QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Can we "stand on the promises" logically?

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In this issue . . . Q&A: Can we "stand on the promises" logically? Video On Demand: Answers Academy: A New Reformation Part 1B Live Webcast—State of the Nation 2 News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog Museum News Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis Q: Can we "stand on the promises" logically? When explaining their beliefs, Christians often feel they must first prove the Bible or prove the existence of God. This approach reveals that they do not yet understand the Bible's approach, known as presuppositional apologetics. Presuppositions are simply beliefs that everyone has that affect how they think, view the world, interpret evidence, and read the Bible. Apologetics is a reasoned defense of beliefs. So presuppositional apologetics is a reasoned defense of Christian beliefs based on recognizing our presuppositions. For instance, our presupposition is that God exists and He has given us His Word (the Bible) that is absolute truth. So we use the Bible as the basis for how to think, interpret evidence, explain the world around us, and read the Bible. An atheist's presupposition will most likely be that there is no God and that truth is relative. An atheist believes that man decides truth, and so he thinks, interprets evidence, and views the world and Bible accordingly. Visit our website to continue reading how to show someone the truth without throwing away our starting point, God's Word. Live webcast—State of the Nation 2 Last June, Answers in Genesis President Ken Ham gave our first-ever live video webcast from the Creation Museum, addressing the real state of the nation. He shared sobering statistics about the rapidly-declining spiritual health of America, and discussed what needs to be done to "stop the bleeding." With over 85,000 viewers, the first webcast was a huge success! That's why we are excited to announce our upcoming second live webcast on February 16—State of the Nation 2 with Ken Ham. Ham's webcast will touch on social issues such as abortion, "gay" marriage, origins, and the role of religion in society. He will encourage Christians to know what the Bible says on these matters, and help them understand how to defend the biblical viewpoint in an increasingly hostile environment. Be sure to watch this free webcast at AnswersLive.com on February 16, 2010 at 8 a.m. EST. Also, please spread the word to your family, friends, church, and anyone who could benefit from this important and timely call for biblical authority. News to Note Quick Look Did "dinosaurs" evolve from birds?: "[M]ore evidence that birds did not descend from ground-dwelling theropod dinosaurs": research from Oregon State University, home to evolutionists who reject the dinosaur-to-bird evolution tale. Read more. The name's Inuk: The most famous face in science news this week is that of "Inuk," an ancient Greenlander whose genome was reconstructed from 4000-year-old hair. Read more. Also: Where there's water, there's (speculation about) life Odd place for a spider to hide The disappearing island And Don't Miss . . . Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you! Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Valentine's Day—it supposedly evolved? Creation—do we want it in schools? Creation—there's plenty of evidence. Religious speech . . . under attack! The gospel . . . according to the fossils? After Eden Network with Us! Facebook and Twitter are social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.	This Week . . . Answers in Genesis Staff and Creationist Volunteers Converge on Canada (Feb 12) Feedback: Motivated by Hate? (Feb 12) New Answers Book 2, Chapter 1: Can Natural Processes Explain the Origin of Life? (Feb 11) Words Are Us (Feb 10) Was Satan the Actual Serpent in the Garden? (Feb 09) InSite, Februrary 2010 (Feb 08) What Is "Presuppositional" Apologetics? (Feb 07) Video On Demand Answers Academy: A New Reformation (Part 1B) Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Dinosaurs for Kids Ultimate Apologetics Boxed Set (4 DVDs) Answers ... with Ken Ham - 12-part DVD series More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Gospel Light Sadly Misquotes to Defend Sunday School Curricula Billboards to Challenge the Nation Who Said This? Influencing Children Spectacular 2010 VBS Response! Dinosaurs for Kids—a Keeper Previous entries Museum News Knee-High Exhibits Open Creation Museum Closed Today Why Compromise Biblical Authority? Previous entries Upcoming Events CANADA International Ministry, February 21-February 22 Tennessee - Near Nashville Sunday Speaking, February 28-February 28 Georgia Sunday School Leadership Conference, March 10-March 11 California Answers in Genesis Conference, March 14-March 15 Michigan Answers in Genesis Conference, April 11-April 12 More events Job Opportunities Constituent Data Administrator Customer Service Manager Director of Property Maintenance Food Service Support Staff Housekeeping Staff Museum Artist Senior Database Administrator
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Alive with Christ

Alive with Christ   "Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him." (Romans 6:8-9)     The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead both guarantees the future bodily resurrection of the believer and associates us positionally with Him now. Since He died for our sins, we, in effect, were "dead with Christ." Therefore, when He defeated death and hell, and revived His own dead body in immortal power, He broke any dominion of death over Him or over those who were, positionally, with Him.     This is one of the grandest scriptural themes of the Christian life. We were dead with Christ, but now God "hath quickened us together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5). Not only have we been "made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22) with Him, but we have also been "raised" with Him up from the grave and then into heaven where we are "seated" with Him on His throne! "|God| hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6).     This means also that we have been glorified with Him and are actually reigning with Him. "The Spirit |Himself| beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: . . . that we may be also glorified together" (Romans 8:16-17).     But if all this is only true in position, what meaning does His resurrection life have on our daily lives now? Simply this--that knowing these truths gives us the incentive and power to live them. "If |or, literally, 'since'| ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1-3). "For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you" (2 Corinthians 13:4). HMM     Print this article | More Days of Praise articles       Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Prophecy

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation      view archive

Prophecy From the writings of Sumner Wemp   Reason to study prophecy   Why study prophecy?   NOT to satisfy our curiosity but to stimulate our character and conduct. Twenty-eight percent of Scripture was written as prophecy. That is awesome. To not read and study prophecy means you are ignoring one forth of the Bible. We must not do that.   What manner of person you ought to be "Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness" 2 Peter 3:11. Understanding what is going to happen should produce holiness and godliness.   Jesus prophesied that He would come again "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is" 1 John 3:2. Knowing that Jesus is coming any minute will transform your life. Doesn't that make sense?   Oh what comfort prophecy brings to believers "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout...then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words" 1 Thes. 4:16-18. I teach it because I know the comfort it brings when people "understand the times." Stick with us and you will be shouting all over the place!   Don't stand here gazing, get going. The very last things Jesus said on earth were, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth."  And after He had said these things, He was lifted up...And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." Acts 1:8-11.    What then? O dear people, it will be fabulous and awesome. Stay with us for "the rest of the story. Get your friends in on it, send referrals.   Prayer:  Father, You are so wonderful and we can hardly wait to see You. Help us to be faithful "witnesses" to those who do not know the Lord Jesus as their Savior. In Jesus name.   Click here to visit the East-West website

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TWICE AS NICE

Psalm 37:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE DOUBLE NEGATIVE [v. 1-2]

1. Do Not Get Worked Up Because of Evildoers [v. 1a]

charah, khaw-raw'; a primitive root; to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy:--be angry, burn, be displeased, × earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, × very, be wroth

2. Do Not Envy Evildoers [v. 1b]

anq qana', kaw-naw'; a primitive root; to be (causatively, make) zealous, i.e. (in a bad sense) jealous or envious:--(be) envy(-ious), be (move to, provoke to) jealous(-y), × very, (be) zeal(-ous).

3. The Sinner’s “Day” is a Short One [v. 2]

II. THE QUADRUPLE POSITIVE [v. 3-7]

1. Trust in the Lord [v. 3]

xtb batach, baw-takh'; a primitive root; properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as 02620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure:--be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust.

2. Delight in the Lord [v. 4]

gn[ `anag, aw-nag'; a primitive root; to be soft or pliable, i.e. (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious:--delicate(-ness), (have) delight (self), sport self.

3. Commit to the Lord [v. 5-6]

llg galal, gaw-lal'; a primitive root; to roll (literally or figuratively):--commit, remove, roll (away, down, together), run down, seek occasion, trust, wallow.

4. Rest in the Lord [v. 7]

~md damam, daw-man'; a prim root (compare 01724, 01820); to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish:--cease, be cut down (off), forbear, hold peace, quiet self, rest, be silent, keep (put to) silence, be (stand) still, tarry, wait.

EXCELLENCE IN MARRIAGE

I PETER 3:1-7

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE EXCELLENT WIFE [v. 1-6]

1. The Example for Husbands [v. 1]

2. The Explanation for Wives [v. 2-4]

3. The Example for Wives [v. 5-6]

II. THE EXPECTANT HUSBAND [v. 7]

1. God Expects Him to Know His Wife

2. God Expects Him to Honor His Wife

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

3. God Expects Him to Full-Partner His Wife

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
Hebrews 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

III. THE EXCELLENT LORD

Job 37:23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice: he will not afflict.

1. He is Excellent in Power- God can Answer your Prayers [v. 7]

2. He is Excellent in Judgment- God can Assess your Worth [v. 4]

3. He is Excellent in Justice- God can Address your Situation [v. 5]

February 9 - The Omniscience of God

The Omniscience of God   February 9, 2010     "Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite." (Psalm 147:5)     Consider the great rhetorical question asked by the apostle Paul: "For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?" (Romans 11:34). The most learned scholars of every age are mere infants in knowledge compared to Him. "There is no searching of his understanding" (Isaiah 40:28).     Everyone who believes in God acknowledges that God, by definition, is omniscient. He created all things and upholds all things, and thus understands all things. He even knows all the future, for He is "the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity" (Isaiah 57:15), and He created time itself.     Now, while every believer acknowledges this, few really live as if they believe it. Most of the time, we live and speak and choose just as though God neither knows nor cares what we do. But He does know! "Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, . . . and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether" (Psalm 139:2-4).     Furthermore, as our text reminds us, He is not only omniscient, but omnipotent. He is "of great power." He has created all things, and because "he is strong in power; not one faileth" (Isaiah 40:26). Because He is omniscient, He knew how all things should be made, and because He is omnipotent, He made them that way. There would, obviously, be no thought whatever of a trial-and-error, random-mutation, survival-of-the-fittest, extinction-and-redevelopment sort of creative process with such a God.     Just as He made His creation "very good" (Genesis 1:31), so we, also, as believers saved by His grace, are "his workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10). He does know, and does care, and does work, in all our ways. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

THE WINNING TEAM

ROMANS 8:37

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE COACHES

1. The Head Coach- God the Father [Romans 11:33]

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
1 Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

2. The Offensive Coordinator -God the Son [Matthew 16:18]

… I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

3. The Defensive Coordinator -God the Spirit [1 Corinthians 6:19]

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

II. IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

1. The Playbook- 2 Timothy 2:5

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2. The Huddle- Matthew 18:19-20

Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.


3. The Team-1 Corinthians 12:12-27



III. THE HIGHLIGHT REEL

1. The First Fumble [Romans 5:12]

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:

2. The Sack- [Revelation 20:1-3]

3. The Some Important Scores-

-----Incarnation [Lk. 2:10-14]

-----Crucifixion [John 19:30] When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

-----Resurrection [Romans 1:4] And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

-----Touchdown Coming [Zechariah 14:4 And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
Acts 1:9-12 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Are your morals against the law?

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answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us February 6, 2010 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Are your morals against the law? Video On Demand: Answers Academy: A New Reformation Part 1A News to Note Quick Look Ken's Blog Museum News Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at AiG Q: Are your morals against the law? A: There's no doubt America was founded on Christian principles based on the Bible. In fact, just two generations ago, the majority of Americans supported prayer, Scripture readings, and Bible instruction in public schools. Britain's Common Law also was founded on biblical authority. In both countries, people also supported displaying nativity scenes, crosses, and the Ten Commandments in public places. Gay marriage and abortion were outlawed. Today, however, it is very obvious that the population as a whole does not see the Bible as the absolute authority it once did. For instance, pollster George Barna found that in the United States, "A minority of born-again adults (44 percent) and an even smaller proportion of born-again teenagers (9 percent) are certain of the existence of absolute moral truth." Similar surveys in the United Kingdom reveal even lower percentages. So what has happened? Why the dramatic change? Why is the moral position of previous generations being outlawed more and more? What has driven this moral collapse? Why is this war going on? Whereas Christian thinking once permeated the public education system, today the Christian God, prayer, Bible study, and biblical creation have all but been excluded from the system. Now, generations (including the majority of students from church homes) are being trained in a secular (anti-God) religion. They are being indoctrinated to believe that the universe—and all that exists within it—can be explained without God. Truth is under attack from all sides—and tragically under-defended by the Church. Continue reading the introduction to our free online NEW Answers Book 2, as Carl Kerby and Ken Ham address the root of the problem and what must be done to stop the "evolutionizing" of America. News to Note Quick Look No soup for you, evolutionists: Evolutionists and creationists alike, watch your language: the supposed "primordial soup" of life's beginnings is no longer kosher. Read more. The dino-bird that wasn't: Another week, another alleged dinosaur-bird connection: this time, Haplocheirus sollers, a fossil from China's Gobi Desert. But does it actually help evolutionists' case? Read more. Also: Salamander attack! Tennis, yes; house, no Could Christianity "survive"? And Don't Miss . . . Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you! Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Facts—they're all the same! Evidence—never enough for some? The "fossil triangle"—what is it? No PhD?—No problem at all! Creation evangelism—an Olympic-sized outreach? After Eden Network with Us! Facebook and Twitter are social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.	This Week . . . Feedback: Delayed Reaction? (Feb 05) New Answers Book 2, Introduction: The "Evolutionizing" of a Culture (Feb 04) Discordant Potassium-Argon Model and Isochron "Ages" for Cardenas Basalt (Middle Proterozoic) and Associated Diabase of Eastern Grand Canyon, Arizona (Feb 03) Shouldn't the Woman (Eve) Have Been Shocked that a Serpent Spoke? (Feb 02) A Tribute to a Pioneer (Feb 01) "And God Said" (Jan 31) Video On Demand Answers Academy: A New Reformation (Part 1A) Watch Video Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Ultimate Apologetics Boxed Set (4 DVDs) Dinosaurs for Kids The Egypt File VBS: Super Starter Kit More current bestsellers Ken's Blog Number One Read Would President Obama Do It? "Most Important Event" Dinosaurs with Saddles State of the Nation Address—February 16 Previous entries Museum News An Astronomical Event The Temple Guard Returns Dive in Search of Adventure Previous entries Upcoming Events CANADA International Ministry, February 21-February 22 California Answers in Genesis Conference, March 14-March 15 Michigan Answers in Genesis Conference, April 11-April 12 CANADA Home Educators Conference, April 16-April 17 Washington Home Educators Conference, April 23-April 24 More events Job Opportunities at AiG Constituent Data Administrator Customer Service Manager Director of Property Maintenance Food Service Support Staff Housekeeping Staff Museum Artist Senior Database Administrator
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Another, "one another,"be ye kind to one another"

From: sumner@sumnerwemp.com

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Another, "one another,"be ye kind to one another" From the writings of Sumner Wemp Feb 5, 2010 Another, "one another,"be ye kind to one another" (1) We "need one another" 1 Cor 12:18-22. (2) We must "love one another" Jn 13:34, 35. (3) We must "forgive one another" Eph 4:32. (4) We need to "pray for one another" James 5:16. (5) "Exhort one another daily" Heb. 3:13. (6) "teaching and admonishing one another" Col. 3:16. (7) provoke one another unto love and good works" Heb. 10:24. (8) "By love serve one another" Gal. 5:13. "Be kind and compassionate to one another" Eph. 4:32 Be kind "Kindness" in the Greek means just what we mean in English, "good, pleasant, gracious." "Love is kind" 1 Cor. 13:4. "The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness" kind, the same word Gal. 5:22. It certainly is not the "works of the flesh" Gal 5:19. The flesh is selfish, angry, and unkind. I have heard people say, "That is just not my nature to be kind." They hit the nail on the head. It is no one's natural nature. Christians must be different We have a new nature 2 Peter 1:4, a new nationality, we are in the kingdom of God, His children and we must act like it. It is essential to "be filled with the Spirit" Eph 5:18 and "walk in the Spirit" Gal. 5:16 so we do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Set goals "If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time." Make it a goal to be kind to people. God says, "Put on kindness" Col. 3:12. Work at it. We must deliberately do it. Oh, my, what fun it is to be kind to someone on purpose. How warm and wonderful when someone is kind to us. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Make sense? God is kind, see Luke 6:35 and Titus 3:4. Prayer: Father, You are so good, so kind to us. May we learn to be kind one to another like You are to us. In Jesus name. Learn to share the love of God in everything you do and that includes being kind to one an other.

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Paul's Method for Success

Paul's Method for Success   February 4, 2010   "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)   Success has become a modern fetish, it seems--from selfhelp seminars, to multi-level marketing schemes, to the yuppie mentality. A motivational and success-oriented mindset has even spilled over into the church. Instead of employing such worldly methods, however, we should emulate the lives and methods of successful biblical examples, such as the apostle Paul.   In this passage, Paul explains his secrets. First, he kept his attention on important things. Earthly things were of no value (vv. 7-8), while the knowledge of Christ and His sufferings was of great value (vv. 8, 10). Paul's desire was to acquire the "righteousness . . . which is through the faith of Christ" (v. 9), and to attain eternal life (v. 11).   Second, he had a proper view of himself. He knew he was imperfect (v. 12) and incomplete (v. 13), having worth only through the work of Christ. Third, he didn't dwell on past mistakes. Once forgiven through repentance and faith in Christ, he knew that he need no longer bear the guilt for his mistakes, and must not let them hinder his present ministry.   Fourth, Paul looked forward to the future, stretching himself to reach his goals (vv. 13-14). And his goals were high--"the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (v. 14).   What is the prize which awaits those who are successful in this high calling? "Our |citizenship| is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body" (vv. 20-21). JDM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

The Female Rules

1. The female Always makes the rules.

2. The rules are subject to change at any time without prior notification

3. No Male can possibly know all the rules.

4. If the female suspects that the make knows all the rules, she must immediately change some or all the rules.

5. The female is never wrong.

6. If the female is wrong it is because of a flagrant misunderrstanding which was the direct result of something that the male said or did wrong.

7. If rule # 6 applies, the male must apologize immediately for causing the misunderstanding.

8. The female can change her mind at any given point and time.

9. The male must never change his mind without expressed written consent of the female.

10. The female has every right to be angry or upset at all times.

11. The male must remain calm at all times, unless the female wants him to be angry or upset.

12. The female must under no circunstances let the male know whether or not she wants him to be angry or upset.

13. Only the female may determine when things are all right again.

14. Any attempt to document these rules could result in severe bodily harm.

Authors Name Withheld For Obvious Reasons

Given by Inspiration

 

Given by Inspiration   February 1, 2010   "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)   This passage is the most definitive of all passages on the inspiration of the Bible. It explicitly repudiates all the false concepts which men have developed to try to escape this vital doctrine.   For example, it repudiates the humanistic theory of inspiration, which says that the writers were "inspired" with the same quality of exalted feelings that inspired other great writers. But this verse attributes it not to human inspiration, but to the "inspiration of God."   Then, there is the partial theory of inspiration, which says that part of the Bible is inspired (the "religious" parts), but that part of it is not (the scientific and historical parts). But our verse says that all Scripture is inspired! The dynamic theory says the thoughts are inspired, but not the words. However, it is the Scriptures that are inspired, not the thoughts of the men who wrote them. The "Scriptures" mean the "writings"--the actual words written.   The encounter theory says the Scriptures are not inspired in themselves, but only become inspired when a reader "encounters" God through reading them. This, also, is false. The Scriptures are inspired regardless of how they affect the reader. Actually, the phrase "given by inspiration of God" is one word in the Greek, meaning "God-breathed."   Thus, plenary verbal inspiration and complete divine origin and authority of all the Holy Scriptures is the true biblical doctrine. When one does accept the God-breathed authority of Scripture, however, he has an infinite resource, serving as an inerrant framework for all true wisdom and knowledge, and leading him into full maturity in the Christian life. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

What is Your Ambition?

 

Psalm 84:1-2 "How amiable are thy tabernacles, O LORD of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."   What is Your Ambition?   Have you ever wished on some days that you could be a little bird with no responsibility and the ability to flutter away? It may sound strange, but that is a common wish! Psalm 84 is not a psalm about shirking responsibility; it is a psalm about having a passion for God. The psalmist was passionately invested in serving God; and because of that desire, he envied some small bird that has the chance to make a nest in God's house (verse 3).   When you have envied a little bird, was it for its greatness? No, you probably envied its anonymity! On the other hand, have you ever envied somebody with a certain position in God's service? Was it because of their anonymity? The psalmist envied a little bird because of his closeness to God; yet we envy people because they are closer to a position or praise or career move that we would like!   Nothing is more wicked than ambition that is not directed by God. Laziness and passivity are not admirable; but wanting a bigger church or a better position so we can be puffed up is nothing short of wicked! Do you remember Korah from the Bible? He was ambitious for a good thing. It appeared he wanted to do more in the service for God (burn incense), but what he really wanted was a position that God had given Moses and Aaron. Korah's desire wasn't to be closer to God; he was interested in building a résumé and building up himself. That ambition ended when God judged Korah in a spectacular way.   I doubt anyone envies a little bird for its greatness, but we often envy "great" people because we think that using God's work to build ourselves will bring happiness, success, and fulfillment. So the question this morning is this: are you building a nest, or are you building a platform? Are you building a nest, or are you building a career and yourself? The psalmist envied birds because they had the chance to do what he wanted to do-build a little nest in the house of God and stay right there!   If the picture of birds doesn't convince you, the psalmist gives the same truth with a human picture in verse 10. "For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." Give me one day close to God over a thousand days doing anything else!   Korah died for ungodly ambition, but according to the superscription above verse 1, his children apparently learned the lesson. What is important in serving God is God, not me. What do you hope to get by serving God? Serving God ought not to be about building a career, position, or myself; serving God ought to be about building a "nest" close to Him. May that truth be the motivation behind any ambition we have today.     Missed a First Light?  Browse the archives here: firstlight-blog

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I DON’T LIKE YOUR FACE

ROMANS 12:1-5, 9-10, 13-21

Adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson

The year was 1985, I was a 29 year old teacher at Tennessee Temple High School. Our chapel speaker, Randy Ray, a Temple Baptist Theological Seminary alumnus, preached this message that day [or a close approximation].

“Drop dead” “You make me sick.” “I hate your guts” How many of you know someone who just doesn’t like you? How many of you know someone you just don’t like? God recognizes this will be the case. Look at verse 18 again. BUT- sometimes we don’t like someone for the wrong reason. Let me give you five wrong reasons for not liking someone.

I. YOU DON’T LIKE AUTHORITY [Proverbs 12:1]

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

Could be seen in the wrong reaction to a trooper giving out a ticket. Now you really don’t know that much about them. I remember a home Economics teacher we had at Tenn. Temple High- Judy, really nice lady but I heard a student say, “I don’t like her. She always gets on to me.” Hmmm, might be a reason for that. Some people don’t like their bosses for the same reason. Some people just don’t like authority. I found as a teacher and some people didn’t like child being reprimanded even when the child was clearly wrong.

II. YOU COMPARE THEM TO SOMEONE ELSE [2 Corinthians 10:12]

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:4-6 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

One boy didn’t like a preacher we had coming to speak at Camp Joy referring to him despairingly as “ol’ hell fire’n’damnation Sexton”. You mean like John the Baptist? Or Jesus? It is not fair to dislike someone just because they are not like someone else.

III. UNINTENTIONAL OFFENSE [1 Corinthians 13:4-7]

Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

“Wow, you don’t sweat much for a fat guy!”
“Hey, your face is finally clearing up!”
Saul got angry at David when the girls changed their tune.

IV. BECAUSE OF APPEARANCE [Psalm 139:14]

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Colossians 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Revelation 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

If you don’t like them because of their looks you are kind of blaming God. This would include their skin color, social standing, etc. [whether to low or to high- you didn’t get that from God]
James 2:1-9

V. PERSONALITY CONFLICTS [Rm. 12:18]

What should you do?
1. If there’s a problem? [Mt. 18:15-17]
2. Never gossip. [James 1:26]
3. Have a proper attitude toward authority.
4. Admit when you are wrong and do something about it.
5. Be kind! [Eph. 4:32]