Pastor Rick Jackson
Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Of course this verse primarily is dealing with Israel but how much more do these principles apply to Christians. Who is like a Christian? Saved by the Lord (Rm. 10:13), our Source of shielding (Ephesians 6:16), help (Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need), and sword (Ephesians 6:17. Enemies be liars? (Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.) Taking the high places of the enemy? (Ephesians 6:10-12)
So, with all this, why aren't we happy? God doesn't fail. God doesn't lie. God's promises are true! Perhaps the truth is we have not laid hold on the truths as we ought.
Why are we not happy?
I. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH THE INSTRUCTION OF GOD
1. We don't like and accept it
Psalm 94:12 Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;
Psalm 128:1 Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.
2. We don't live according to it
Ps. 106:3 Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.
Psalm 119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.
3. We don't access and love it
Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed [is] the man [that] feareth the LORD, [that] delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
II. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH GOD HIMSELF
1. Have we put our hope and trust elsewhere?
Psalm 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Psalm 146:5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
2. Have we quit hearing Him and listened to others?
Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.
Proverbs 8:32 Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Proverbs 8:34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.
3. Have we quit walking in His ways and walk contrary to them?
Proverbs 14:21 He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 16:20 He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he.
Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 28:14 Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
III. PERHAPS IT HAS TO DO WITH GOD'S PLANS
1. Have we lost our vision?
Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
2. Have lost our patience?
Isaiah 30:18 And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.
3. Have we lost our motivation?
Isaiah 32:20 Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.
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Have we lost our minds? Deuteronomy 33:29 Happy art thou, O Israel: who is like unto thee, O people saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency! and thine enemies shall be found liars unto thee; and thou shalt tread upon their high places.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Young Men
I dedicate the blogging of this column to one of these young men of God, Pastor David Dunn. He happens to have a blog of his own at:
http://pastorddunn.blogspot.com/
Young Men
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14)
There are two commendations about the "young men" (typically applied to those under forty) that John notes. They are "strong" (vigorious, healthy, both physically and mentally) and the word of God "abides" (remains, endures) in them. These are those who have come through their believing childhood, no doubt guided and counseled by the "fathers" in their lives, who are now active in the "good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12).
Like Abraham, they are "strong in faith" (Romans 4:20), not staggering under the burden of unbelief. Like the leaders in the church at Rome, they are willing to "bear the infirmities of the weak" (Romans 15:1), and to be alert, standing "fast in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Even though they would have faced opposition from among professing Christians, they were "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1).
These are the ones who refused to handle the "word of God deceitfuly" (2 Corinthians 4:2), but gladly received it as "it is in truth, the word of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:13). They know that "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), and have taken time to store the Word in their heart (Psalm 119:11). These "young men" know that if God’s "words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).
Those attributes make possible the result: "ye have overcome the wicked one." Safe in the secure saving faith of God, guided by the great truths of the Word of God, these young men have not been "overcome of evil" but have "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). HMM III
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 22, 2008
http://pastorddunn.blogspot.com/
Young Men
"I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." (1 John 2:14)
There are two commendations about the "young men" (typically applied to those under forty) that John notes. They are "strong" (vigorious, healthy, both physically and mentally) and the word of God "abides" (remains, endures) in them. These are those who have come through their believing childhood, no doubt guided and counseled by the "fathers" in their lives, who are now active in the "good fight of faith" (1 Timothy 6:12).
Like Abraham, they are "strong in faith" (Romans 4:20), not staggering under the burden of unbelief. Like the leaders in the church at Rome, they are willing to "bear the infirmities of the weak" (Romans 15:1), and to be alert, standing "fast in the faith" (1 Corinthians 16:13). Even though they would have faced opposition from among professing Christians, they were "strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1).
These are the ones who refused to handle the "word of God deceitfuly" (2 Corinthians 4:2), but gladly received it as "it is in truth, the word of God" (1 Thessalonians 2:13). They know that "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword" (Hebrews 4:12), and have taken time to store the Word in their heart (Psalm 119:11). These "young men" know that if God’s "words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you" (John 15:7).
Those attributes make possible the result: "ye have overcome the wicked one." Safe in the secure saving faith of God, guided by the great truths of the Word of God, these young men have not been "overcome of evil" but have "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21). HMM III
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
"The most important Mentor, I have given, please read it, if nothing else!"
From: SWemp@aol.com
Sent:Mon 4/21/08 11:20 PM
Learn to learn! We are never to old to learn something. While attending Dallas theological Semnary one thing I learned was that every word in the Bible was there on purpose, put there by God! The last thing Jesus said before leaving was to "Preach the Gospel (every word of it) to every person" Mk 16:15.
I declare unto you the gospel:
1. Christ died for our sins,
2. He was buried,
3. He rose again,
4. and was seen by hundreds."
That is the full gospel, not another gospel (Gal 1:6) for if you do [preach another gospel], God says, "Let him be accursed" (Gal 1:8-9). That is strong language. Paul said, and I join him, "I am set for the defence of the gospel" (Phil 1:16).
Look what can happen when we do preach the full gospel. One of you wrote me.
Dr. Wemp, Wednesday nights I teach through the Book of Exodus. At the end of teaching, I always give an invitation by presenting the Gospel. Well, honestly I had not been sharing that 4 th point how that He was seen, etc. I did that this week and we had 3 salvation decisions. When I presented the Gospel with all 4 points, I couldn't believe it...they raised their hands and then got up and came forward so altar workers could work with them. WOW! Thank you so much, Pastor
Way to often there are two facts left out that I feel are vital.
1. Christ died for our sins.Listen carefully and you will hear, Christ died on the cross. So did those two thieves die on a cross. That is not the gospel. O you will hear, "Christ died for us" those military people are dying for us. That is not the gospel. The problem is we have all sinned, and the wages of sins is death. The good news is Christ died for our sins, paid our debt in full.
2. He was buried" proof He was dead.
3. He rose again and is alive forever more to be our Savior.
4. "He was seen by hundreds" This is hardly every mentioned and yet before Peter could preach at Pentecost they had to elect another one to take Judas place, (read Acts 1:3, :22, 25) and be a witness that He is alive and was seen by hundreds. No other "savior" was seen alive after he once died. Look up how many times it says "He was seen" . Read 1 Cor 15:5-8. It will surprise you and may wake you up to preach the full gospel and see more saved.
Remember, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16). It is not "cheap believism" it believing what God told us to preach and so many do not do it or preach only part. God’s gift of salvation did not come cheap. The Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins and it is what people need to know, "understand" and believe, trust, to get them to heaven. Selah.
ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com read the illustration, I am sure you will use it very soon, every day when I give someone "Your ticket to Heaven" at least one person will say, "I need that" One did today and I always say "we all do, read it and do what it says from your heart at the end. Call 1-877-872-2871, ask for "sales" to order them. I get NOTHING
Preach the true gospel, all four points, how that
1. Christ died for our sins
2. He was buried
3. He rose again
4. He was seen by hundreds.
This full gospel is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe this gospel will save and prays to receive the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior. Please do it now and write us about it.
All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp.
Call 1-877-872-2871 to order my tract "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Sent:Mon 4/21/08 11:20 PM
Learn to learn! We are never to old to learn something. While attending Dallas theological Semnary one thing I learned was that every word in the Bible was there on purpose, put there by God! The last thing Jesus said before leaving was to "Preach the Gospel (every word of it) to every person" Mk 16:15.
I declare unto you the gospel:
1. Christ died for our sins,
2. He was buried,
3. He rose again,
4. and was seen by hundreds."
That is the full gospel, not another gospel (Gal 1:6) for if you do [preach another gospel], God says, "Let him be accursed" (Gal 1:8-9). That is strong language. Paul said, and I join him, "I am set for the defence of the gospel" (Phil 1:16).
Look what can happen when we do preach the full gospel. One of you wrote me.
Dr. Wemp, Wednesday nights I teach through the Book of Exodus. At the end of teaching, I always give an invitation by presenting the Gospel. Well, honestly I had not been sharing that 4 th point how that He was seen, etc. I did that this week and we had 3 salvation decisions. When I presented the Gospel with all 4 points, I couldn't believe it...they raised their hands and then got up and came forward so altar workers could work with them. WOW! Thank you so much, Pastor
Way to often there are two facts left out that I feel are vital.
1. Christ died for our sins.Listen carefully and you will hear, Christ died on the cross. So did those two thieves die on a cross. That is not the gospel. O you will hear, "Christ died for us" those military people are dying for us. That is not the gospel. The problem is we have all sinned, and the wages of sins is death. The good news is Christ died for our sins, paid our debt in full.
2. He was buried" proof He was dead.
3. He rose again and is alive forever more to be our Savior.
4. "He was seen by hundreds" This is hardly every mentioned and yet before Peter could preach at Pentecost they had to elect another one to take Judas place, (read Acts 1:3, :22, 25) and be a witness that He is alive and was seen by hundreds. No other "savior" was seen alive after he once died. Look up how many times it says "He was seen" . Read 1 Cor 15:5-8. It will surprise you and may wake you up to preach the full gospel and see more saved.
Remember, "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16). It is not "cheap believism" it believing what God told us to preach and so many do not do it or preach only part. God’s gift of salvation did not come cheap. The Lord Jesus suffered and died for our sins and it is what people need to know, "understand" and believe, trust, to get them to heaven. Selah.
ABC Sumner
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com read the illustration, I am sure you will use it very soon, every day when I give someone "Your ticket to Heaven" at least one person will say, "I need that" One did today and I always say "we all do, read it and do what it says from your heart at the end. Call 1-877-872-2871, ask for "sales" to order them. I get NOTHING
Preach the true gospel, all four points, how that
1. Christ died for our sins
2. He was buried
3. He rose again
4. He was seen by hundreds.
This full gospel is the power of God unto salvation to those who believe this gospel will save and prays to receive the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior. Please do it now and write us about it.
All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp.
Call 1-877-872-2871 to order my tract "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Sunday, April 20, 2008
WHEN DEATH STRIKES THRICE
Genesis 35
Pastor Rick Jackson
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Billions and perhaps trillions are spent each year to try and cheat, avoid, or delay death but to no avail. Death comes. Romans 5:12 declares- Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
None but One has beaten death and beaten it thoroughly and that One is the Lord Jesus Christ. He died in our place but death and the grave couldn't hold Him. 3 days later He rose triumphantly from the dead, never to die again. And... and He offers to everyone who will commit their soul to Him the same victory! [Romans 5:15] 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.
He takes the sting out of death by removing the cause. Sin is the cause as we have seen and to those who will receive Him the Lord Jesus takes their sin and gives them His righteousness as a free gift! [Romans 5:19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Israel was a man that put his trust in God. In Genesis 35 he faces death not once but three times but he does so with faith in God, may we face the inevitable with as much grace.
I. DEATH AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD [v. 1-15]
1. The Blessing of Genuine Preparation [v. 1-7]
2. The Blessing of Good People [v. 8]
Allon-bachuth means "oak of weeping"
3. The Blessing of God's Presence [v. 9-15]
II. DEATH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD [v. 16-20]
1. God Promised Sin Would Bring Sorrow [v. 16, Gen. 3:16a]
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children;
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
2. God Promised Sin Would Bring Death [v. 17-18a, Gen. 2:17]
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Matthew 2:17-18 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
3. God Promised a Saviour Would Bring Victory [v. 18b-20, Gen. 3:15]
(God told Satan in Adam & Eve's presence) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
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.
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
III. DEATH AND THE PURPOSE OF GOD [v. 21-29]
1. Sin Cannot Ruin the Purpose of God [v. 21-26, 49:3-4, 9-11]
2. Death Cannot Ruin the Purpose of God [v. 27-29a, Luke 16:22]
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also ° died, and was buried;
3. Time Cannot Ruin the Purposeof God [v. 29b]
Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Pastor Rick Jackson
1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
Billions and perhaps trillions are spent each year to try and cheat, avoid, or delay death but to no avail. Death comes. Romans 5:12 declares- Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
None but One has beaten death and beaten it thoroughly and that One is the Lord Jesus Christ. He died in our place but death and the grave couldn't hold Him. 3 days later He rose triumphantly from the dead, never to die again. And... and He offers to everyone who will commit their soul to Him the same victory! [Romans 5:15] 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.
He takes the sting out of death by removing the cause. Sin is the cause as we have seen and to those who will receive Him the Lord Jesus takes their sin and gives them His righteousness as a free gift! [Romans 5:19] For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
Israel was a man that put his trust in God. In Genesis 35 he faces death not once but three times but he does so with faith in God, may we face the inevitable with as much grace.
I. DEATH AND THE PRESENCE OF GOD [v. 1-15]
1. The Blessing of Genuine Preparation [v. 1-7]
2. The Blessing of Good People [v. 8]
Allon-bachuth means "oak of weeping"
3. The Blessing of God's Presence [v. 9-15]
II. DEATH AND THE PROMISES OF GOD [v. 16-20]
1. God Promised Sin Would Bring Sorrow [v. 16, Gen. 3:16a]
Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children;
Jeremiah 31:15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.
2. God Promised Sin Would Bring Death [v. 17-18a, Gen. 2:17]
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Matthew 2:17-18 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
3. God Promised a Saviour Would Bring Victory [v. 18b-20, Gen. 3:15]
(God told Satan in Adam & Eve's presence) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
Genesis 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
Galatians 3:16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Genesis 22:8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.
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.
Mark 14:62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.
Mark 16:19 So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Acts 7:55-56 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Hebrews 8:1 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
Hebrews 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
1 Peter 3:22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
III. DEATH AND THE PURPOSE OF GOD [v. 21-29]
1. Sin Cannot Ruin the Purpose of God [v. 21-26, 49:3-4, 9-11]
2. Death Cannot Ruin the Purpose of God [v. 27-29a, Luke 16:22]
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also ° died, and was buried;
3. Time Cannot Ruin the Purposeof God [v. 29b]
Matthew 1:2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren;
Matthew 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 22:32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Where did morality come from?
Morality is a very difficult problem for the evolutionary worldview. This isn’t to say that evolutionists are somehow less moral than anyone else. Most of them adhere to a code of behavior. Like the biblical creationist, they do believe in the concepts of right and wrong. The problem is that evolutionists have no logical reason to believe in right and wrong within their own worldview. Right and wrong are Christian concepts which go back to Genesis. By attempting to be moral, therefore, the evolutionist is being irrational; for he must borrow biblical concepts which are contrary to his worldview.
The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3). All things belong to God (Psalm 24:1) and thus, God has the right to make the rules. So, an absolute moral code makes sense in a biblical creation worldview. But if the Bible were not true, if human beings were merely the outworking of millions of years of mindless chemical processes, then why should we hold to a universal code of behavior? Could there really be such concepts as right and wrong if evolution were true?
Some might respond, “Well, I believe in right and wrong, and I also believe in evolution; so, obviously they can go together.” But this does not follow. People can be irrational; they can profess to believe in things that are contrary to each other. The question is not about what people believe to be the case, but rather what actually is the case. Can the concepts of right and wrong really be meaningful apart from the biblical God? To put it another way, is morality justified in an evolutionary worldview?
Read the rest of this article on our website: Evolution and the Challenge of Morality
News to Note Quick Look
48 million years in six weeks: Regular News to Note readers may remember that it was only six weeks ago that old-earth-believing scientists reported the Grand Canyon’s age at not 6 million years old (the previous view), but rather 17 millions years old. And now, in the short span of six weeks, the canyon has gained another 48 million years! Read more.
We can’t help it: A recent experiment set out to determine whether we subconsciously make our choices before we consciously make them—that is, whether when our conscious mind makes decisions, it merely reflects subconscious decision-making beyond our control. But is there more bluster than facts? Read more.
Also: a milestone release, a talking Neanderthal, a tree older than the earth, and dusty DNA. Read more.
New online book
Every Thursday, AiG publishes a new chapter from a free online book. In the past, we’ve featured such books as The New Answers Book, Evolution Exposed, War of the Worldviews, and Taking Back Astronomy. If you missed any of our free online books, you can review them all on our Online Resources page.
This week we are excited to announce the serial publication of Ken Ham’s How Could a Loving God . . . ? This book provides solid, biblical, clear, and comforting answers to some of life’s greatest questions. With sensitivity to the person whose perception of God has been calloused by tragedy, Ken makes clear the hope-giving answers found in the pages of Scripture.
Read the first chapter and learn more: How Could a Loving God . . . ?
The Bible teaches that God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1; John 1:3). All things belong to God (Psalm 24:1) and thus, God has the right to make the rules. So, an absolute moral code makes sense in a biblical creation worldview. But if the Bible were not true, if human beings were merely the outworking of millions of years of mindless chemical processes, then why should we hold to a universal code of behavior? Could there really be such concepts as right and wrong if evolution were true?
Some might respond, “Well, I believe in right and wrong, and I also believe in evolution; so, obviously they can go together.” But this does not follow. People can be irrational; they can profess to believe in things that are contrary to each other. The question is not about what people believe to be the case, but rather what actually is the case. Can the concepts of right and wrong really be meaningful apart from the biblical God? To put it another way, is morality justified in an evolutionary worldview?
Read the rest of this article on our website: Evolution and the Challenge of Morality
News to Note Quick Look
48 million years in six weeks: Regular News to Note readers may remember that it was only six weeks ago that old-earth-believing scientists reported the Grand Canyon’s age at not 6 million years old (the previous view), but rather 17 millions years old. And now, in the short span of six weeks, the canyon has gained another 48 million years! Read more.
We can’t help it: A recent experiment set out to determine whether we subconsciously make our choices before we consciously make them—that is, whether when our conscious mind makes decisions, it merely reflects subconscious decision-making beyond our control. But is there more bluster than facts? Read more.
Also: a milestone release, a talking Neanderthal, a tree older than the earth, and dusty DNA. Read more.
New online book
Every Thursday, AiG publishes a new chapter from a free online book. In the past, we’ve featured such books as The New Answers Book, Evolution Exposed, War of the Worldviews, and Taking Back Astronomy. If you missed any of our free online books, you can review them all on our Online Resources page.
This week we are excited to announce the serial publication of Ken Ham’s How Could a Loving God . . . ? This book provides solid, biblical, clear, and comforting answers to some of life’s greatest questions. With sensitivity to the person whose perception of God has been calloused by tragedy, Ken makes clear the hope-giving answers found in the pages of Scripture.
Read the first chapter and learn more: How Could a Loving God . . . ?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Rejoicing Greatly
"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations." (1 Peter 1:6)
Our lives today are continually badgered by various trials, or "manifold temptations." The trials are to bring about a pure and effective faith, pleasing to God. But the apostle Peter is not referring to trials or their results when he declares: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice." On the contrary, he is summing up a list of blessings given in the preceding three verses. As we delineate them, let us rejoice as well.
"His abundant mercy" (v. 3). Mercy implies a compassionate act on one who is in desperate need. In context, God's mercy was granted to us in salvation when there was nothing we could do to save ourselves.
"Begotten us again" (v. 3). We have been born again! We are now His children, born into His family. We now have spiritual life--eternal life.
"A lively hope" (v. 3)--not just a living hope--it is much more than that. We have a hope that is actively, vibrantly alive. This "lively" state was accomplished in and through the bodily "resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Our eventual, eternal resurrection is thus assured.
"An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (v. 4). This inheritance could not be more secure or more glorious.
"Kept by the power of God" (v. 5). The protection of God extends far beyond the inheritance; it encompasses the individual heir also--the one who has tasted of His mercy "through faith unto salvation."
"To be revealed in the last time" (v. 5). Though the saved are now freed from the penalty and power of sin, there will be a final deliverance from the presence of sin. Indeed, there is much about which to "greatly rejoice." JDM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 17, 2008
Our lives today are continually badgered by various trials, or "manifold temptations." The trials are to bring about a pure and effective faith, pleasing to God. But the apostle Peter is not referring to trials or their results when he declares: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice." On the contrary, he is summing up a list of blessings given in the preceding three verses. As we delineate them, let us rejoice as well.
"His abundant mercy" (v. 3). Mercy implies a compassionate act on one who is in desperate need. In context, God's mercy was granted to us in salvation when there was nothing we could do to save ourselves.
"Begotten us again" (v. 3). We have been born again! We are now His children, born into His family. We now have spiritual life--eternal life.
"A lively hope" (v. 3)--not just a living hope--it is much more than that. We have a hope that is actively, vibrantly alive. This "lively" state was accomplished in and through the bodily "resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Our eventual, eternal resurrection is thus assured.
"An inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (v. 4). This inheritance could not be more secure or more glorious.
"Kept by the power of God" (v. 5). The protection of God extends far beyond the inheritance; it encompasses the individual heir also--the one who has tasted of His mercy "through faith unto salvation."
"To be revealed in the last time" (v. 5). Though the saved are now freed from the penalty and power of sin, there will be a final deliverance from the presence of sin. Indeed, there is much about which to "greatly rejoice." JDM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 17, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
LIVING THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED MAN (Pt. 3)
Pastor Rick Jackson
For several weeks we have been talking about the blessed man. We saw in Ps. 1 the blessed man gets a charge out of life. In Mt. 5 we saw the blessed man gets the most out of life. Here we find the basics to LIVING THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED MAN. We will find that the lessons are repetitive to some degree but the emphasis is slightly different.
To live the life of the blessed man you must be:
I. A SAVED, SECURE MAN
1. The blessed man has placed his trust in Christ [Ps. 2:12]
2. The blessed man has perpetual forgiveness [Ps. 32:1]
3. The blessed man has permanent righteousness [Ps. 32:2]
II. A SANCTIFIED, SETTLED MAN
1. The blessed man continues to trust Christ [Ps. 34:8-9]
2. The blessed man continues to follow Christ [Ps. 40:4-11]
Thomas A Kempis wrote a book called "The Imitation of Christ", the songwriter expressed it, "Oh to be like thee", Peter simply said, (1 Peter 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
3. The blessed man continues to exhibit Christ [Ps. 40:1-4]
III. A SPIRITUAL, SURRENDERED MAN
1. The blessed man responds to God's call [Ps. 65:1-5]
2. The blessed man relies on God's care [Ps. 84]
3. The blessed man rejoices in God's character [Ps. 89:5-18]
For several weeks we have been talking about the blessed man. We saw in Ps. 1 the blessed man gets a charge out of life. In Mt. 5 we saw the blessed man gets the most out of life. Here we find the basics to LIVING THE LIFE OF THE BLESSED MAN. We will find that the lessons are repetitive to some degree but the emphasis is slightly different.
To live the life of the blessed man you must be:
I. A SAVED, SECURE MAN
1. The blessed man has placed his trust in Christ [Ps. 2:12]
2. The blessed man has perpetual forgiveness [Ps. 32:1]
3. The blessed man has permanent righteousness [Ps. 32:2]
II. A SANCTIFIED, SETTLED MAN
1. The blessed man continues to trust Christ [Ps. 34:8-9]
2. The blessed man continues to follow Christ [Ps. 40:4-11]
Thomas A Kempis wrote a book called "The Imitation of Christ", the songwriter expressed it, "Oh to be like thee", Peter simply said, (1 Peter 2:21) For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
3. The blessed man continues to exhibit Christ [Ps. 40:1-4]
III. A SPIRITUAL, SURRENDERED MAN
1. The blessed man responds to God's call [Ps. 65:1-5]
2. The blessed man relies on God's care [Ps. 84]
3. The blessed man rejoices in God's character [Ps. 89:5-18]
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
NAILS IN THE FENCE
I had heard a different version of this some 20 years ago. Michelle sent me this one. I like it too.
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us."
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.
The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.
Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.
Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.
The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us."
Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Things Not to Say to a Cop When You're Pulled Over...
My future son-in-law, a future Cop, sent me this one... Thanks Kev!
I only had one officer Mr. Keg..
Back off Barney, I've got a piece.
Want to race to the station, Sparky?
I'm surprised you stopped me, Dunkin Donuts has a 3 for 1 special!
Hey, you must've been doing' about 125mph (200km/h) to keep up with me! Good job!
Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a Police Officer.
You know, I was going to be cop, but I decided to finish high school instead.
"Bad Cop! No Donut!"
I was trying to keep up with traffic.
You're NOT gonna check the trunk, are you?
Didn't I see you get beat up on "COPS" last week on TV?
I bet I could grab that gun before you finish writing my ticket
So, uh, you "on the take", or what?
That's terrific. The police officer yesterday only gave me a warning too!
Do you know why you pulled me over? Good, at least one of us does.
Hey is that a 9 mm? That's nothing compared to this .44 magnum.
Aren't you one of the Village People?
I only had one officer Mr. Keg..
Back off Barney, I've got a piece.
Want to race to the station, Sparky?
I'm surprised you stopped me, Dunkin Donuts has a 3 for 1 special!
Hey, you must've been doing' about 125mph (200km/h) to keep up with me! Good job!
Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.
I thought you had to be in relatively good physical condition to be a Police Officer.
You know, I was going to be cop, but I decided to finish high school instead.
"Bad Cop! No Donut!"
I was trying to keep up with traffic.
You're NOT gonna check the trunk, are you?
Didn't I see you get beat up on "COPS" last week on TV?
I bet I could grab that gun before you finish writing my ticket
So, uh, you "on the take", or what?
That's terrific. The police officer yesterday only gave me a warning too!
Do you know why you pulled me over? Good, at least one of us does.
Hey is that a 9 mm? That's nothing compared to this .44 magnum.
Aren't you one of the Village People?
Sunday, April 13, 2008
THE CURE OF REVIVAL
GENESIS 34:1-35:15
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY OF THE WORLD [34:1-12]
1. The World Is Seductive [v. 1-2]
2. The World Is Blind [v. 3-7]
3. The World is Warped [v. 8-12]
II. THE WAY OF THE FLESH [34:13-31]
1. The Way of the Flesh is Deceptive [v. 13-17]
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it
2. The Way of the Flesh is Greedy [v. 18-24]
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
3. The Way of the Flesh is Destructive [v. 25-31]
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
III. THE WAY OF REVIVAL [34:30-35:15]
1. There Must Be A Recognition & Forsaking of Sin [34:30-35:2]
1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. There Must Be A Recognition & Turning Toward God [35:3-7]
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
3. There Must Be An Answer from Heaven [35:8-15]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY OF THE WORLD [34:1-12]
1. The World Is Seductive [v. 1-2]
2. The World Is Blind [v. 3-7]
3. The World is Warped [v. 8-12]
II. THE WAY OF THE FLESH [34:13-31]
1. The Way of the Flesh is Deceptive [v. 13-17]
Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it
2. The Way of the Flesh is Greedy [v. 18-24]
Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
3. The Way of the Flesh is Destructive [v. 25-31]
Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Galatians 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
III. THE WAY OF REVIVAL [34:30-35:15]
1. There Must Be A Recognition & Forsaking of Sin [34:30-35:2]
1 John 1:8-9 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. There Must Be A Recognition & Turning Toward God [35:3-7]
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
3. There Must Be An Answer from Heaven [35:8-15]
FOR THIS I HAVE JESUS
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Many years ago in a small church in Ireland a message was given in which the minister said that Jesus' words "Abide in me, and I in you," mean to simply say in every circumstance, "For this I Have Jesus," and Jesus will say," For This You Have Me."
While he was speaking, a telegram was delivered to the young pianist. It read: "Mother very ill, take first train home."
At the conclusion of the message she shared the telegram with us,and she added: "I have never traveled alone, but, ' For This I Have Jesus. I must take a midnight train, but, 'For This I Have Jesus.'I must cross the channel and make connections on the other side, but, 'For This I Have Jesus.' Then I take a long train trip to the south of England, but 'For This,' and all the suspense along the way, 'I Have Jesus'." As she spoke these words, we saw the Light of Heaven upon her face.
Several weeks later a letter came from her which was a song of praise. She wrote, "As I traveled that long sorrowful journey, I continued to say, 'For This I have Jesus,' and He answered, 'For This You Have Me.'
"As I reached home my sister fell sobbing on my shoulder saying, 'Oh, if you had come ten minutes sooner you would have seen Mother who so longed to see you.' Instantly I looked up and said, 'For This I Have Jesus,' and He came between me and my sorrow, and vain regrets had no power over me. We had never had a death or funeral in our family, and they all depended on my for every decision. Acknowledging my ignorance I said softly, 'For This I Have Jesus', and He gave me His wisdom for every detail. There was also His perfect peace for all legal matters that needed attention.
"Now life has become joyous and victorious as in every circumstance I continued to say, 'For This I Have Jesus'.
Consider Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, beaten without cause, placed in the stocks, cruelly treated without a trial. Is there any doubt they said in effect, "For this I have Jesus,' and He said, "For this you have Me." And at midnight --- they sang praises.
Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they refused to bow to an image even though a death sentence hung over them like Damocles sword. Did they not say. "For this we have Jesus" and did not He reply "For this you have Me"? When the king looked in the burning fiery furnace He saw four men, and the fourth, he said, "is like the Son of God."
Consider David as he faced the opposition of his brother, of the king, of Goliath himself. We know what he thought because the Scriptures tell us what he told that big galoot! He basically said, You come to me with sword and spear but for this I have Jesus! And Jesus replied in deed and er know what David knew, "For this you have Me."
Consider Stephen as the angry mob gnashed on him with their teeth after he preached unto them Jesus, he must have thought, "For this I have Jesus", and Jesus allowed Stephen to see Him standing on the right hand of God, was Jesus not saying in effect, "For This you have Me!"?
Consider John on the Isle of Patmos. All of his fellow disciples have died for the faith. Lonely, he stares out to sea but wait, it's the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. John must have thought many time, "For this I have Jesus" and the answer must have come back to him, as surely as the waves breaking on the island, "For this you have Me." On this Lord's day he is in the spirit and the Lord Jesus appears to him and gives him a great revelation. It's not the revelation of St. John the Divine but rather it is
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Consider... yourself
1. SALVATION - When you come to the realization that you are a poor lost sinner, knowing because of your sin you deserve to go to a devil's Hell -consider this. Jesus, God in the flesh, left Heaven's glory to be born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, He died a substitutionary death on your behalf on an old rugged cross. He was buried but three days later He rose from the dead in victory proving He was Who He said He was and that He had accomplished what He came to do. Receive Him as your Saviour. Then you can say with every blood washed, Heaven-bound believer, For This I Have Jesus!
2. SANCTIFICATION - How can God use me, a sinner saved by grace? Say dear friend, "For this I have Jesus" and He will reply "For this you have Me!" 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and, sanctification, and redemption:
3. SORROW - Here we are with heart breaking, how can we face the future, the world, the day at hand. Look up and say, "For this I have Jesus" and He will reply "For this you have Me!"
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
4. SITUATIONS UNKNOWN - "Pastor, you don't know the future." No, but I know Who does! "But you can't begin to know my situation." No, but I know who does.
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. What do you suppose the Psalmist was saying in effect?
"... What is the circumstance in you life today that is beyond your control? Is it sorrow, sickness, suffering, fear,unsaved relatives, disappointment, discouragement, guidance, finances, misunderstanding, or another trial? You, also, can look into His face and say, "For This I Have Jesus," and He will say, "For This you have Me."
Luke 12:27, 28 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Heb. 13:5-8 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Story in italics taken from a tract published by the Gospel Tract Society, Inc.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Many years ago in a small church in Ireland a message was given in which the minister said that Jesus' words "Abide in me, and I in you," mean to simply say in every circumstance, "For this I Have Jesus," and Jesus will say," For This You Have Me."
While he was speaking, a telegram was delivered to the young pianist. It read: "Mother very ill, take first train home."
At the conclusion of the message she shared the telegram with us,and she added: "I have never traveled alone, but, ' For This I Have Jesus. I must take a midnight train, but, 'For This I Have Jesus.'I must cross the channel and make connections on the other side, but, 'For This I Have Jesus.' Then I take a long train trip to the south of England, but 'For This,' and all the suspense along the way, 'I Have Jesus'." As she spoke these words, we saw the Light of Heaven upon her face.
Several weeks later a letter came from her which was a song of praise. She wrote, "As I traveled that long sorrowful journey, I continued to say, 'For This I have Jesus,' and He answered, 'For This You Have Me.'
"As I reached home my sister fell sobbing on my shoulder saying, 'Oh, if you had come ten minutes sooner you would have seen Mother who so longed to see you.' Instantly I looked up and said, 'For This I Have Jesus,' and He came between me and my sorrow, and vain regrets had no power over me. We had never had a death or funeral in our family, and they all depended on my for every decision. Acknowledging my ignorance I said softly, 'For This I Have Jesus', and He gave me His wisdom for every detail. There was also His perfect peace for all legal matters that needed attention.
"Now life has become joyous and victorious as in every circumstance I continued to say, 'For This I Have Jesus'.
Consider Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail, beaten without cause, placed in the stocks, cruelly treated without a trial. Is there any doubt they said in effect, "For this I have Jesus,' and He said, "For this you have Me." And at midnight --- they sang praises.
Consider Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as they refused to bow to an image even though a death sentence hung over them like Damocles sword. Did they not say. "For this we have Jesus" and did not He reply "For this you have Me"? When the king looked in the burning fiery furnace He saw four men, and the fourth, he said, "is like the Son of God."
Consider David as he faced the opposition of his brother, of the king, of Goliath himself. We know what he thought because the Scriptures tell us what he told that big galoot! He basically said, You come to me with sword and spear but for this I have Jesus! And Jesus replied in deed and er know what David knew, "For this you have Me."
Consider Stephen as the angry mob gnashed on him with their teeth after he preached unto them Jesus, he must have thought, "For this I have Jesus", and Jesus allowed Stephen to see Him standing on the right hand of God, was Jesus not saying in effect, "For This you have Me!"?
Consider John on the Isle of Patmos. All of his fellow disciples have died for the faith. Lonely, he stares out to sea but wait, it's the Lord's day, the weekly commemoration of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. John must have thought many time, "For this I have Jesus" and the answer must have come back to him, as surely as the waves breaking on the island, "For this you have Me." On this Lord's day he is in the spirit and the Lord Jesus appears to him and gives him a great revelation. It's not the revelation of St. John the Divine but rather it is
The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
Consider... yourself
1. SALVATION - When you come to the realization that you are a poor lost sinner, knowing because of your sin you deserve to go to a devil's Hell -consider this. Jesus, God in the flesh, left Heaven's glory to be born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, He died a substitutionary death on your behalf on an old rugged cross. He was buried but three days later He rose from the dead in victory proving He was Who He said He was and that He had accomplished what He came to do. Receive Him as your Saviour. Then you can say with every blood washed, Heaven-bound believer, For This I Have Jesus!
2. SANCTIFICATION - How can God use me, a sinner saved by grace? Say dear friend, "For this I have Jesus" and He will reply "For this you have Me!" 1 Corinthians 1:30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and, sanctification, and redemption:
3. SORROW - Here we are with heart breaking, how can we face the future, the world, the day at hand. Look up and say, "For this I have Jesus" and He will reply "For this you have Me!"
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 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. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
4. SITUATIONS UNKNOWN - "Pastor, you don't know the future." No, but I know Who does! "But you can't begin to know my situation." No, but I know who does.
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. What do you suppose the Psalmist was saying in effect?
"... What is the circumstance in you life today that is beyond your control? Is it sorrow, sickness, suffering, fear,unsaved relatives, disappointment, discouragement, guidance, finances, misunderstanding, or another trial? You, also, can look into His face and say, "For This I Have Jesus," and He will say, "For This you have Me."
Luke 12:27, 28 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
Heb. 13:5-8 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Story in italics taken from a tract published by the Gospel Tract Society, Inc.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Will humans destroy the earth?
It’s certainly true that scientists have developed all sorts of deadly weapons that could wreak havoc on this earth. However, there’s something we should always keep in mind. No matter what man tries to do—God is in total control.
The Bible tells us that the earth will be destroyed one day. In 2 Peter 3:10–13, we read that there’s a fiery judgment to come when the elements will melt with fervent heat and there will be a great noise. But this isn’t a description of man destroying himself with nuclear weapons—this is a description of the final judgment by God on this planet.
Just as God judged the wickedness of man in the days of Noah with a global judgment of water and at the Tower of Babel with confusion, so too He’ll judge again—but next time by fire!
Because so many people have rejected the truth of God’s Word and the fact of Creation, they are more fearful of what man can do and about gloomy predictions of the future. Instead, they should be fearing the coming judgment of our Creator and Redeemer—the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
For more information, see Theistic Evolution and the Future of Humans.
News to Note Quick Look
Shock treatment: Might a new scientific find be so “shocking” to scientists because it goes against the predictions of evolutionary history? Read more.
A leg up: It sounds like an oddity to some: a fossilized snake found in Lebanon with two hind limbs. For others, the serpent of Genesis 3—cursed to walk on its belly—comes to mind. So what does this leggy snake have to do with Genesis and evolution? Read more.
Also: attack of the amino acids from outer space, a lungless frog, and more evidence of dispersion. Read more.
New media section debuts
The popular Answers Media section of our website has undergone a major revision. Not only is the new page more visually appealing; it is also—more importantly—easier to use and filled with more powerful features! Visit the new and improved Answers Media right now, and stay for a while—even share some of the Bible-affirming, audiovisual content with your friends and family.
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.
The Bible tells us that the earth will be destroyed one day. In 2 Peter 3:10–13, we read that there’s a fiery judgment to come when the elements will melt with fervent heat and there will be a great noise. But this isn’t a description of man destroying himself with nuclear weapons—this is a description of the final judgment by God on this planet.
Just as God judged the wickedness of man in the days of Noah with a global judgment of water and at the Tower of Babel with confusion, so too He’ll judge again—but next time by fire!
Because so many people have rejected the truth of God’s Word and the fact of Creation, they are more fearful of what man can do and about gloomy predictions of the future. Instead, they should be fearing the coming judgment of our Creator and Redeemer—the risen Lord Jesus Christ.
For more information, see Theistic Evolution and the Future of Humans.
News to Note Quick Look
Shock treatment: Might a new scientific find be so “shocking” to scientists because it goes against the predictions of evolutionary history? Read more.
A leg up: It sounds like an oddity to some: a fossilized snake found in Lebanon with two hind limbs. For others, the serpent of Genesis 3—cursed to walk on its belly—comes to mind. So what does this leggy snake have to do with Genesis and evolution? Read more.
Also: attack of the amino acids from outer space, a lungless frog, and more evidence of dispersion. Read more.
New media section debuts
The popular Answers Media section of our website has undergone a major revision. Not only is the new page more visually appealing; it is also—more importantly—easier to use and filled with more powerful features! Visit the new and improved Answers Media right now, and stay for a while—even share some of the Bible-affirming, audiovisual content with your friends and family.
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, April 11, 2008
Things to Flee
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22)
There are times to stand and there are times to flee. There are some things so fearful and deadly that it is foolish to try to face them at all. The only rational course, when confronted by them, is to flee!
The most obvious of all such enemies is the wrath of God, for His judgment is terrible and eternal. Therefore, His message to all unsaved men and women is to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7--the first occurrence of "flee" in the New Testament) by receiving Christ as Savior.
It is wise to refrain from all kinds of sin, but certain sins have such deadly consequences, even in this present life, that the Scriptures warn us to flee from them. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things" (1 Timothy 6:11). In context, the Apostle Paul is here warning against "the love of money" and those who suppose "that gain is godliness." Those who desire to be rich, he says, "fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Timothy 6:10, 5, 9). Therefore, flee from this temptation!
He also warns us to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14)--that is, from worshipping and serving any part of the creation "more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). This warning is especially appropriate today when there is such a wide resurgence of evolutionary pantheism.
Also, we must "flee fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:18). This is a deadly danger to the Christian in this day of amorality. Finally, as our text says, young believers (and old believers need this admonition, too!) should "flee also youthful lusts," if we are to be able to "call on the Lord out of a pure heart." HMM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 11, 2008
There are times to stand and there are times to flee. There are some things so fearful and deadly that it is foolish to try to face them at all. The only rational course, when confronted by them, is to flee!
The most obvious of all such enemies is the wrath of God, for His judgment is terrible and eternal. Therefore, His message to all unsaved men and women is to "flee from the wrath to come" (Matthew 3:7--the first occurrence of "flee" in the New Testament) by receiving Christ as Savior.
It is wise to refrain from all kinds of sin, but certain sins have such deadly consequences, even in this present life, that the Scriptures warn us to flee from them. "But thou, O man of God, flee these things" (1 Timothy 6:11). In context, the Apostle Paul is here warning against "the love of money" and those who suppose "that gain is godliness." Those who desire to be rich, he says, "fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition" (1 Timothy 6:10, 5, 9). Therefore, flee from this temptation!
He also warns us to "flee from idolatry" (1 Corinthians 10:14)--that is, from worshipping and serving any part of the creation "more than the Creator" (Romans 1:25). This warning is especially appropriate today when there is such a wide resurgence of evolutionary pantheism.
Also, we must "flee fornication" (1 Corinthians 6:18). This is a deadly danger to the Christian in this day of amorality. Finally, as our text says, young believers (and old believers need this admonition, too!) should "flee also youthful lusts," if we are to be able to "call on the Lord out of a pure heart." HMM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
ANONYMOUS COMMENTS & CRITICISMS
Someone has already wanted to post a comment because of one of the quotes of the week today. They took offense at me quoting Evangelist Lester Roloff on education. I rejected their comment but would like to explain why. Since this is my blog, when I want to to something (i.e., explain) or NOT do something (i.e., post their comment) I have the means to go along with my will.
Here's why I didn't publish their entire comment:
1. They really didn't comment on the quote itself, but attacked the man who made it. The quote would be true if Groucho Marx had said it. Having attended schools for over 20 years and taught for 13 I think I am somewhat qualified to assess the truth of this particular quote. It may have even been a paraphrase of a former President (1 of the first 5) but since I'm not sure which, and I had the quote by Roloff, and I like Roloff (without agreeing with everything he ever said) I used it. i also quoted Ben Franklin. It doesn't mean I agree with everything he ever said or did. Is their silence on Franklin a tacit approval of his life and words? Then why attack Roloff?
"Education is useless without the Bible. " - Noah Webster
2. They believe they had a bad experience at the Roloff homes. That does not mean everyone did. Many were saved at the homes and many testify they would be in Hell or prison if not for the homes. Many thank God for the homes still. I cannot dispute this person may not have had the best of times there but I am sure it was better than Hell or prison. They criticized the way they were educated at the homes. Again, it may not have been the best for them personally but neither was my experience in the public schools the best for me personally. Big deal. Get over it! Were mistakes made? I am sure they were. Does this person make mistakes on a daily basis? I am sure they do. Roloff had some rough young people to work with and did a far better job than the state run homes by most accounts.
3. They have a hobby horse (I wonder if they are any kin to Mr. PHD?) they apparently ride a lot. Since it was anonymous I have no way of telling if they are one of my regular readers. On the assumption that they aren't a regular I have to ask how did they find my blog? Are they googling Roloff to find any mention of him on the web so they can criticize him? If so, their time could be put to much better use in a more positive manner. If you think Roloff's educational system was bad then why not start your own and do a better job? Or can you only criticize what others try to do? Brother Roloff is dead, you are alive, use your life for the Lord Jesus Christ! It is hard sometimes for individuals in settings where things must be geared for the masses. That's why institutionalized food is generally so bland. You can't please everyone. When I taught I understood my style was not the best for everyone but what can you do in 50 minutes. You do the best you can. People learn differently. I am an auditory learner. Some learn better by sight, some by doing, etc. Unless you can have a one on one teacher you can't make it all to one's preference.
4. It was anonymous. They could say who they are and ask me not to reveal it but that way I could email them and try to understand where they are coming from. I will not be a part of a personal vendetta by an unknown person.
5. It was vague. Much of what they said could be applied to any person or any subject. As an example, they asked, "What good does it do to stand up 300 girls and boys that can recite 35 chapters of the bible and recite all the pledges and recite all the patriotic heavily biased doctrines, if those boys and girls are clueless to Understand what is shoved into them????" Aside from that fact that the Bible will help them as they grow older and are able to understand more and more, isn't it true that any education system has people memorize what they don't fully understand with the hope they will understand later? Also note the inflammatory rhetoric the person used in their quote. The letter was filled with it.
6. I don't agree with everything Roloff did and said. The only One I can agree with everything He says and does is God, I may not understand it all, but I agree with it! I don't agree with everything anybody does or says and that includes myself! We are all sinners and imperfect people.
7. There is the possibility this person had a bad attitude and thus had problems. I don't know that but I do know that as a teacher when a kid already didn't like me for whatever reason he had a harder time learning from me. That this person had some kind of problem is almost a guarantee else why were they there? Again, I can't say with certainty but they didn't leave me the option of communicating with them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It won't be so bad if you have to miss a few conclaves and conferences and seminars. But don't miss the time alone with Christ and the Word of God. - Evangelist Lester Roloff
There is a sweet loneliness in that precious walk with Christ. Let's not despise it but gladly accept it. - Roloff
Just because you are around a lot of people and traveling the broad road that leads to destruction doesn't mean that you are having a good time. - Roloff
Sometimes God permits the temporary piling to be knocked out from under us that we may wholly rest upon the pillars of Truth. - Roloff
Here's why I didn't publish their entire comment:
1. They really didn't comment on the quote itself, but attacked the man who made it. The quote would be true if Groucho Marx had said it. Having attended schools for over 20 years and taught for 13 I think I am somewhat qualified to assess the truth of this particular quote. It may have even been a paraphrase of a former President (1 of the first 5) but since I'm not sure which, and I had the quote by Roloff, and I like Roloff (without agreeing with everything he ever said) I used it. i also quoted Ben Franklin. It doesn't mean I agree with everything he ever said or did. Is their silence on Franklin a tacit approval of his life and words? Then why attack Roloff?
"Education is useless without the Bible. " - Noah Webster
2. They believe they had a bad experience at the Roloff homes. That does not mean everyone did. Many were saved at the homes and many testify they would be in Hell or prison if not for the homes. Many thank God for the homes still. I cannot dispute this person may not have had the best of times there but I am sure it was better than Hell or prison. They criticized the way they were educated at the homes. Again, it may not have been the best for them personally but neither was my experience in the public schools the best for me personally. Big deal. Get over it! Were mistakes made? I am sure they were. Does this person make mistakes on a daily basis? I am sure they do. Roloff had some rough young people to work with and did a far better job than the state run homes by most accounts.
3. They have a hobby horse (I wonder if they are any kin to Mr. PHD?) they apparently ride a lot. Since it was anonymous I have no way of telling if they are one of my regular readers. On the assumption that they aren't a regular I have to ask how did they find my blog? Are they googling Roloff to find any mention of him on the web so they can criticize him? If so, their time could be put to much better use in a more positive manner. If you think Roloff's educational system was bad then why not start your own and do a better job? Or can you only criticize what others try to do? Brother Roloff is dead, you are alive, use your life for the Lord Jesus Christ! It is hard sometimes for individuals in settings where things must be geared for the masses. That's why institutionalized food is generally so bland. You can't please everyone. When I taught I understood my style was not the best for everyone but what can you do in 50 minutes. You do the best you can. People learn differently. I am an auditory learner. Some learn better by sight, some by doing, etc. Unless you can have a one on one teacher you can't make it all to one's preference.
4. It was anonymous. They could say who they are and ask me not to reveal it but that way I could email them and try to understand where they are coming from. I will not be a part of a personal vendetta by an unknown person.
5. It was vague. Much of what they said could be applied to any person or any subject. As an example, they asked, "What good does it do to stand up 300 girls and boys that can recite 35 chapters of the bible and recite all the pledges and recite all the patriotic heavily biased doctrines, if those boys and girls are clueless to Understand what is shoved into them????" Aside from that fact that the Bible will help them as they grow older and are able to understand more and more, isn't it true that any education system has people memorize what they don't fully understand with the hope they will understand later? Also note the inflammatory rhetoric the person used in their quote. The letter was filled with it.
6. I don't agree with everything Roloff did and said. The only One I can agree with everything He says and does is God, I may not understand it all, but I agree with it! I don't agree with everything anybody does or says and that includes myself! We are all sinners and imperfect people.
7. There is the possibility this person had a bad attitude and thus had problems. I don't know that but I do know that as a teacher when a kid already didn't like me for whatever reason he had a harder time learning from me. That this person had some kind of problem is almost a guarantee else why were they there? Again, I can't say with certainty but they didn't leave me the option of communicating with them.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
It won't be so bad if you have to miss a few conclaves and conferences and seminars. But don't miss the time alone with Christ and the Word of God. - Evangelist Lester Roloff
There is a sweet loneliness in that precious walk with Christ. Let's not despise it but gladly accept it. - Roloff
Just because you are around a lot of people and traveling the broad road that leads to destruction doesn't mean that you are having a good time. - Roloff
Sometimes God permits the temporary piling to be knocked out from under us that we may wholly rest upon the pillars of Truth. - Roloff
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
The first day of Spring is one thing, and the first Spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month. - Henry Van Dyke
Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while. - Kin Hubbard
The Arbitrary Nature of Higher Critical Dissecting of the Pentateuch:
The Candid Confession of a Higher Critic
“We possess hardly any reliable criteria for dating pentateuchal literature. Every dating of the pentateuchal ‘sources’ rests on purely hypothetical assumptions, which only have any standing through the consensus of scholars.”
R. Rendtorff
Quoted with documentation by Gordon J. Wenham
Numbers (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1981), p. 23.
[In short, the whole J, E, D, P, etc. dissection of the Law of Moses is admittedly a sham, a fraud, a house of cards, a critical anti-supernatural-driven fabrication imposed on the text, not the outcome of objective analysis--Doug Kutilek, see KJVonly link in upper left]
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. - Benjamin Franklin
Education without regeneration has become an abomination. - Evangelist Lester Roloff
Never have we had more education, yet now we have a generation of educated sinners who have no God, no hope, and no clue. - Chaplain John Downs
Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while. - Kin Hubbard
The Arbitrary Nature of Higher Critical Dissecting of the Pentateuch:
The Candid Confession of a Higher Critic
“We possess hardly any reliable criteria for dating pentateuchal literature. Every dating of the pentateuchal ‘sources’ rests on purely hypothetical assumptions, which only have any standing through the consensus of scholars.”
R. Rendtorff
Quoted with documentation by Gordon J. Wenham
Numbers (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1981), p. 23.
[In short, the whole J, E, D, P, etc. dissection of the Law of Moses is admittedly a sham, a fraud, a house of cards, a critical anti-supernatural-driven fabrication imposed on the text, not the outcome of objective analysis--Doug Kutilek, see KJVonly link in upper left]
An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. - Benjamin Franklin
Education without regeneration has become an abomination. - Evangelist Lester Roloff
Never have we had more education, yet now we have a generation of educated sinners who have no God, no hope, and no clue. - Chaplain John Downs
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF LIFE (THE BLESSED MAN PART 2)
MATTHEW 5:1-12
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are those who wish to wisk the Beatitudes away to the millennium as unattainable for the present age or any past age. This is impossible to do contextually, grammatically, or even from a historical setting. Christ delivered this to his disciples and He obviously expected them to get some benefit at that time. The Holy Spirit directed Matthew to write it down so He obviously intended for people to receive a benefit from it. It really is not that hard to understand. Someone has rightly pointed out the the Beatitudes are the Attitudes to Be!
Warren Wiersbe's excellent outline will give us our four major points to look the Beatitudes.
I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OURSELVES (v. 3)
Here we see the conviction of Humility
1. I am a lost sinner
2. I can do nothing to save myself
3. I can only rely on the mercy & grace of God
You will never be truly happy until you come to the place where you realize these truths. The Lord Jesus Himself showed us a man who had sought this world's goods only to come to the conclusion this verse teaches.
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
He went home saved, his self-righteous pew partner did not!
II. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OUR SINS (v. 4-6)
1. A sorrow that leads to repentance [v. 4, II Cor. 7:10]
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2. A submission to the Master's Plan [v. 5, Acts 9:6]
Exemplified by Paul's submission to Jesus Christ when he said, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
3. A Satisfaction found only in Christ's gift of Righteousness [v. 6, Rm. 9:30-32]
III. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE LORD (v. 7-9)
Pastor Rick Jackson
There are those who wish to wisk the Beatitudes away to the millennium as unattainable for the present age or any past age. This is impossible to do contextually, grammatically, or even from a historical setting. Christ delivered this to his disciples and He obviously expected them to get some benefit at that time. The Holy Spirit directed Matthew to write it down so He obviously intended for people to receive a benefit from it. It really is not that hard to understand. Someone has rightly pointed out the the Beatitudes are the Attitudes to Be!
Warren Wiersbe's excellent outline will give us our four major points to look the Beatitudes.
I. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OURSELVES (v. 3)
Here we see the conviction of Humility
1. I am a lost sinner
2. I can do nothing to save myself
3. I can only rely on the mercy & grace of God
You will never be truly happy until you come to the place where you realize these truths. The Lord Jesus Himself showed us a man who had sought this world's goods only to come to the conclusion this verse teaches.
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
He went home saved, his self-righteous pew partner did not!
II. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD OUR SINS (v. 4-6)
1. A sorrow that leads to repentance [v. 4, II Cor. 7:10]
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
2. A submission to the Master's Plan [v. 5, Acts 9:6]
Exemplified by Paul's submission to Jesus Christ when he said, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"
3. A Satisfaction found only in Christ's gift of Righteousness [v. 6, Rm. 9:30-32]
III. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE LORD (v. 7-9)
1. Show forth His mercy [v. 7, Mt. 18:27-32]
2. Secure in His Grace [v. 8, Acts 15:9]
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
3. Sharing His Love [v. 9, Eph. 2:8-22]
IV. OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THE WORLD (v. 10-12)
1. Expect to be opposed [v. 10]
2. Expect to be spoken against [v. 11]
3. Expect to be rewarded [v. 12]
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Oh right...you know so much...
Recently I saw on the Internet a video designed to separate weak Christians from their faith. It appealed to man's pride by saying it was for educated, intelligent people. Then it proceeded to ask 10 questions that supposedly showed the only intelligent answer was to say "God is a myth" and then move on with your life as a caring, intelligent atheist. It was obvious to anyone who had spent a little time in God's Word that the author(s) of the video had set up a straw god and then proceeded to knock him down and think he had proved the real God was non-existent.
Of course the Bible quotes were taken way out of context or interpreted in such a way that fit what the videographers were looking for rather than what the Scripture was actually saying. It was one of those cases where some arrogant, ignorant person or persons have a chip on their shoulder, blame God (though they say He doesn't exist), and proceed to take out their frustrations on everyone about them.
Upon further reflection (while mowing my yard of all things) I realized the main point of the 10 questions was not about disproving God but was more about not taking responsibility. They simply did NOT want to be held accountable. As I thought of the way their questions were worded and how they twisted things around it became more and more clear though I doubt they themselves realized it.
It was like a clip of Oprah I saw the other day where she said you don't need Jesus because God looks on your heart and if you have a heart full of love then you are going to heaven. Oprah's biggest problem is that she doesn't believe the Word of God. You see, the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
So when God looks on your heart does He see it full of love. No. He sees it full of lies. One of those lies is that the person thinks it is full of love. If a person takes their feelings over God's Word you can add arrogance to that list.
So what have we? They don't know God's Word which is ignorance, they don't care what the Bible says which is apathy, and/or they think they know better than God which is arrogance. Hmmm.
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Of course the Bible quotes were taken way out of context or interpreted in such a way that fit what the videographers were looking for rather than what the Scripture was actually saying. It was one of those cases where some arrogant, ignorant person or persons have a chip on their shoulder, blame God (though they say He doesn't exist), and proceed to take out their frustrations on everyone about them.
Upon further reflection (while mowing my yard of all things) I realized the main point of the 10 questions was not about disproving God but was more about not taking responsibility. They simply did NOT want to be held accountable. As I thought of the way their questions were worded and how they twisted things around it became more and more clear though I doubt they themselves realized it.
It was like a clip of Oprah I saw the other day where she said you don't need Jesus because God looks on your heart and if you have a heart full of love then you are going to heaven. Oprah's biggest problem is that she doesn't believe the Word of God. You see, the Bible says in Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?
So when God looks on your heart does He see it full of love. No. He sees it full of lies. One of those lies is that the person thinks it is full of love. If a person takes their feelings over God's Word you can add arrogance to that list.
So what have we? They don't know God's Word which is ignorance, they don't care what the Bible says which is apathy, and/or they think they know better than God which is arrogance. Hmmm.
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Monday, April 07, 2008
DO TRACTS WORK? READ THIS!
Sumner Wemp - Apr 7, 2008
A lady from Ethiopia was saved reading "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Several days ago, I was in a big home improvement store. I stopped at a counter with three ladies behind it and asked for directions to find a certain item. They told me and I said, "Let me give you some directions to heaven" and gave them "Your Ticket to Heaven." Of course I did it all on purpose. One of them, a black lady from Ethiopia said, "Oh, I want that, I will read it" and reached out to get it. The other two took the tract but turned away to work. Very briefly I told this lady to read it and if she really wants to go to heaven and understands it to pray from her heart to receive the Lord Jesus.
Amazing but from that moment I prayed and expected to see her get saved all by herself after reading the tract. The next three days I went back to see her but was not able to see her. Late this after noon I went back again and was told she was at check out counter number 5. She wasn't there. I wandered through the store about to give up. Finally I went to the garden center and there she was and had heard I was looking for her. This will thrill you. When I asked is she read the tract, she replied, "I really did and I could understand what you wrote. At the end I prayed what you wrote and am now sure I am going to heaven." After talking to her for several minutes it was obvious she was saved and had assurance of it. The big thrill is that God saved her all by herself, just from reading the tract.
I will never get over what I saw God do with "Your Ticket to Heaven. When we get to heaven we will be thrilled to see a multitude who were saved just like that and we never heard about it. We must be faithful to give the gospel to every person. Tracts are one way everyone can get the gospel to everyone we meet.You know they now have a chance to go to heaven. I call it offering them a ticket to heaven. Kind sir, dear lady, I have a passion that you will have tons of trophies and treasures when you get to heaven. Tracts, that clearly give the gospel, is one method every one can use to share the gospel. Please do it to His glory and for their good.
Most important today, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" Ps 33:12. You must go to our new web site www.sumnerwemp.com All new articles. How to "witness " and give the gospel at your door or in a store. Good News Publishers is seriously considering putting this in tract form for churches to give to their people on how to share the gospel. Please pray they will do it. ABC Sumner
A lady from Ethiopia was saved reading "Your Ticket to Heaven"
Several days ago, I was in a big home improvement store. I stopped at a counter with three ladies behind it and asked for directions to find a certain item. They told me and I said, "Let me give you some directions to heaven" and gave them "Your Ticket to Heaven." Of course I did it all on purpose. One of them, a black lady from Ethiopia said, "Oh, I want that, I will read it" and reached out to get it. The other two took the tract but turned away to work. Very briefly I told this lady to read it and if she really wants to go to heaven and understands it to pray from her heart to receive the Lord Jesus.
Amazing but from that moment I prayed and expected to see her get saved all by herself after reading the tract. The next three days I went back to see her but was not able to see her. Late this after noon I went back again and was told she was at check out counter number 5. She wasn't there. I wandered through the store about to give up. Finally I went to the garden center and there she was and had heard I was looking for her. This will thrill you. When I asked is she read the tract, she replied, "I really did and I could understand what you wrote. At the end I prayed what you wrote and am now sure I am going to heaven." After talking to her for several minutes it was obvious she was saved and had assurance of it. The big thrill is that God saved her all by herself, just from reading the tract.
I will never get over what I saw God do with "Your Ticket to Heaven. When we get to heaven we will be thrilled to see a multitude who were saved just like that and we never heard about it. We must be faithful to give the gospel to every person. Tracts are one way everyone can get the gospel to everyone we meet.You know they now have a chance to go to heaven. I call it offering them a ticket to heaven. Kind sir, dear lady, I have a passion that you will have tons of trophies and treasures when you get to heaven. Tracts, that clearly give the gospel, is one method every one can use to share the gospel. Please do it to His glory and for their good.
Most important today, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" Ps 33:12. You must go to our new web site www.sumnerwemp.com All new articles. How to "witness " and give the gospel at your door or in a store. Good News Publishers is seriously considering putting this in tract form for churches to give to their people on how to share the gospel. Please pray they will do it. ABC Sumner
Sunday, April 06, 2008
STEPS & STOPS
GENESIS 33
Pastor Rick Jackson
As I studied this chapter I was reminded of two other areas of Scripture.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
And Eph. 5. I think you'll understand why as we study God's Word together.
I. WALK IN LOVE [v. 1-6]
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
1. Love of Family [v. 1-3]
2. Love of Reconciliation [v. 4]
3. Love of Grace [v. 5-6]
II. WALK IN LIGHT [v. 7-16]
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
1. Declaration of enough [v. 8-9, 11]
...both Esau and Jacob are reported as saying, "I have enough" (9, 11). However, the Hebrew words are different. Actually Esau said, "I have much [rab]," whereas Jacob said, "I have everything [kol]." Esau may quite likely have had more actual possessions than Jacob by this time, though Jacob had been greatly blessed materially; but Jacob knew that, in the Lord, he had an inexhaustible resource. God had blessed him beyond measure, most of all now in this joyful meeting with his long-estranged twin brother. -Dr. Henry Morris
2. Delighting in an occasion [v. 10-11]
Compare the use of the term blessing in Gn. 27:35, 36, 38, 41; 28:4, 33:11 and Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
3. Declining an Offer [v. 12-16]
III. WALKING CIRCUMSPECTLY [v. 17-20]
Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
1. Care of Beasts [v. 17, 13]
Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
2. Care of Belonging [v. 18-19]
Like his grandfather Abraham, Jacob knew this land would one day be his descendants but purchased a small piece in faith looking toward that day!
Joshua 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
3. Care of Belief [v. 20]
"God, the God of Israel"
Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of
Genesis 31:3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.
Pastor Rick Jackson
As I studied this chapter I was reminded of two other areas of Scripture.
Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
And Eph. 5. I think you'll understand why as we study God's Word together.
I. WALK IN LOVE [v. 1-6]
Ephesians 5:1-2 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
1. Love of Family [v. 1-3]
2. Love of Reconciliation [v. 4]
3. Love of Grace [v. 5-6]
II. WALK IN LIGHT [v. 7-16]
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
1. Declaration of enough [v. 8-9, 11]
...both Esau and Jacob are reported as saying, "I have enough" (9, 11). However, the Hebrew words are different. Actually Esau said, "I have much [rab]," whereas Jacob said, "I have everything [kol]." Esau may quite likely have had more actual possessions than Jacob by this time, though Jacob had been greatly blessed materially; but Jacob knew that, in the Lord, he had an inexhaustible resource. God had blessed him beyond measure, most of all now in this joyful meeting with his long-estranged twin brother. -Dr. Henry Morris
2. Delighting in an occasion [v. 10-11]
Compare the use of the term blessing in Gn. 27:35, 36, 38, 41; 28:4, 33:11 and Hebrews 7:7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
3. Declining an Offer [v. 12-16]
III. WALKING CIRCUMSPECTLY [v. 17-20]
Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
1. Care of Beasts [v. 17, 13]
Proverbs 12:10 A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
2. Care of Belonging [v. 18-19]
Like his grandfather Abraham, Jacob knew this land would one day be his descendants but purchased a small piece in faith looking toward that day!
Joshua 24:32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.
3. Care of Belief [v. 20]
"God, the God of Israel"
Genesis 28:15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of
Genesis 31:3 And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
Genesis 33:18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padanaram; and pitched his tent before the city.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING AHEAD
GAL. 6:6-9
Pastor Rick Jackson
Amos 4:12 ... prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
What is the underlying theme of these verses and many more like them? From both a positive standpoint and a negative one these verses teach the importance of planning ahead. Planning ahead involves some thought, some preparation, some activity but the rewards are generally well worth it. The Scriptures make it clear that a lack of planning ahead is careless, foolish and can even be damning.
Think first of all,
I. GOD HAS PLANNED AHEAD!
1. Before there was the World there was the Word!
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
2. Before there was a Sinner there was a Saviour!
1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Revelation 13:8 ...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
3. Before there was a Punishment there was a Promise!
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
II. MEN SOMETIMES PLAN AHEAD
1. For Business
James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain
2. For Retirement
Luke 12:16-19 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
3. For Life's Challenges
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
But my friend whether you plan ahead for business, pleasure or life's challenges or not there are three things for which you should definitely plan ahead and that brings us to our third point:
III. ALL SHOULD PLAN AHEAD
1. For the Soul's Redemption!
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2 Corinthians 6:2 ...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2. For the Seeker's Request!
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3. For the Saviour's Return!
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
1 John 2;28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming
Pastor Rick Jackson
Amos 4:12 ... prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
What is the underlying theme of these verses and many more like them? From both a positive standpoint and a negative one these verses teach the importance of planning ahead. Planning ahead involves some thought, some preparation, some activity but the rewards are generally well worth it. The Scriptures make it clear that a lack of planning ahead is careless, foolish and can even be damning.
Think first of all,
I. GOD HAS PLANNED AHEAD!
1. Before there was the World there was the Word!
Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
2. Before there was a Sinner there was a Saviour!
1 Peter 1:18-20 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,
Revelation 13:8 ...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
3. Before there was a Punishment there was a Promise!
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
II. MEN SOMETIMES PLAN AHEAD
1. For Business
James 4:13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain
2. For Retirement
Luke 12:16-19 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
3. For Life's Challenges
Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
But my friend whether you plan ahead for business, pleasure or life's challenges or not there are three things for which you should definitely plan ahead and that brings us to our third point:
III. ALL SHOULD PLAN AHEAD
1. For the Soul's Redemption!
Luke 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Proverbs 27:1 Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.
2 Corinthians 6:2 ...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
2. For the Seeker's Request!
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
3. For the Saviour's Return!
Luke 12:40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.
41 Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?
42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.
1 John 2;28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming
Saturday, April 05, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - How do evolutionists interpret Proverbs 22:6?
It’s so important for believers to pay attention to this verse. Christian parents must give their children a firm foundation on the Bible and its practical truths.
But evolutionists also understand what this verse means. They want to teach children that we’re just animals who evolved through millions of years of death and suffering. Just think of the morality that goes with that!
Yet the U.S. government gives evolutionists millions of dollars to “train up children” in their anti-Christian worldview.
Some Christian parents think that as long as they take their children to church on Sunday morning, they’ll learn a worldview based on the Bible. But think about it: one or two hours in church—once a week—simply isn’t a match for five days in a public school . . . plus secular TV, evolutionary science museums, and so on.
So, evolutionists are trying to “train up a child”—your child! We must teach young people to stand on God’s Word—from the very first verse.
News to Note Quick Look
A horrible mix up: A team at Newcastle University added human DNA to empty cow eggs, ostensibly as part of the effort to produce “powerful stem-cell models for investigating diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes, and for developing new drugs. Read more.
A young planet: British astronomers have picked up signs of an extrasolar planet that may be less than a few thousand years old?a far cry from the ten-million-year age given to the next youngest planet. Read more.
Also: an eyewitness to destruction, crowing over crows, and denying modernity. Read more.
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.
But evolutionists also understand what this verse means. They want to teach children that we’re just animals who evolved through millions of years of death and suffering. Just think of the morality that goes with that!
Yet the U.S. government gives evolutionists millions of dollars to “train up children” in their anti-Christian worldview.
Some Christian parents think that as long as they take their children to church on Sunday morning, they’ll learn a worldview based on the Bible. But think about it: one or two hours in church—once a week—simply isn’t a match for five days in a public school . . . plus secular TV, evolutionary science museums, and so on.
So, evolutionists are trying to “train up a child”—your child! We must teach young people to stand on God’s Word—from the very first verse.
News to Note Quick Look
A horrible mix up: A team at Newcastle University added human DNA to empty cow eggs, ostensibly as part of the effort to produce “powerful stem-cell models for investigating diseases such as Parkinson’s and diabetes, and for developing new drugs. Read more.
A young planet: British astronomers have picked up signs of an extrasolar planet that may be less than a few thousand years old?a far cry from the ten-million-year age given to the next youngest planet. Read more.
Also: an eyewitness to destruction, crowing over crows, and denying modernity. Read more.
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, April 04, 2008
The Name of the LORD
"And God said unto Moses, I Am That I Am: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." (Exodus 3:14)
This unique name of God was given to stress the truth that He is timeless. The name "LORD" (Hebrew YHWH = Yahweh, or Jehovah) is essentially the same, conveying the truth that He is the eternal, self-existing One.
The Lord Jesus Christ appropriated this divine name to Himself when He told the Jews: "Before Abraham was i.e., 'was born', I am" (John 8:58). Correctly assuming that this statement was nothing less than a direct claim to identity with God, the Jews immediately (but unsuccessfully) attempted to stone Him to death as a blasphemer.
As the I Am, the Lord Jesus Christ is, indeed, everything, and He has revealed Himself to us under many beautiful symbols. It is well known that there are seven great "I am's" in the gospel of John, each of which is rich with spiritual depth of meaning. They can be listed as follows:
"I am the bread of life . . . the living bread" (John 6:35, 51,).
"I am the light of the world . . . the light of life" (John 8:12).
"I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7).
"I am the good shepherd . . . who giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
"I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
"I am the true vine" (John 15:1).
It is well known that this magnificent self-assertion of the Lord permeates the whole Bible, from its first use in Genesis 15:1, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward," to its final occurrence in Revelation 22:16, "I am . . . the bright and morning star." And all these beautiful figures help us to pray more fervently "that God may be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
April 4, 2008
This unique name of God was given to stress the truth that He is timeless. The name "LORD" (Hebrew YHWH = Yahweh, or Jehovah) is essentially the same, conveying the truth that He is the eternal, self-existing One.
The Lord Jesus Christ appropriated this divine name to Himself when He told the Jews: "Before Abraham was i.e., 'was born', I am" (John 8:58). Correctly assuming that this statement was nothing less than a direct claim to identity with God, the Jews immediately (but unsuccessfully) attempted to stone Him to death as a blasphemer.
As the I Am, the Lord Jesus Christ is, indeed, everything, and He has revealed Himself to us under many beautiful symbols. It is well known that there are seven great "I am's" in the gospel of John, each of which is rich with spiritual depth of meaning. They can be listed as follows:
"I am the bread of life . . . the living bread" (John 6:35, 51,).
"I am the light of the world . . . the light of life" (John 8:12).
"I am the door of the sheep" (John 10:7).
"I am the good shepherd . . . who giveth his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
"I am the resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25).
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
"I am the true vine" (John 15:1).
It is well known that this magnificent self-assertion of the Lord permeates the whole Bible, from its first use in Genesis 15:1, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward," to its final occurrence in Revelation 22:16, "I am . . . the bright and morning star." And all these beautiful figures help us to pray more fervently "that God may be all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28). HMM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
April 4, 2008
Thursday, April 03, 2008
THE SPOILED UNDER 30 CROWD/CATHOLIC CODE
My sister sent me these. I don't know who sent them to her. I think some of it is pretty good. I did have to edit quite a bit of the language.- Rick
These always seem aimed for the crowd that remembers skate keys- it’s funny just because it reminds you how far we’ve come in only a few years!
THE SPOILED UNDER-30 CROWD!!!
If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways.yadda, yadda, yadda! And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of stuff like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!
But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a virtual Utopia!
And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!
I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!
There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter ...with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!
There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ's usually talk over the beginning and messed it all up!
We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, ---that's it! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'asteroids' and the graphics stunk! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE.
When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just stuck!
Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were challenged when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off the couch and walk over to the TV to change the channel; and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning.
Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little brats!
And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or go build an actual fire..... imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled!!!!!!!!!>
You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!
Oh yeah, and a seatbelt was Mom throwing her arm across your chest every time she hit the brakes.
Regards,
The over 30 Crowd
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This information is for Catholics only. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and code words, the better off they are.
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original 'Jaws' story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.
These always seem aimed for the crowd that remembers skate keys- it’s funny just because it reminds you how far we’ve come in only a few years!
THE SPOILED UNDER-30 CROWD!!!
If you are 30 or older you will think this is hilarious!!!!
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were when they were growing up; what with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning ... uphill BOTH ways.yadda, yadda, yadda! And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of stuff like that on kids about how hard I had it and how easy they've got it!
But now that I'm over the ripe old age of thirty, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a virtual Utopia!
And I hate to say it but you kids today you don't know how good you've got it!
I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have The Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog!!
There was no email! We had to actually write somebody a letter ...with a pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!
There were no MP3's or Napsters! You wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself! Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio and the DJ's usually talk over the beginning and messed it all up!
We didn't have fancy stuff like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called they got a busy signal, ---that's it! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID Boxes either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, your mom, your boss, your bookie, your drug dealer, a collections agent, you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like 'Space Invaders' and 'asteroids' and the graphics stunk! Your guy was a little square! You actually had to use your imagination! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE.
When you went to the movie theater there no such thing as stadium seating! All the seats were the same height! If a tall guy or some old broad with a hat sat in front of you and you couldn't see, you were just stuck!
Sure, we had cable television, but back then that was only like 15 channels and there was no onscreen menu and no remote control! You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on! You were challenged when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off the couch and walk over to the TV to change the channel; and there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday Morning.
Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little brats!
And we didn't have microwaves, if we wanted to heat something up we had to use the stove or go build an actual fire..... imagine that! If we wanted popcorn, we had to use that stupid Jiffy Pop thing and shake it over the stove forever like an idiot.
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy.
You're spoiled!!!!!!!!!>
You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980!
Oh yeah, and a seatbelt was Mom throwing her arm across your chest every time she hit the brakes.
Regards,
The over 30 Crowd
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This information is for Catholics only. It must not be divulged to non-Catholics. The less they know about our rituals and code words, the better off they are.
AMEN: The only part of a prayer that everyone knows.
BULLETIN: Your receipt for attending Mass.
CHOIR: A group of people whose singing allows the rest of the Parish to lip-sync
HOLY WATER: A liquid whose chemical formula is H2OLY.
HYMN: A song of praise usually sung in a key three octaves higher than that of the congregation's range.
RECESSIONAL HYMN: The last song at Mass often sung a little more quietly, since most of the people have already left.
INCENSE: Holy Smoke!
JESUITS: An order of priests known for their ability to find colleges with good basketball teams.
JONAH: The original 'Jaws' story.
JUSTICE: When kids have kids of their own.
MAGI: The most famous trio to attend a baby shower.
PEW: A medieval torture device still found in Catholic churches.
PROCESSION: The ceremonial formation at the beginning of Mass consisting of altar servers, the celebrant, and late parishioners looking for seats.
RECESSIONAL: The ceremonial procession at the conclusion of Mass led by parishioners trying to beat the crowd to the parking lot.
RELICS: People who have been going to Mass for so long, they actually know when to sit, kneel, and stand.
TEN COMMANDMENTS: The most important Top Ten list not given by David Letterman.
USHERS: The only people in the parish who don't know the seating capacity of a pew.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
GETTING A CHARGE OUT OF LIFE [THE BLESSED MAN PART 1]
PSALM 1:1-3
Pastor Rick Jackson
If you get a new battery for your car, put it in place and as you prepare to connect the cables you stop and think, "Wait. I am a positive person. I don't dwell on the negative. I'll just hook up the cable to the positive post of the battery." ...and so that's what you do. When you get in the car to crank it, what will happen when you turn the key? That's right... absolutely nothing. The car needs to be connected to both the positive and negative posts to turn over the engine.
With that in mind let us first look at:
I. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF BEING NEGATIVE [v. 1]
A man is blessed, is really happy, if he does NOT:
1. Listen to the advice of ungodly (morally wrong person)
2. Linger in the lifestyle of the sinful
3. Lead others into sin by mocking God, His Word, and His people
II. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF BEING POSITIVE [v. 2]
A man is blessed if he does:
1. Find pleasure in the Word of God
(application of attitude--- a mental position with regard to a fact or state b: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state)
2. Find pasture in the Word of God
(application of aptitude--- 1 a: inclination, tendency b: a natural ability : talent 2: capacity for learning 3: general suitability : aptness)
3. Finds plenty in the Word of God
(application of amplitude--- i.e., 1: extent of dignity, excellence, or splendor 2: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance)
III. THE POSITIVE RESULTS OF BEING BLESSED [v. 3]
1. A Soul-saving Transplant
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Psalm 107:35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings .
Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
2. A Fruit-bearing Productivity [Ps. 126:5-6]
3. A Life Worth Living
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
23:6-8 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Pastor Rick Jackson
If you get a new battery for your car, put it in place and as you prepare to connect the cables you stop and think, "Wait. I am a positive person. I don't dwell on the negative. I'll just hook up the cable to the positive post of the battery." ...and so that's what you do. When you get in the car to crank it, what will happen when you turn the key? That's right... absolutely nothing. The car needs to be connected to both the positive and negative posts to turn over the engine.
With that in mind let us first look at:
I. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF BEING NEGATIVE [v. 1]
A man is blessed, is really happy, if he does NOT:
1. Listen to the advice of ungodly (morally wrong person)
2. Linger in the lifestyle of the sinful
3. Lead others into sin by mocking God, His Word, and His people
II. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF BEING POSITIVE [v. 2]
A man is blessed if he does:
1. Find pleasure in the Word of God
(application of attitude--- a mental position with regard to a fact or state b: a feeling or emotion toward a fact or state)
2. Find pasture in the Word of God
(application of aptitude--- 1 a: inclination, tendency
3. Finds plenty in the Word of God
(application of amplitude--- i.e., 1: extent of dignity, excellence, or splendor 2: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance)
III. THE POSITIVE RESULTS OF BEING BLESSED [v. 3]
1. A Soul-saving Transplant
2 Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Psalm 107:35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings .
Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:
2. A Fruit-bearing Productivity [Ps. 126:5-6]
3. A Life Worth Living
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
23:6-8 Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left; That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them: But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day.
24:14-15 Now therefore fear the LORD, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the LORD. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
NO APRIL FOOLS DAY HERE! - How to Pray
Personal Note- This is exactly how I have taught this down the years having been taught it myself by the late Dr. John Rice. I have had a few people take umbrage at this because they liked to add "In Jesus' Name" at the end of every prayer like it was some kind of magic formula. Of course when they didn't get what they asked for it never dawned on them that either God lied (NOT!) or they did when they claimed it was in Jesus' name. I am glad to see ICR take the Scriptural route rather than the emotional one in teaching on this subject! - Rick
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24)
Jesus promised that "whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 16:23). This condition for answered prayer and its resulting fullness of joy is not just a formula with which to end a prayer. "In my name" implies representing Him and what He stands for, so that our prayer could truly be His prayer as well.
For example, our prayer must be in His will. "If we ask any thing according to his will . . . we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
We need also to recognize that God's great purpose in creation is of higher priority than our own personal desires, so this should be of first order in our prayers. Jesus said: "When ye pray, say, Our Father. . . . Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth" (Luke 11:2). We can also pray for our own needs, of course, especially for God to "deliver us from evil" (Luke 11:4), the closing request in His model prayer.
It is good to seek God's wisdom in all our decisions and undertakings, so that we can be confident we are indeed in His will, but our request for such guidance must be sincere and in willingness to act on His answer. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . . But let him ask in faith" (James 1:5-6). And it should be obvious that the request be made with a clear conscience before God. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).
But when we are indeed confident that we are praying "in His name" with all that this implies, then we should pray earnestly, for "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16), and when the answer comes--as it will, in God's time--then our joy indeed will be full! HMM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
April 1, 2008
"Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:24)
Jesus promised that "whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 16:23). This condition for answered prayer and its resulting fullness of joy is not just a formula with which to end a prayer. "In my name" implies representing Him and what He stands for, so that our prayer could truly be His prayer as well.
For example, our prayer must be in His will. "If we ask any thing according to his will . . . we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5:14-15).
We need also to recognize that God's great purpose in creation is of higher priority than our own personal desires, so this should be of first order in our prayers. Jesus said: "When ye pray, say, Our Father. . . . Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth" (Luke 11:2). We can also pray for our own needs, of course, especially for God to "deliver us from evil" (Luke 11:4), the closing request in His model prayer.
It is good to seek God's wisdom in all our decisions and undertakings, so that we can be confident we are indeed in His will, but our request for such guidance must be sincere and in willingness to act on His answer. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . . But let him ask in faith" (James 1:5-6). And it should be obvious that the request be made with a clear conscience before God. "If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me" (Psalm 66:18).
But when we are indeed confident that we are praying "in His name" with all that this implies, then we should pray earnestly, for "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" (James 5:16), and when the answer comes--as it will, in God's time--then our joy indeed will be full! HMM
Print this article
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://www.icr.org/
April 1, 2008
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