The Indwelling Holy Spirit

The Indwelling Holy Spirit     "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." (Romans 8:9)   Note that in this one verse the Holy Spirit is called both "the Spirit of God" and "the Spirit of Christ." Thus the two terms are synonymous, which means that Christ is God, and so is the Holy Spirit.   Note also that we "have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). In fact, our text assures each of us that we are actually living "in the Spirit," because He has come to "dwell in you." All of this has come about "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, . . . by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). This glorious new birth, with sins forgiven and eternal life, is accomplished by the Holy Spirit in response to our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord.   But also note that "if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." It is absolutely vital that we have the Holy Spirit, "for as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (Romans 8:14). The question is, just how do we know that we have the Holy Spirit?   The answer is, because His Word says so! "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me," said Jesus, "hath everlasting life" (John 5:24). Furthermore, we have the testimony of internal peace and assurance. "The Spirit |Himself| beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God" (Romans 8:16).   Finally, the indwelling Spirit will increasingly be growing His eternal fruit in our lives--the ninefold fruit of "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23), and this will testify to others also that we do indeed have the Holy Spirit. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Quotes of the Week

Just remember that God's presence enables the child of God to face today and tomorrow with complete confidence. God forgives the past, He controls the present, and He holds the future. - J. R. Faulkner

When you pray it is better to have a heart without words than words without heart. - J.R.F.

God's will for your life never contradicts His general path given in the Word of God. - John Reynolds

Do you pray for your pastor on Saturday night? Don't criticize him, but rather pray for him. He needs your prayers. The devil gives him enough opposition. You don't need to join the crowd that crucifies the man who is preaching the Word of God. You ought to uphold his hands as Aaron and Hur upheld the hands of Moses on behalf of Israel. My heart goes out to pastors who are in need of congregations who will stand with them. - J. Vernon McGee

Note that Satan can quote the Word: "For it is written" (Luke 4:10), but he does not quote it completely. Satan tries to use the Word of God to confuse us, so it is important that we know every word that God has given us. "You can prove anything by the Bible," someone said. True - if you take verses out of context, leave out words, and apply verses to Christians today that do not really apply. The better you know the Word of God, the easier it will be for you to detect Satan's lies and reject his offers. - Warren W. Wiersbe

Note the words Paul uses to close this letter [Ephesians]: peace - love - faith - grace! He was a prisoner of Rome, yet he was richer than the emperor. - Wiersbe

No difficulty that I have to face is too great for God, and nothing that troubles me is too insignificant for His care. - H. A. Ironside

I am sure that at the judgment-seat of Christ, when our blessed Lord is giving a reward to the Apostle Paul, He will call up many of the saints of whom we have never heard and have them stand with Paul, for they were his fellow-helpers in his ministry, and He will say, "You held up his hands in prayer, and you must share in the reward." - Ironside

Do not trust yourself. If you trust yourself, as Peter did, you will fall as Peter did. Peter told Jesus, "Even if all fall away, I will not" (Mark 14:29). But that very night, Peter, who considered himself the strongest of all the apostles, denied his Lord three times, on the last occasion even with oaths and cursings (Mark 14:66-72). If we trust to ourselves, we will fall. But if we know our own weakness and therefore turn to God as our necessary defense against Satan, then we will be able to stand against the devil's schemes. The Bible says, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). - James Montgomery Boice

THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER

EPHESIANS 6:10-24

Pastor Rick Jackson

It is not by chance that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about conflict after the command to be filled with the Spirit. No one can be what they ought to be in the warfare if they aren’t in a right relationship with God. By a right relationship with God I mean a person must be saved by the grace of God, surrendered to the will of God, and filled by the Spirit of God.

I. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S COMMANDER [v. 10-11, 13]

1. He Strengthens Us [v. 10, Isaiah 40:31]

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

2. He is the Source of Power [v. 10b, 1:19]

3. He is the Supplier of our Armor [v. 11, 13]

II. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S ENEMY [v. 11-12]

1. The Enemy is Tricky [v. 11, Genesis 3:1]

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

2. The Enemy is an Accuser [v. 11, diabolos, --false accuser, devil, slanderer.]

Revelation 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night

3. The Enemy is Organized [v. 12]

“Principalities,” “powers,” “rulers,“ and “spiritual wickedness” are terms used here of the hierarchy of invisible powers in rebellion against God. Paul is not to be understood as enumerating four different classes of demonic beings. Each term simply views the forces arrayed against God and His people in a different manner. “Principalities” refers to their rank and rule. “Powers” suggests their investment with authority. “World-rulers of this darkness” points up their control over a world in revolt against its Creator. “Spiritual wickedness in high places”… depicts them as an army of wicked spirits inhabiting, or at least bringing their combat to, the heavenly sphere. - Dr. W. Curtis Vaughan

III. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SOLDIER’S EQUIPMENT [v. 13-24, Is. 59:15-21]

1. The Two-fold Purpose [v. 13] to stand against, and to stand

2. The Truth [v. 14a] Christ the Truth, the Spirit of Truth, the Word of Truth, truth itself

3. The Breastplate of Righteousness [v. 14b] Imputed righteousness of Christ & personal righteousness

4. The Footwear [v. 15] - standing on the Gospel [Rm. 1:16, I Cor. 15]

5. The Shield of Faith [v. 16, Rm. 10:17, 1 John 5:4]

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

6. The Helmet of Salvation [v. 17a, 1 John 5:13]

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

7. The Sword of the Spirit [v. 17b, Hebrews 4:12]

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

8. The Power of Prayer [v. 18-20]

I am sure that at the judgment-seat of Christ, when our blessed Lord is giving a reward to the Apostle Paul, He will call up many of the saints of whom we have never heard and have them stand with Paul, for they were his fellow-helpers in his ministry, and He will say, "You held up his hands in prayer, and you must share in the reward." - H. A. Ironside

9. The Encouragement of Comrades [v. 21-23a]

10. The Supply of the Commander [v. 23-24]

THE GREAT OLD SOLDIER OF THE CROSS*

ACTS 9:1-6, II TM. 4:6-8

Pastor Rick Jackson


I. HIS CONVERSION [v. 6] the single greatest experience that will ever happen to a person

1. His Change [I Tm. 1:12-16]

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

2. His Confidence [II Tm. 1:12-14]

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.

3. His Continuance [Acts 26:22-23]

Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles

II. HIS CONSECRATION [v. 6] Paul sold out to God

1. His Call [Acts 26:9-18]

Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Know God’s will for your life- over 90% of which is found in His Word!

2. His Compliance [Acts 26:19-22]

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

3. His Control [Phil. 3:7-15]

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

III. HIS CONCERN

1. For Himself [I Cor. 9:24-27]

Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 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. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

2. For His God [Phil. 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 Timothy 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier
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.

3. For Others [Rm. 10:1]

Romans 10:1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
Philippians 4:1 Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.



*inspired by another great old soldier of the cross- Dr. Lee Roberson

Question of the Week: Does the Bible condone polygamy?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us May 27, 2011 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Does the Bible condone polygamy? Video On Demand: Does It Really Matter What I Believe? Part 4 (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Biblical Authority Devotionals Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Does the Bible condone polygamy? A: After creating Adam from the dust of the ground, God presented the beasts of the field and the birds of the air to Adam to name. When Adam found no suitable helper, God formed the first woman from Adam's side. It should be noted that God intended to make "a helper" for Adam, not several helpers. Furthermore, from one rib God made one woman for Adam. Genesis 2:24 reveals the pattern of a man leaving his family to "be joined to his wife," not wives. This union is then described as becoming "one flesh." Jesus confirmed this understanding of marriage when he was asked about divorce (Matthew 19:1–12). He quoted from Genesis 2, confirming that His understanding of marriage was one man for one woman. What then of the references to polygamy in the Old Testament? There we find accounts of men such as Lamech, Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon, who all had multiple wives. It is interesting to note that there are no passages in Scripture that clearly state, "No man should have more than one wife." The only direct command against polygamy is given to the kings that were to rule Israel, as they are told not to "multiply wives" to themselves (Deuteronomy 17:17). However, polygamous relationships are never mentioned in a positive light, and, indeed, the problems of such relationships are presented. Moving to the New Testament, there are several passages that can be understood to speak against polygamous relationships. The primary example would be the qualifications for leaders in the church given by the Apostle Paul to Timothy and Titus. In 1 Timothy 3:2 and 12 and Titus 1:6, we are told that leaders of the church must be the "husband of one wife." Continue reading to learn more about what the Bible has to say on this controversial topic. News to Note Quick Look Bigger brains for better noses: Mammals grew bigger brains "the better to smell you, my dear!" Read more. The tropical Huntsman: Tropical Huntsman spider trapped in Baltic amber. Read more. Also: Lousy flies The sponge's squeeze Darwin-on-the-road And Don't Miss . . . Biblical Authority Devotionals Am I Really Responsible for the Welfare of Others? Do Others Really Have to Come Before Me? Do I Really Have to Love Church? How Can God Expect So Much of Us? When Is Obedience Most Difficult? Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program The Bible—taken off a billboard! Updating Darwin—is there anything new? Mammoth genes—they're still here! Adam—how did he name the animals? Animals—were there too many on the Ark? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Ark Encounter Ark Encounter Answers Magazine   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: Circular Reasoning (May 27) Chapter 12: The Family Fortress (May 26) Distant Starlight: The Anisotropic Synchrony Convention (May 25) What About Polygamy in the Bible? (May 24) Being Bold in Capturing Young Minds for Creation (May 23) A Dark and Stormy World (May 22) Video On Demand Does It Really Matter What I Believe? Part 4 Watch Video Ken's Blog Already Compromised—The Reviews Are Coming In Goodbye to Some Ministry Friends Are Satan and Hell Real? Birmingham Pastor Speaks at AiG Genesis Conference in LA Area Previous entries Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Creation Astronomy The Origin of Old-Earth Geology and Christian Compromise, I & II More current bestsellers Upcoming Events Illinois Illinois Christian Home Educators State Convention, June 2–4 Kentucky Home Educators Conference, June 24–25 Kentucky IFCA International Conference, June 28–29 Georgia Sunday Speaking, July 10 More events Job Opportunities Application Developer I Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Food Service Support Staff General Accountant Grounds Manager JavaScript Web Developer Print and Mail Associate Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Web Developer—Python Web Designer Web Interns Web Operations Coordinator
This information was graciously provided by: Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080 Customer service: 1-800-778-3390

Providence vs. Opportunity

 

I Samuel 26:23  "The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed."   Let me give you a scenario: You are walking down the road and praying for $74.23.  All of the sudden, the person in front of you drops something!  As the paper floats to the ground and the metal makes a clanking sound on the pavement, you cannot believe your eyes.  Seventy-four dollars in cash, along with two dimes and three shiny pennies!  Who in the world drops exactly $74.23?  Surely this is God's providence...right?   That scenario mirrors the story of David in I Samuel 26.  God had told David that he would be the next king of Israel.  The one thing stopping that from happening was Saul's being alive!  As David was pursued by Saul, he found an opportunity to hasten his reign as king.  Even Abishai was convinced that this was God's doing and encouraged David, "God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day. . . ."  Was this an optimistic opportunity or the providence of God?   David could have killed Saul that day; it seemed like this just dropped from the sky.  However, he recognized the difference between providence and opportunity.  Just because something is an opportunity doesn't mean that it was orchestrated by God for you.  The providence of God never contradicts the principles of God.  Rely on who God is and what He said, rather than a perceived opportunity that presents itself.  Sometimes trusting the providence of God means passing up the opportunities of life!   We are prone to try to force God into the way we think or the way we want to do things.  God is not who you want Him to be; He is the God of the universe, and He never changes.  The opportunity before you may not always be the providence of God.  God's purpose may be to test you, prepare you, or teach you-don't miss what He is doing!  David made the right choice when it came to the opportunity he saw in I Samuel 26.  What will you do with the opportunities in your life today?  Are they God's providence or rather opportunities that should be passed up? Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

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

Privileged Suffering

Privileged Suffering May 26, 2011   "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake." (Philippians 1:29)   Paul wrote in the previous verses that we are to conduct ourselves as though our only citizenship was worthy of the gospel message that we proclaim, and that in doing so we should be committed to a mindset held together by the Holy Spirit. Then, he encouraged us not to be "terrified by your adversaries" (Philippians 1:28).   Such adversaries--from the devil himself (1 Peter 5:8) to business (Matthew 5:25) and family problems (Luke 12:13)--are part and parcel to those who would "live godly in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:12). We should not be surprised when such challenges come; rather, we should be alarmed if all men "speak well of you" (Luke 6:26).   Curiously, Paul wrote that we are "gifted" (Greek verb charizomai, same idea as the related noun charis) with this privilege, in the interests of our Lord Jesus, to "suffer for his sake." The apostles understood this paradox as they left the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name" (Acts 5:41).   Peter wrote that we should follow the example set for us by the Lord Jesus, "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Peter 2:23). In fact, we should "rejoice" when asked to share in the same kind of sufferings that our Lord endured, and whenever we are "reproached for the name of Christ" we should be happy, "for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you" (1 Peter 4:14).   Privileged suffering indeed! James wrote that we should "count it all joy" (James 1:2) when we are tested. Those times increase our faith and allow us to demonstrate our allegiance to Christ. HMM III   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

IT’S THOSE LITTLE THINGS…

JOSHUA 9

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE ENEMIES OF GOD’S PEOPLE

1. The Wiles of the World [v. 1-5, 1 John 2:15]

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

2. The Wiles of the Devil [v. 6-13, John 8:44]

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

3. The Wiles of the Flesh [v. 12-15, Galatians 5:17]

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

II. THE MISTAKES OF GOD’S PEOPLE

1. Failure to Pray [v. 14a, James 4:2]

Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

2. Failure to Search the Word of God [v. 14b, Luke 6:46]

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

3. Yoking up with the Unbelievers [v. 15, 2 Corinthians 6:14]

III. THE LESSONS OF GOD’S PEOPLE

1. Wrong Behaviour Opens the Door to Criticism [v. 16-18]

2. Wrong Behaviour Opens the Door to Compromise [v. 19-27]

3. Wrong Behaviour Opens the Door to Conflict [10:1-7]

Biblical Leadership

 

II Samuel 5:2  "Also in time past, when Saul was king over us, thou wast he that leddest out and broughtest in Israel: and the LORD said to thee, Thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel."   Biblical Leadership   The New Testament tells us that the Lord Jesus "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:28)  Elsewhere, the Bible recounts that Jesus "took upon him the form of a servant." (Philippians 2:7)  Ironically, today we are more interested in styles of leadership than forms of servanthood.  Let's look at three lessons on serving from the life of David.   First, we see that David led without being king.  When the power was shifting at this time in Israel, the people reminded David that he led even when Saul was king.  In fact, David learned about leading people as king when he was leading his dad's flocks as a shepherd!  In both instances, David's life was characterized by feeding, protecting, guiding, and serving others (sheep and people).  You don't need a position or fancy title to serve!  David led Israel without being king; and you ought lead by serving, no matter what your position or title.   Second, we see that David grew when God was with him.  Verse 10 says, "And David went on, and grew great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him."  Verse 12 tells us that "David perceived that the LORD had established him king over Israel. . . ."  When God was with David, David grew!  God being with you is the important thing; growing is the happy benefit!  It is more important that God be with you than that you have money, popularity, success in business, or a prominent position.  God will take care of all these things when you "seek . . . first the kingdom of God. . . ." (Matthew 6:33).    Third, we see that David was king for the sake of the people.  Why did God establish David as king over Israel?  "He had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake."  God was giving David the kingdom, not for David's sake, but for the sake of His people.  It wasn't a reward for David; it was a help for God's people.  If you see the place God has given you as a reward for yourself, you'll have a shallow, fragile existence!  Instead, see the skill, position, and opportunity God has given as for the benefit of others.  God's gifts are not for hoarding; they are for giving.  God gifts so you will give.   Our world is consumed with styles of leadership and is distracted by personalities.  Are you leading by serving right now, no matter your position?  Are you allowing God to grow you, instead of manipulating and striving for what you desire?  Do you see your gifts from God as gifts to give or rewards to keep?  When we look into the Bible, we see a great example of how to serve others in the life of David.     Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

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

Quotes of the Week

It is a poor thing to talk high truths while living on a low level in the home. - H.A. Ironside

I would much rather be the trusting child of a rich Father, than a beggar at the door of worldly men. - Corrie ten Boom

The obligation is not merely on the side of the child, who must obey, but also on the parent, who must enforce the obedience. This is because the parent stands as God in relationship to the child. To teach the child to obey the parent is to teach the child to obey God. To allow the child to disobey and to defy the parent is to teach the child to defy and disobey God with all the obvious consequences. - James Montgomery Boice

It is a conviction of mine that no man has a right to tell other people how to raise their children until he has children of his own and has tried to raise them. Also, i am convinced that no wise man will give advice until his own children have grown up and turned out well. - Boice

I stress that this is a continuing transformation, because this is the ultimate answer to the critic who says, "Why didn't Paul condemn slavery? And why did the Christian church take so many centuries to abolish it?" My question is, "Why are you not treating other people as God has treated you?" - Boice

THE SPIRIT-FILLED HOME II

EPHESIANS 5:18, 6:1-9

Pastor Rick Jackson

It is not by chance that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about relationships after the command to be filled with the Spirit. No one can be what they ought to be in the marriage relationship, the parent-child relationship or even the work relationship if they aren’t in a right relationship with God. By a right relationship with God I mean a person must be saved by the grace of God, surrendered to the will of God, and filled by the Spirit of God.

I. THE SPIRIT-FILLED CHILD [v. 1-3]

1. Should Obey Parents Right [v. 1]

2. Should Honor Father & Mother [v. 2a]

3. Should live by the Book [v. 2b-3]

II. THE SPIRIT-FILLED PARENTS [v. 4]

1. Should Not Provoke Children [don’t be unreasonable, unpleasable, unreachable]

2. Should Nurture Children in the Lord [Heb. 12:5-11 same Greek word “chastening“]

3. Should Admonition Children in the Lord [1 Corinthians 10:11]

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

III. THE SPIRIT-FILLED SERVANTS [v. 5-9]

1. The Pattern for the Servants of Christ [v. 6-7]

2. The Principles for Employees [v. 8]

3. The Pattern for Masters/Bosses [v. 9]
---------------------------------------------

The Master Key in all relationships is that the Key is the Master [Eph. 5:18-6:9]

Ephesians 65

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless ° let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Chapter 6
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;;)
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him.

BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS

Matthew 7:15-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

Many professing Christians have egg on their face today because they followed the false prophet Harold Camping. Many have lost their money, perhaps their families, and some have probably lost their faith. There are thousands who will turn from the true God because of the failure of this false teacher to deliver what he said the Bible guaranteed. Never mind that the Bible said just the opposite- ignorant people won’t know that nor will many of them ever learn differently.
Camping is not the first false teacher to get a following and he won’t be the last. The word “beware” in Mt. 7:15 is prosevcw prosecho, pros-ekh'-o; and it means to hold the mind towards, in other words, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to:--(give) attend(-ance, -ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to unto); have regard.
How can we do that?

I. KNOW THAT YOU ARE SAVED!

1. Know the Way of Salvation [Jn. 14:6, Rm. 1:16, I Cor. 15:1-4ff]

2. Know the Day of Salvation [II Cor. 6:2, 2 Corinthians 13:5]

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
I don’t mean you must know the date of your salvation- I barely know the year. But do be sure that there was a day you put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. Know the Stay of Salvation [I Peter 1:5, I Jn. 5:10-13]

II. KNOW THE BIBLE! [Mark 12:24]

And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

1. Read the Scriptures [Mark 12:10]

And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner:

2. Search the Scriptures [John 5:39]

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

3. Understand and Live by the Scriptures [Luke 24:45]

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

III. KNOW HOW TO SHARE THE SCRIPTURES! [Acts 18:24]

And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

1. “Preach” the Scriptures [Acts 8:35]

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

2. Reason with the Scriptures [Acts 17:2]

And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
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.

3. Show The Scriptures [Acts 18:28]

For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Question of the Week: Were the plagues on Pharaoh because of Abram and Sarai unfair?

 

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In this issue . . . Q&A: Were the plagues on Pharaoh because of Abram and Sarai unfair? Video On Demand: Does It Really Matter What I Believe? Part 3 (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Biblical Authority Devotionals Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Were the plagues on Pharaoh because of Abram and Sarai unfair? A: Abraham was married to his half-sister, Sarai, who, at age sixty-five, was still apparently beautiful. To protect himself, Abraham persuaded Sarah to lie about her marriage to him and pretend to be his sister. Unprotected by her husband, Sarah was whisked off to Pharaoh's harem. In exchange, Pharaoh showered Abraham with riches. Since Abraham didn't properly protect Sarah, who was the promised mother of a new nation that would bless the whole world, God had to step in. God protected Sarah by sending "great plagues" on Pharaoh and his house. The Hebrew words translated as "plagues" can refer to sores or wounds and does not require them to be deadly. Sarah was kept safe and it seems Pharaoh eventually put two and two together and figured out that the timing and scope of this disease was somehow associated with Abraham's arrival and that Sarah was Abraham's wife. Pharaoh graciously let Abraham keep all the stuff he had acquired in Egypt and summarily sent him away. These plagues on Pharaoh and his house were not so much a punishment as a message, but they are definitely an example of the sins of one person causing others to suffer. Our cursed world is full of examples of innocents suffering for the sins of others. Drunk drivers, abusive parents, pregnant women on cocaine, thieves, rapists, and murderers are but a few examples of people who cause the innocent to suffer. At least in this case, the suffering was apparently non-lethal and had a clearly-defined purpose. Continue reading to learn more about how God used this situation and what we can learn from it. News to Note Quick Look Neanderthal neighbors: So, were Neanderthals and "modern humans" neighbors in Russia or not? Read more. Cone snails go on the offensive: The venom gland in a poisonous mollusk sheds light on the origin of defense/attack structures. Read more. Also: The gene that folds the brain Super-plants Darwin's disease And Don't Miss . . . Biblical Authority Devotionals What Is the Right Spirit of Correction? What Is the Extent of Christ's Authority? What Is God's Solution for Man's Wickedness? What Is the Reward of the Righteous? What Is the Reward of the Wicked? Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Feathers and flight—they're remarkable! Dragons—in the Garden of Eden? Dinosaur bones—not yet fossilized! Mokele-mbembe—what on earth is it? Dragons and Jurassic Park—what's the story? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Ark Encounter Ark Encounter Answers Magazine   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: Were the Plagues on Pharaoh Because of Abram and Sarai Unfair? (May 20) Chapter 11: Submission, Discipline, and Nutrition (May 19) Vestigial hiccups, folding fish-eyes, and other fables: Our fishy forebears . . . again! (May 18) How Should Christians View the Fact Claims in The Da Vinci Code? (May 17) Letter from Ken, May 2011 (May 16) Continuing Catastrophes (May 15) Video On Demand Does It Really Matter What I Believe? Part 3 Watch Video Ken's Blog Ark Encounter Receives State Approval for Tax Rebates AiG Website Content Now in Arabic 90 and Still Going Strong! Happy Birthday, Art! Is This What They Call "Tolerance?" Homeschoolers Need to Be Very Discerning Previous entries Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Already Compromised - Book Body of Evidence (8-DVD/Book Combo) Answers Magazine Subscription: United States More current bestsellers Upcoming Events Illinois Illinois Christian Home Educators State Convention, June 2–4 Kentucky Home Educators Conference, June 24–25 Kentucky IFCA International Conference, June 28–29 Georgia Sunday Speaking, July 10 More events Job Opportunities Application Developer I Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) Food Service Support Staff General Accountant Grounds Manager JavaScript Web Developer Print and Mail Associate Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Web Developer—Python Web Designer Web Interns Web Operations Coordinator
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