: "Lord: this shall not be unto thee." But the Lord answered, "Get thee behind me, Satan" (Matthew 16:22-23). A refusal to take God's Word literally, at least in this case, was said by Christ to be inspired by Satan!   Modern evangelical Christians no longer doubt the reality of His sacrificial death and bodily resurrection, for the evidence has become overwhelming, and these truths have become the glory and power of the gospel. Nevertheless, fearful reluctance to take God's Word literally is still a great problem among some "Bible believers." Whenever such a stand might become costly, many Christians eagerly accept non-literal ways of "interpreting" Scripture to fit their own preferences. This approach, of course, is especially widespread in modern accommodations of the creation/Flood record of Genesis to the philosophies of modern evolutionary humanism. We should remember always that, just as in Christ's predictions of His death and resurrection, God always means exactly what He says in His Word. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229