Who Are You Serving?

 

Psalm 84:10 "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."   Who Are You Serving?   I have seen some amazing homes in my years of traveling. I've seen the Hearst Castle in California, beautiful homes around Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and expansive homes in the mountains on the East Coast. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see an amazing home? I wonder who in the world lives there! You also probably wonder what they do in order to afford such a house!   The psalmist reminds us in Psalm 84 that who you serve is more important than how you serve. That is, serving God is more important that the capacity in which you serve. Whether you type on a computer, cut wood with a saw, wrangle horses and cattle, or serve some other way, Who you serve is most important!   Don't lose sight of Who you serve while you are serving. We can get so wrapped up in God's will for our lives and our day that we lose sight of the One we are serving. Don't get so stuck on what you are doing that you forget for Whom you are doing it!   If you will serve the right Master, you will reap the right reward. The Bible promises, "No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Many times we are concerned about what we do and what we get from doing it. Instead, when you serve the right Master, you can trust Him for the right reward for your efforts.   What you specifically do for the Lord is important, but it is not the most important thing. Who you are serving is the most important thing! I know a guy who changed light bulbs for a living. That doesn't sound impressive, at least until I tell you that he changed light bulbs in the White House! Who he is serving (the President) elevates the importance of what he is doing (changing light bulbs). More than any president, king, or ruler, you serve the Living God, and you can trust Him with the reward. Remember Who you serve today!     Prayer Requests: 1. Services tonight in Starke, FL 2. BRR Conference on Marriage & the Home this weekend (Dec. 1-3) 3. A special word from Brother Rice...       Looking for more devotionals?  Visit the archives here

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

Quotes of the Week

[One guy] looks like he's been in a famine & [the other guy] looks like he caused it. - Tom Jackson

Grace is the means, peace is the result. - Henry Hodges

He [Jesus] is a great Guide. He's not a great "guy". He is our Lord. - Hodges

The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money. - Margaret Thatcher

Those who substitute envy, idleness, lists of “demands” and self-indulgence for personal responsibility and productivity are guaranteed to find contentment perpetually elusive. - Doug Kutilek

If you look at the troubles which have happened in European countries, this is purely because of the accumulated troubles of the worn out welfare society. I think the labour laws are outdated. The labour laws induce sloth, indolence, rather than hardworking. The incentive system is totally out of whack. - Jin Liqun, supervising chairman of China's sovereign wealth fund

The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. - Herbert Spencer

I say with reverence that even the almighty and eternal God can never show His love in a greater manner than He did on the Cross on Calvary’s hill when He delivered up His own Son for us all and kept nothing back. - D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

THE LOVE OF CHRIST

[Preached at Bradford Baptist Church last night in the 7 PM service.]

II CORINTHIANS 5:14

THE LOVE OF CHRIST:

I. Should Motivate Us to be Saved [v. 8]

There is a Heaven to gain and a Hell to shun.

II. Conquers All [Rm. 8:35-39]

People turn to addictions instead of Christ during problems. Addictions end in death. Christ gives life.

III. Is Contagious [I Jn. 3:16-18]

The love of Christ should be contagious by every Christian's actions and attitude. It needs to be contagious in your home, in your church, at work, at play, and at school.

We Call, God Answers

 

 

Psalm 81:7 "Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah."       I think it's true that all of us need a person who we can call and know they will answer our call. It may sound insignificant, but nothing is more valuable in time of need than someone who will answer when you call!   God Almighty is speaking in Psalm 81, and He says, "Thou calledst in trouble, and I delivered thee; I answered thee. . . ." I love the fact that when we call, God answers! When do we call? I wish it were different, but we call when we are in trouble. The truth is, we want deliverance; God wants our attention.   Our problem is not our problem; our problem is not calling out to God about our problem. Look up when you are in trouble! As this verse points out, sometimes God answers us by proving us. He may deliver or He may test, but both are in response to your calling. Sometimes God tests you by withholding an answer; sometimes God tests us by giving an answer. Whether He delivers or tests you, He always does what is right and what is best. Thank God that He answers!   May we respond correctly when we find ourselves in trouble. Remember to look to God and call on Him. Whether He answers by delivering or by testing, know that He graciously and mercifully answers when we call!     Prayer Requests: 1. Services tonight in Starke, FL 2. BRR Conference on Marriage & the Home this weekend (Dec. 1-3) 3. A special word from Brother Rice...       Looking for more devotionals?  Visit the archives here

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

STAND STILL

EVANGELIST MATT DOWNS

EXODUS 14:10-14 [especially verse 13]

preached Nov. 27, 2011 in the evening service of Bradford Baptist Church

Truths to remember so that we can stand still:

1. Salvation is of the Lord [v. 13]

2. Answered Prayer [what God had brought them through- the 10 plagues]

3. Godly Counsel [v. 15] Read and Heed the Word of God!

4. Do Our Part [v. 21-31]

Once God speaks- move! Stand still to hear Him and then get going!

I PITY THE FOOL

Evangelist Matt Downs

Mt. 7:24-29 [especially verse 26]

Characteristics of a Fool

A Fool:

Forgets About God [Ps. 14:1]

Openly Mocks Sin [Pr. 14:9]

Opens His Mouth Exposing His Foolishness [Pr. 18:6-8]

Loves Possessions More Than God [Pr. 19:1]

Ignores Instruction [Pr. 12:15]

Saddens His Parents [Pr. 17:21]

Hides His Sin [Prov. 10:18]

Question of the Week: Is evolutionary theory compatible with the days of creation?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us November 26, 2011 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Is evolutionary theory compatible with the days of creation? Video On Demand: All Creatures Great and Small, Part 3 (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) IRA Charitable Rollover Gifts News to Note Quick Look Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Is evolutionary theory compatible with the days of creation? A: In the last two decades there has been a growing controversy in the church over the six Days of Creation recorded in Genesis 1 and evolutionary theory. Some Christians, who accepted the idea of billions of years as propounded by most scientists, claimed that no conflict exists between Christianity and evolutionary theory. Those who make that claim are not considering the biblical text carefully enough. When Creationists object to Darwinian evolution, they have mainly two things in mind: (1) the widespread message that scientific thought and explanations as informed by evolutionary theory make God irrelevant to the origin of Creation and the development of life on Earth, and (2) the claim that evolutionary theory and Scripture are not in conflict. These objections are linked to at least three core doctrines of Darwin's theory: (a) the appearance of organic beings through natural processes, (b) gradual evolution over millions of years, and (c) that human beings are not the work of a separate act of creation as stated in the Genesis record of Creation but have descended along with other mammals from a common ancestor. Continue reading for an in-depth look at this critical question. IRA Charitable Rollover Gifts Are you looking for a simple, convenient way to make a year-end gift to Answers in Genesis without dipping into your checking or savings account? If you are over 70, you can transfer up to $100,000 from your IRA to Answers in Genesis in 2011 without paying any federal income tax. Your gift can be made simply by notifying your IRA plan custodian of your intent to make a current transfer to Answers in Genesis. And you will feel good knowing that you were able to make a simple, easy gift from your IRA this year to support our mission to uphold the absolute truth and authority of the Bible, relate the relevance of a literal Genesis to the church and world today, and obey God's call to deliver the message of the Gospel. Our federal tax ID number is: 33-0596423. The IRA charitable rollover is only available through December 31, 2011, unless Congress acts soon to extend it. For more information on how to make an IRA rollover gift in 2011, please contact us at (859) 727-2222, ext. 483 or visit our website. News to Note Quick Look Forensic fantasy: Australopithecus sediba got a makeover to celebrate the display of his mortal remains in London's Natural History Museum. The "boy," who along with his "mother" was presented to the scientific public in the 2011 September 9 issue of Science, underwent "forensic reconstruction" to produce a portrait perfect for his role as oldest ape-boy. Read more. Dinosaur nursery: Fifteen juvenile Protoceratops clustered in Tugrikin Shire, Mongolia, suggest this kind of dinosaur cared for its young. This find is the only undisputed Protoceratops nest known. Scientists thought they had found a nest of Protoceratops eggs in the 1920s, but the inhabitants turned out to be oviraptorids. Read more. Also: Darwinian linguistics Land ho! Jetlag geometry And Don't Miss . . . Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Carbon dating—is the earth really old? Uranus—a problem for evolutionists! Comets—they disintegrate too quickly! Global warming—is it real? Six ordinary days—does this limit God? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Ark Encounter Ark Encounter Answers Magazine   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Ark Design (Nov 25) Happy Thanksgiving! (Nov 24) The Six Days of Creation and Evolutionary Theory: Are They Compatible? (Nov 23) Tools of Persuasion for Creationist Students (Nov 22) Prayer Requests and Praises, November 2011 (Nov 21) The Search for a Cursed Cosmos (Nov 20) Video On Demand All Creatures Great and Small, Part 3 Watch Video Ken's Blog Reaching Out to Pastors It's Thanksgiving Reaching Out to ETS Has Noah's Ark Really Been Found? Away to the UK Previous entries Prayer Requests Visit our prayer site to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Answers Book For Teens IndoctriNation (public schools documentary) A is for Adam (New version!) More current bestsellers Upcoming Events California Answers in Genesis Conference, January 21–23 BERMUDA Answers in Genesis Conference, February 5–6 Kentucky Sunday Speaking, February 26 South Carolina Teach Them Diligently Conference, March 15–17 Alabama Answers in Genesis Conference, April 1–2 More events Job Opportunities Internship Opportunities Mail Processor Seasonal Warehouse Specialist
This information graciously provided by: Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080 Customer service: 1-800-778-3390

Biblical Accuracy

Biblical Accuracy   "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" (John 3:12)   Many who profess to be Christian intellectuals today are arguing that we should defer to the evolutionists in matters of science and history, since the real message of the Bible is spiritual. The Genesis account, for example, is not meant to give us details of the events of creation, for scientists can give us this information. It merely assures us that God is somehow behind it all. But if this were all that God meant to tell us, its very first verse is enough for that! What is the need to describe all the days and acts of creation at all if the record has no real relevance to history or science?   As the Lord Jesus told Nicodemus in our text verse, if we cannot trust God's Word when it relates "earthly things," how can we possibly rely on its testimony of "heavenly things"? To some extent we can check for ourselves whether or not it is accurate when it records facts of history and processes of nature, but we have no means at all of determining whether it speaks the truth when it deals with heaven and hell, with salvation and eternal life, or with God's purpose for the world in the ages to come.   The fact is that the Bible is accurate in all matters with which it deals, scientific and historical as well as spiritual and theological. It is a dangerous thing to listen to these modern "pied pipers" of evangelicalism whose self-serving compromises with evolutionary scientism have already led multitudes of young people astray in our Christian colleges and seminaries.   We yet may not have all the answers to alleged problems in the Bible, but we can be absolutely sure of God's Word. When the answers are found, they will merely confirm what He has said all along. He is able and willing to speak the truth, and He means what He says! HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Captives of the Devil

Captives of the Devil     "And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." (Job 42:10)   Strange as it may seem, the experience of Job indicates that godly believers can be captured by the devil. God Himself allowed Job to fall into such captivity, for He told Satan: "Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life" (Job 2:6). All the sufferings which Job endured were inflicted by his captor, who hoped thereby to get him to renounce the Lord. Similarly, Peter was briefly bound in Satanic captivity. "Simon, Simon," said Jesus, "behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" (Luke 22:31).   Such bondage, however, is temporary. Job was delivered "when he prayed for his friends" and Peter when he was "converted" and went forth to "strengthen |his| brethren" as Christ had told him (Luke 22:32). In both cases, they continued strong in faith during their captivity, and deliverance came when they turned their concerns to others.   More serious is the case of those who are in bondage because of sin. Nevertheless, Christ died to set them free, "that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:14-15).   Christ died to set the captives free, but they must first be told and then gently led to freedom by those who care for their souls. "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will" (2 Timothy 2:24-26). HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Our Glorious Bodies

Our Glorious Bodies     "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, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself." (Philippians 3:20-21)   Two vivid contrasts are highlighted in this text: We now have a vile body that will be changed into a glorious body. Our Lord Jesus will fashion us after the pattern of His own body.   There is ample evidence, both in Scripture and in our own experience, that our present physical bodies are "vile." The English word seems more intense than the Greek, which simply means "lowly" or "humble." Christ humbled himself when he took on our flesh (Philippians 2:8). The Virgin Mary saw herself in a "low estate" as she compared herself to the wonder of what was happening to her (Luke 1:48).   But one glorious day, the Lord Jesus will change our humble bodies into that which is reflective of His own. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:2). What a marvelous thought! Even "after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God" (Job 19:26).   The exciting description of those absolute changes are encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 15:42-58. We have a mortal body now, but then it will be imperishable. There is no honor to our bodies now, but then they will be glorious. Weakness is our burden now, but in eternity we will be endued with power. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for this majestic promise. HMM III   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD

REVELATION 2:12-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

In the Bible the wielder of the sword is one who had governmental authority. In Romans 13:1-5 for instance we are told of the purpose of human government. Here in Revelation the Sword Wielder has higher authority still.

I. THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD IS AWARE [2:12]

1. Of Your Toil [2:13]

2. Of Your Situation [2:13]

3. Of Your Stand [2:13]

Just knowing what we do is known and appreciated makes a big difference. Down through the years stories are told of soldiers that did incredible things because of their respect for their commander. Heb. 4:12-14

II. THE WIELDER OF THE TWO-EDGED SWORD [2:12]

1. Knows When Compromise is Made for Material Gain [2:14]

2. Knows When Compromise Causes Others to be Led Astray [2:14]

1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

3. Knows When Compromise is Made with False Teachings [2:15, I Tm. 4:1-2]

III. THE WIELDER OF THE SWORD IS KNOWS WHAT CHANGES ARE NECESSARY [Heb. 4:15-16]

1. Change Your Mind [v. 16]

2. Change Your Manner [v. 16]

3. Change Your Future [v. 17]
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Question of the Week: When should we speak up about origins?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us November 19, 2011 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: When should we speak up about origins? Video On Demand: All Creatures Great and Small, Part 2 (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: When should we speak up about origins? A: First of all, it is important to remember this biblical principle: To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven . . . a time to keep silence, and a time to speak. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7) Matthew Henry commented that there is "a time when it becomes us, and is our wisdom and duty, to keep silence, when it is an evil time (Amos 5:13), when our speaking would be the casting of pearl before swine, or when we are in danger of speaking amiss (Psalm 39:2); but there is also a time to speak for the glory of God and the edification of others, when silence would be the betraying of a righteous cause, and when with the mouth confession is to be made to salvation; and it is a great part of Christian prudence to know when to speak and when to hold our peace." Scripture clearly states that at certain times silence is a virtue. Yet at other times remaining silent is wrong, cowardly, and traitorous. The question for many creationists is: how can we know when to "keep silence" and when to speak? While the Bible doesn't offer a specific answer for each particular situation, it does give principles that can help you evaluate each situation you face. Continue reading to learn some guidelines that will help you wisely assess not only when, but also how to speak up about the topic of creation vs. evolution. News to Note Quick Look The social contract: In a world where evolutionary scientists presuppose everything resulted from the random interaction of elemental parts, many puzzle not over whether social behavior evolved but how. Thus evolutionary anthropologists led by Oxford's Susanne Shultz have challenged conventional evolutionary thinking with a novel proposal. Read more. Sickle-cell mystery: Back in 1954, British geneticist Anthony Allison reported people carrying sickle-cell trait were better able to survive malaria. No one knew why. But sickle-causing hemoglobin results from a mutation, so this "beneficial mutation" has been touted as proof of Darwinian evolution. Evolutionists claim enough good mutations can evolve a new kind of organism. Read more. Also: Windy resistance Before giants walked the earth Primordial puff And Don't Miss . . . Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Thorny devil—a thorny problem for evolution? T-Rex coprolite—it's rather revealing! Does the word day—ever mean day? Dinosaurs—they had rocky diets! A day—isn't it like a thousand years? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Ark Encounter Ark Encounter Answers Magazine   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Creationist Students (Nov 18) Chapter 5: The Ready Defense (Nov 17) Determining the Ark Kinds (Nov 16) Speaking Up or Keeping Silent in Science Class (Nov 15) Letter from Ken, November 2011 (Nov 14) The Most Horrific Graveyard in the World (Nov 13) Video On Demand All Creatures Great and Small, Part 2 Watch Video Ken's Blog College Expo 2011 Worldwide Epidemic Threatens Church We're off to Nashville—for a Bible Bee! All-Asian Creation Conference Started Yesterday in Malaysia Evangelism—That's What It's All About Previous entries Prayer Requests Visit our prayer site to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Book For Teens Body of Evidence (8-DVD/Book Combo) Answers Magazine Subscription: United States The First Christmas Town More current bestsellers Upcoming Events California Answers in Genesis Conference, January 21–23 BERMUDA Answers in Genesis Conference, February 5–6 Kentucky Sunday Speaking, February 26 South Carolina Teach Them Diligently Conference, March 15–17 Alabama Answers in Genesis Conference, April 1–2 More events Job Opportunities Seasonal Customer Service Associate Internship Opportunities Mail Processor Seasonal Food Service Support Staff Seasonal Security Console Operator Seasonal Warehouse Specialist
The information provided in this blog was graciously provided by: Answers in Genesis 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080 Customer service: 1-800-778-3390