I CORINTHIANS 1:1-9
Rick Jackson
I. THE PREACHER'S RESOLUTIONS (& HOW THEY AFFECT YOU)
1. I will preach CHRIST [1:17, 23; 2:2] -Bring the lost!
2. I will give you milk [3:1-2a, Heb. 5:12-13] -Bring a sincere desire to learn
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. I Pet. 2:1-3
3. I will give you meat [3:2, Heb. 5:14] -Be prepared to have to chew (Meditate)
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
II. THE NEGATIVE RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN
1. "I will not DEVALUE my life" [3:10-15]
2. "I will not DEFILE the temple of God" [3:16-17]
3. "I will not DECEIVE myself with the world!" [3:18-23] The world is the problem, the Word is the solution.
III. THE POSITIVE RESOLUTIONS FOR EVERY CHRISTIAN
1. Be faithful [4:1-2]
2. Be forewarned [4:3-13] Things aren't always as YOU think they are!
3. Be followers! [4:14-17]
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. [I Co. 11:1]
Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; [Eph. 5:1]
And he (JESUS) saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. [Mt. 4:19]
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: [Jn. 10:27]
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Q: Since some monkeys make a lot of noise and can even use simple sign language, is it possible they might ever learn to speak?
A: It’s true that some monkeys and apes, lured along by rewards, have been able to learn what might be called a simple sign language. But it’s been discovered that monkeys lack the key principle common to all human languages—something called “phrase structure grammar.”
An example of phrase structure grammar would be a sentence that uses the words “if” and “then.” These two words enable us to communicate opinions and complex social ideas, as there are many concepts that an unstructured string of words could never communicate.
Unsurprisingly, the discovery that monkeys lack this key ability has dashed some scientists’ hopes that monkeys could be trained to master a complex language.
No matter how hard evolutionists try to make apes and monkeys our relatives, they always end up finding themselves at a loss for words (excuse the pun). Only humans have the ability to communicate using complex grammar patterns, because God made man in His image with the ability to communicate with Him—and with each other—starting from the very beginning.
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.
An example of phrase structure grammar would be a sentence that uses the words “if” and “then.” These two words enable us to communicate opinions and complex social ideas, as there are many concepts that an unstructured string of words could never communicate.
Unsurprisingly, the discovery that monkeys lack this key ability has dashed some scientists’ hopes that monkeys could be trained to master a complex language.
No matter how hard evolutionists try to make apes and monkeys our relatives, they always end up finding themselves at a loss for words (excuse the pun). Only humans have the ability to communicate using complex grammar patterns, because God made man in His image with the ability to communicate with Him—and with each other—starting from the very beginning.
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, December 29, 2006
Pictures of the week 2!
We saw women from the right angles yesterday so men are left.Since I joined the Army I have grown another foot.
"
When Reed Richards disputes a call...
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Pictures of the week!
Women viewed from perfect angles!
Sent to me by my favorite female cousin on my mother's side Sandy (pictured here with my #1 sister Becky).
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
JEHOVAHJIREH
GENESIS 22:1-18
The term "JEHOVAHJIREH" only appears once in the Scriptures and that is right here in our text. In the strictest sense it is the name of a place not a title for God but Abraham's intent is to name a place bearing testimony of who God is and what He will do. Jehovah, or more properly, Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. "Jireh" is a form of the verb "to see" and is usually translated "see" or "appear" in the Old Testament. How it became synonymous with "God will provide" should be made clear during this mesage.
First note:
I. WHAT GOD WAS NOT DOING!
1. God was NOT approving human sacrifice- He knew what He was going to do!
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
"It was not Isaac's life that God wanted; it was Abraham's heart, and He got it!" Lehman Strauss
2. God was NOT tempting Abraham to do evil (Gn. 22:1)- James 1:13
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"
3. God was not trying to prove to Himself Abraham's faith- He was testing (proving) Him before men. Did Abraham love Yahweh as much as the heathen loved their false gods? (remember Job and Satan, the test was good for Job, proved something to Satan and us)
James 2:18-24, Rm. 4:1-3
"God never puts us to the test until: we are ready for it and He has made preparation for our victory." -L.S.
Secondly note:
II. THE SUCCESS OF ABRAHAM
Abraham was not a success because he was some super-perfect Christian.
1. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully trusted. Heb. 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
2. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully submitted.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Is. 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
3. Abraham didn't fully understand be he fully worshipped [Gn. 22:5- 1st use of "worship" in the Bible]
"When the heart is right in God's sight, no sacrifice is too great to offer Him, and this is the only kind of worship He accepts." -L.S.
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Note lastly:
III. THE PROVISION OF GOD
The word "provision" comes from to words [pro=before, vision=to see] and thus means to see beforehand. God sees all things beforehand (an attribute we call foreknowledge) and then He prepares and provides beforehand (ex. the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world). So Abraham was saying "the Lord will see to it", i.e., "the Lord will provide!"
1. He provided Abraham a glimspe of Jesus. Gn. 22:8, 14 (future tense)
Jn. 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
2. He provided us examples of behavior
I Cor. 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
II Pet. 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
3. He provided all with the means of for pleasing Him
Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb. 11:39-40 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
For further study: Rom. 8:28, 32; Phil. 4:18-19
The term "JEHOVAHJIREH" only appears once in the Scriptures and that is right here in our text. In the strictest sense it is the name of a place not a title for God but Abraham's intent is to name a place bearing testimony of who God is and what He will do. Jehovah, or more properly, Yahweh is the eternal, self-existent One without beginning or end. "Jireh" is a form of the verb "to see" and is usually translated "see" or "appear" in the Old Testament. How it became synonymous with "God will provide" should be made clear during this mesage.
First note:
I. WHAT GOD WAS NOT DOING!
1. God was NOT approving human sacrifice- He knew what He was going to do!
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:
"It was not Isaac's life that God wanted; it was Abraham's heart, and He got it!" Lehman Strauss
2. God was NOT tempting Abraham to do evil (Gn. 22:1)- James 1:13
"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"
3. God was not trying to prove to Himself Abraham's faith- He was testing (proving) Him before men. Did Abraham love Yahweh as much as the heathen loved their false gods? (remember Job and Satan, the test was good for Job, proved something to Satan and us)
James 2:18-24, Rm. 4:1-3
"God never puts us to the test until: we are ready for it and He has made preparation for our victory." -L.S.
Secondly note:
II. THE SUCCESS OF ABRAHAM
Abraham was not a success because he was some super-perfect Christian.
1. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully trusted. Heb. 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
2. Abraham didn't fully understand but he fully submitted.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Is. 41:8 But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
3. Abraham didn't fully understand be he fully worshipped [Gn. 22:5- 1st use of "worship" in the Bible]
"When the heart is right in God's sight, no sacrifice is too great to offer Him, and this is the only kind of worship He accepts." -L.S.
John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
Note lastly:
III. THE PROVISION OF GOD
The word "provision" comes from to words [pro=before, vision=to see] and thus means to see beforehand. God sees all things beforehand (an attribute we call foreknowledge) and then He prepares and provides beforehand (ex. the Lamb slain before the foundation of the world). So Abraham was saying "the Lord will see to it", i.e., "the Lord will provide!"
1. He provided Abraham a glimspe of Jesus. Gn. 22:8, 14 (future tense)
Jn. 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
2. He provided us examples of behavior
I Cor. 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
II Pet. 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
3. He provided all with the means of for pleasing Him
Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Heb. 11:39-40 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
For further study: Rom. 8:28, 32; Phil. 4:18-19
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
JOY is what Christmas brings
The angel of the Lord announced, "Behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people" [Lk 2:10]. Mary rejoiced. "My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior" [Lk 1:46, 56]. This is amazing. John the Baptist, in the womb of his mother, "leaped in my womb for joy" [Lk 1:44]. "The wise men rejoiced" [Mt. 2:10]. "A multitude of the heavenly host rejoiced" [Lk 2:13, 14]. The shepherds rejoiced [Lk 2:20]. Simeon rejoiced [Lk 2:25-32]. There is much more but Christmas is surrounded by joy. We must let joy fill our lives with everything God does "for ALL things work together for good" to His children. [Rom 8:28].
We all know that but do not count on it at all times. We MUST. This is how to rejoice all of the new year, all year long. "Rejoice in the Lord" [Phil 4:4]. "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" [Lk 10:20]. Don't rejoice in anything you do or have but in Spiritual things, being saved above all. "Rejoice ever more" [1 Thes 5:16]. Don't gripe or grumble about problems or petty things but rejoice all the time "in the Lord." Keep it up. Keep your mind stayed on Him. "Set your affections (your mind) on things above" [Col 3:1]. "These things write we unto you that your joy might be FULL" [1 Jn. 1:4]. "These things have I spoken unto you...that your joy might be FULL" [Jn 15:11]. "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be FULL" [Jn 16:24]. God wants you FULL of joy.
Ask for souls! Most don't and don't get many or any, either. Go for souls. Look what winning the lost will do. That shepherd who had 100 sheep and lost one, went after it until he found it and "he layeth in on his shoulder rejoicing" you will too [Lk 15:5]. Then his friends and neighbors "Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost" [vs 6]. Oh my, that was the tip of the ice berg, there was joy in heaven [vs 7]. God rejoices! Folks, let that sink in. That is one thing, the birth of the Son of the living God is all about!
Sum it up, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" [Neh 8:10]. The man Christ Jesus, "was a man of sorrows" [Isa 53:3] but "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" for you and me! He suffered and died for all our sins, paid the debt in full and rose again to be our living Savior. And we are going to heaven instead of hell because someone gave us the gospel. [Heb 12:2]. Shouldn't you pass it on? Have you trusted and received Him as your Savior? Why not do it now? Tell God you will receive Him.
YOU are loved by God and me, ABC C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA. sumner@sumnerwemp.com
We all know that but do not count on it at all times. We MUST. This is how to rejoice all of the new year, all year long. "Rejoice in the Lord" [Phil 4:4]. "Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" [Lk 10:20]. Don't rejoice in anything you do or have but in Spiritual things, being saved above all. "Rejoice ever more" [1 Thes 5:16]. Don't gripe or grumble about problems or petty things but rejoice all the time "in the Lord." Keep it up. Keep your mind stayed on Him. "Set your affections (your mind) on things above" [Col 3:1]. "These things write we unto you that your joy might be FULL" [1 Jn. 1:4]. "These things have I spoken unto you...that your joy might be FULL" [Jn 15:11]. "Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be FULL" [Jn 16:24]. God wants you FULL of joy.
Ask for souls! Most don't and don't get many or any, either. Go for souls. Look what winning the lost will do. That shepherd who had 100 sheep and lost one, went after it until he found it and "he layeth in on his shoulder rejoicing" you will too [Lk 15:5]. Then his friends and neighbors "Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep which was lost" [vs 6]. Oh my, that was the tip of the ice berg, there was joy in heaven [vs 7]. God rejoices! Folks, let that sink in. That is one thing, the birth of the Son of the living God is all about!
Sum it up, "The joy of the Lord is your strength" [Neh 8:10]. The man Christ Jesus, "was a man of sorrows" [Isa 53:3] but "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross" for you and me! He suffered and died for all our sins, paid the debt in full and rose again to be our living Savior. And we are going to heaven instead of hell because someone gave us the gospel. [Heb 12:2]. Shouldn't you pass it on? Have you trusted and received Him as your Savior? Why not do it now? Tell God you will receive Him.
YOU are loved by God and me, ABC C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA. sumner@sumnerwemp.com
Monday, December 25, 2006
What Christmas is all about
"What do you really want out of life." What does every person, saved or unsaved, really crave out of life. Forget religious answers for this is for saved or unsaved to answer. Over 60 years of ministry, I have asked this question hundreds times to large and small groups. Three out of the first four answers will be I want LOVE, I want JOY, I want PEACE. That is what Christmas all about.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son (to suffer and die for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" Jn 3:16.
"The angel of the Lord said, I bring you good tidings" Lk 2:10. Now that is good tidings, good news. You wont hear that on the news cast or read it the 'news-paper'. The world and the devil will see to that. God loves you. He proved it, "In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Rom 5:8. Now that is love. Do you want a big dose of that love? Believe this 'good news' and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior too and the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" Rom 5:5.
Hear me, that is the NORMAL Christian life. "The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE" Gal 5:22. "Be filled with the Spirit" and you will be filled with love! make sense? That, folks, is what Christmas is all about. If you don't have it, GET IT.
Joy and Peace Wed. and Friday. Don't miss them.You are love by God and me, All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA.
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com Click on the wreath to see our home and Christmas manger scene and life of Christ. Four people saved at manger scene this year.
"For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son (to suffer and die for our sins, paid our debt in full and rose again) that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" Jn 3:16.
"The angel of the Lord said, I bring you good tidings" Lk 2:10. Now that is good tidings, good news. You wont hear that on the news cast or read it the 'news-paper'. The world and the devil will see to that. God loves you. He proved it, "In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Rom 5:8. Now that is love. Do you want a big dose of that love? Believe this 'good news' and receive the Lord Jesus as your Savior too and the "love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us" Rom 5:5.
Hear me, that is the NORMAL Christian life. "The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE" Gal 5:22. "Be filled with the Spirit" and you will be filled with love! make sense? That, folks, is what Christmas is all about. If you don't have it, GET IT.
Joy and Peace Wed. and Friday. Don't miss them.You are love by God and me, All Because of Calvary, C. Sumner Wemp, Dallas, TX USA.
Go to www.sumnerwemp.com Click on the wreath to see our home and Christmas manger scene and life of Christ. Four people saved at manger scene this year.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
WHAT SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT WITH A CHRISTMAS GIFT?
I. THE GIVER- has to be a giver to have a gift, who he is, his status or rank Caesar's gift
II. THE MOTIVE- Free pens in the mail to get my business, why is someone giving you something
III. THE RECIPENT- yourself
IV. THE ACTION- the action is important, it's the thought that counts, almost as much as the gift
V. THE GIFT ITSELF- What is being given? Could be important (depends on motive, giver, etc.)
VI. THE RECEPTION- Must be accepted, insult to reject, does the recipent no good if not accepted
VII. THE RESULT- Is it useful, is it
What's all that got to do with Christmas?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I. THE GIVER- "For God", no greater Giver than God, no king, no movie star, no president compares
II. THE MOTIVE- "so loved", God's motive was purely love, no "angle" involved. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."
III. THE RECIPENT- "the world", not the planet, but the people on the planet
IV. THE ACTION- "that He gave", His love is not a passive love, it is an active love
V. THE GIFT- "His only begotten Son", the darling of Heaven, the Unique One, virgin birth, eternal Son
VI. THE RECEPTION- "that whosoever believeth in Him", the transaction is not complete until the person receives the gift, a pardon refused is worthless
VII. THE RESULT- "should not perish but have everlasting life." The most powerful result in the universe. When you get a great gift you naturally want to share it with others.
II. THE MOTIVE- Free pens in the mail to get my business, why is someone giving you something
III. THE RECIPENT- yourself
IV. THE ACTION- the action is important, it's the thought that counts, almost as much as the gift
V. THE GIFT ITSELF- What is being given? Could be important (depends on motive, giver, etc.)
VI. THE RECEPTION- Must be accepted, insult to reject, does the recipent no good if not accepted
VII. THE RESULT- Is it useful, is it
What's all that got to do with Christmas?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I. THE GIVER- "For God", no greater Giver than God, no king, no movie star, no president compares
II. THE MOTIVE- "so loved", God's motive was purely love, no "angle" involved. "You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving."
III. THE RECIPENT- "the world", not the planet, but the people on the planet
IV. THE ACTION- "that He gave", His love is not a passive love, it is an active love
V. THE GIFT- "His only begotten Son", the darling of Heaven, the Unique One, virgin birth, eternal Son
VI. THE RECEPTION- "that whosoever believeth in Him", the transaction is not complete until the person receives the gift, a pardon refused is worthless
VII. THE RESULT- "should not perish but have everlasting life." The most powerful result in the universe. When you get a great gift you naturally want to share it with others.
I'M DREAMING OF A RIGHT CHRISTMAS
Every year at this time we hear of people opposing the celebration of Christmas. It's not always the heathen either! Sometimes it's by people who claim to be Christian. Sometimes they are worried you might offend a non-Christian. Here's what former Nixon speech-writer and TV and movie personality Ben Stein had to say about that, "I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat."
So by the same token you will hear of people, both Christian and non-Christian promoting the celebration of Christmas. Obviously I am all for celebrating Christmas and I have made no secret of it. I do know however there are some things Christians should NOT do in the midst of their celebrating. I also know some things that others frown on are legitimately okay for godly people to do. I know these things because the Bible teaches it directly or indirectly through principles and the application of them.
IT IS WRONG TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BY:
-LYING- Jesus said of Satan, "When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
-IMMORALITY- Mistletoe and beyond. "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." The Bible is clearly talking about outside of the legitimacy of the marriage bond there are places a couple should not go.
-DRINKING INTOXICATING BEVERAGES- spiked nog or straight drinking the Bible warns in Pr. 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
IT IS PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS:
BY EMPHASIZING CHRIST'S BIRTH- Is. 7:14, Micah 5:2, Mt. 1-2, Lk. 1-2- Angels, Shepherds, prophets, just men & women, a special star, God Himself emphasizes it!
BY DECORATING- II Chr. 3, Rev. 21:19
BY ATTENDING SERVICES- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
BY SINGING CHRIST HONORING CHRISTMAS CAROLS-
Psalm 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalm 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Psalm 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Psalm 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
BY SPECIAL MEALS- Esther 9:15-19
BY GIVING GIFTS- Esther 9:20-24
BY SETTING ASIDE SPECIAL DAYS- Esther 9:25-32, Rm. 14:5-6
IN FACT, THE BIBLE SAYS:
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Colossians 3
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
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.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
So by the same token you will hear of people, both Christian and non-Christian promoting the celebration of Christmas. Obviously I am all for celebrating Christmas and I have made no secret of it. I do know however there are some things Christians should NOT do in the midst of their celebrating. I also know some things that others frown on are legitimately okay for godly people to do. I know these things because the Bible teaches it directly or indirectly through principles and the application of them.
IT IS WRONG TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BY:
-LYING- Jesus said of Satan, "When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it."
Ephesians 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. Ephesians 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
-IMMORALITY- Mistletoe and beyond. "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." The Bible is clearly talking about outside of the legitimacy of the marriage bond there are places a couple should not go.
-DRINKING INTOXICATING BEVERAGES- spiked nog or straight drinking the Bible warns in Pr. 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.
IT IS PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS:
BY EMPHASIZING CHRIST'S BIRTH- Is. 7:14, Micah 5:2, Mt. 1-2, Lk. 1-2- Angels, Shepherds, prophets, just men & women, a special star, God Himself emphasizes it!
BY DECORATING- II Chr. 3, Rev. 21:19
BY ATTENDING SERVICES- Heb. 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
BY SINGING CHRIST HONORING CHRISTMAS CAROLS-
Psalm 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.
Psalm 9:2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
Psalm 9:11 Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
Psalm 18:49 Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.
Psalm 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 33:2 Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Psalm 47:6 Sing praises to God, sing praises: sing praises unto our King, sing praises.
Psalm 57:7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.
BY SPECIAL MEALS- Esther 9:15-19
BY GIVING GIFTS- Esther 9:20-24
BY SETTING ASIDE SPECIAL DAYS- Esther 9:25-32, Rm. 14:5-6
IN FACT, THE BIBLE SAYS:
1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Colossians 3
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
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.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Q: What does death have to do with history?
A: If a person believes the earth has a history of hundreds of millions of years, then they have to accept that a history of millions of years of death, disease, violence, and suffering led up to man’s existence. The reason for this is that those who believe in millions of years think that the fossil record (in which they see those supposed millions of years) was laid down over this huge amount of time—and the fossil record is a record of death, disease, violence, and suffering.
But the Bible makes it clear that death is an intrusion—an enemy. There was no death of animals or man before Adam sinned, as at the end of the sixth day of creation, God pronounced everything “very good.” What this means is that if a Christian accepts the history of millions of years of death before man, they’re telling the world that the Bible’s history is wrong!
In other words, the Bible’s history of death is incompatible with the history of death given by those who accept “millions of years.” The Bible is Truth—which means one can’t logically believe in millions of years.
What are the real consequences of trying to fit old ages into Genesis 1? Read the disturbing results in Two histories of death at the Answers In Genesis website via the link in the left side bar.
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
But the Bible makes it clear that death is an intrusion—an enemy. There was no death of animals or man before Adam sinned, as at the end of the sixth day of creation, God pronounced everything “very good.” What this means is that if a Christian accepts the history of millions of years of death before man, they’re telling the world that the Bible’s history is wrong!
In other words, the Bible’s history of death is incompatible with the history of death given by those who accept “millions of years.” The Bible is Truth—which means one can’t logically believe in millions of years.
What are the real consequences of trying to fit old ages into Genesis 1? Read the disturbing results in Two histories of death at the Answers In Genesis website via the link in the left side bar.
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, December 22, 2006
Quotes of the week!
Someone is crippled to high for crutches. -William Bray (Basically referring to people who think they're wiser than God)
You can get bitter or you can get better! -unknown preacher
Goliath... a basketball goal with muscles! -Evangelist Matt Downs
When you pray specifically, God will answer back specifically. -Downs
While preaching from Isaiah 9:6 William Bray made the following observations among others:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor- that means there is No Problem He cannot Solve,
The mighty God- that means there is No Power He cannot Subdue,
The everlasting Father- that means there is No Period He does not Span,
The Prince of Peace- that means there is No Person He cannot Save.
You can get bitter or you can get better! -unknown preacher
Goliath... a basketball goal with muscles! -Evangelist Matt Downs
When you pray specifically, God will answer back specifically. -Downs
While preaching from Isaiah 9:6 William Bray made the following observations among others:
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful,
Counsellor- that means there is No Problem He cannot Solve,
The mighty God- that means there is No Power He cannot Subdue,
The everlasting Father- that means there is No Period He does not Span,
The Prince of Peace- that means there is No Person He cannot Save.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
3 GREATEST ACTIONS
Rick Jackson
The 3 greatest actions. What can they be? Would they be acts of terrorism and/or war---like Pearl Harbor or 9-11? Would they be acts of retaliation like Hiroshima or Nagasaki? Would they be moments that transcend war- like the first man in space or man walking on the moon? Would they be acts of desperation like when a parent lifts a car off a child through a rush of adrenalin? Though all these may be powerful actions once again the Lord God Almighty would have to take center stage. The three greatest actions? Lets pray and then we will look at them.
The first of these three great actions is when:
I. GOD THE FATHER SENT JESUS
1. Great Manifestation I Jn. 4:9
2. Great Motivation I Jn. 4:10
3. Great Mission I Jn. 4:14
The second of these great actions is when:
II. GOD THE SON CAME TO EARTH
1. The humanity involved Phil. 2:27
2. The humility involved Phil. 2:8
3. The horror involved Phil. 2:8, II Cor. 5:21
The third of these great actions is when:
III. GOD THE SPIRIT’S WORK IN SALVATION
1. It’s a Christ work Jn. 1:29-34, 2:11
2. It’s a convicting work Jn. 16:7-11
3. It’s a continuing work Jn. 7:39, 20:19-22, Gal. 5:16-25
The 3 greatest actions. What can they be? Would they be acts of terrorism and/or war---like Pearl Harbor or 9-11? Would they be acts of retaliation like Hiroshima or Nagasaki? Would they be moments that transcend war- like the first man in space or man walking on the moon? Would they be acts of desperation like when a parent lifts a car off a child through a rush of adrenalin? Though all these may be powerful actions once again the Lord God Almighty would have to take center stage. The three greatest actions? Lets pray and then we will look at them.
The first of these three great actions is when:
I. GOD THE FATHER SENT JESUS
1. Great Manifestation I Jn. 4:9
2. Great Motivation I Jn. 4:10
3. Great Mission I Jn. 4:14
The second of these great actions is when:
II. GOD THE SON CAME TO EARTH
1. The humanity involved Phil. 2:27
2. The humility involved Phil. 2:8
3. The horror involved Phil. 2:8, II Cor. 5:21
The third of these great actions is when:
III. GOD THE SPIRIT’S WORK IN SALVATION
1. It’s a Christ work Jn. 1:29-34, 2:11
2. It’s a convicting work Jn. 16:7-11
3. It’s a continuing work Jn. 7:39, 20:19-22, Gal. 5:16-25
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
THE 3 GREATEST GIFTS
JAMES 1:16-18
Rick Jackson
Every good gift is from God. Think about that. Every single solitary good thing you ever have gotten came from God. It doesn’t matter who or what God used to deliver it, if it was good, truly good, it was from God. Then it says that every perfect gift is from God. Now there are many, many good gifts that God has given us… the number of perfect gifts is relatively smaller. Every good gift is not a perfect gift but every perfect gift is a good gift. Of the good and perfect gifts let us see the greatest three, and as God would have it they are all closely related!
I. THE BIBLE IS A PERFECT GIFT
1. It converts the soul Ps. 19:7
2. It completes the saint II Tm. 3:16-17
3. It conveys the solutions James 1:25
II. THE SAVIOUR IS A PERFECT GIFT II COR. 9:15
1. He always has been Dt. 32:1-4, I Cor. 10:1-4
2. He always will be Col. 1:27-28
3. He always helps others Heb. 5:4-10, 10:1-14
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERFECT GIFT HEB. 10:15
1. God gives better gifts than sinful men Lk. 11:13
2. God gives the Holy Spirit to saints Acts 2:38
3. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts I Cor. 12:1-11, Rm. 12
Rick Jackson
Every good gift is from God. Think about that. Every single solitary good thing you ever have gotten came from God. It doesn’t matter who or what God used to deliver it, if it was good, truly good, it was from God. Then it says that every perfect gift is from God. Now there are many, many good gifts that God has given us… the number of perfect gifts is relatively smaller. Every good gift is not a perfect gift but every perfect gift is a good gift. Of the good and perfect gifts let us see the greatest three, and as God would have it they are all closely related!
I. THE BIBLE IS A PERFECT GIFT
1. It converts the soul Ps. 19:7
2. It completes the saint II Tm. 3:16-17
3. It conveys the solutions James 1:25
II. THE SAVIOUR IS A PERFECT GIFT II COR. 9:15
1. He always has been Dt. 32:1-4, I Cor. 10:1-4
2. He always will be Col. 1:27-28
3. He always helps others Heb. 5:4-10, 10:1-14
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT IS A PERFECT GIFT HEB. 10:15
1. God gives better gifts than sinful men Lk. 11:13
2. God gives the Holy Spirit to saints Acts 2:38
3. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts I Cor. 12:1-11, Rm. 12
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
COVERING ALL THE BASES
For My Politically Correct Friends:
"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."
For All My Other Friends:
"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! "
slightly edited form of one sent to me in an email... authorship unknown but not unappreciated.
"Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, our best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. We also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the of the generally accepted calendar year 2007, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere. And without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishes. By accepting these greetings you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for herself or himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher."
For All My Other Friends:
"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! "
slightly edited form of one sent to me in an email... authorship unknown but not unappreciated.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
THE ANGEL’S ALMOST GOSPEL MESSAGE
LK. 2:8-14
Rick Jackson
When the angel appeared to the shepherds to proclaim the first Christmas he almost gave the gospel. Almost.
I. LOOK WHAT THE ANGEL INCLUDED!
1. Good news “good tidings” of great joy v. 10
2. For all people v. 10
3. A Saviour (for sinners) v. 11
4. “Born…Christ the Lord” God incarnate v. 11
5. Resulting in Glory to God & Good Will to men v. 14
II. LOOK WHAT THE ANGEL EXCLUDED!
1. The death of Christ I Co. 15:3
The birth of Christ means little w/o the death of Christ
The death couldn’t have happened w/o the birth
He was literally born to die
2. The resurrection of Christ I Co. 15:4, 14-20
3. The prominence of the prophecies I Co. 15:3-4
III. REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSIONS
1. It is the job of the redeemed to tell the Gospel Ps. 107:2, Lk. 2:10
The news is to people given by people who have experienced God in their life.
2. Angels live by sight and not faith. II Cor. 5:7
3. Angel obeyed God, do we? Acts 5:29-32
Rick Jackson
When the angel appeared to the shepherds to proclaim the first Christmas he almost gave the gospel. Almost.
I. LOOK WHAT THE ANGEL INCLUDED!
1. Good news “good tidings” of great joy v. 10
2. For all people v. 10
3. A Saviour (for sinners) v. 11
4. “Born…Christ the Lord” God incarnate v. 11
5. Resulting in Glory to God & Good Will to men v. 14
II. LOOK WHAT THE ANGEL EXCLUDED!
1. The death of Christ I Co. 15:3
The birth of Christ means little w/o the death of Christ
The death couldn’t have happened w/o the birth
He was literally born to die
2. The resurrection of Christ I Co. 15:4, 14-20
3. The prominence of the prophecies I Co. 15:3-4
III. REASONS FOR THE EXCLUSIONS
1. It is the job of the redeemed to tell the Gospel Ps. 107:2, Lk. 2:10
The news is to people given by people who have experienced God in their life.
2. Angels live by sight and not faith. II Cor. 5:7
3. Angel obeyed God, do we? Acts 5:29-32
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Q: Some people try to discredit Genesis by saying snakes don’t eat dust, as Genesis 3:14 claims. So is the Bible in error?
A: Although we don’t know for sure that the serpent referred to in Genesis 1 really was the same as a snake, we do know that snakes do eat dust! After the serpent deceived Eve, God cursed it, saying, “On your belly you shall go and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.” And since most people don’t realize that many snakes eat dust, they use this as a reason not to take Genesis literally.
See, a snake has an organ in the roof of its mouth called “Jacobson’s organ” that helps the snake smell. Here’s how it works: with its darting, forked tongue, the snake picks up bits of dust and pulls them into its mouth. Once the dust is inside the mouth, a pair of sensory organs takes over and the snake is able to smell the trail for possible prey.
The point is, no matter what the serpent was, nothing contradicts the Bible’s clear statements in Genesis.
For an in-depth look at the serpent and its true identity, see Who was the serpent? at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)
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.
See, a snake has an organ in the roof of its mouth called “Jacobson’s organ” that helps the snake smell. Here’s how it works: with its darting, forked tongue, the snake picks up bits of dust and pulls them into its mouth. Once the dust is inside the mouth, a pair of sensory organs takes over and the snake is able to smell the trail for possible prey.
The point is, no matter what the serpent was, nothing contradicts the Bible’s clear statements in Genesis.
For an in-depth look at the serpent and its true identity, see Who was the serpent? at the Answers In Genesis website (link at left)
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, December 15, 2006
22 Ways to be a "good" Liberal
1. You have to be against capital punishment, but support abortion on demand.
2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.
4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.
5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUVs.
6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.
7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.
8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.
10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make The Passion of the Christ for financial gain only.
12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Thomas Edison & A.G. Bell
15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.
17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.
19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
20. You have to believe that illegal Democratic Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States.
21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.
22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers off on Christmas Day but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."
2. You have to believe that businesses create oppression and governments create prosperity.
3. You have to believe that guns in the hands of law-abiding Americans are more of a threat than U.S. nuclear weapons technology in the hands of Chinese and North Korean communists.
4. You have to believe that there was no art before Federal funding.
5. You have to believe that global temperatures are less affected by cyclical documented changes in the earth's climate and more affected by soccer moms driving SUVs.
6. You have to believe that gender roles are artificial but being homosexual is natural.
7. You have to believe that the AIDS virus is spread by a lack of federal funding.
8. You have to believe that the same teacher who can't teach 4th-graders how to read is somehow qualified to teach those same kids about sex.
9. You have to believe that hunters don't care about nature, but loony activists who have never been outside of San Francisco do.
10. You have to believe that self-esteem is more important than actually doing something to earn it.
11. You have to believe that Mel Gibson spent $25 million of his own money to make The Passion of the Christ for financial gain only.
12. You have to believe the NRA is bad because it supports certain parts of the Constitution, while the ACLU is good because it supports certain parts of the Constitution.
13. You have to believe that taxes are too low, but ATM fees are too high.
14. You have to believe that Margaret Sanger and Gloria Steinem are more important to American history than Thomas Jefferson, Gen. Robert E. Lee, Thomas Edison & A.G. Bell
15. You have to believe that standardized tests are racist, but racial quotas and set-asides are not.
16. You have to believe that Hillary Clinton is normal and is a very nice person.
17. You have to believe that the only reason socialism hasn't worked anywhere it's been tried is because the right people haven't been in charge.
18. You have to believe conservatives telling the truth belong in jail, but a liar and a sex offender belonged in the White House.
19. You have to believe that homosexual parades displaying drag, transvestites, and bestiality should be constitutionally protected, and manger scenes at Christmas should be illegal.
20. You have to believe that illegal Democratic Party funding by the Chinese Government is somehow in the best interest to the United States.
21. You have to believe that this message is a part of a vast, right wing conspiracy.
22. You have to believe that it's okay to give Federal workers off on Christmas Day but it's not okay to say "Merry Christmas."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Ben Stein's "Confessions for the Holidays"
Mr. Stein offered this commentary for the CBS Sunday Morning news program on December 18, 2005. From a CBS News transcript of the program:
CHARLES OSGOOD, host: We all have our own thoughts about the holidays. Here's Ben Stein with his.
BEN STEIN: Here at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart. I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I'm buying my dog biscuits. I still don't know. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are. They don't know who Nick and Jessica are, either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they've broken up? Why are they so darned important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don't care at all about Tom Cruise's baby. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I'm a subversive? Maybe. But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young? Hm, not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. I shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way. Where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and aren't allowed to worship God as we understand him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we used to know went to.
CHARLES OSGOOD, host: We all have our own thoughts about the holidays. Here's Ben Stein with his.
BEN STEIN: Here at this happy time of year, a few confessions from my beating heart. I have no freaking clue who Nick and Jessica are. I see them on the cover of People and Us constantly when I'm buying my dog biscuits. I still don't know. I often ask the checkers at the grocery stores who they are. They don't know who Nick and Jessica are, either. Who are they? Will it change my life if I know who they are and why they've broken up? Why are they so darned important? I don't know who Lindsay Lohan is either, and I don't care at all about Tom Cruise's baby. Am I going to be called before a Senate committee and asked if I'm a subversive? Maybe. But I just have no clue who Nick and Jessica are. Is this what it means to be no longer young? Hm, not so bad. Next confession: I am a Jew and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish, and it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautifully lit-up, bejeweled trees Christmas trees. I don't feel threatened. I don't feel discriminated against. That's what they are — Christmas trees. It doesn't bother me a bit when people say 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they're slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. I shows that we're all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me one bit that there's a manger scene on display at a key intersection at my beach house in Malibu. If people want a creche, fine. The menorah a few hundred yards away is fine, too. I do not like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat. Or maybe I can put it another way. Where did the idea come from that we should worship Nick and Jessica and aren't allowed to worship God as we understand him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where Nick and Jessica came from and where the America we used to know went to.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
10 THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT GOD
Rick Jackson
1. HIS UNIQUENESS- DT. 4:39
2. HIS RELATIONSHIP- DT. 8:5
3. HIS WAYS- DT. 32:6-7
4. HIS DOINGS- I SAM. 12:24
5. HIS ATTENTION- PS. 8:2-4
6. HIS WORD- PS. 119:95
7. HIS OWNERSHIP- IS. 1:1-5
8. HIS CARE- LK 12:23-32
9. HIS INCARNATION- HEB. 3:1-6
10. HIS SACRIFICE- HEB. 12:1-5
1. HIS UNIQUENESS- DT. 4:39
2. HIS RELATIONSHIP- DT. 8:5
3. HIS WAYS- DT. 32:6-7
4. HIS DOINGS- I SAM. 12:24
5. HIS ATTENTION- PS. 8:2-4
6. HIS WORD- PS. 119:95
7. HIS OWNERSHIP- IS. 1:1-5
8. HIS CARE- LK 12:23-32
9. HIS INCARNATION- HEB. 3:1-6
10. HIS SACRIFICE- HEB. 12:1-5
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