Pastor Rick Jackson
I. BEFORE CREATION- THE ETERNAL TRIUNE GOD [PS. 90:1-2]
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1. GOD THE FATHER
Genesis 21:33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.
Deuteronomy 33:27a The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms...
Psalm 41:13 Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen.
Habakkuk 1:12 Art thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.
2. GOD THE SON
Micah 5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. (compare with Jn. 1. Col. 1)
Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
3. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT
Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
II. BEFORE CREATION- THE SETTLED WORD OF GOD
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Psalm 119:152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
Acts 15:18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (The Bible is certainly one of His works!)
Isaiah 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
I Pt. 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
Ps. 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.
I Cor. 2:9-16
III. BEFORE CREATION- THE PERFECT PLAN OF SALVATION
Rm. 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Revelation 13:8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Acts 2:23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:
Acts 4:24-28 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
Eph. 1:3-13
Sunday, July 15, 2007
THREE KINDS OF CRITICISM
MATTHEW 7:1-6
Pastor Rick Jackson
I would love to take credit for this message but I came across it in my files rather anonymously. It had none of my usual references as to who preached it (besides myself twice in the past) and yet I have the feeling it is not totally original with me. But then what really is original? Moody once said, "If a borrowed thought is better than an original one---use it!" I have heard so many preachers in the past that I know much of this information is from at least two to three different sources and so I put it out here with all the honesty of a borrower of knowledge with the hopes it may bless someone else as much as it has me.
There are three different kinds of criticism in this passage and at least one of them is totally justifiable and useful.
I. DELIBERATE CRITICISM [V. 1-2]
1. IT IS FORBIDDEN [V. 1]
This is a matter of trying to find something wrong in an area of the unseen. It is negative in every way and it is forbidden by the Lord Jesus. Judging motives violates this direct command of the Lord Jesus. We must be careful not to be guilty of this sin.
2. IT IS FAULTY
It purports to be able to judge motives which only God can do.
1 Samuel 16:7b ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
This is like when some prideful pompous self-righteous Pharisee says, "Oh, you said a bad word, you must not be saved." Or some such nonsense. They would have had a field day when Peter cursed and swore and denied he know the Lord.
Lk. 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...
3. IT IS FOOLISH [V. 2]
It will turn the eye of God upon you and your sin. This sin often goes unconfessed because the pride of the individual doesn't see it as sin, though it is a stench in the nostrils of a thrice Holy God.
Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!" (and often does)
II. DELUDED CRITICISM [V. 3-5]
1. REMOVES NOTHING [V. 3]
While he might want to help his brother remove a speck he's more liable to hurt his brother with the beam sticking out of his own eye. The only thing he seems to be able to remove is his own personal responsibility for the way he's living. That beams obscures his vision anyway.Note Jesus says "Why?" Why do you not look in the mirror of God's Word and look at yourself.
Ps. 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2. RELIES ON NEGATIVITY [V. 4]
With his vision obscured the person given to deluded criticism overlooks the obvious and relies on negativity. They want to tell you what you have wrong in your life but don't see the glaring problems in their own life which ends up ruining their testimony in many cases.
3. REVEALS NATURE [V. 5]
Some people are "speck hunters" instead of humble servants of Christ. At my first church we had several boys that were attending church faithfully for the first time in their lives. For some reason their mother, who claimed to be a Christian, started criticizing our church, and trying to get the boys to go to another church. The youngest boy was adamant that he wanted to come to our church, where he had been saved, where he had been baptized, where he was being taught the Word of God. She coyly turned him against us by emphasizing the church building wasn't a pretty red color like this other church. Eventually they all quit church.
"They sing too Loud" or "They don't sing loud enough"
"His sermons are too long" or "His sermons are too short"
"He preaches too many expository messages" or "He preaches too many topical messages"
"The people are too friendly" or "The people aren't friendly enough"
What is all this doing? It is revealing their nature. If you send a buzzard out flying over a beautiful landscape of blue lakes, flowering trees, green meadows, winding paths, etc. what will he tell you he saw? A dead deer with maggots! Why? Because his answer reveals his nature... he's a buzzard!
Don't look for specks. it reveals you have bigger problems yourself!
But there is a third kind of criticism in this passage and it isn't spoken against by the Lord. It is:
III. DISCRIMINATING CRITICISM [V. 6]
Today if you try to stand against sin and say something is wrong someone is almost sure to quote verse 1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged". We've already seen that verse 1 doesn't mean that. In verse 6 you have to make 4 different judgements in order to follow the Lord's command. You have to judge (1) what is holy, (2) who is a dog, (3) what is a pearl, and (4) who is a swine! In others words, you must make some discriminating judgements!
Let's discuss this and then I'll make three points and we'll close.
II Cor. 6: 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
We have a clear command not to yoke up with an unbeliever so we have to make some judgement about what constitutes an unbeliever. What are the fundamentals of the faith, the cardinal doctrines of Christianity, the essential truths that you cannot deny and still have true Bible Christianity? The doctrines that if a person denies he is considered an unbeliever?
Think of it this way. Our church van has many things that aren't essential to it though they may be nice to have. The spare tire is not a fundamental. The radio,tape deck is not an essential. The air conditioning and heating system is not a fundamental and the same thing could be said about a few other things as well. Nice but not fundamentals. But the motor, the motor is a fundamental. The battery and the gas tank are fundamentals. It will not run without them. they are necessary.
In Christianity there are certain doctrines which are fundamental. They are necessary. If a person denies them they are not a Christian no matter what they say, they are an unbeliever.
(1) the virgin birth of Christ is a fundamental. If He was born like us He has a sin nature and cannot be the Saviour. (Is. 7:14, Ps. 51:5)
(2) the substitionary death of Christ is a fundamental (II Cor. 5:21)
(3) the bodily resurrection of Christ is a fundamental (Rm. 10:9. I Cor. 15)
(4) the verbal inspiration of the Bible is a fundamental (II Tm. 3:16-17)
These are some of the fundamentals. You cannot deny these and still be considered a Bible Christian.Let me give you three principles.
1. BE CAUTIOUS
I Jn. 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
II Tm. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The unbeliever may call himself a modernist or a liberal but remember, he is not ignorant of the truth, he denies the truth! He knows what it says but it rejects it as valid.
2. BE CHARITABLE (OR COMPASSIONATE)
I Cor. 13:4-6 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Jude 20-22 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Now I am an independent, fundamental, premillennial Baptist but I know others will be Heaven. I expect to see the Presbyterian Evangelist Billy Sunday, the Methodists John & Charles Wesley, and others there!
Dr. Roberson used to say, "I love Presbyterians. I'd like to baptize every one of them!"
"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity."
You may disagree on some things but our first loyalty must be to Jesus not a church or a denomination.
3. BE CHRISTLIKE
2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Jn. 14:15, 21-24
Pastor Rick Jackson
I would love to take credit for this message but I came across it in my files rather anonymously. It had none of my usual references as to who preached it (besides myself twice in the past) and yet I have the feeling it is not totally original with me. But then what really is original? Moody once said, "If a borrowed thought is better than an original one---use it!" I have heard so many preachers in the past that I know much of this information is from at least two to three different sources and so I put it out here with all the honesty of a borrower of knowledge with the hopes it may bless someone else as much as it has me.
There are three different kinds of criticism in this passage and at least one of them is totally justifiable and useful.
I. DELIBERATE CRITICISM [V. 1-2]
1. IT IS FORBIDDEN [V. 1]
This is a matter of trying to find something wrong in an area of the unseen. It is negative in every way and it is forbidden by the Lord Jesus. Judging motives violates this direct command of the Lord Jesus. We must be careful not to be guilty of this sin.
2. IT IS FAULTY
It purports to be able to judge motives which only God can do.
1 Samuel 16:7b ...for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
This is like when some prideful pompous self-righteous Pharisee says, "Oh, you said a bad word, you must not be saved." Or some such nonsense. They would have had a field day when Peter cursed and swore and denied he know the Lord.
Lk. 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...
3. IT IS FOOLISH [V. 2]
It will turn the eye of God upon you and your sin. This sin often goes unconfessed because the pride of the individual doesn't see it as sin, though it is a stench in the nostrils of a thrice Holy God.
Dr. Lee Roberson used to say, "Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize!" (and often does)
II. DELUDED CRITICISM [V. 3-5]
1. REMOVES NOTHING [V. 3]
While he might want to help his brother remove a speck he's more liable to hurt his brother with the beam sticking out of his own eye. The only thing he seems to be able to remove is his own personal responsibility for the way he's living. That beams obscures his vision anyway.Note Jesus says "Why?" Why do you not look in the mirror of God's Word and look at yourself.
Ps. 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
2. RELIES ON NEGATIVITY [V. 4]
With his vision obscured the person given to deluded criticism overlooks the obvious and relies on negativity. They want to tell you what you have wrong in your life but don't see the glaring problems in their own life which ends up ruining their testimony in many cases.
3. REVEALS NATURE [V. 5]
Some people are "speck hunters" instead of humble servants of Christ. At my first church we had several boys that were attending church faithfully for the first time in their lives. For some reason their mother, who claimed to be a Christian, started criticizing our church, and trying to get the boys to go to another church. The youngest boy was adamant that he wanted to come to our church, where he had been saved, where he had been baptized, where he was being taught the Word of God. She coyly turned him against us by emphasizing the church building wasn't a pretty red color like this other church. Eventually they all quit church.
"They sing too Loud" or "They don't sing loud enough"
"His sermons are too long" or "His sermons are too short"
"He preaches too many expository messages" or "He preaches too many topical messages"
"The people are too friendly" or "The people aren't friendly enough"
What is all this doing? It is revealing their nature. If you send a buzzard out flying over a beautiful landscape of blue lakes, flowering trees, green meadows, winding paths, etc. what will he tell you he saw? A dead deer with maggots! Why? Because his answer reveals his nature... he's a buzzard!
Don't look for specks. it reveals you have bigger problems yourself!
But there is a third kind of criticism in this passage and it isn't spoken against by the Lord. It is:
III. DISCRIMINATING CRITICISM [V. 6]
Today if you try to stand against sin and say something is wrong someone is almost sure to quote verse 1, "Judge not, that ye be not judged". We've already seen that verse 1 doesn't mean that. In verse 6 you have to make 4 different judgements in order to follow the Lord's command. You have to judge (1) what is holy, (2) who is a dog, (3) what is a pearl, and (4) who is a swine! In others words, you must make some discriminating judgements!
Let's discuss this and then I'll make three points and we'll close.
II Cor. 6: 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
We have a clear command not to yoke up with an unbeliever so we have to make some judgement about what constitutes an unbeliever. What are the fundamentals of the faith, the cardinal doctrines of Christianity, the essential truths that you cannot deny and still have true Bible Christianity? The doctrines that if a person denies he is considered an unbeliever?
Think of it this way. Our church van has many things that aren't essential to it though they may be nice to have. The spare tire is not a fundamental. The radio,tape deck is not an essential. The air conditioning and heating system is not a fundamental and the same thing could be said about a few other things as well. Nice but not fundamentals. But the motor, the motor is a fundamental. The battery and the gas tank are fundamentals. It will not run without them. they are necessary.
In Christianity there are certain doctrines which are fundamental. They are necessary. If a person denies them they are not a Christian no matter what they say, they are an unbeliever.
(1) the virgin birth of Christ is a fundamental. If He was born like us He has a sin nature and cannot be the Saviour. (Is. 7:14, Ps. 51:5)
(2) the substitionary death of Christ is a fundamental (II Cor. 5:21)
(3) the bodily resurrection of Christ is a fundamental (Rm. 10:9. I Cor. 15)
(4) the verbal inspiration of the Bible is a fundamental (II Tm. 3:16-17)
These are some of the fundamentals. You cannot deny these and still be considered a Bible Christian.Let me give you three principles.
1. BE CAUTIOUS
I Jn. 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
II Tm. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The unbeliever may call himself a modernist or a liberal but remember, he is not ignorant of the truth, he denies the truth! He knows what it says but it rejects it as valid.
2. BE CHARITABLE (OR COMPASSIONATE)
I Cor. 13:4-6 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Jude 20-22 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference:
Now I am an independent, fundamental, premillennial Baptist but I know others will be Heaven. I expect to see the Presbyterian Evangelist Billy Sunday, the Methodists John & Charles Wesley, and others there!
Dr. Roberson used to say, "I love Presbyterians. I'd like to baptize every one of them!"
"In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity."
You may disagree on some things but our first loyalty must be to Jesus not a church or a denomination.
3. BE CHRISTLIKE
2 Cor. 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Hebrews 7:26For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;Jn. 14:15, 21-24
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Q: Should Christians divide over different interpretations of Genesis?
A: Many Christians think that what we believe about Genesis isn’t that important, as long as a person believes in the virgin birth and resurrection of Christ—they see Genesis only as a “side issue.” But we need to look at a number of issues here, including “the big picture.”
First of all, the major principle involved is biblical authority. Does it matter how you read the Word of God? If the Bible clearly states something, like creation in six days, but we say we don’t have to believe that, then we’ve unlocked a door that undermines biblical authority. And if we do this, what’s to stop others from pushing that door open through the rest of Scripture, as many have done, and to deny the bodily resurrection of Christ?
Second, the foundation of the gospel and why Jesus came and died for our sins is dependent on Genesis being literal history. Is this a side issue that we can sweep under the carpet while agreeing to disagree? We suggest that a non-literal understanding of the historical account given in Genesis leads to a slippery slope of compromise in other areas of Christian doctrine.
We certainly must stay true to God’s Word, and accept it all as written.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
First of all, the major principle involved is biblical authority. Does it matter how you read the Word of God? If the Bible clearly states something, like creation in six days, but we say we don’t have to believe that, then we’ve unlocked a door that undermines biblical authority. And if we do this, what’s to stop others from pushing that door open through the rest of Scripture, as many have done, and to deny the bodily resurrection of Christ?
Second, the foundation of the gospel and why Jesus came and died for our sins is dependent on Genesis being literal history. Is this a side issue that we can sweep under the carpet while agreeing to disagree? We suggest that a non-literal understanding of the historical account given in Genesis leads to a slippery slope of compromise in other areas of Christian doctrine.
We certainly must stay true to God’s Word, and accept it all as written.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
THE HOLY SPIRIT AT WORK
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. WITH THE SAVIOUR
1. HIS BIRTH
Lk. 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Mt. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
2. HIS BAPTISM & MINISTRY
Lk. 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
4:1, 14-21 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ...And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
3. HIS DEATH
Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4. HIS RESURRECTION
Rm. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
II. WITH THE WORLD
1. HE GAVE THE WORD
II Pt. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. HE CONVICTS THE WORLD
Jn. 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
3. HE HINDERS THE WICKED ONE [II Th. 2:1-8]
III. WITH THE MATTER OF SALVATION
1. THE INVITATION CALL
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Gn. 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man...
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
2. THE NEW BIRTH [JN. 3:1-8]
Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
I. WITH THE SAVIOUR
1. HIS BIRTH
Lk. 1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
Mt. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
2. HIS BAPTISM & MINISTRY
Lk. 3:21-22 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
4:1, 14-21 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, ...And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
3. HIS DEATH
Heb. 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
4. HIS RESURRECTION
Rm. 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
II. WITH THE WORLD
1. HE GAVE THE WORD
II Pt. 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
2. HE CONVICTS THE WORLD
Jn. 16:7-11 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
3. HE HINDERS THE WICKED ONE [II Th. 2:1-8]
III. WITH THE MATTER OF SALVATION
1. THE INVITATION CALL
Rev. 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Gn. 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man...
Acts 7:51 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
2. THE NEW BIRTH [JN. 3:1-8]
Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
AWESOME OR AWFUL?
Almost every week I post a blog of a question and answer about creation/evolution from Answers In Genesis(AIG). Someone accused AIG of plagiarizing me! Now that is either awesome... or awful... or both!
Awesome because I consider their questions and answers to be highly informative, quite logical, and Biblically compelling. For someone to think I originated them is quite the compliment.
Awful because I never intended to take credit for that which I did not do. I think maybe I got a little careless about not always making it crystal clear where I got the information. I just assumed most of my readers were familiar with the past references to AIG and knew where I got the information. My apologies to the great staff at AIG. They were very understanding about the whole thing and want me to continue blogging their stuff. And I plan to do just that... with an additional byline to make sure they aren't accused of plagiarizing me and to make clear that I am not trying to plagiarize them either!
I have been a supporter of Ken Ham since his ICR days and am pleased to be associated with a joint ministry (The Biblical Evangelist -check their link). I highly recommend both organizations. May the Dear Lord continue to bless these fine ministries!
Awesome because I consider their questions and answers to be highly informative, quite logical, and Biblically compelling. For someone to think I originated them is quite the compliment.
Awful because I never intended to take credit for that which I did not do. I think maybe I got a little careless about not always making it crystal clear where I got the information. I just assumed most of my readers were familiar with the past references to AIG and knew where I got the information. My apologies to the great staff at AIG. They were very understanding about the whole thing and want me to continue blogging their stuff. And I plan to do just that... with an additional byline to make sure they aren't accused of plagiarizing me and to make clear that I am not trying to plagiarize them either!
I have been a supporter of Ken Ham since his ICR days and am pleased to be associated with a joint ministry (The Biblical Evangelist -check their link). I highly recommend both organizations. May the Dear Lord continue to bless these fine ministries!
One Life To Live
On this date in 1968 television premiere of "One Life to Live." What a sermon. How eternally true. We must "so number our days." and "prepare to meet thy God"
"... joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance" Lk 15:7. Therefore "Preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. "How Christ died for our sins, (paid the debt in full) was buried and rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor 15:1-4. But though we are an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed" Gal 1:8. Make sense? Have you believed and received Jesus? Do it now. -Sumner Wemp (for more great stuff, use link at left)
"... joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance" Lk 15:7. Therefore "Preach the gospel to every person" Mk 16:15. "How Christ died for our sins, (paid the debt in full) was buried and rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor 15:1-4. But though we are an angel from heaven preach any other gospel unto you, let him be accursed" Gal 1:8. Make sense? Have you believed and received Jesus? Do it now. -Sumner Wemp (for more great stuff, use link at left)
Monday, July 09, 2007
THE WHOLE ISSUE
by Sumner Wemp
The Vicarious Death of Christ.
"The wages of sin is death" Rom 6:23. The whole issue of the Bible is did, the Lord Jesus, the sinless Son of God, suffer and die for our sins and pay the debt of sin in full or didn't He. God said He did. That should settle it.
This says it all
"For Christ also has once (once and for all, never to be repeated- so indicates the Greek) suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit" 1 Pet. 3:18. We are all in the same boat, we have all done wrong, we have all sinned, haven't we? "There is none righteous, (perfect) no not one" (not you nor me nor anyone else) Rom 3:10. If truthful we must all acknowledge that fact, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23.
Christ died for our sins
That alone is the gospel, the good news. He did not just die on the cross. Those two thieves died on a cross. He did not just die for us. Those soldiers die for us on the battle fields but they did not and could not die for our sins. He paid the debt in full! We must understand and believe that to be saved. The good seed that was sown in Matt 13 fell on "good ground", "understood" and brought forth fruit. To produce the eternal "new Birth" every individual must "understand" what Christ really did on the cross and believe it will save him too. The vicarious death is essential to be saved.
"God laid on Him the iniquity of us all" Isa. 53:6 and He cried out "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me" Matt. 27:46. The answer is simple, He took our place, died for our sins, was separated from God, was buried but rose again, was seen by hundreds and now in heaven waiting for anyone to believe and receive Him personally. Have you?
Do it now if not, You are loved by God and me, All because of Calvary. sumner
Pray for Steve and his wife Alyssa. She is expecting and having a lot of morning sickness! Go to our prayer board and pray for others, add your request, let us pray for you. www.sumnerwemp.com and enter the drawing as well.
On this date in 1893 the first successful open heart surgery was performed. "Daily" God is performing an open heart surgery spiritually on any one who will receive the Lord Jesus and make them a new creature. Have you had this operation too?
Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them. -- W. Clement Stone
The Vicarious Death of Christ.
"The wages of sin is death" Rom 6:23. The whole issue of the Bible is did, the Lord Jesus, the sinless Son of God, suffer and die for our sins and pay the debt of sin in full or didn't He. God said He did. That should settle it.
This says it all
"For Christ also has once (once and for all, never to be repeated- so indicates the Greek) suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but quickened by the Spirit" 1 Pet. 3:18. We are all in the same boat, we have all done wrong, we have all sinned, haven't we? "There is none righteous, (perfect) no not one" (not you nor me nor anyone else) Rom 3:10. If truthful we must all acknowledge that fact, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" Rom 3:23.
Christ died for our sins
That alone is the gospel, the good news. He did not just die on the cross. Those two thieves died on a cross. He did not just die for us. Those soldiers die for us on the battle fields but they did not and could not die for our sins. He paid the debt in full! We must understand and believe that to be saved. The good seed that was sown in Matt 13 fell on "good ground", "understood" and brought forth fruit. To produce the eternal "new Birth" every individual must "understand" what Christ really did on the cross and believe it will save him too. The vicarious death is essential to be saved.
"God laid on Him the iniquity of us all" Isa. 53:6 and He cried out "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me" Matt. 27:46. The answer is simple, He took our place, died for our sins, was separated from God, was buried but rose again, was seen by hundreds and now in heaven waiting for anyone to believe and receive Him personally. Have you?
Do it now if not, You are loved by God and me, All because of Calvary. sumner
Pray for Steve and his wife Alyssa. She is expecting and having a lot of morning sickness! Go to our prayer board and pray for others, add your request, let us pray for you. www.sumnerwemp.com and enter the drawing as well.
On this date in 1893 the first successful open heart surgery was performed. "Daily" God is performing an open heart surgery spiritually on any one who will receive the Lord Jesus and make them a new creature. Have you had this operation too?
Be careful the environment you choose for it will shape you; be careful the friends you choose for you will become like them. -- W. Clement Stone
Sunday, July 08, 2007
THE ABC's OF GENESIS
GENESIS 1
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. "A" IS FOR AUTHORSHIP
1. THE DOCUMENTARY HYPOTHESIS
A few years back some decided that the common thought concerning the authorship of Genesis was erroneous. These anti-God, anti-miraculous latter-day Saducees came up with what is called the documentary hypothesis, of JEDP. The thought is that all the writings that use the name "Jehovah" for God were written by one man (or school), those using "Elohim" wrote some, the priestly writings were from another group, and the Deuteronomic writings were by another and that they were all edited together much later (500 BC) to produce Genesis. Their primary reason that Moses didn't write Genesis was that there was no writing in the time of Moses!
Archaeology has proven that there was advanced writing long before Moses but rather than give up their ridiculous hypothesis they merely fell back on what had been their weaker arguments (difference in style, etc.). All can be answered by the fact that the topic was different rather than the writer. Much like the writer of TV shows will change much of his terminology when writing for a medical show as opposed to a police show.
2. MOSES
Many times in the Bible, the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Bible are referred to as the books of Moses or some other such derivation. The general implication being that Moses wrote all 5. The case should be settled once and for all by the Lord Jesus Himself in Lk. 24:25-32.
3. GOD [II Tm. 3:16, II Peter 1:21]
II. "B" IS FOR BREAKDOWN
1. "Genesis" means "beginning" or "origin".
The book of Genesis is the book of beginnings. The beginning of the universe, the earth, life as we know it, man, marriage, sin, death, salvation, clothing, family, language, civilization, the nations, the Jews, government... and on and on it goes. Genesis is foundational. People who have problems with accepting Genesis as part of the Word of God will eventually have problems with other parts of the Bible. The Bible stands or falls on Genesis.
2. The divisions of Genesis
Genesis is divided into two main sections. Genesis 1-11 describes God's universal dealings with mankind and cover approximatly 2000 years separate by four great events. The 4 events are Creation, the fall, the flood and Babel. Genesis 12-50, and indeed the rest of the Old Testament describes God's dealing with the man Abraham, his descendants, and the rest of the world using those descendants.
The second section of Genesis, chapters 12-50, cover roughly 300 years and deal with 4 main individuals. Abram (Abraham), Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Joseph. Valuable lessons can be found in the studies of each man's life. I can hardly wait to get started.
3. What's not in Genesis?
What isn't in Genesis is what God was doing in eternity past before Creation. Martin Luther answered that very nicely by saying that He was in the forest cutting switches for people who ask such questions. The whole Bible doesn't even contain all that Jesus has done so why would you expect 1 book out of 66 to do so?
Jn. 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
III. "C" IS FOR CHRISTOLOGY
In Genesis, the Creator becomes the promised redeemer and is shown to be the Messiah of the Jews and the Saviour of the World, the Lord Jesus Christ. History truly is His Story and this is made clear from a proper understanding of the Bible from Gn. 1:1 through Rev. 22:21. The greatest commentary on Scripture is not J. Veron McGee or John R. Rice. The greatest commentary on Scripture is Scripture!
1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11These 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.
1. Christ as Creator [Gn. 1:1, Jn. 1:1-3, Col. 1:16-17]
2. Christ as Redeemer [Gn. 3:14-15, Is. 7:14, Mt. 1:18-21]
3. Christ typified [Adam=I Co. 15:22, 45-50, the offerings, Isaac, Joseph]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. "A" IS FOR AUTHORSHIP
1. THE DOCUMENTARY HYPOTHESIS
A few years back some decided that the common thought concerning the authorship of Genesis was erroneous. These anti-God, anti-miraculous latter-day Saducees came up with what is called the documentary hypothesis, of JEDP. The thought is that all the writings that use the name "Jehovah" for God were written by one man (or school), those using "Elohim" wrote some, the priestly writings were from another group, and the Deuteronomic writings were by another and that they were all edited together much later (500 BC) to produce Genesis. Their primary reason that Moses didn't write Genesis was that there was no writing in the time of Moses!
Archaeology has proven that there was advanced writing long before Moses but rather than give up their ridiculous hypothesis they merely fell back on what had been their weaker arguments (difference in style, etc.). All can be answered by the fact that the topic was different rather than the writer. Much like the writer of TV shows will change much of his terminology when writing for a medical show as opposed to a police show.
2. MOSES
Many times in the Bible, the Pentateuch, the first 5 books of the Bible are referred to as the books of Moses or some other such derivation. The general implication being that Moses wrote all 5. The case should be settled once and for all by the Lord Jesus Himself in Lk. 24:25-32.
3. GOD [II Tm. 3:16, II Peter 1:21]
II. "B" IS FOR BREAKDOWN
1. "Genesis" means "beginning" or "origin".
The book of Genesis is the book of beginnings. The beginning of the universe, the earth, life as we know it, man, marriage, sin, death, salvation, clothing, family, language, civilization, the nations, the Jews, government... and on and on it goes. Genesis is foundational. People who have problems with accepting Genesis as part of the Word of God will eventually have problems with other parts of the Bible. The Bible stands or falls on Genesis.
2. The divisions of Genesis
Genesis is divided into two main sections. Genesis 1-11 describes God's universal dealings with mankind and cover approximatly 2000 years separate by four great events. The 4 events are Creation, the fall, the flood and Babel. Genesis 12-50, and indeed the rest of the Old Testament describes God's dealing with the man Abraham, his descendants, and the rest of the world using those descendants.
The second section of Genesis, chapters 12-50, cover roughly 300 years and deal with 4 main individuals. Abram (Abraham), Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Joseph. Valuable lessons can be found in the studies of each man's life. I can hardly wait to get started.
3. What's not in Genesis?
What isn't in Genesis is what God was doing in eternity past before Creation. Martin Luther answered that very nicely by saying that He was in the forest cutting switches for people who ask such questions. The whole Bible doesn't even contain all that Jesus has done so why would you expect 1 book out of 66 to do so?
Jn. 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
III. "C" IS FOR CHRISTOLOGY
In Genesis, the Creator becomes the promised redeemer and is shown to be the Messiah of the Jews and the Saviour of the World, the Lord Jesus Christ. History truly is His Story and this is made clear from a proper understanding of the Bible from Gn. 1:1 through Rev. 22:21. The greatest commentary on Scripture is not J. Veron McGee or John R. Rice. The greatest commentary on Scripture is Scripture!
1 Corinthians 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
Acts 17:11These 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.
1. Christ as Creator [Gn. 1:1, Jn. 1:1-3, Col. 1:16-17]
2. Christ as Redeemer [Gn. 3:14-15, Is. 7:14, Mt. 1:18-21]
3. Christ typified [Adam=I Co. 15:22, 45-50, the offerings, Isaac, Joseph]
LITTLE PEOPLE & BIG PEOPLE
LK. 19:1-10
Pastor Rick Jackson
(Inspired by the life and the message of Dr. Lee Roberson as lived for Christ)
"The world is full of little people. Most of us fall into this category at times. In spite of all the royal possibilities before us, we deal in little matters." -Lee Roberson
I am not referring to smallness of stature but rather to smallness of heart, littleness of spirit, soul and mind. David was small of stature compared to Goliath but David was the "bigger" man. We can think of men like King Saul, Lot, Joseph's brothers and others who seemed to be engulfed by smallness. Some like David, Moses, and Peter were giants with snatches of smallness exposed to us in their lives as recorded in Holy Writ.
What separates little people from big people? Look first at:
I. CHARACTERISTICS OF LITTLE PEOPLE -MT. 23 (the Pharisees were little people)
1. Little people are Hypocrites (Mt. 23:13-15)
2. Little people are Self-serving (Mt. 23:16-28)
3. Little people are Critical (Mt. 23:29-35)
A man was criticizing Jerry Falwell to a friend. The friend said, "I like what he's doing more than I like what you're doing!" The man got mad but later realized his friend was right and repented of his critical spirit.
Little people may be religious, they may even be saved, but they have limited vision in spiritual realities!
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF BIG PEOPLE -II TM.
1. Big people aren't ashamed of Jesus & His servants [II Tm. 1:7-12]
2. Big people have convictions (II Tm. 1:13-14, 2:15, 3:16-17)
3. Big people have compassion (II Tm. 1:15-18)
4. Big people are Christ-centered (II Tm. 2:1-3, 8-15)
"To the degree that He fills your life, to that degree you become a big person in the sight of God." -Lee Roberson
III. CHANGING FROM LITTLE TO BIG -LK. 19
1. Receive Jesus [v. 1-6]
2. Radiate Joy in your testimony [v. 6-8]
3. Respond judiciously with what you have been given [v. 9-27]
Pastor Rick Jackson
(Inspired by the life and the message of Dr. Lee Roberson as lived for Christ)
"The world is full of little people. Most of us fall into this category at times. In spite of all the royal possibilities before us, we deal in little matters." -Lee Roberson
I am not referring to smallness of stature but rather to smallness of heart, littleness of spirit, soul and mind. David was small of stature compared to Goliath but David was the "bigger" man. We can think of men like King Saul, Lot, Joseph's brothers and others who seemed to be engulfed by smallness. Some like David, Moses, and Peter were giants with snatches of smallness exposed to us in their lives as recorded in Holy Writ.
What separates little people from big people? Look first at:
I. CHARACTERISTICS OF LITTLE PEOPLE -MT. 23 (the Pharisees were little people)
1. Little people are Hypocrites (Mt. 23:13-15)
2. Little people are Self-serving (Mt. 23:16-28)
3. Little people are Critical (Mt. 23:29-35)
A man was criticizing Jerry Falwell to a friend. The friend said, "I like what he's doing more than I like what you're doing!" The man got mad but later realized his friend was right and repented of his critical spirit.
Little people may be religious, they may even be saved, but they have limited vision in spiritual realities!
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF BIG PEOPLE -II TM.
1. Big people aren't ashamed of Jesus & His servants [II Tm. 1:7-12]
2. Big people have convictions (II Tm. 1:13-14, 2:15, 3:16-17)
3. Big people have compassion (II Tm. 1:15-18)
4. Big people are Christ-centered (II Tm. 2:1-3, 8-15)
"To the degree that He fills your life, to that degree you become a big person in the sight of God." -Lee Roberson
III. CHANGING FROM LITTLE TO BIG -LK. 19
1. Receive Jesus [v. 1-6]
2. Radiate Joy in your testimony [v. 6-8]
3. Respond judiciously with what you have been given [v. 9-27]
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Q: Did Adam have to learn a language?
A: We’re born with the ability to speak, and then our parents teach us a language so we can communicate with each other.
But when Adam and Eve were created, they were mature human beings. Their brains were also mature. God must have programmed them with a language so they could speak to each other, speak to God, and understand everything perfectly.
As you know, the Bible makes it clear there was no death or bloodshed of man or animals before sin. But some Christians claim that there must have been death before Adam—in order to account for the supposed millions of years of fossils. They then say that Adam would have had to actually observe death to understand what God meant when He said that Adam would die if he ate the fruit he was commanded not to.
But Adam didn’t have to observe death to know what the word meant. He was already programmed with a language so that he could speak to God. Adam knew the meaning of every word perfectly from the beginning—including the word death.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Oh, by the way, here's a few of the thousands of modern scientists who have accepted the biblical account of creation
Dr. Paul Ackerman, Psychologist
Dr. E. Theo Agard, Medical Physics
Dr. James Allan, Geneticist
Dr. Steve Austin, Geologist
Dr. S.E. Aw, Biochemist
Dr. Thomas Barnes, Physicist
Dr. Geoff Barnard, Immunologist
Dr. Don Batten, Plant physiologist, tropical fruit expert
Dr. John Baumgardner, Electrical Engineering, Space Physicist, Geophysicist, expert in supercomputer modeling of plate tectonics
Dr. Jerry Bergman, Psychologist
Dr. Kimberly Berrine, Microbiology & Immunology
Prof. Vladimir Betina, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biology
Dr. Raymond G. Bohlin, Biologist
Dr. Andrew Bosanquet, Biology, Microbiology
Edward A. Boudreaux, Theoretical Chemistry
Dr. David R. Boylan, Chemical Engineer
Prof. Linn E. Carothers, Associate Professor of Statistics
Dr. David Catchpoole, Plant Physiologist (read his testimony)
Prof. Sung-Do Cha, Physics
Dr. Eugene F. Chaffin, Professor of Physics
Dr. Choong-Kuk Chang, Genetic Engineering
Prof. Jeun-Sik Chang, Aeronautical Engineering
Dr. Donald Chittick, Physical Chemist (interview)
Prof. Chung-Il Cho, Biology Education
Dr. John M. Cimbala, Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Harold Coffin, Palaeontologist
Dr. Bob Compton, DVM
Dr. Ken Cumming, Biologist
Dr. Jack W. Cuozzo, Dentist
Dr. William M. Curtis III, Th.D., Th.M., M.S., Aeronautics & Nuclear Physics
Dr. Malcolm Cutchins, Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Lionel Dahmer, Analytical Chemist
Dr. Raymond V. Damadian, M.D., Pioneer of magnetic resonance imaging
Dr. Chris Darnbrough, Biochemist
Dr. Nancy M. Darrall, Botany
Dr. Bryan Dawson, Mathematics
Dr. Douglas Dean, Biological Chemistry
Prof. Stephen W. Deckard, Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. David A. DeWitt, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
Dr. Don DeYoung, Astronomy, atmospheric physics, M.Div
Dr. David Down, Field Archaeologist
Dr. Geoff Downes, Creationist Plant Physiologist
Dr. Ted Driggers, Operations research
Robert H. Eckel, Medical Research
Dr. André Eggen, Geneticist
Dr. Dudley Eirich, Molecular Biologist
Prof. Dennis L. Englin, Professor of Geophysics
Prof. Danny Faulkner, Astronomy
Prof. Carl B. Fliermans, Professor of Biology
Prof. Dwain L. Ford, Organic Chemistry
Prof. Robert H. Franks, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Alan Galbraith, Watershed Science
Dr. Paul Giem, Medical Research
Dr. Maciej Giertych, Geneticist
Dr. Duane Gish, Biochemist
Dr. Werner Gitt, Information Scientist
Dr. Warwick Glover, General Surgeon
Dr. D.B. Gower, Biochemistry
Dr. Robin Greer, Chemist, History
Dr. Dianne Grocott, Psychiatrist
Dr. Stephen Grocott, Industrial Chemist
Dr. Donald Hamann, Food Scientist
Dr. Barry Harker, Philosopher
Dr. Charles W. Harrison, Applied Physicist, Electromagnetics
Dr. John Hartnett, Physicist and Cosmologist
Dr. Mark Harwood, Satellite Communications
Dr. George Hawke, Environmental Scientist
Dr. Margaret Helder, Science Editor, Botanist
Dr. Harold R. Henry, Engineer
Dr. Jonathan Henry, Astronomy
Dr. Joseph Henson, Entomologist
Dr. Robert A. Herrmann, Professor of Mathematics, US Naval Academy
Dr. Andrew Hodge, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service
Dr. Kelly Hollowell, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacologist
Dr. Ed Holroyd, III, Atmospheric Science
Dr. Bob Hosken, Biochemistry
Dr. George F. Howe, Botany
Dr. Neil Huber, Physical Anthropologist
Dr. Russell Humphreys, Physicist
Dr. James A. Huggins, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology
Evan Jamieson, Hydrometallurgy
George T. Javor, Biochemistry
Dr. Pierre Jerlström, Creationist Molecular Biologist
Dr. Arthur Jones, Biology
Dr. Jonathan W. Jones, Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Raymond Jones, Agricultural Scientist
Prof. Leonid Korochkin, Molecular Biology
Dr. Valery Karpounin, Mathematical Sciences, Logics, Formal Logics
Dr. Dean Kenyon, Biologist
Prof. Gi-Tai Kim, Biology
Prof. Harriet Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jong-Bai Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jung-Wook Kim, Environmental Science
Prof. Kyoung-Rai Kim, Analytical Chemistry
Prof. Kyoung-Tai Kim, Genetic Engineering
Prof. Young-Gil Kim, Materials Science
Prof. Young In Kim, Engineering
Dr. John W. Klotz, Biologist
Dr. Vladimir F. Kondalenko, Cytology/Cell Pathology
Dr. Leonid Korochkin, M.D., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology
Dr. John K.G. Kramer, Biochemistry
Prof. Jin-Hyouk Kwon, Physics
Prof. Myung-Sang Kwon, Immunology
Dr. John Leslie, Biochemist
Prof. Lane P. Lester, Biologist, Genetics
Dr. Jason Lisle, Astrophysicist
Dr. Alan Love, Chemist
Dr. Ian Macreadie, molecular biologist and microbiologist:
Dr. John Marcus, Molecular Biologist
Dr. George Marshall, Eye Disease Researcher
Dr. Ralph Matthews, Radiation Chemist
Dr. John McEwan, Chemist
Prof. Andy McIntosh, Combustion theory, aerodynamics
Dr. David Menton, Anatomist
Dr. Angela Meyer, Creationist Plant Physiologist
Dr. John Meyer, Physiologist
Dr. Albert Mills, Animal Embryologist/Reproductive Physiologist
Colin W. Mitchell, Geography
Dr. Tommy Mitchell, Physician
Dr. John N. Moore, Science Educator
Dr. John W. Moreland, Mechanical engineer and Dentist
Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006), founder of the Institute for Creation Research.
Dr. Arlton C. Murray, Paleontologist
Dr. John D. Morris, Geologist
Dr. Len Morris, Physiologist
Dr. Graeme Mortimer, Geologist
Dr. Terry Mortenson, History of Geology
Stanley A. Mumma, Architectural Engineering
Prof. Hee-Choon No, Nuclear Engineering
Dr. Eric Norman, Biomedical researcher
Dr. David Oderberg, Philosopher
Prof. John Oller, Linguistics
Prof. Chris D. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. John Osgood, Medical Practitioner
Dr. Charles Pallaghy, Botanist
Dr. Gary E. Parker, Biologist, Cognate in Geology (Paleontology)
Dr. David Pennington, Plastic Surgeon
Prof. Richard Porter
Dr. Georgia Purdom, Molecular Genetics
Dr. John Rankin, Cosmologist
Dr. A.S. Reece, M.D.
Prof. J. Rendle-Short, Pediatrics
Dr. Jung-Goo Roe, Biology
Dr. David Rosevear, Chemist
Dr. Ariel A. Roth, Biology
Dr. Jonathan D. Sarfati, Physical chemist / spectroscopist
Dr. Joachim Scheven Palaeontologist:
Dr. Ian Scott, Educator
Dr. Saami Shaibani, Forensic physicist
Dr. Young-Gi Shim, Chemistry
Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin, Food Science
Dr. Mikhail Shulgin, Physics
Dr. Emil Silvestru, Geologist/karstologist
Dr. Roger Simpson, Engineer
Dr. Harold Slusher, Geophysicist
Dr. E. Norbert Smith, Zoologist
Arthur E. Wilder-Smith (1915–1995) Three science doctorates; a creation science pioneer
Dr. Andrew Snelling, Geologist
Prof. Man-Suk Song, Computer Science
Dr. Timothy G. Standish, Biology
Prof. James Stark, Assistant Professor of Science Education
Prof. Brian Stone, Engineer
Dr. Esther Su, Biochemistry
Dr. Charles Taylor, Linguistics
Dr. Stephen Taylor, Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ker C. Thomson, Geophysics
Dr. Michael Todhunter, Forest Genetics
Dr. Lyudmila Tonkonog, Chemistry/Biochemistry
Dr. Royal Truman, Organic Chemist:
Dr. Larry Vardiman, Atmospheric Science
Prof. Walter Veith, Zoologist
Dr. Joachim Vetter, Biologist
Sir Cecil P. G. Wakeley (1892–1979) Surgeon
Dr. Tas Walker, Mechanical Engineer and Geologist
Dr. Jeremy Walter, Mechanical Engineer
Dr. Keith Wanser, Physicist
Dr. Noel Weeks, Ancient Historian (also has B.Sc. in Zoology)
Dr. A.J. Monty White, Chemistry/Gas Kinetics
Dr. John Whitmore, Geologist/Paleontologist
Dr. Carl Wieland, Medical doctor
Dr. Lara Wieland, Medical doctor
Dr. Clifford Wilson, Psycholinguist and archaeologist
Dr. Kurt Wise, Palaeontologist
Dr. Bryant Wood, Creationist Archaeologist
Prof. Verna Wright, Rheumatologist (deceased 1997)
Prof. Seoung-Hoon Yang, Physics
Dr. Thomas (Tong Y.) Yi, Ph.D., Creationist Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Ick-Dong Yoo, Genetics
Dr. Sung-Hee Yoon, Biology
Dr. Patrick Young, Chemist and Materials Scientist
Prof. Keun Bae Yu, Geography
Dr. Henry Zuill, Biology
But when Adam and Eve were created, they were mature human beings. Their brains were also mature. God must have programmed them with a language so they could speak to each other, speak to God, and understand everything perfectly.
As you know, the Bible makes it clear there was no death or bloodshed of man or animals before sin. But some Christians claim that there must have been death before Adam—in order to account for the supposed millions of years of fossils. They then say that Adam would have had to actually observe death to understand what God meant when He said that Adam would die if he ate the fruit he was commanded not to.
But Adam didn’t have to observe death to know what the word meant. He was already programmed with a language so that he could speak to God. Adam knew the meaning of every word perfectly from the beginning—including the word death.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Oh, by the way, here's a few of the thousands of modern scientists who have accepted the biblical account of creation
Dr. Paul Ackerman, Psychologist
Dr. E. Theo Agard, Medical Physics
Dr. James Allan, Geneticist
Dr. Steve Austin, Geologist
Dr. S.E. Aw, Biochemist
Dr. Thomas Barnes, Physicist
Dr. Geoff Barnard, Immunologist
Dr. Don Batten, Plant physiologist, tropical fruit expert
Dr. John Baumgardner, Electrical Engineering, Space Physicist, Geophysicist, expert in supercomputer modeling of plate tectonics
Dr. Jerry Bergman, Psychologist
Dr. Kimberly Berrine, Microbiology & Immunology
Prof. Vladimir Betina, Microbiology, Biochemistry & Biology
Dr. Raymond G. Bohlin, Biologist
Dr. Andrew Bosanquet, Biology, Microbiology
Edward A. Boudreaux, Theoretical Chemistry
Dr. David R. Boylan, Chemical Engineer
Prof. Linn E. Carothers, Associate Professor of Statistics
Dr. David Catchpoole, Plant Physiologist (read his testimony)
Prof. Sung-Do Cha, Physics
Dr. Eugene F. Chaffin, Professor of Physics
Dr. Choong-Kuk Chang, Genetic Engineering
Prof. Jeun-Sik Chang, Aeronautical Engineering
Dr. Donald Chittick, Physical Chemist (interview)
Prof. Chung-Il Cho, Biology Education
Dr. John M. Cimbala, Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Harold Coffin, Palaeontologist
Dr. Bob Compton, DVM
Dr. Ken Cumming, Biologist
Dr. Jack W. Cuozzo, Dentist
Dr. William M. Curtis III, Th.D., Th.M., M.S., Aeronautics & Nuclear Physics
Dr. Malcolm Cutchins, Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Lionel Dahmer, Analytical Chemist
Dr. Raymond V. Damadian, M.D., Pioneer of magnetic resonance imaging
Dr. Chris Darnbrough, Biochemist
Dr. Nancy M. Darrall, Botany
Dr. Bryan Dawson, Mathematics
Dr. Douglas Dean, Biological Chemistry
Prof. Stephen W. Deckard, Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. David A. DeWitt, Biology, Biochemistry, Neuroscience
Dr. Don DeYoung, Astronomy, atmospheric physics, M.Div
Dr. David Down, Field Archaeologist
Dr. Geoff Downes, Creationist Plant Physiologist
Dr. Ted Driggers, Operations research
Robert H. Eckel, Medical Research
Dr. André Eggen, Geneticist
Dr. Dudley Eirich, Molecular Biologist
Prof. Dennis L. Englin, Professor of Geophysics
Prof. Danny Faulkner, Astronomy
Prof. Carl B. Fliermans, Professor of Biology
Prof. Dwain L. Ford, Organic Chemistry
Prof. Robert H. Franks, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. Alan Galbraith, Watershed Science
Dr. Paul Giem, Medical Research
Dr. Maciej Giertych, Geneticist
Dr. Duane Gish, Biochemist
Dr. Werner Gitt, Information Scientist
Dr. Warwick Glover, General Surgeon
Dr. D.B. Gower, Biochemistry
Dr. Robin Greer, Chemist, History
Dr. Dianne Grocott, Psychiatrist
Dr. Stephen Grocott, Industrial Chemist
Dr. Donald Hamann, Food Scientist
Dr. Barry Harker, Philosopher
Dr. Charles W. Harrison, Applied Physicist, Electromagnetics
Dr. John Hartnett, Physicist and Cosmologist
Dr. Mark Harwood, Satellite Communications
Dr. George Hawke, Environmental Scientist
Dr. Margaret Helder, Science Editor, Botanist
Dr. Harold R. Henry, Engineer
Dr. Jonathan Henry, Astronomy
Dr. Joseph Henson, Entomologist
Dr. Robert A. Herrmann, Professor of Mathematics, US Naval Academy
Dr. Andrew Hodge, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service
Dr. Kelly Hollowell, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacologist
Dr. Ed Holroyd, III, Atmospheric Science
Dr. Bob Hosken, Biochemistry
Dr. George F. Howe, Botany
Dr. Neil Huber, Physical Anthropologist
Dr. Russell Humphreys, Physicist
Dr. James A. Huggins, Professor and Chair, Department of Biology
Evan Jamieson, Hydrometallurgy
George T. Javor, Biochemistry
Dr. Pierre Jerlström, Creationist Molecular Biologist
Dr. Arthur Jones, Biology
Dr. Jonathan W. Jones, Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Raymond Jones, Agricultural Scientist
Prof. Leonid Korochkin, Molecular Biology
Dr. Valery Karpounin, Mathematical Sciences, Logics, Formal Logics
Dr. Dean Kenyon, Biologist
Prof. Gi-Tai Kim, Biology
Prof. Harriet Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jong-Bai Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jung-Han Kim, Biochemistry
Prof. Jung-Wook Kim, Environmental Science
Prof. Kyoung-Rai Kim, Analytical Chemistry
Prof. Kyoung-Tai Kim, Genetic Engineering
Prof. Young-Gil Kim, Materials Science
Prof. Young In Kim, Engineering
Dr. John W. Klotz, Biologist
Dr. Vladimir F. Kondalenko, Cytology/Cell Pathology
Dr. Leonid Korochkin, M.D., Genetics, Molecular Biology, Neurobiology
Dr. John K.G. Kramer, Biochemistry
Prof. Jin-Hyouk Kwon, Physics
Prof. Myung-Sang Kwon, Immunology
Dr. John Leslie, Biochemist
Prof. Lane P. Lester, Biologist, Genetics
Dr. Jason Lisle, Astrophysicist
Dr. Alan Love, Chemist
Dr. Ian Macreadie, molecular biologist and microbiologist:
Dr. John Marcus, Molecular Biologist
Dr. George Marshall, Eye Disease Researcher
Dr. Ralph Matthews, Radiation Chemist
Dr. John McEwan, Chemist
Prof. Andy McIntosh, Combustion theory, aerodynamics
Dr. David Menton, Anatomist
Dr. Angela Meyer, Creationist Plant Physiologist
Dr. John Meyer, Physiologist
Dr. Albert Mills, Animal Embryologist/Reproductive Physiologist
Colin W. Mitchell, Geography
Dr. Tommy Mitchell, Physician
Dr. John N. Moore, Science Educator
Dr. John W. Moreland, Mechanical engineer and Dentist
Dr. Henry M. Morris (1918–2006), founder of the Institute for Creation Research.
Dr. Arlton C. Murray, Paleontologist
Dr. John D. Morris, Geologist
Dr. Len Morris, Physiologist
Dr. Graeme Mortimer, Geologist
Dr. Terry Mortenson, History of Geology
Stanley A. Mumma, Architectural Engineering
Prof. Hee-Choon No, Nuclear Engineering
Dr. Eric Norman, Biomedical researcher
Dr. David Oderberg, Philosopher
Prof. John Oller, Linguistics
Prof. Chris D. Osborne, Assistant Professor of Biology
Dr. John Osgood, Medical Practitioner
Dr. Charles Pallaghy, Botanist
Dr. Gary E. Parker, Biologist, Cognate in Geology (Paleontology)
Dr. David Pennington, Plastic Surgeon
Prof. Richard Porter
Dr. Georgia Purdom, Molecular Genetics
Dr. John Rankin, Cosmologist
Dr. A.S. Reece, M.D.
Prof. J. Rendle-Short, Pediatrics
Dr. Jung-Goo Roe, Biology
Dr. David Rosevear, Chemist
Dr. Ariel A. Roth, Biology
Dr. Jonathan D. Sarfati, Physical chemist / spectroscopist
Dr. Joachim Scheven Palaeontologist:
Dr. Ian Scott, Educator
Dr. Saami Shaibani, Forensic physicist
Dr. Young-Gi Shim, Chemistry
Prof. Hyun-Kil Shin, Food Science
Dr. Mikhail Shulgin, Physics
Dr. Emil Silvestru, Geologist/karstologist
Dr. Roger Simpson, Engineer
Dr. Harold Slusher, Geophysicist
Dr. E. Norbert Smith, Zoologist
Arthur E. Wilder-Smith (1915–1995) Three science doctorates; a creation science pioneer
Dr. Andrew Snelling, Geologist
Prof. Man-Suk Song, Computer Science
Dr. Timothy G. Standish, Biology
Prof. James Stark, Assistant Professor of Science Education
Prof. Brian Stone, Engineer
Dr. Esther Su, Biochemistry
Dr. Charles Taylor, Linguistics
Dr. Stephen Taylor, Electrical Engineering
Dr. Ker C. Thomson, Geophysics
Dr. Michael Todhunter, Forest Genetics
Dr. Lyudmila Tonkonog, Chemistry/Biochemistry
Dr. Royal Truman, Organic Chemist:
Dr. Larry Vardiman, Atmospheric Science
Prof. Walter Veith, Zoologist
Dr. Joachim Vetter, Biologist
Sir Cecil P. G. Wakeley (1892–1979) Surgeon
Dr. Tas Walker, Mechanical Engineer and Geologist
Dr. Jeremy Walter, Mechanical Engineer
Dr. Keith Wanser, Physicist
Dr. Noel Weeks, Ancient Historian (also has B.Sc. in Zoology)
Dr. A.J. Monty White, Chemistry/Gas Kinetics
Dr. John Whitmore, Geologist/Paleontologist
Dr. Carl Wieland, Medical doctor
Dr. Lara Wieland, Medical doctor
Dr. Clifford Wilson, Psycholinguist and archaeologist
Dr. Kurt Wise, Palaeontologist
Dr. Bryant Wood, Creationist Archaeologist
Prof. Verna Wright, Rheumatologist (deceased 1997)
Prof. Seoung-Hoon Yang, Physics
Dr. Thomas (Tong Y.) Yi, Ph.D., Creationist Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
Dr. Ick-Dong Yoo, Genetics
Dr. Sung-Hee Yoon, Biology
Dr. Patrick Young, Chemist and Materials Scientist
Prof. Keun Bae Yu, Geography
Dr. Henry Zuill, Biology
Friday, July 06, 2007
At The Truck stop (a joke worse than Thursday's puns)
A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order. He said, "I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards."
The brand new waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, "This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards. What does he think this place is ... an auto parts store?"
"No," the cook said. "Three flat tires mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon."
"Oh, OK!" said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer. The trucker asked, "What are the beans for?"
She replied, "I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up!"
The brand new waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, "This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards. What does he think this place is ... an auto parts store?"
"No," the cook said. "Three flat tires mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are 2 slices of crisp bacon."
"Oh, OK!" said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer. The trucker asked, "What are the beans for?"
She replied, "I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up!"
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Just for the Pun of it
1. A vulture boarded a plane, carrying two dead raccoons.The stewardess stopped him and said, "Sorry sir, only one carrion per passenger."
2. NASA recently sent a number of Holsteins into orbit forexperimental purposes. They called it the herd shot roundthe world.
3. Two boll weevils grew up in S. Carolina . One took off toHollywood and became a rich star. The other stayed in Carolina and never amounted to much--and naturally became known as the lesser of two weevils.
4. Two Eskimos in a kayak were chilly, so they started a fire, which sank the craft, proving the old adage you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
5. A 3-legged dog walks into an old west saloon, slides up to the bar and announces, "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who went to the dentist and refused to take Novocain? He wanted to transcend dental medication.
7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and met in the lobby where they were discussing their recent victories in chess tournaments. The hotel manager came out of the office after an hour, and asked them to disperse. He couldn't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
8. A woman has twins, gives them up for adoption. One goes to an Egyptian family and is named "Ahmal" The other is sent to a Spanish family and is named "Juan". Years later, Juan sends his birth mother a picture of himself. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. He replies, "They're twins for Pete's sake!! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal!!"
9. A group of friars opened a florist shop to help with their belfry payments. Everyone liked to buy flowers from the Men of God, so their business flourished. A rival florist became upset that his business was suffering because people felt compelled to buy from the Friars, so he asked the Friars to cut back hours or close down. The Friars refused. So the florist then hired Hugh McTaggert, the biggest meanest thug in town. He went to the Friars' shop, beat them up, destroyed their flowers, trashed their shop, and said that if they didn't close, he'd be back. Well, totally terrified, the Friars closed up shop and hid in their rooms. This proved that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
10. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot his whole life, which created an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from very bad breath. This made him....what? (This is so bad it's good...) --a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
11. And finally, ...there was a person who blogged 10 puns in hopes at least one of the puns would make someone laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
These were sent to me by the great Sandini a while back.
2. NASA recently sent a number of Holsteins into orbit forexperimental purposes. They called it the herd shot roundthe world.
3. Two boll weevils grew up in S. Carolina . One took off toHollywood and became a rich star. The other stayed in Carolina and never amounted to much--and naturally became known as the lesser of two weevils.
4. Two Eskimos in a kayak were chilly, so they started a fire, which sank the craft, proving the old adage you can't have your kayak and heat it too.
5. A 3-legged dog walks into an old west saloon, slides up to the bar and announces, "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
6. Did you hear about the Buddhist who went to the dentist and refused to take Novocain? He wanted to transcend dental medication.
7. A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel, and met in the lobby where they were discussing their recent victories in chess tournaments. The hotel manager came out of the office after an hour, and asked them to disperse. He couldn't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.
8. A woman has twins, gives them up for adoption. One goes to an Egyptian family and is named "Ahmal" The other is sent to a Spanish family and is named "Juan". Years later, Juan sends his birth mother a picture of himself. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband she wishes she also had a picture of Ahmal. He replies, "They're twins for Pete's sake!! If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahmal!!"
9. A group of friars opened a florist shop to help with their belfry payments. Everyone liked to buy flowers from the Men of God, so their business flourished. A rival florist became upset that his business was suffering because people felt compelled to buy from the Friars, so he asked the Friars to cut back hours or close down. The Friars refused. So the florist then hired Hugh McTaggert, the biggest meanest thug in town. He went to the Friars' shop, beat them up, destroyed their flowers, trashed their shop, and said that if they didn't close, he'd be back. Well, totally terrified, the Friars closed up shop and hid in their rooms. This proved that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.
10. Mahatma Gandhi, as you know, walked barefoot his whole life, which created an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him frail, and with his odd diet, he suffered from very bad breath. This made him....what? (This is so bad it's good...) --a super-callused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.
11. And finally, ...there was a person who blogged 10 puns in hopes at least one of the puns would make someone laugh. Unfortunately, no pun in ten did.
These were sent to me by the great Sandini a while back.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
THE CROSS IS OUR STATUE OF LIBERTY
Pastor Rick Jackson
In New York harbor stands a lady who weighs 225 tons, more than 45 full grown elephants. Her right arm stretches mote than 4 stories above her shoulder and her fingers are approximately 8' long. In 1986 she celebrated her 100th birthday making her 121 in 2007. Of course we are referring to one of our national treasures and symbols... the Statue of Liberty!
Almost 2000 years ago on the hill called mt. Calvary stood a cross. On that cross was a man with the weight of the sin of the world upon Him. Not just the sin of the people of His day but the sin of all men and women stretching back to Adam & Eve and stretching forward to all those yet to be born. His open arms stretch from East to West and from North to South with bands of love. His fingers point to each heart saying, "I love you, I died for you, I rose for you, I will save you if you will only trust in me." Whereas once the cross was a symbol of fear the cross has become a symbol of the life which only Jesus can provide.
These two symbols, the Statue of Liberty and the Cross of Calvary have a lot in common. Think first of all of the:
I. SYMBOLISM & SUBSTANCE
1. They speak of Friendship
Rm. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Eph. 2:15-16 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2. They speak of Freedom
Rm. 5:15, 6:18-22 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. ...Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
3. They speak of Faith
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rm. 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
II. NAMES AND NUANCES
1. "Miss Liberty"
Lk. 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised
2. "The Mother of Exiles"
Jn. 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Is. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
3. "Liberty Enlightening the World"
Jn. 1:4-5, 9-10, 8:12 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ...That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ... Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
III. INSCRIPTIONS & INVITATIONS
In 1883 a young Jewish woman wrote a poem about the Statue of Liberty called "The New Colossus" which said in part:
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Almost 2000 years ago a young Jewish prophet said,
Mt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jn. 635-40 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
WITH JESUS AS MY SAVIOUR THE CROSS IS MY STATUE OF LIBERTY!
In New York harbor stands a lady who weighs 225 tons, more than 45 full grown elephants. Her right arm stretches mote than 4 stories above her shoulder and her fingers are approximately 8' long. In 1986 she celebrated her 100th birthday making her 121 in 2007. Of course we are referring to one of our national treasures and symbols... the Statue of Liberty!
Almost 2000 years ago on the hill called mt. Calvary stood a cross. On that cross was a man with the weight of the sin of the world upon Him. Not just the sin of the people of His day but the sin of all men and women stretching back to Adam & Eve and stretching forward to all those yet to be born. His open arms stretch from East to West and from North to South with bands of love. His fingers point to each heart saying, "I love you, I died for you, I rose for you, I will save you if you will only trust in me." Whereas once the cross was a symbol of fear the cross has become a symbol of the life which only Jesus can provide.
These two symbols, the Statue of Liberty and the Cross of Calvary have a lot in common. Think first of all of the:
I. SYMBOLISM & SUBSTANCE
1. They speak of Friendship
Rm. 8:7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
Eph. 2:15-16 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:
2. They speak of Freedom
Rm. 5:15, 6:18-22 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. ...Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
Gal. 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
3. They speak of Faith
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rm. 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
II. NAMES AND NUANCES
1. "Miss Liberty"
Lk. 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised
2. "The Mother of Exiles"
Jn. 4:42 And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Is. 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
3. "Liberty Enlightening the World"
Jn. 1:4-5, 9-10, 8:12 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ...That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ... Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
III. INSCRIPTIONS & INVITATIONS
In 1883 a young Jewish woman wrote a poem about the Statue of Liberty called "The New Colossus" which said in part:
"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost, to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Almost 2000 years ago a young Jewish prophet said,
Mt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Jn. 635-40 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
WITH JESUS AS MY SAVIOUR THE CROSS IS MY STATUE OF LIBERTY!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Pictures of the week!
And you wonder why I don't post pictures of my family.
Like Mother, like Daughter!
Monday, July 02, 2007
Reasoning: how to get your daily needs met according to the Bible
Another of Sumner Wemp's excellent articles. -Rick
The manna For forty years God fed the children of Israel their "daily bread" by sending the manna daily. They just had to go pick it up, one day at a time. Suppose someone said, "I don't like having to go pick it up every day." That would have been very foolish. Suppose they stopped picking it up for several says and got real hungry. Now they would really be foolish to fuss about not having anything to eat. It was there for the taking.
Today
God said, ask me, "Give us this day our daily bread" Lk 11:3. This is the way God has said to have your "daily needs" met. "You have not because you ask not" James 4:2. Over thirty years ago, Celeste and I caught this and began praying EVERY day, "give us this day our daily bread", our daily needs. It has been staggering the difference it has made. We have not had one financial crunch or crisis all these years. We had many crunches before that. To top that we have not had to borrow to buy one thing since we began praying EVERY day, "give us THIS day our daily needs." I do not say you will never had to borrow but we have had any number who began to pray what Jesus told us to pray when He was asked by the apostles, "teach us to pray." I am just dumbfounded how the "Lord's prayer" or "Lord's prayer list" is what I call it, has been explained away. How I hope YOU catch it and begin asking EVERY day what He taught us to ask. Let me know what you think and do about it. Doesn't it make sense?
ABC sumner
"Keep on asking" is what the two parables in Luke 11:5-13 and 18:1-8 teach. Remember that and do it!
"If you didn't get all the things you wanted, you can still be grateful for all the things that you didn't get that you didn't want."
Keep checking our website www.sumnerwemp.com for new articles and to win tracts (new drawing) and books
The manna For forty years God fed the children of Israel their "daily bread" by sending the manna daily. They just had to go pick it up, one day at a time. Suppose someone said, "I don't like having to go pick it up every day." That would have been very foolish. Suppose they stopped picking it up for several says and got real hungry. Now they would really be foolish to fuss about not having anything to eat. It was there for the taking.
Today
God said, ask me, "Give us this day our daily bread" Lk 11:3. This is the way God has said to have your "daily needs" met. "You have not because you ask not" James 4:2. Over thirty years ago, Celeste and I caught this and began praying EVERY day, "give us this day our daily bread", our daily needs. It has been staggering the difference it has made. We have not had one financial crunch or crisis all these years. We had many crunches before that. To top that we have not had to borrow to buy one thing since we began praying EVERY day, "give us THIS day our daily needs." I do not say you will never had to borrow but we have had any number who began to pray what Jesus told us to pray when He was asked by the apostles, "teach us to pray." I am just dumbfounded how the "Lord's prayer" or "Lord's prayer list" is what I call it, has been explained away. How I hope YOU catch it and begin asking EVERY day what He taught us to ask. Let me know what you think and do about it. Doesn't it make sense?
ABC sumner
"Keep on asking" is what the two parables in Luke 11:5-13 and 18:1-8 teach. Remember that and do it!
"If you didn't get all the things you wanted, you can still be grateful for all the things that you didn't get that you didn't want."
Keep checking our website www.sumnerwemp.com for new articles and to win tracts (new drawing) and books
Sunday, July 01, 2007
THE BLESSING OF PRAYER
PSALM 4
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE MECHANICS OF PRAYER (sort of a "How to get your prayers answered")
1. Be active [v. 1] "Hear me when I call, O God"
Jm. 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.
God can't answer your prayers if you don't ask for anything.
I once wrote a friend, "I would have answered your letter sooner but you didn't send one."
2. Be right [v. 1] "O God of my righteousness"
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Job 33:26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
Psalm 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
II Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. Be Grateful [v. 1] "thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;"
David asked in Ps. 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
And part of the answer to that question was "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." [v. 16]
Ph. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
4. Be Humble [v. 1] "have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
James 4:5-6 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
5. Be steady [v. 2] "Leasing"=falsehood
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
II. THE MASTER OF PRAYER
1. GOD instructs [v. 3] "But know"
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
II Timothy 1:12 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.
2. GOD sanctifies [v. 3] "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself:"
Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Heb. 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb. 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
3. GOD replies [v. 3] "the LORD will hear when I call unto him. " (not a secretary... God Himself)
Jer. 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
III. THE MAINTENANCE OF PRAYER
1. Be still and let God be God [v. 4]
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
I Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
2. Serve God as you trust Him [v. 5]
Titus 3:5-8 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men
3. Pray and reap the benefits of gladness, peace and security [v. 6-8]
Is. 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE MECHANICS OF PRAYER (sort of a "How to get your prayers answered")
1. Be active [v. 1] "Hear me when I call, O God"
Jm. 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.
God can't answer your prayers if you don't ask for anything.
I once wrote a friend, "I would have answered your letter sooner but you didn't send one."
2. Be right [v. 1] "O God of my righteousness"
Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Job 33:26 He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness.
Psalm 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
II Cor. 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
3. Be Grateful [v. 1] "thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress;"
David asked in Ps. 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
And part of the answer to that question was "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD." [v. 16]
Ph. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
4. Be Humble [v. 1] "have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer."
James 4:5-6 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
5. Be steady [v. 2] "Leasing"=falsehood
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
II. THE MASTER OF PRAYER
1. GOD instructs [v. 3] "But know"
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
II Timothy 1:12 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.
2. GOD sanctifies [v. 3] "But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself:"
Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Heb. 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb. 10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
3. GOD replies [v. 3] "the LORD will hear when I call unto him. " (not a secretary... God Himself)
Jer. 33:3 Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
Psalm 34:6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
III. THE MAINTENANCE OF PRAYER
1. Be still and let God be God [v. 4]
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Ps. 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
Psalm 68:1 Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.
I Cor. 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
2. Serve God as you trust Him [v. 5]
Titus 3:5-8 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men
3. Pray and reap the benefits of gladness, peace and security [v. 6-8]
Is. 26:3-4 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
THE BLESSING OF SORROW
PSALM 27
Pastor Rick Jackson
Sorrow is a blessing from God. What? You like sorrow? I didn't say that. I said, "Sorrow is a blessing from God." I don't like it anymore than you do but I do try to recognize it for what it is. And what it is, is a blessing from God.
I. SORROW CAN HAVE VALUE
1. If it causes us to look up! [v. 1]
Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Heb. 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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.
2. If it leads us to the Book! [v. 2-3, 11]
Rm. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Think about it, the Bible starts with: "In the beginning God" and ends with "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." We're covered from start to finish.
3. If it causes us to honestly appraise what we have! [v. 10]
Phil. 2:27-28 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Sorrow can have value. It wasn't until after his wife left him taking his little girl away that Charles Weigle wrote No One Ever Cared Like Jesus -
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true. I would tell you how He changed my life completely; He did something no other friend could do.
Chorus: No one ever cared for me like Jesus; There's no other friend so kind as He. No one else could take the sin And darkness from me; O how much He cared for me.
All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me; All my heart was full of misery and woe, Jesus placed His strong arms about me And He led me in the way I ought to go.
Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance; More and more I understand His Word of Love. But I'll never know just why He came to save me, Till someday I see His blessed face above.
II. SORROW CAN IMPROVE OUR VISION
1. It can give you a goal in life [v. 4]
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...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. [Ph. 3]
2. It can help us focus on God's purpose [v. 8]
Jn. 16:5-7 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
3. It can remind us the best is yet to come [v. 5-6]
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Yes, sorrow can improve our vision.
George Matheson wrote a hymn. When asked about it he said:
My hymn was composed ...on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882, when I was 40 years of age. I was alone ...at that time. It was the night of my sister’s marriage, and the rest of the family were staying overnight in Glasgow. Something happened to me, which was known only to myself, and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. The hymn was the fruit of that suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression of having it dictated to me by some inward voice rather than of working it out myself. I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes, and equally sure that it never received at my hands any retouching or correction. I have no natural gift of rhythm. All the other verses I have ever written are manufactured articles; this came like a dayspring from on high.
What he wrote was this:
O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be.
III. SORROW CAN BE BORNE TRIUMPHANTLY!
1. Bear it with EXPECTANCY! [v. 7]
Jn 16:19-22 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
2. Bear it with KNOWLEDGE! [v. 12-13]
I Th. 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
3. Bear it with FAITH! [v. 14]
After recounting his sorrows Job triumphantly proclaims, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" [19:25-26]
Rm. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Sorrow is a blessing from God. What? You like sorrow? I didn't say that. I said, "Sorrow is a blessing from God." I don't like it anymore than you do but I do try to recognize it for what it is. And what it is, is a blessing from God.
I. SORROW CAN HAVE VALUE
1. If it causes us to look up! [v. 1]
Psalm 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
Heb. 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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.
2. If it leads us to the Book! [v. 2-3, 11]
Rm. 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Think about it, the Bible starts with: "In the beginning God" and ends with "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." We're covered from start to finish.
3. If it causes us to honestly appraise what we have! [v. 10]
Phil. 2:27-28 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.
Job 1:20-22 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.
2:9-10 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die. But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Sorrow can have value. It wasn't until after his wife left him taking his little girl away that Charles Weigle wrote No One Ever Cared Like Jesus -
I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus, Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true. I would tell you how He changed my life completely; He did something no other friend could do.
Chorus: No one ever cared for me like Jesus; There's no other friend so kind as He. No one else could take the sin And darkness from me; O how much He cared for me.
All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me; All my heart was full of misery and woe, Jesus placed His strong arms about me And He led me in the way I ought to go.
Ev'ry day He comes to me with new assurance; More and more I understand His Word of Love. But I'll never know just why He came to save me, Till someday I see His blessed face above.
II. SORROW CAN IMPROVE OUR VISION
1. It can give you a goal in life [v. 4]
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...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. [Ph. 3]
2. It can help us focus on God's purpose [v. 8]
Jn. 16:5-7 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
3. It can remind us the best is yet to come [v. 5-6]
Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Yes, sorrow can improve our vision.
George Matheson wrote a hymn. When asked about it he said:
My hymn was composed ...on the evening of the 6th of June, 1882, when I was 40 years of age. I was alone ...at that time. It was the night of my sister’s marriage, and the rest of the family were staying overnight in Glasgow. Something happened to me, which was known only to myself, and which caused me the most severe mental suffering. The hymn was the fruit of that suffering. It was the quickest bit of work I ever did in my life. I had the impression of having it dictated to me by some inward voice rather than of working it out myself. I am quite sure that the whole work was completed in five minutes, and equally sure that it never received at my hands any retouching or correction. I have no natural gift of rhythm. All the other verses I have ever written are manufactured articles; this came like a dayspring from on high.
What he wrote was this:
O Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in thee; I give thee back the life I owe, That in thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be.
O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to thee; I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.
O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; I lay in dust life’s glory dead, And from the ground there blossoms red Life that shall endless be.
III. SORROW CAN BE BORNE TRIUMPHANTLY!
1. Bear it with EXPECTANCY! [v. 7]
Jn 16:19-22 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye enquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me? Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
2. Bear it with KNOWLEDGE! [v. 12-13]
I Th. 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
3. Bear it with FAITH! [v. 14]
After recounting his sorrows Job triumphantly proclaims, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" [19:25-26]
Rm. 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
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