Blessed be God, there is a path for each of His servants, along which shines the light of His approving countenance, and to walk therein should be our chief joy. His approval is enough for the heart that knows Him. True, we many not always be able to command the approval and concurrence of our brethren; we may be frequently misunderstood; but we cannot help these things. "The day" will set all this to rights, and the loyal heart cAn contentedly wait for that day, knowing that then "every man shall have praise of God." - C.H.M.
Do not pray for easy lives. pray to be stronger men. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks! Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle. But you shall be a miracle. Every day you shall wonder at yourself, at the richness of life which has come to you by the grace of God. - Phillips Brooks
Don’t let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you.
Heart to God, hand to man. - Motto of the Salvation Army
Meanness don’t happen overnight.
Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment. - Will Rogers
God is too kind to do anything cruel . . .too wise to make a mistake, too deep to explain Himself. - Charles Swindoll
If you have discovered your own spiritual insufficiency, you are a good candidate for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. - Tony Evans
Separation is not isolation. Separation is not insulation. Separation is contact without contamination. - Warren Wiersbe
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
SIN, GRACE & TRUTH
GENESIS 16
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. LEARNING THE HARD WAY-LESSONS FROM SIN [v. 1-6]
1. Sin has long-lasting consequences [v. 1]
2. A worldly solution is never better than a Biblical solution [v. 2]
3. "Good" people can give bad advice [v. 3]
4. Sin's results aren't pleasant [v. 4] "All Satan's apples have worms!"
5. Shifting responsibility is easier said than done. [v. 5]
6. Over-estimating one's importance can lead to a harsh reality check [v. 6]
II. LEARNING THE BETTER WAY-LESSONS FROM GRACE [v. 7-10]
1. God seeks us [v. 7]
2. God shows us [v. 8]
3. God's directions are clear [v. 9]
4. God's future for us is better than "our" future for us [v. 10]
III. LEARNING THE BIBLE WAY-LESSONS FROM TRUTH [v. 11-16]
1. God's timing is always right!
2. God knows what we do not [v. 11a-12]
3. God hears us [v. 11b]
4. God sees us [v. 13-14]
5. God's Word always come to pass [v. 15-16]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. LEARNING THE HARD WAY-LESSONS FROM SIN [v. 1-6]
1. Sin has long-lasting consequences [v. 1]
2. A worldly solution is never better than a Biblical solution [v. 2]
3. "Good" people can give bad advice [v. 3]
4. Sin's results aren't pleasant [v. 4] "All Satan's apples have worms!"
5. Shifting responsibility is easier said than done. [v. 5]
6. Over-estimating one's importance can lead to a harsh reality check [v. 6]
II. LEARNING THE BETTER WAY-LESSONS FROM GRACE [v. 7-10]
1. God seeks us [v. 7]
2. God shows us [v. 8]
3. God's directions are clear [v. 9]
4. God's future for us is better than "our" future for us [v. 10]
III. LEARNING THE BIBLE WAY-LESSONS FROM TRUTH [v. 11-16]
1. God's timing is always right!
2. God knows what we do not [v. 11a-12]
3. God hears us [v. 11b]
4. God sees us [v. 13-14]
5. God's Word always come to pass [v. 15-16]
BUT WHERE ARE THE NINE?
LUKE 17:11-19
Pastor Rick Jackson
An award winning author wrote a children's book called, "The First Thanksgiving." Here is the description of the book given in a catalog:
Through the extraordinary story of a brave band of pilgrims and a generous ... Indian named Squanto, this superlative book teaches children the true meaning of Thanksgiving isn't turkey with all the trimmings. It's brotherhood and trust... The First Thanksgiving is children's book publishing at its very best.
The 1969 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary says that Thanksgiving was, "...instituted by the Pilgrims to give thanks to God for their survival:"
The Scriptures give us an very interesting account of a somewhat typical event in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He encountered some people who were sick and He healed them at their request. The interesting part comes from the results of the healing... or the lack thereof!
As we look again in God's Word we see firstly, there's:
I. THE QUESTION OF ULTIMATE DEPENDENCE [v. 11-14]
Like it or not we are dependent on others for just about everything. Few of us grow our on food, smelt our own ore, and build our own vehicles! That's just for starters. But ultimately, we are all dependent upon God. We live on His earth [Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.], breathe His air, etc. So what should we do with this realization of Ultimate Dependence?
1. Admit your helplessness [v. 11-12]
2. Appeal to God for help [v. 13]
3. Act of God's Word [v. 14]
But you can do all those things and still not have thankfulness exhibited in your life. Note then, secondly:
II. THE QUALITIES OF GENUINE THANKFULNESS [v. 15-16]
Genuine Thankfulness:
1. Realizes the cause [v. 15a]
2. Recognizes the Benefactor [v. 15b]
3. Vocalizes the blessing [v. 15c]
4. Worships the Saviour [v. 16a]
5. Thanks the Lord [v. 16b]
In this historical record we see than Jesus healed 10 lepers and only 1 demonstrated true thankfulness. This highlights for us our third and final point:
III. THE QUIZZICAL REMARKS OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD [v. 17-19]
1. Jesus notices unthankfulness [v. 17]
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
2 Timothy 3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...
Just as Jesus notices unthankfulness we should observe that:
2. Jesus notices the thankful [v. 18]
3. Jesus commends faith and faithfulness [v. 19]
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Pastor Rick Jackson
An award winning author wrote a children's book called, "The First Thanksgiving." Here is the description of the book given in a catalog:
Through the extraordinary story of a brave band of pilgrims and a generous ... Indian named Squanto, this superlative book teaches children the true meaning of Thanksgiving isn't turkey with all the trimmings. It's brotherhood and trust... The First Thanksgiving is children's book publishing at its very best.
The 1969 edition of Webster's New World Dictionary says that Thanksgiving was, "...instituted by the Pilgrims to give thanks to God for their survival:"
The Scriptures give us an very interesting account of a somewhat typical event in the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He encountered some people who were sick and He healed them at their request. The interesting part comes from the results of the healing... or the lack thereof!
As we look again in God's Word we see firstly, there's:
I. THE QUESTION OF ULTIMATE DEPENDENCE [v. 11-14]
Like it or not we are dependent on others for just about everything. Few of us grow our on food, smelt our own ore, and build our own vehicles! That's just for starters. But ultimately, we are all dependent upon God. We live on His earth [Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.], breathe His air, etc. So what should we do with this realization of Ultimate Dependence?
1. Admit your helplessness [v. 11-12]
2. Appeal to God for help [v. 13]
3. Act of God's Word [v. 14]
But you can do all those things and still not have thankfulness exhibited in your life. Note then, secondly:
II. THE QUALITIES OF GENUINE THANKFULNESS [v. 15-16]
Genuine Thankfulness:
1. Realizes the cause [v. 15a]
2. Recognizes the Benefactor [v. 15b]
3. Vocalizes the blessing [v. 15c]
4. Worships the Saviour [v. 16a]
5. Thanks the Lord [v. 16b]
In this historical record we see than Jesus healed 10 lepers and only 1 demonstrated true thankfulness. This highlights for us our third and final point:
III. THE QUIZZICAL REMARKS OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD [v. 17-19]
1. Jesus notices unthankfulness [v. 17]
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
2 Timothy 3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy...
Just as Jesus notices unthankfulness we should observe that:
2. Jesus notices the thankful [v. 18]
3. Jesus commends faith and faithfulness [v. 19]
1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Interracial Marriage—Is It Biblical?
The Bible does speak about interracial marriage. It’s against it—it teaches clearly that those in the saved race should not knowingly marry the unsaved race.
You see, we need to understand there’s only one race of humans, biologically anyway. All people are descendants of Adam—thus we’re all of one race!
But the Bible makes it clear that there are two spiritual races—those who are saved, and those who are not.
Down through the generations, Satan has tried to destroy the family unit by trying to get godly people to marry ungodly ones. You see, the family is the unit that God uses to transmit His knowledge from one generation to the next.
That’s why we need to teach against the only interracial marriage the Bible warns against—the two spiritual races mixing!
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.
You see, we need to understand there’s only one race of humans, biologically anyway. All people are descendants of Adam—thus we’re all of one race!
But the Bible makes it clear that there are two spiritual races—those who are saved, and those who are not.
Down through the generations, Satan has tried to destroy the family unit by trying to get godly people to marry ungodly ones. You see, the family is the unit that God uses to transmit His knowledge from one generation to the next.
That’s why we need to teach against the only interracial marriage the Bible warns against—the two spiritual races mixing!
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, November 16, 2007
The Winds of the World
"The wind goeth toward the south, and turneth about unto the north; it whirleth about continually, and the wind returneth again according to His circuits" (Ecclesiastes 1:6).
This is one of the Bible's many scientific insights, written long before such a process was discovered in the modern science of meteorology. The basic circulation of the atmosphere (which generates the winds of the world) is "toward the south" near the ground, which then "turneth about unto the north" aloft. The heated air near the equator expands and rises, then flows north to replace the colder, heavier air which has descended to the ground in the polar regions.
This simple north-south-north cycle is complicated, however, by the earth's rotation. Further complexities are introduced by the different topographical features of the surface (oceans, mountains, etc.), but the end result is a general circulation of the whole atmosphere, which "whirleth about continually, and . . . returneth again according to His circuits."
None of this was understood at all until very modern times, but this ancient verse in Ecclesiastes corresponds beautifully to modern science. In fact, it was not even known until recent times that air had weight, but the patriarch Job had noted about 4000 years ago that "He . . . seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds" (Job 28:24-25), and this fact is essential to the atmospheric circulation.
This is only one of many scientific principles implied in the Bible ages before men discovered them in their scientific research. In contrast, there are no demonstrable scientific errors in the Bible. This is not really surprising, for the same God who wrote the Word made the world! In Jesus Christ "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
www.icr.org
November 16, 2007
This is one of the Bible's many scientific insights, written long before such a process was discovered in the modern science of meteorology. The basic circulation of the atmosphere (which generates the winds of the world) is "toward the south" near the ground, which then "turneth about unto the north" aloft. The heated air near the equator expands and rises, then flows north to replace the colder, heavier air which has descended to the ground in the polar regions.
This simple north-south-north cycle is complicated, however, by the earth's rotation. Further complexities are introduced by the different topographical features of the surface (oceans, mountains, etc.), but the end result is a general circulation of the whole atmosphere, which "whirleth about continually, and . . . returneth again according to His circuits."
None of this was understood at all until very modern times, but this ancient verse in Ecclesiastes corresponds beautifully to modern science. In fact, it was not even known until recent times that air had weight, but the patriarch Job had noted about 4000 years ago that "He . . . seeth under the whole heaven; To make the weight for the winds" (Job 28:24-25), and this fact is essential to the atmospheric circulation.
This is only one of many scientific principles implied in the Bible ages before men discovered them in their scientific research. In contrast, there are no demonstrable scientific errors in the Bible. This is not really surprising, for the same God who wrote the Word made the world! In Jesus Christ "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
www.icr.org
November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
PICTURES OF THE WEEK!
Okay, okay! I did it! I took the carrots!
Bite the hand that feeds me? I think not!
No, no! Not the needle Doc!
Yeah, and when the other 299 get here you are in for some trouble!
Next guy that calls us "weiner dogs" gets it with plenty of relish!
Bite the hand that feeds me? I think not!
No, no! Not the needle Doc!
Yeah, and when the other 299 get here you are in for some trouble!
Next guy that calls us "weiner dogs" gets it with plenty of relish!Wednesday, November 14, 2007
THE WAY TO BLESSING
PSALM 32
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE TRUTH OF DELIVERANCE [v. 1-2]
1. Blessed is the saved man [v. 1]
2. Blessed is the secure man [v. 2a]
3. Blessed is the surrendered man [v. 2b] - i.e., the man keeping short accounts with God
II. THE TESTIMONY OF DAVID [v. 3-7]
1. The drought of any unconfessed sin [v. 3-4]
2. The delight of an unfailing Saviour [v. 5]
3. The deliverance of an unfettered saint [v. 6-7]
III. THE TASK OF DETERMINATION [v. 8-11]
1. God's promise [v. 8]
2. God's preference [v. 9]
3. God's provision [v. 10-11]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE TRUTH OF DELIVERANCE [v. 1-2]
1. Blessed is the saved man [v. 1]
2. Blessed is the secure man [v. 2a]
3. Blessed is the surrendered man [v. 2b] - i.e., the man keeping short accounts with God
II. THE TESTIMONY OF DAVID [v. 3-7]
1. The drought of any unconfessed sin [v. 3-4]
2. The delight of an unfailing Saviour [v. 5]
3. The deliverance of an unfettered saint [v. 6-7]
III. THE TASK OF DETERMINATION [v. 8-11]
1. God's promise [v. 8]
2. God's preference [v. 9]
3. God's provision [v. 10-11]
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Sin of Complaining
And He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul" (Psalm 106:15).
Christians who complain about their circumstances would do well to ponder this sobering verse and its background. God had greatly blessed His people, Israel, delivering them supernaturally from slavery in Egypt, protecting them against their enemies--even miraculously supplying daily bread and water for them in the desert.
Still they complained: complained about their food; complained about the imaginary luxuries they had left behind in Egypt; complained against their leaders. "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and His anger was kindled" (Numbers 11:1). Finally, when they complained about the manna, "the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly." He sent them quail to eat in such abundance as to last "even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you." Then, "while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed . . . the Lord smote the people with a very great plague" (Numbers 11:10,20,33).
God has blessed every Christian with forgiveness of sin and eternal life. He daily fulfills His promise to supply every need (not every desire, however), and we should live a thankful life in return, regardless of our particular lot in this world. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). "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" (Hebrews 13:5). "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). Complaining about what we don't have may well result in God taking away what we do have--and still worse--sending leanness into our souls. - HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Christians who complain about their circumstances would do well to ponder this sobering verse and its background. God had greatly blessed His people, Israel, delivering them supernaturally from slavery in Egypt, protecting them against their enemies--even miraculously supplying daily bread and water for them in the desert.
Still they complained: complained about their food; complained about the imaginary luxuries they had left behind in Egypt; complained against their leaders. "And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord: and the Lord heard it; and His anger was kindled" (Numbers 11:1). Finally, when they complained about the manna, "the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly." He sent them quail to eat in such abundance as to last "even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you." Then, "while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed . . . the Lord smote the people with a very great plague" (Numbers 11:10,20,33).
God has blessed every Christian with forgiveness of sin and eternal life. He daily fulfills His promise to supply every need (not every desire, however), and we should live a thankful life in return, regardless of our particular lot in this world. "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you" (I Thessalonians 5:18). "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" (Hebrews 13:5). "Do all things without murmurings and disputings" (Philippians 2:14). Complaining about what we don't have may well result in God taking away what we do have--and still worse--sending leanness into our souls. - HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Monday, November 12, 2007
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
What you do today will outlive you and last for eternity! - quoted by Sumner Wemp
The world is full of people who go to pieces looking for peace. -Wil Rice
There is no "good" without God. - Wil Rice
Present peace can be ours if He has forgiven our past because He holds our future. - Wil Rice
God will allow temptations in our lives so He can reveal himself unto us. - Jim Schettler
Whatever happens in your life will either make you better or bitter. The choice is yours. - Jim Schettler
The world is full of people who go to pieces looking for peace. -Wil Rice
There is no "good" without God. - Wil Rice
Present peace can be ours if He has forgiven our past because He holds our future. - Wil Rice
God will allow temptations in our lives so He can reveal himself unto us. - Jim Schettler
Whatever happens in your life will either make you better or bitter. The choice is yours. - Jim Schettler
Sunday, November 11, 2007
IT'S LEGAL- BUT WITHOUT THE LAW
GENESIS 15
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE DECLARATION OF CARE [v. 1-4]
1. The Personal Proclamation of God [v. 1]
2. The Premature Proposition to God [v. 2-3]
3. The Promise of an Earthly Seed Repeated [v. 4, 13:14-16]
II. THE DAY OF CHRIST [v. 5-6]
1. The Promise of An Heavenly Seed Pictured [v. 5a]
2. The Promise of A Singular Seed Preeminent [v. 5b]
3. The Power of A Saviour Promised [v. 6]
Jn. 8:56-58; Rm. 4:1-5, 13-16; Gal. 3:6-9, 13-18
III. THE DETAILS OF THE COVENANT [v. 7-21]
1. Legal preparation [v. 7-11]
2. Lengthy procedure [v. 12-16]
3. Lone Promisor [v. 17-21]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE DECLARATION OF CARE [v. 1-4]
1. The Personal Proclamation of God [v. 1]
2. The Premature Proposition to God [v. 2-3]
3. The Promise of an Earthly Seed Repeated [v. 4, 13:14-16]
II. THE DAY OF CHRIST [v. 5-6]
1. The Promise of An Heavenly Seed Pictured [v. 5a]
2. The Promise of A Singular Seed Preeminent [v. 5b]
3. The Power of A Saviour Promised [v. 6]
Jn. 8:56-58; Rm. 4:1-5, 13-16; Gal. 3:6-9, 13-18
III. THE DETAILS OF THE COVENANT [v. 7-21]
1. Legal preparation [v. 7-11]
2. Lengthy procedure [v. 12-16]
3. Lone Promisor [v. 17-21]
Saturday, November 10, 2007
What Did Jesus Say about Suffering?
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.
What Did Jesus Say about Suffering?
The Bible helps us to understand everything going on in the world today—including widespread death and suffering.
During Christ’s day, a terrible tragedy occurred when the tower of Siloam collapsed, killing eighteen Jews. Jesus mentioned this to explain why God allows suffering and death.
Luke 13:4–5 records Christ’s words:
“Those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all other men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.”
Jesus was making two crucial points about suffering and death: Bad things that happen to people are not always related to personal sin, but all of us suffer and die because of sin. We each need to look at our own sins, and repent—lest we perish.
Genesis gives the only good answer to the question of disasters, death, and suffering: the sin of our father, Adam, and the sins of his descendants (including us), have brought tragedy. Rather than blaming God, we need to repent and turn to the One who can save us from eternal disaster!
----------------------------
News to Note Quick Look
Tragedy in Finland: In Finland this week, a teenager killed eight students and then himself at a high school. The shooter was motivated by his “social Darwinist” views.
A Sleeping Giant: Geologists working in Yellowstone National Park have discovered that the Yellowstone Valley is rising more than three times faster than “usual,” reports ScienceNOW on research published in the journal Science.
What Did Jesus Say about Suffering?
The Bible helps us to understand everything going on in the world today—including widespread death and suffering.
During Christ’s day, a terrible tragedy occurred when the tower of Siloam collapsed, killing eighteen Jews. Jesus mentioned this to explain why God allows suffering and death.
Luke 13:4–5 records Christ’s words:
“Those eighteen upon whom the tower of Siloam fell and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all other men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.”
Jesus was making two crucial points about suffering and death: Bad things that happen to people are not always related to personal sin, but all of us suffer and die because of sin. We each need to look at our own sins, and repent—lest we perish.
Genesis gives the only good answer to the question of disasters, death, and suffering: the sin of our father, Adam, and the sins of his descendants (including us), have brought tragedy. Rather than blaming God, we need to repent and turn to the One who can save us from eternal disaster!
----------------------------
News to Note Quick Look
Tragedy in Finland: In Finland this week, a teenager killed eight students and then himself at a high school. The shooter was motivated by his “social Darwinist” views.
A Sleeping Giant: Geologists working in Yellowstone National Park have discovered that the Yellowstone Valley is rising more than three times faster than “usual,” reports ScienceNOW on research published in the journal Science.
Friday, November 09, 2007
MASTER'S MENS CONFERENCE
BILL RICE III IS ONE OF THE SCHEDULED SPEAKERS! HIS PARENTS STARTED THE RANCH!
THE RANCH IS BEAUTIFULLY LOCATED IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE. HORSES ARE JUST ONE OF GOD'S CREATURES THAT YOU CAN SEE AT THE RANCH.
WIL RICE IV IS ANOTHER OF THE SCHEDULED SPEAKERS. JIM SCHETTLER (not pictured) IS THE THIRD SPEAKER.Thursday, November 08, 2007
Missing Blogs?
Ah yes, once again the Master's men's Conference comes around at the Bill Rice Ranch about 7 miles from Murfreesboro, TN. Who has time to blog when they are surrounded by an explosion of color in God's creation, a plethora of great tasting food from God's bounty, and heart-warming, soul-stirring sermons froms God's Word?
More later when I get back...
More later when I get back...
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
PROVERBS 3:5-7
Pastor Rick Jackson
In today's world we are often offered deals or items that can be called "the total package". It might be a new vehicle with all the bells and whistles. It might be that you get you cable TV, Internet connection, home phone and cell phone all from the same company. It could be that you can go to Wal-Mart and see a doctor, an opthamologist, buy your groceries while your car is being serviced!
It shouldn't surprise us to know that the concept of the "total package" has been in the Bible the whole time. There are many places we could go to see this but let's look in Proverbs 3.
I. THE MATTER OF THE HEART [v. 5]
1. The Wholeness of Salvation [v.5] He can do for you what you cannot do for yourself
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
2. The Holiness of Security [v. 5] He will keep for you what you cannot keep yourself [1 Pt. 1:3-16]
3. The Happiness of Serenity [v. 5] He knows what you cannot [Psalm 56:3]
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
II. THE MATTER OF THE HAND [v. 6]
1. This Is Personal [v. 6] "In all thy ways..." Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
2. This Is Powerful [v. 6] "...acknowledge Him..." Ephesians 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Basically WWJD?
3. This Is Purposeful [v. 6] Mark 8:35
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
III. THE MATTER OF THE HEAD [v. 7]
1. See Yourself Biblically [v. 7, Psalm 144:3-4]
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
2. See The Lord Biblically [v. 7] "...fear the LORD..."
3. See Life Biblically [v. 7]
Only one life,
twill soon be past;
Only what's done-
for Christ will last.
Pastor Rick Jackson
In today's world we are often offered deals or items that can be called "the total package". It might be a new vehicle with all the bells and whistles. It might be that you get you cable TV, Internet connection, home phone and cell phone all from the same company. It could be that you can go to Wal-Mart and see a doctor, an opthamologist, buy your groceries while your car is being serviced!
It shouldn't surprise us to know that the concept of the "total package" has been in the Bible the whole time. There are many places we could go to see this but let's look in Proverbs 3.
I. THE MATTER OF THE HEART [v. 5]
1. The Wholeness of Salvation [v.5] He can do for you what you cannot do for yourself
Romans 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
2. The Holiness of Security [v. 5] He will keep for you what you cannot keep yourself [1 Pt. 1:3-16]
3. The Happiness of Serenity [v. 5] He knows what you cannot [Psalm 56:3]
What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
II. THE MATTER OF THE HAND [v. 6]
1. This Is Personal [v. 6] "In all thy ways..." Proverbs 16:7
When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
2. This Is Powerful [v. 6] "...acknowledge Him..." Ephesians 5:10
Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. Basically WWJD?
3. This Is Purposeful [v. 6] Mark 8:35
For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.
III. THE MATTER OF THE HEAD [v. 7]
1. See Yourself Biblically [v. 7, Psalm 144:3-4]
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
2. See The Lord Biblically [v. 7] "...fear the LORD..."
3. See Life Biblically [v. 7]
Only one life,
twill soon be past;
Only what's done-
for Christ will last.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
When Jesus comes I want Him to find me pulling in the harness, not standing in the stall. - Mrs. Tyre
I'm a nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody! - Source unknown
That's three quotes. Add another quote and make it a gallon! - Groucho Marx
I'm not overweight, I'm just under-tall. - Garfield (the cat, not the President)
---------------------------------------
The Greatest Man in History
J E S U S
had no servants, yet they called Him
M a s t e r.
Had no degree, yet they called Him
T e a c h e r.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him
H e a l e r.
He had no army, yet
Kings Feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet
He Conquered the World.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!
AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!!!!
-unknown origin, sent to me by Ronald
I'm a nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody! - Source unknown
That's three quotes. Add another quote and make it a gallon! - Groucho Marx
I'm not overweight, I'm just under-tall. - Garfield (the cat, not the President)
---------------------------------------
The Greatest Man in History
J E S U S
had no servants, yet they called Him
M a s t e r.
Had no degree, yet they called Him
T e a c h e r.
Had no medicines, yet they called Him
H e a l e r.
He had no army, yet
Kings Feared Him.
He won no military battles, yet
He Conquered the World.
He committed no crime,
yet they crucified Him.
He was buried in a tomb,
yet He lives today.
I feel honored to serve such a Leader who loves us!
AND HE IS COMING AGAIN!!!!
-unknown origin, sent to me by Ronald
Monday, November 05, 2007
ONE VERSE THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE
GENESIS 15:1
Pastor Rick Jackson
THINK OF THIS VERSE AS THE PROMISE OF FAITH [Rm. 10:17, Gn. 15:1]
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying,"
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I. FAITH IS BETTER THAN FEAR [v. 1] "Fear not"
Over 60 times in the Bible the words "fear not" are found. Most of those times it is God or His representative talking. Most of those times it is predicated on God's presence, God's power, or God's promises.
1. GOD'S PRESENCE
Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
2 Kings 6:16 And he (Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Heb. 13:5-6 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.
2. GOD'S POWER
Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
3. GOD'S PROMISES
Genesis 46:3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Joshua 8:1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Joel 2:21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Revelation 1:17-18 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
II. GOD IS BEFORE US [v. 1] "I am thy shield"
1. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE JOY
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.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
2. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE FAITH
2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
3. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE ASSURANCE
2 Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Psalm 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
III. GOD IS BEST FOR US! [v. 1] "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
1. PAUL GOT A HOLD ON THIS
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Ephesians 1:18-20 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
2. PETER GOT A HOLD ON THIS
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
3. JUDE GOT A HOLD ON THIS
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
DO YOU HAVE A HOLD ON THIS?
Pastor Rick Jackson
THINK OF THIS VERSE AS THE PROMISE OF FAITH [Rm. 10:17, Gn. 15:1]
"After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying,"
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I. FAITH IS BETTER THAN FEAR [v. 1] "Fear not"
Over 60 times in the Bible the words "fear not" are found. Most of those times it is God or His representative talking. Most of those times it is predicated on God's presence, God's power, or God's promises.
1. GOD'S PRESENCE
Genesis 26:24 And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Deuteronomy 31:8 And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
2 Kings 6:16 And he (Elisha) answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
1 Chronicles 28:20 And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
Heb. 13:5-6 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.
2. GOD'S POWER
Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
Isaiah 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
3. GOD'S PROMISES
Genesis 46:3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:
Joshua 8:1 And the LORD said unto Joshua, Fear not, neither be thou dismayed: take all the people of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai: see, I have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his people, and his city, and his land:
Isaiah 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Joel 2:21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
Luke 12:32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Revelation 1:17-18 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
II. GOD IS BEFORE US [v. 1] "I am thy shield"
1. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE JOY
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.
Psalm 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
2. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE FAITH
2 Samuel 22:3 The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.
Psalm 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Psalm 119:114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.
Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
3. THIS SHOULD PRODUCE ASSURANCE
2 Samuel 22:36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy gentleness hath made me great.
Psalm 3:3But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psalm 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
III. GOD IS BEST FOR US! [v. 1] "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
1. PAUL GOT A HOLD ON THIS
2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
Ephesians 1:18-20 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
2. PETER GOT A HOLD ON THIS
1 Peter 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
2 Peter 1:4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
3. JUDE GOT A HOLD ON THIS
Jude 1:24 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
DO YOU HAVE A HOLD ON THIS?
Sunday, November 04, 2007
I AM WHAT I AM BUT AM I WHAT I OUGHT TO BE?
1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE PERSON TO BE!
Some years back the Army's recruiting motto was "Be all you can be! Join the Army." Now I am all for the U.S. Military but I've got to tell you -- for some people, joining the Armed Forces is a bad idea. "Oh, but the discipline, the camaraderie, the training is good for people." It's good for some people, maybe even most people, but not for all people. Sometimes idiots rise to become officers, sometimes the camaraderie might lead you into sin (many is the man who learned to drink in the Armed Forces and ruined his life), sometimes a person is bad and the training helps them be better at being bad. Not most... but some! But there is direction for every person that is THE PERSON TO BE! Male or female, young or old, red, yellow, black or white it doesn't matter. This is for everyone without exception.
1. THE PERSON TO BE IS A SAVED PERSON!
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither ° can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
The saved person is right before God.
2. THE PERSON TO BE IS AN STUDIED PERSON!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth
Who are you showing? God already knows, you aren't doing this to show off, You are doing this so you can show yourself whether or not you are approved unto God! The studied person is right to himself.
3. THE PERSON TO BE IS A SANCTIFIED PERSON!
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:
The sanctified person is right toward others!
II. THE PERSON THAT FLEES! [1 Timothy 6:1-11]
There are certain situations we should avoid. They are certain situations in which we should stand. But there are also certain times or certain situations in which the right thing to do is to flee!
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
3. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
III. THE GOD THAT SEES!
If you are thinking at this point, "Man, that's hard stuff. Why should I be that person? Why should I flee those things?" Quite simply, you are being watched!
1. GOD SEES EVERYWHERE! [Proverbs 15:3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
2. GOD SEES EVERYTHING! [Hebrews 4:12-13] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
3. GOD SEES EVERYBODY! [2 Chronicles 16:9] For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
(Look at His motive though! Yes, He sees the wrong, but He's looking for the right so He can help them. That's why we should be the person we ought to be and flee the things we ought to flee! God is watching us!)
Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
I. THE PERSON TO BE!
Some years back the Army's recruiting motto was "Be all you can be! Join the Army." Now I am all for the U.S. Military but I've got to tell you -- for some people, joining the Armed Forces is a bad idea. "Oh, but the discipline, the camaraderie, the training is good for people." It's good for some people, maybe even most people, but not for all people. Sometimes idiots rise to become officers, sometimes the camaraderie might lead you into sin (many is the man who learned to drink in the Armed Forces and ruined his life), sometimes a person is bad and the training helps them be better at being bad. Not most... but some! But there is direction for every person that is THE PERSON TO BE! Male or female, young or old, red, yellow, black or white it doesn't matter. This is for everyone without exception.
1. THE PERSON TO BE IS A SAVED PERSON!
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither ° can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
The saved person is right before God.
2. THE PERSON TO BE IS AN STUDIED PERSON!
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth
Who are you showing? God already knows, you aren't doing this to show off, You are doing this so you can show yourself whether or not you are approved unto God! The studied person is right to himself.
3. THE PERSON TO BE IS A SANCTIFIED PERSON!
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:
The sanctified person is right toward others!
II. THE PERSON THAT FLEES! [1 Timothy 6:1-11]
There are certain situations we should avoid. They are certain situations in which we should stand. But there are also certain times or certain situations in which the right thing to do is to flee!
1. 1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
2. 1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
3. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
III. THE GOD THAT SEES!
If you are thinking at this point, "Man, that's hard stuff. Why should I be that person? Why should I flee those things?" Quite simply, you are being watched!
1. GOD SEES EVERYWHERE! [Proverbs 15:3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
2. GOD SEES EVERYTHING! [Hebrews 4:12-13] For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
3. GOD SEES EVERYBODY! [2 Chronicles 16:9] For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.
(Look at His motive though! Yes, He sees the wrong, but He's looking for the right so He can help them. That's why we should be the person we ought to be and flee the things we ought to flee! God is watching us!)
Proverbs 22:12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.
1 Peter 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Has the missing link been found?
For many people, evolution is more than just a scientific argument about origins: they use it as their philosophy of living, and it impacts every area of their life. Those who want to reject the Creator are always looking for evidence to support their belief system of evolution.
Christians should be aware that every so-called “missing” link between man and ape has been rejected by scientists. Even many evolutionists throw out Neanderthal man and “Lucy” as our ape-like ancestors. But we shouldn’t even have to turn to science to know that these “ape-men” are false. The Bible clearly tells us that God created humans and animals reproducing after their own kind.
What’s the real missing link? It’s humankind’s relationship to the Creator. He made them, and He’s never been missing. We’re made in the image of God and are meant to worship and obey Him.
-------------------------------------------
News to Note Quick Look
Flame-headed Neanderthals: It’s a common caricature in textbooks, movies, and—more true than ever today—TV shows: a brow-ridged, (often) club-carrying Neanderthal, covered in thick, messy red hair.
Wait a second—red hair? Contrary to nearly all artists’ interpretations of Neanderthals as dark-haired, a DNA study published in the journal Science has shown that some Neanderthals (sometimes spelled Neandertals) were “probably redheads,” reports BBC News.
Questions about Dark Matter: Dark matter, a moderately evil-sounding, hypothesized component that is described as helping hold galaxies together, was all the rage just a few months ago. Now, a team of two astrophysicists is arguing that their modified theory of gravity explains the data and leaves no role for dark matter.
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.
Christians should be aware that every so-called “missing” link between man and ape has been rejected by scientists. Even many evolutionists throw out Neanderthal man and “Lucy” as our ape-like ancestors. But we shouldn’t even have to turn to science to know that these “ape-men” are false. The Bible clearly tells us that God created humans and animals reproducing after their own kind.
What’s the real missing link? It’s humankind’s relationship to the Creator. He made them, and He’s never been missing. We’re made in the image of God and are meant to worship and obey Him.
-------------------------------------------
News to Note Quick Look
Flame-headed Neanderthals: It’s a common caricature in textbooks, movies, and—more true than ever today—TV shows: a brow-ridged, (often) club-carrying Neanderthal, covered in thick, messy red hair.
Wait a second—red hair? Contrary to nearly all artists’ interpretations of Neanderthals as dark-haired, a DNA study published in the journal Science has shown that some Neanderthals (sometimes spelled Neandertals) were “probably redheads,” reports BBC News.
Questions about Dark Matter: Dark matter, a moderately evil-sounding, hypothesized component that is described as helping hold galaxies together, was all the rage just a few months ago. Now, a team of two astrophysicists is arguing that their modified theory of gravity explains the data and leaves no role for dark matter.
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, November 02, 2007
False Prophets and True
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:11).
In the apostolic period, two main gifts of the Spirit were those of the apostle and prophet. In fact, the church itself was "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:20). One function of these men was to receive and transmit God's revelation to His people--first verbally, then eventually written in permanent form in the New Testament. "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (Ephesians 3:5).
The apostle Paul revealed also that such prophecies would cease once they were no longer needed. "When that which is perfect or `complete' is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (I Corinthians 13:9-10). Clearly in the context, this refers to the complete revelation of God. When the last book of the Bible was transmitted to the church by the last living apostle, the Lord warned us neither to "add unto" nor to "take away from the words of the book of this prophecy" (Revelation 22:18-19).
But many false prophets have indeed "gone out into the world" (I John 4:1), just as Jesus warned, and they have "deceived many." One of them, a self-asserted seventh century "prophet" from Arabia, received certain "revelations" from a "god" that were vastly different from those of the God of the Bible, and his followers now number over a billion.
There have been others, before and since, and the Lord Jesus warned us always to "beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15). The basic criterion by which to test any alleged prophecy, ancient or modern, is whether or not it fully conforms to the written Word of God, the Bible. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
In the apostolic period, two main gifts of the Spirit were those of the apostle and prophet. In fact, the church itself was "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets" (Ephesians 2:20). One function of these men was to receive and transmit God's revelation to His people--first verbally, then eventually written in permanent form in the New Testament. "Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit" (Ephesians 3:5).
The apostle Paul revealed also that such prophecies would cease once they were no longer needed. "When that which is perfect or `complete' is come, then that which is in part shall be done away" (I Corinthians 13:9-10). Clearly in the context, this refers to the complete revelation of God. When the last book of the Bible was transmitted to the church by the last living apostle, the Lord warned us neither to "add unto" nor to "take away from the words of the book of this prophecy" (Revelation 22:18-19).
But many false prophets have indeed "gone out into the world" (I John 4:1), just as Jesus warned, and they have "deceived many." One of them, a self-asserted seventh century "prophet" from Arabia, received certain "revelations" from a "god" that were vastly different from those of the God of the Bible, and his followers now number over a billion.
There have been others, before and since, and the Lord Jesus warned us always to "beware of false prophets" (Matthew 7:15). The basic criterion by which to test any alleged prophecy, ancient or modern, is whether or not it fully conforms to the written Word of God, the Bible. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Dark Valleys
There are many dark valleys mentioned in Scripture, and these typify the many sufferings and hard experiences through which the people of God must pass. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29).
The valley of Achor--which means "trouble"--was so named because sin in the camp of God's people had caused great defeat for their armies there (Joshua 7:25-26). Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark vale of trouble and defeat.
Then there is the vale of tears called Baca, or "weeping." Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and restitution will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God's comfort will guide through Baca. "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. . . . Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well. . . . They go from strength to strength" (Psalm 84:5-7).
Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All must enter that valley once at least--some may even travel it often before its thick darkness finally conquers them. For those without Christ it is a valley of great fear; there have been multitudes "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15).
But for those who know the Lord, they need fear no evil for God is with them. Even His guiding staff and buffeting rod are comforting for they prove the love of the Shepherd. No wonder the 23rd Psalm is the most requested passage of Scripture by those deep in this dark valley. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
www.icr.org
November 1, 2007
The valley of Achor--which means "trouble"--was so named because sin in the camp of God's people had caused great defeat for their armies there (Joshua 7:25-26). Willful sin inevitably must result eventually in a trek through the dark vale of trouble and defeat.
Then there is the vale of tears called Baca, or "weeping." Opinions differ as to whether this was an actual valley in Israel, but it came to symbolize a time of deep loss and sorrow. Repentance and restitution will lead one out of the valley of Achor, but God's comfort will guide through Baca. "Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee. . . . Who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well. . . . They go from strength to strength" (Psalm 84:5-7).
Perhaps the darkest valley of all is the valley of the shadow of death. All must enter that valley once at least--some may even travel it often before its thick darkness finally conquers them. For those without Christ it is a valley of great fear; there have been multitudes "who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:15).
But for those who know the Lord, they need fear no evil for God is with them. Even His guiding staff and buffeting rod are comforting for they prove the love of the Shepherd. No wonder the 23rd Psalm is the most requested passage of Scripture by those deep in this dark valley. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH
www.icr.org
November 1, 2007
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