Pastor Rick Jackson
On October 31, 1517 "the priest and scholar Martin Luther approaches the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, and nails a piece of paper to it containing the 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation."
"In his theses, Luther condemned the excesses and corruption of the Roman Catholic Church, especially the papal practice of asking payment--called "indulgences"--for the forgiveness of sins. At the time, a Dominican priest named Johann Tetzel, commissioned by the Archbishop of Mainz and Pope Leo X, was in the midst of a major fundraising campaign in Germany to finance the renovation of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Though Prince Frederick III the Wise had banned the sale of indulgences in Wittenberg, many church members traveled to purchase them. When they returned, they showed the pardons they had bought to Luther, claiming they no longer had to repent for their sins.
"Luther's frustration with this practice led him to write the 95 Theses, which were quickly snapped up, translated from Latin into German and distributed widely. A copy made its way to Rome, and efforts began to convince Luther to change his tune. He refused to keep silent, however, and in 1521 Pope Leo X formally excommunicated Luther from the Catholic Church. That same year, Luther again refused to recant his writings before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V of Germany, who issued the famous Edict of Worms declaring Luther an outlaw and a heretic and giving permission for anyone to kill him without consequence. Protected by Prince Frederick, Luther began working on a German translation of the Bible, a task that took 10 years to complete.
"The term "Protestant" first appeared in 1529, when Charles V revoked a provision that allowed the ruler of each German state to choose whether they would enforce the Edict of Worms. A number of princes and other supporters of Luther issued a protest, declaring that their allegiance to God trumped their allegiance to the emperor. They became known to their opponents as Protestants; gradually this name came to apply to all who believed the Church should be reformed, even those outside Germany. By the time Luther died, of natural causes, in 1546, his revolutionary beliefs had formed the basis for the Protestant Reformation, which would over the next three centuries revolutionize Western civilization." [these quoted paragraphs were provided by the website www.history.com ]
Luther's ideas may have been revolutionary for a Catholic but the Baptists and other groups had always held many of these beliefs. For former Catholics it might have been a reformation, but for those whose colors had never dipped, whose faith had never faltered, whose foundation had always been the solid rock - a refocusing on these truths would be a revival not a reformation. Any Christian who gets away from these basic principles needs to refocus on these truths, repent of his backsliding and get revived by the Word of God, the Spirit of God and do the will of God.
What were the basic 5 tenets of the reformation/revival?
I. SOLA SCRIPTURA [II TM. 3:16-17]
Sola Scriptura does not mean the Bible is the only source of truth, but it does mean it is the only completely authoritative source for truth. And if any other source contradicts the Bible that source, on that point, is wrong. All Truth is God's truth. Truth is of God. God's Word is Truth [Jn. 17:17]. God's way is Truth [Jn. 14:6]. Men's conclusions or interpretations of truth are not always true. The evolutionist and the Creationist both look at the same evidence but their interpretations of the evidence differ. The evidence isn't wrong, the interpretation of the evolutionist is wrong.
The same is true in the areas of religion. When someone attempts to teach against the clear doctrine of the Bible with their own fanciful notions they are wrong. Either deliberately or in ignorance. Often arrogance will not accept their own ignorance even in otherwise "good" Christians. It's their way or the highway. The old maxim is still true, "In major things -Unity, in minor things -Liberty, in all things -Charity." A Jr. High student once confronted his teacher about a class lesson. He said the teacher was wrong in his interpretation. The next day the teacher showed the boy several commentaries that supported his teaching. The boy got mad. His attitude was, "Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up!" This type of behavior is not limited to 7th graders.
Jesus constantly pointed to the Scriptures as proof of His person, His presence, His power (authority) and His Preeminence! "Search the Scriptures..."
II. SOLUS CHRISTUS [JN. 14:6]
Solus Christus refers to the doctrine of Christ's substitutionary work as being the one and only way for sinners to obtain salvation. Salvation is not found in the Church, good works, the baptismal pool, the 10 Commandments or the Golden rule. All of these are good and right BUT none of these aid in the actual work of the salvation of the soul. Christ's death and resurrection is the complete and only basis for salvation.
The song writer was correct:
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
III. SOLA GRATIA [EPH. 2:8-9]
Sola Gratia refers to the fact that Christ's payment is a free gift and cannot be earned by any supposed merit or works. [Rm. 6:23]
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
IV. SOLA FIDE [EPH. 2:8-9]
Sola Fide refers to the accessing of the free gift of God by faith alone [Rm. 4:1-13].
V. SOLI DEO GLORIA
1 Corinthians 1:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Soli Deo Gloria completes and summarizes the rest. Think of it, the foundation is SOLA SCRIPTURA -God's Word, SOLUS CHRISTUS -God's Work -Christ did it all, SOLA GRATIA -God's Grace that bringeth salvation to all, SOLA FIDE -God's Way for sinners to access the grace, has to lead directly to SOLA DEO GLORY-God's glory. He did it all, He deserves ALL the glory!
1 Chronicles 16:29 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Psalm 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Isaiah 42:12 Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.
Jeremiah wrote- Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD. [Jeremiah 9:23-24]
Galatians 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
QUOTES OF THE WEEK! (2)
All of these quotes were gathered from Warren Wiersbe's excellent book Be Obedient. The quotes are Wiersbe's unless otherwise noted.
----------------------------------------------
Many believers will not commit themselves to ministry in one church but move from church to church when pastors and music programs change.
Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequence. - G.A. Studdert Kennedy
Life can be difficult, sometimes the enemy comes in like a flood. But then is the time to prove our faith and live our songs. - Amy Carmichael
When circumstances become difficult and you are in the furnace of testing, remain where God has put you until He tells you to move. Faith moves in the direction of peace and hope, but unbelief moves in the direction of restlessness and fear.
You are safer in a famine in His will than in a palace out of His will. It has well been said, "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you."
Faith is living without scheming. - Pete Quist
A husband out of the will of God can bring untold trouble to his wife and family.
The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart.
Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet, the first vice in corrupt nature that moves, and the last which dies. - Robert South
Abraham was separated but not isolated; he was independent, but not indifferent.
The better you know your Bible, the better you are equipped to fight the battle.
If we fail in the battle, it is not the fault of the equipment or the strategy of our Captain. Something is wrong with the soldiers.
"The trouble with the church, " said a pastor friend, "is that there are too many generals and not enough privates!"
Abraham was the father of the faithful. And Lot, his nephew, was the father of all such as are scarcely saved. - Alexander Whyte
Many things in this world are legal as far as courts are concerned but morally wrong as far as God's people are concerned.
----------------------------------------------
Many believers will not commit themselves to ministry in one church but move from church to church when pastors and music programs change.
Faith is not believing in spite of evidence; it is obeying in spite of consequence. - G.A. Studdert Kennedy
Life can be difficult, sometimes the enemy comes in like a flood. But then is the time to prove our faith and live our songs. - Amy Carmichael
When circumstances become difficult and you are in the furnace of testing, remain where God has put you until He tells you to move. Faith moves in the direction of peace and hope, but unbelief moves in the direction of restlessness and fear.
You are safer in a famine in His will than in a palace out of His will. It has well been said, "The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God cannot keep you."
Faith is living without scheming. - Pete Quist
A husband out of the will of God can bring untold trouble to his wife and family.
The heart of every problem is the problem in the heart.
Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet, the first vice in corrupt nature that moves, and the last which dies. - Robert South
Abraham was separated but not isolated; he was independent, but not indifferent.
The better you know your Bible, the better you are equipped to fight the battle.
If we fail in the battle, it is not the fault of the equipment or the strategy of our Captain. Something is wrong with the soldiers.
"The trouble with the church, " said a pastor friend, "is that there are too many generals and not enough privates!"
Abraham was the father of the faithful. And Lot, his nephew, was the father of all such as are scarcely saved. - Alexander Whyte
Many things in this world are legal as far as courts are concerned but morally wrong as far as God's people are concerned.
Monday, October 29, 2007
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
It's the job that's never started that takes the longest to finish. - J.R.R. Tolkien
When the waves are over your head they are under His feet! - Jeremiah Dixon
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. - Aristotle
There are two groups of people in the world, One expecting to get to heaven by what they do, the other by what the Lord Jesus did, when He died for our sins, paid our debt in full. - Sumner Wemp
He (Lot) was not the first nor the last to sell spiritual riches for paltry riches of the world. It did not seem a bad decision to him at the time, for as one Bible teacher put it, "His downward path was so gradual and gentle that it seemed quite natural and safe." It was, however, a fatal choice. - John G. Balyo
The will of God is good,
Nothing this truth can dim;
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him. - Anonymous
We sometimes perceive a conflict between our best interests and the will of God, but the conflict is only apparent. Our best interests are always on the side of doing God's will. Whatever loss we may suffer, whatever hardships we must endure, there are compensations and rewards, for eventually we reap what we sow. No man ever cheated himself by being true to the Lord and trusting Him with his well-being. - John G. Balyo
We can no longer live the way we once lived because we no longer are who we once were. - Elmer Delancey
When the waves are over your head they are under His feet! - Jeremiah Dixon
Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. - Aristotle
There are two groups of people in the world, One expecting to get to heaven by what they do, the other by what the Lord Jesus did, when He died for our sins, paid our debt in full. - Sumner Wemp
He (Lot) was not the first nor the last to sell spiritual riches for paltry riches of the world. It did not seem a bad decision to him at the time, for as one Bible teacher put it, "His downward path was so gradual and gentle that it seemed quite natural and safe." It was, however, a fatal choice. - John G. Balyo
The will of God is good,
Nothing this truth can dim;
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice with Him. - Anonymous
We sometimes perceive a conflict between our best interests and the will of God, but the conflict is only apparent. Our best interests are always on the side of doing God's will. Whatever loss we may suffer, whatever hardships we must endure, there are compensations and rewards, for eventually we reap what we sow. No man ever cheated himself by being true to the Lord and trusting Him with his well-being. - John G. Balyo
We can no longer live the way we once lived because we no longer are who we once were. - Elmer Delancey
Sunday, October 28, 2007
STEPS OF FAITH
GENESIS 13
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. SETTING THE STAGE [13:5-18]
1. A GENEROUS OFFER [13:5-9]
2. A GIGANTIC MISTAKE [13:10-13]
3. A GRACIOUS LORD [13:14-18]
II. SALVAGING THE SITUATION [14:1-16]
1. THE FORCES OF WAR [14:1-10]
2. THE FOLLY OF WORLDLINESS [14:11-12]
3. THE FACE OF WISDOM [14:13-16]
Abram trusted God but did his part in preparation. He realized the kind of world he was in while he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
III. STANDING FOR THE SAVIOUR! [14:17-24]
1. STANDING IN FOR THE SAVIOUR [14:17-19, Heb. 5:5-6, 10; 6:17-20]
2. HONORING THE SAVIOUR [14:20, Heb. 7:1-7]
3. SPEAKING UP FOR THE SAVIOUR [14:21-24]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. SETTING THE STAGE [13:5-18]
1. A GENEROUS OFFER [13:5-9]
2. A GIGANTIC MISTAKE [13:10-13]
3. A GRACIOUS LORD [13:14-18]
II. SALVAGING THE SITUATION [14:1-16]
1. THE FORCES OF WAR [14:1-10]
2. THE FOLLY OF WORLDLINESS [14:11-12]
3. THE FACE OF WISDOM [14:13-16]
Abram trusted God but did his part in preparation. He realized the kind of world he was in while he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
III. STANDING FOR THE SAVIOUR! [14:17-24]
1. STANDING IN FOR THE SAVIOUR [14:17-19, Heb. 5:5-6, 10; 6:17-20]
2. HONORING THE SAVIOUR [14:20, Heb. 7:1-7]
3. SPEAKING UP FOR THE SAVIOUR [14:21-24]
GHOSTS, GULLIBILITY & GOD'S WORD
MARK 6:45-53
Pastor Rick Jackson
34% of Americans say they believe in ghosts, according to a poll by The Associated Press and Ipsos. That's the same percentage who believe in UFOs — exceeding the 19% who believe in spells/witchcraft. 48% believe in ESP.
23% say they have actually seen a ghost or "have been in one's presence, with the most likely candidates for such visits including single people, Catholics and those who never attend religious services. By 31 percent to 18 percent, more liberals than conservatives report seeing a specter."
Those who dismissed the existence of ghosts include Morris Swadener, 66, a Navy retiree from Kingston, Wash.
He says he shot one with his rifle when he was a child.
"I woke up in the middle of the night and saw a white ghost in my closet," he said. "I discovered I'd put a hole in my brand new white shirt. My mother and father were not amused."
3 in 10 have awakened sensing a strange presence in the room... singles are more likely than married people to say so.
14% — mostly men and lower-income people say they have seen a UFO.
Spells and witchcraft are more readily believed by urban dwellers, minorities and lower-earning people. Those who find credibility in ESP are more likely to be better educated and white — 51% of college graduates compared to 37% with a high school diploma or less.
Overall, the 48% who accept ESP is less than the 66% who gave that answer to a similar 1996 Newsweek question.
1 in 5 say they are at least somewhat superstitious, with young men, minorities, and the less educated more likely to go out of their way to seek luck. 26% of urban residents — twice the rate of those from rural areas — said they are superstitious, while single men were more superstitious than unmarried women, 31% to 17%.
The most admitted-to superstition, by 17%, was finding a four-leaf clover. 13% dread walking under a ladder or the groom seeing his bride before their wedding, while slightly smaller numbers named black cats, breaking mirrors, opening umbrellas indoors, Friday the 13th or the number 13.
Generally, women were more superstitious than men about four-leaf clovers, breaking mirrors or grooms prematurely seeing brides. Democrats were more superstitious than Republicans over opening umbrellas indoors, while liberals were more superstitious than conservatives over four-leaf clovers, grooms seeing brides and umbrellas.
The poll, conducted Oct. 16-18, involved telephone interviews with 1,013 adults and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
I. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE "SEE" GHOSTS?
1. THE WORLD [v. 45-48] physical surroundings create atmosphere
2. THE FLESH [v. 48] physical state causes anxiety
3. THE DEVIL [v. 49-50a] spiritual adversaries take advantage of our weaknesses
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against ° flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
II. WHY AREN'T GHOSTS REAL?
1. GHOSTS, BY DEFINITION, ARE THE SPIRITS OR SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
2. THE SPIRIT OF A SAVED PERSON GOES IMMEDIATELY TO HEAVEN
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and ° willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
3. THE SPIRIT OF A LOST PERSON GOES IMMEDIATELY TO HELL
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
III. HOW CAN I SETTLE THE MATTER ONCE AND FOR ALL?
1. ACCEPT GOD'S WORD ON THE MATTER [6:50]
2. ACCEPT CHRIST'S PERSON AS GOD
Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
3. ACCEPT ALL OF GOD'S WORK AS INDICATIVE OF HIS NATURE [6:51-52]
Pastor Rick Jackson
34% of Americans say they believe in ghosts, according to a poll by The Associated Press and Ipsos. That's the same percentage who believe in UFOs — exceeding the 19% who believe in spells/witchcraft. 48% believe in ESP.
23% say they have actually seen a ghost or "have been in one's presence, with the most likely candidates for such visits including single people, Catholics and those who never attend religious services. By 31 percent to 18 percent, more liberals than conservatives report seeing a specter."
Those who dismissed the existence of ghosts include Morris Swadener, 66, a Navy retiree from Kingston, Wash.
He says he shot one with his rifle when he was a child.
"I woke up in the middle of the night and saw a white ghost in my closet," he said. "I discovered I'd put a hole in my brand new white shirt. My mother and father were not amused."
3 in 10 have awakened sensing a strange presence in the room... singles are more likely than married people to say so.
14% — mostly men and lower-income people say they have seen a UFO.
Spells and witchcraft are more readily believed by urban dwellers, minorities and lower-earning people. Those who find credibility in ESP are more likely to be better educated and white — 51% of college graduates compared to 37% with a high school diploma or less.
Overall, the 48% who accept ESP is less than the 66% who gave that answer to a similar 1996 Newsweek question.
1 in 5 say they are at least somewhat superstitious, with young men, minorities, and the less educated more likely to go out of their way to seek luck. 26% of urban residents — twice the rate of those from rural areas — said they are superstitious, while single men were more superstitious than unmarried women, 31% to 17%.
The most admitted-to superstition, by 17%, was finding a four-leaf clover. 13% dread walking under a ladder or the groom seeing his bride before their wedding, while slightly smaller numbers named black cats, breaking mirrors, opening umbrellas indoors, Friday the 13th or the number 13.
Generally, women were more superstitious than men about four-leaf clovers, breaking mirrors or grooms prematurely seeing brides. Democrats were more superstitious than Republicans over opening umbrellas indoors, while liberals were more superstitious than conservatives over four-leaf clovers, grooms seeing brides and umbrellas.
The poll, conducted Oct. 16-18, involved telephone interviews with 1,013 adults and had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
I. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE "SEE" GHOSTS?
1. THE WORLD [v. 45-48] physical surroundings create atmosphere
2. THE FLESH [v. 48] physical state causes anxiety
3. THE DEVIL [v. 49-50a] spiritual adversaries take advantage of our weaknesses
Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against ° flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
II. WHY AREN'T GHOSTS REAL?
1. GHOSTS, BY DEFINITION, ARE THE SPIRITS OR SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED
2. THE SPIRIT OF A SAVED PERSON GOES IMMEDIATELY TO HEAVEN
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and ° willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
3. THE SPIRIT OF A LOST PERSON GOES IMMEDIATELY TO HELL
Luke 16:22-23 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
III. HOW CAN I SETTLE THE MATTER ONCE AND FOR ALL?
1. ACCEPT GOD'S WORD ON THE MATTER [6:50]
2. ACCEPT CHRIST'S PERSON AS GOD
Matthew 14:33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
3. ACCEPT ALL OF GOD'S WORK AS INDICATIVE OF HIS NATURE [6:51-52]
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Q: Why does God let violence happen?
A: There have been many episodes of students shooting classmates and teachers to death in America. After one such event, the headline of a newspaper article stated: “Why Did God Let That Happen?”
Why? Because we are all descendants of Adam—we have all sinned against our Creator. Because of our rebellion, God had to judge the world. What we see happening around us should be a reminder that we are living in a fallen, cursed universe. We need to be reminded over and over that it is not God who is to blame.
Not only this, but the increasing violence should remind us of something else. All through history we have seen that the more a nation turns away from God’s Word, the more perverse and violent a culture becomes.
Do you really want to do something to help prevent these kinds of things from happening? Then start teaching your children that the Bible, beginning with Genesis, is the foundation and absolute authority in all areas of life and conduct, that all humans are worthy of dignity and respect (since they were created in the image of God), and that they are accountable to God, their Creator.
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.
Why? Because we are all descendants of Adam—we have all sinned against our Creator. Because of our rebellion, God had to judge the world. What we see happening around us should be a reminder that we are living in a fallen, cursed universe. We need to be reminded over and over that it is not God who is to blame.
Not only this, but the increasing violence should remind us of something else. All through history we have seen that the more a nation turns away from God’s Word, the more perverse and violent a culture becomes.
Do you really want to do something to help prevent these kinds of things from happening? Then start teaching your children that the Bible, beginning with Genesis, is the foundation and absolute authority in all areas of life and conduct, that all humans are worthy of dignity and respect (since they were created in the image of God), and that they are accountable to God, their Creator.
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, October 26, 2007
You can not stress the gospel too much
Sumner Wemp Oct 26, 2007 (see link upper left-hand corner)
You can not stress the gospel enough.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
"I declare unto you the gospel...how that Christ died for our sins...and that he was buried, and that he rose again and that he was seen by above 500 people" ! Cor 15:1-6. Time after time you hear people and preachers tell, "You ought share your faith" or "You ought to share Christ." NO. We need to stop saying that. We are to share the gospel! For it is the gospel that is "the power of God unto salvation" Rom. 1:16. If you want to see people get saved, born again, become new creatures, GIVE THEM THE GOSPEL.
Share you faith
It is common to talk about the "Baptist faith" or "Methodist faith" What it implies is the Baptist's or Methodist's doctrine. People are scared to death they are going to have to defend their beliefs. NO. We are to share the gospel not defend or declare or deliver our faith. There is a world of difference and we muddy the waters telling people to "share your faith." The truth is no one ever got saved by us sharing our "faith."
Sharing Christ
People often think they have "witnessed" if they admit they are a Christian or talk about Jesus or talk about church or religion. No, we witness when we tell the gospel.
Share the gospel
The "gospel" means "good news." Boy do we ever have good news for a sin sick, lost world. God has not asked us to share bad news but good news. Please let this soak in until you are so excited about telling family, friends, and foes the good news.
"Christ died on the cross"
Is not the gospel. Those two thieves died on a cross. The good news is not that Christ died for us. Those soldiers are dying for us. The gospel is the Christ died for our sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. Sin is the bottom line problem. Read tracts listen to sermons carefully and it will shock you how often they say "Christ died for us" or "Christ died on the cross" and feel confident they have preached the gospel. THINK. The unsaved person does not have a clue what it really means that Christ died on the cross. The liberals look at it as though He was martyred or showing a great example of love. No, He was dying for your sins and mine. The debt has been paid in full! Now that is good news. The only reason I will not go to hell is Christ for all of my sins paid the debt in full and rose again and was seen by hundreds, the proof he was risen from the dead.
People aften say, "Sumner" you are a great soul-winner. NO. I just give the gospel over and over and as clear as possible. People then believe the gospel and receive the Lord Jesus and their lives are changed. Doesn't that make sense?
Someone said, "You have the best website with more encouragment" Enter the drawings for packs of tracts www.sumnerwemp.com .Order some for you and your church 1-877-872-2871: Go to Feature Section, read encouraging articles
---------------------------------------------------
This is a real encouragement to me. I once had a person tell me I "preach too much Gospel". It dawned on me in all the time I have known them they have never shared with me about when they got to lead someone to Christ. I think Brother Wemp is more Biblical in this matter. I too hate to see a tract without the resurrection. I have had the head of the counseling arm of an otherwise solid ministry write me an ugly letter because I asked them to remember to include the resurrection in their tracts. Brethren, these things ought not so to be!
You can not stress the gospel enough.
WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?
"I declare unto you the gospel...how that Christ died for our sins...and that he was buried, and that he rose again and that he was seen by above 500 people" ! Cor 15:1-6. Time after time you hear people and preachers tell, "You ought share your faith" or "You ought to share Christ." NO. We need to stop saying that. We are to share the gospel! For it is the gospel that is "the power of God unto salvation" Rom. 1:16. If you want to see people get saved, born again, become new creatures, GIVE THEM THE GOSPEL.
Share you faith
It is common to talk about the "Baptist faith" or "Methodist faith" What it implies is the Baptist's or Methodist's doctrine. People are scared to death they are going to have to defend their beliefs. NO. We are to share the gospel not defend or declare or deliver our faith. There is a world of difference and we muddy the waters telling people to "share your faith." The truth is no one ever got saved by us sharing our "faith."
Sharing Christ
People often think they have "witnessed" if they admit they are a Christian or talk about Jesus or talk about church or religion. No, we witness when we tell the gospel.
Share the gospel
The "gospel" means "good news." Boy do we ever have good news for a sin sick, lost world. God has not asked us to share bad news but good news. Please let this soak in until you are so excited about telling family, friends, and foes the good news.
"Christ died on the cross"
Is not the gospel. Those two thieves died on a cross. The good news is not that Christ died for us. Those soldiers are dying for us. The gospel is the Christ died for our sins, paid the debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds. Sin is the bottom line problem. Read tracts listen to sermons carefully and it will shock you how often they say "Christ died for us" or "Christ died on the cross" and feel confident they have preached the gospel. THINK. The unsaved person does not have a clue what it really means that Christ died on the cross. The liberals look at it as though He was martyred or showing a great example of love. No, He was dying for your sins and mine. The debt has been paid in full! Now that is good news. The only reason I will not go to hell is Christ for all of my sins paid the debt in full and rose again and was seen by hundreds, the proof he was risen from the dead.
People aften say, "Sumner" you are a great soul-winner. NO. I just give the gospel over and over and as clear as possible. People then believe the gospel and receive the Lord Jesus and their lives are changed. Doesn't that make sense?
Someone said, "You have the best website with more encouragment" Enter the drawings for packs of tracts www.sumnerwemp.com .Order some for you and your church 1-877-872-2871: Go to Feature Section, read encouraging articles
---------------------------------------------------
This is a real encouragement to me. I once had a person tell me I "preach too much Gospel". It dawned on me in all the time I have known them they have never shared with me about when they got to lead someone to Christ. I think Brother Wemp is more Biblical in this matter. I too hate to see a tract without the resurrection. I have had the head of the counseling arm of an otherwise solid ministry write me an ugly letter because I asked them to remember to include the resurrection in their tracts. Brethren, these things ought not so to be!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
DAYS OF PRAISE - A GREAT DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Recently I started using a different daily devotional. This one is put out by ICR - The Institute for Creation Research and it is tremendous! I have found it easier to read each devotion as an email (since I check my email everyday anyway) than in booklet form, though it is available that way too! If you'd like to give it a try contact ICR at www.icr.org In the meantime here is another sample of their work (I have posted several previously):
The Joy of the Lord
Then He said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
Jerusalem's wall had been completed, God's Word had been honored, and there was a great day of rejoicing. The real joy in the hearts of the people, however, was not their joy--it was the joy of the Lord. They rejoiced because He rejoiced, and they shared His joy.
The Lord's joy is satisfied when His love is received and His purposes fulfilled. "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
To attain His joy, He must first redeem from the penalty of sin and death those whom He had created in His own image. Therefore, He "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
There will be a great day of rejoicing in the age to come when all the redeemed will be presented "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24). Until that day, however, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10).
Joy is in the Lord's heart whenever His saving grace is received by a believing sinner. That same joy is likewise experienced by each believer whose testimony of life and word brings such a sinner to God.
Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). His joy is our joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
The Joy of the Lord
Then He said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).
Jerusalem's wall had been completed, God's Word had been honored, and there was a great day of rejoicing. The real joy in the hearts of the people, however, was not their joy--it was the joy of the Lord. They rejoiced because He rejoiced, and they shared His joy.
The Lord's joy is satisfied when His love is received and His purposes fulfilled. "The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
To attain His joy, He must first redeem from the penalty of sin and death those whom He had created in His own image. Therefore, He "for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2).
There will be a great day of rejoicing in the age to come when all the redeemed will be presented "faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy" (Jude 24). Until that day, however, "there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10).
Joy is in the Lord's heart whenever His saving grace is received by a believing sinner. That same joy is likewise experienced by each believer whose testimony of life and word brings such a sinner to God.
Jesus said, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full" (John 15:11). His joy is our joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
MATTERS TO CONSIDER
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THERE IS THE MATTER OF ACCESS
"We have access by one Spirit unto the Father" [Eph 2:18]
1. Think about Who and what God is
"God is holy" (1 Peter 1:16)
He is "the mighty God" [Isa. 9:7]
He is "the eternal God" [Deut. 33:27]
2. Remember we are to "fear God" [1 Peter 2:17]
It is no wonder that we all feel so unworthy to come to God for "help in time of need" [Hb. 4:16]
3. Learn that "the Holy Spirit helps our infirmities" [Rom. 8:26] and gives liberty, "for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" [2 Cor 3:17] to have access unto the Father.
"This is a reality as we 'walk in the Spirit.' Everything in the Christian life depends on us depending on the Holy Spirit to live the normal Christian life. If you are struggling in your prayer life, you are probably not 'consciously' depending on and 'walking' in the Spirit. We are invited to 'come boldly (not brashly) to the throne of grace that we may obtained mercy and find grace to help in the time of need' Heb 4:12. We have 'access by the Holy Spirit to the Father.' That is not just religious talk, it is the essential ingredient to coming to God in prayer and seeing answers to your prayer. " - Sumner Wemp
II. THERE IS THE MATTER OF BEING ACCESSIBLE
"YOU are an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT" [Eph 2:21, 22]
1. A Christian has been bought with a price! [I Cor. 6:20]
"Your body is a royal palace! You are the Buckingham Palace in the spiritual realm. God, the King of Kings, lives in your mortal body. Isn't that awesome! You and your body are sacred. Now doesn't that sober you and make your body and every place you go sacred?" - Sumner Wemp
It should make us want to sing, "The Lord is in His holy Temple, let all the world be silent."
2. "Glorify God in your body"
"For ye are bought with a price, (the precious blood of Christ) therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" [1 Cor. 6:20]
Glorify God through your eyes in what you see, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" [Psalm 101:3] "Look at the things that are eternal" [2 Cor. 4:18]
Glorify God through your ears in what you hear on radio, CD's or tapes! Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Glorify God through your mouth in what you say, "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" [Eph. 4:29] neither griping or gossiping.
3. Glorify God through your mind in what you think about
"Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, think on these things" [Phil. 4:8]
"This book (the Bible) thou shalt meditate therein day and night" Josh 1:8.
Sumner Wemp watched an hour long television program showing all that is done when her Majesty. the Queen comes to the Windsor Castle. He said, "Of course, the palace was a clean as a hounds tooth. It was spic and span, 'fit for a Queen.' Everything was done so Her majesty would be comfortable there, feel at home. How much more should our 'castle' our bodies be kept pure and in order so God will feel at home."
III. THERE IS THE MATTER OF PLEASING GOD
You can please God!
"This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased' Lk 3:22. You are His son, is He well pleased?
1. The carnal minded can't please Him
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace...So then they that are in the flesh cannot PLEASE GOD. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" Rom. 6-9.
2. They that are walking the flesh cannot please God.
One of the wonderful ministries of the Holy Spirit, as we walk in the Spirit, is to enable us to PLEASE GOD! Nothing could be finer! The man, Christ Jesus pleased God Jesus, the perfect example, PLEASED GOD
"And the Holy Ghost descended in bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved Son; in thee I AM WELL PLEASED " Luke 3:22.
"And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee" Luke 4:14.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor"...Luke 4:18.
"My meat is to do the will of Him that sent" John 4:32.
"For I do always those things that PLEASE HIM John 8:29.
3. Enoch PLEASED GOD AND SO CAN WE
"And Enoch walk with God and he was not for God took him" [Gen:5:24]
"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony that he PLEASED GOD. But without faith it is impossible to PLEASE HIM." [Hebrews 11:5,6]
Do you want to please God? Deep down inside, do you want to PLEASE GOD? Jesus did it in the "power of the Holy Spirit." We too must PLEASE GOD, by the power of the Holy Spirit. YOU CAN! Are you walking in the flesh, producing the "works of the flesh" lusting for things or "walking in the Spirit" producing "the fruit of the Spirit"?
"The goal of every true disciple is to please God. The Bible is our guidebook, showing us how to do that." - Elisabeth Elliot
Know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come "For men shall be lovers of their own selves" 2 Tim 3:1, 2. "selfishness"
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush...Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls, but they said, We will not walk therein" [Jer 6:15, 16]
We as Christians must be ashamed of our sins, confess them, forsake them and make apologies and amends for those we have offended to please God. -Sumner Wemp
Most of this material was "borrowed" with permission from Sumner Wemp (see link in upper left corner)
I. THERE IS THE MATTER OF ACCESS
"We have access by one Spirit unto the Father" [Eph 2:18]
1. Think about Who and what God is
"God is holy" (1 Peter 1:16)
He is "the mighty God" [Isa. 9:7]
He is "the eternal God" [Deut. 33:27]
2. Remember we are to "fear God" [1 Peter 2:17]
It is no wonder that we all feel so unworthy to come to God for "help in time of need" [Hb. 4:16]
3. Learn that "the Holy Spirit helps our infirmities" [Rom. 8:26] and gives liberty, "for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" [2 Cor 3:17] to have access unto the Father.
"This is a reality as we 'walk in the Spirit.' Everything in the Christian life depends on us depending on the Holy Spirit to live the normal Christian life. If you are struggling in your prayer life, you are probably not 'consciously' depending on and 'walking' in the Spirit. We are invited to 'come boldly (not brashly) to the throne of grace that we may obtained mercy and find grace to help in the time of need' Heb 4:12. We have 'access by the Holy Spirit to the Father.' That is not just religious talk, it is the essential ingredient to coming to God in prayer and seeing answers to your prayer. " - Sumner Wemp
II. THERE IS THE MATTER OF BEING ACCESSIBLE
"YOU are an habitation of God THROUGH THE SPIRIT" [Eph 2:21, 22]
1. A Christian has been bought with a price! [I Cor. 6:20]
"Your body is a royal palace! You are the Buckingham Palace in the spiritual realm. God, the King of Kings, lives in your mortal body. Isn't that awesome! You and your body are sacred. Now doesn't that sober you and make your body and every place you go sacred?" - Sumner Wemp
It should make us want to sing, "The Lord is in His holy Temple, let all the world be silent."
2. "Glorify God in your body"
"For ye are bought with a price, (the precious blood of Christ) therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's" [1 Cor. 6:20]
Glorify God through your eyes in what you see, "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" [Psalm 101:3] "Look at the things that are eternal" [2 Cor. 4:18]
Glorify God through your ears in what you hear on radio, CD's or tapes! Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.
Glorify God through your mouth in what you say, "let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth" [Eph. 4:29] neither griping or gossiping.
3. Glorify God through your mind in what you think about
"Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, think on these things" [Phil. 4:8]
"This book (the Bible) thou shalt meditate therein day and night" Josh 1:8.
Sumner Wemp watched an hour long television program showing all that is done when her Majesty. the Queen comes to the Windsor Castle. He said, "Of course, the palace was a clean as a hounds tooth. It was spic and span, 'fit for a Queen.' Everything was done so Her majesty would be comfortable there, feel at home. How much more should our 'castle' our bodies be kept pure and in order so God will feel at home."
III. THERE IS THE MATTER OF PLEASING GOD
You can please God!
"This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased' Lk 3:22. You are His son, is He well pleased?
1. The carnal minded can't please Him
"For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace...So then they that are in the flesh cannot PLEASE GOD. But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" Rom. 6-9.
2. They that are walking the flesh cannot please God.
One of the wonderful ministries of the Holy Spirit, as we walk in the Spirit, is to enable us to PLEASE GOD! Nothing could be finer! The man, Christ Jesus pleased God Jesus, the perfect example, PLEASED GOD
"And the Holy Ghost descended in bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice from heaven, which said, thou art my beloved Son; in thee I AM WELL PLEASED " Luke 3:22.
"And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee" Luke 4:14.
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor"...Luke 4:18.
"My meat is to do the will of Him that sent" John 4:32.
"For I do always those things that PLEASE HIM John 8:29.
3. Enoch PLEASED GOD AND SO CAN WE
"And Enoch walk with God and he was not for God took him" [Gen:5:24]
"By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death and was not found because God had translated him; for before his translation he had this testimony that he PLEASED GOD. But without faith it is impossible to PLEASE HIM." [Hebrews 11:5,6]
Do you want to please God? Deep down inside, do you want to PLEASE GOD? Jesus did it in the "power of the Holy Spirit." We too must PLEASE GOD, by the power of the Holy Spirit. YOU CAN! Are you walking in the flesh, producing the "works of the flesh" lusting for things or "walking in the Spirit" producing "the fruit of the Spirit"?
"The goal of every true disciple is to please God. The Bible is our guidebook, showing us how to do that." - Elisabeth Elliot
Know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come "For men shall be lovers of their own selves" 2 Tim 3:1, 2. "selfishness"
"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush...Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways and see and ask for the old paths where is the good way and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls, but they said, We will not walk therein" [Jer 6:15, 16]
We as Christians must be ashamed of our sins, confess them, forsake them and make apologies and amends for those we have offended to please God. -Sumner Wemp
Most of this material was "borrowed" with permission from Sumner Wemp (see link in upper left corner)
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
A Rose by any other name...
In a small Midwestern conservative town, a new bar/tavern started building to open up their business. The local Baptist church started a campaign with petitions and prayers to block the bar from opening.
Work progressed, however, right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar, and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, "...either through direct or indirect actions or means."
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise, in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer and an entire church congregation that doesn't."
Work progressed, however, right up till the week before opening, when a lightning strike hit the bar, and it burned to the ground.
The church folks were rather smug in their outlook after that, until the bar owner sued the church on the grounds that the church was ultimately responsible for the demise of his building, "...either through direct or indirect actions or means."
The church vehemently denied all responsibility or any connection to the building's demise, in its reply to the court.
As the case made its way into court, the judge looked over the paperwork at the hearing and commented, "I don't know how I'm going to decide this, but as it appears from the paperwork, we have a bar owner that believes in the power of prayer and an entire church congregation that doesn't."
Monday, October 22, 2007
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Like almost everyone who uses e-mail, I receive a ton of spam every day. Much of it offers to help me get out of debt or get rich quick. - Bill Gates
Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize! - Lee Roberson
The will of God is not an option, it's an obligation. - Wendell Calder
We have a troubled world, but we don't have to be troubled. - Fred Afman
God is not neutral! - David Bouler
Pride turned an angel into a devil. - Unknown
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. - Pr. 12:18
Critics are a dime a dozen. Any fool can criticize! - Lee Roberson
The will of God is not an option, it's an obligation. - Wendell Calder
We have a troubled world, but we don't have to be troubled. - Fred Afman
God is not neutral! - David Bouler
Pride turned an angel into a devil. - Unknown
There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. - Pr. 12:18
Sunday, October 21, 2007
ABRAM FAILED BUT HE WASN'T A FAILURE
GENESIS 12:1-31:4
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE FIRST FAILURE - THE FLESH [12:1-8]
We saw last Sunday night Abram's failure in hesitating. He hesitated in leaving his country [v. 1, 11:31], his kindred [v. 1, 4-5] and his father [v. 1, 11:31-32] as God had said.
1. His separation was a matter of spiritual ties [12:1-3]
Joshua 24:2And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
2. His hesitation was a matter of carnal ties [12:4, Acts 7:2-4]
3. His dedication was a matter of renewed ties [12:5-8, Acts 7:5]
II. THE SECOND FAILURE - THE WORLD [12:9-20]
1. Abram ran from the will of God [12:9-10]
2. Abram ran from the wall of God [12:11-16]
Running away, however, is never the correct way to respond to testings of faith, reasonable as it may seem. - John G. Balyo
3. Abram ran from the witness of God [12:17-20]
III. THE THIRD FAILURE - FAILURE ITSELF
You can fail and not be a failure if you:
1. Remember the goodness of the Lord [13:1-2]
2. Return to the will of the Lord [13:3]
3. Repent toward God [13:4]
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE FIRST FAILURE - THE FLESH [12:1-8]
We saw last Sunday night Abram's failure in hesitating. He hesitated in leaving his country [v. 1, 11:31], his kindred [v. 1, 4-5] and his father [v. 1, 11:31-32] as God had said.
1. His separation was a matter of spiritual ties [12:1-3]
Joshua 24:2And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, Your fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time, even Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of Nachor: and they served other gods.
2. His hesitation was a matter of carnal ties [12:4, Acts 7:2-4]
3. His dedication was a matter of renewed ties [12:5-8, Acts 7:5]
II. THE SECOND FAILURE - THE WORLD [12:9-20]
1. Abram ran from the will of God [12:9-10]
2. Abram ran from the wall of God [12:11-16]
Running away, however, is never the correct way to respond to testings of faith, reasonable as it may seem. - John G. Balyo
3. Abram ran from the witness of God [12:17-20]
III. THE THIRD FAILURE - FAILURE ITSELF
You can fail and not be a failure if you:
1. Remember the goodness of the Lord [13:1-2]
2. Return to the will of the Lord [13:3]
3. Repent toward God [13:4]
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
Acts 20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Q: What are “biblical glasses”?
A: Christians need to understand that because the Bible is the revealed Word of God, and a true record of history—we need to look at the world through the Bible. In other words, we should always put on our biblical glasses in order to understand the world.
For example, if you took your children to the Grand Canyon and they asked you how the layers of rock and the canyon formed, what would you say? If you put on your biblical glasses, you could answer this way:
Well, children, those layers contain fossils. The Bible teaches that there was no death before sin; therefore, these layers couldn’t have been laid down millions of years ago—before Adam sinned. But the Bible tells us about a global Flood—this would have created layers burying lots of dead things. And the catastrophic runoff would have carved the canyon.
Here is another example regarding dinosaurs.
When we put on our biblical glasses, we can say much about dinosaurs: they were created on the sixth day, so they coexisted with man; they ate plants before sin; they were on a huge boat that landed in the Middle East; and so on.
By building our thinking on the Bible—beginning with Genesis—we can put on biblical glasses so that we’re always ready to give answers to a world that needs them.
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.
For example, if you took your children to the Grand Canyon and they asked you how the layers of rock and the canyon formed, what would you say? If you put on your biblical glasses, you could answer this way:
Well, children, those layers contain fossils. The Bible teaches that there was no death before sin; therefore, these layers couldn’t have been laid down millions of years ago—before Adam sinned. But the Bible tells us about a global Flood—this would have created layers burying lots of dead things. And the catastrophic runoff would have carved the canyon.
Here is another example regarding dinosaurs.
When we put on our biblical glasses, we can say much about dinosaurs: they were created on the sixth day, so they coexisted with man; they ate plants before sin; they were on a huge boat that landed in the Middle East; and so on.
By building our thinking on the Bible—beginning with Genesis—we can put on biblical glasses so that we’re always ready to give answers to a world that needs them.
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, October 19, 2007
How to use murder to witness the gospel
How to know
May I tell you how to know for sure you are going to heaven. Then I ask, If you died right now and went up to the gates of heaven and they asked you, Why should we let you into heaven, what would you say. This is the best question I have ever found to get to know where they really stand.
Here are some answers
"I love people", "I am doing all the good I can", "I believe in God", etc. Then I say, "Suppose someone ,molested and murdered you daughter and came before the judge and say, judge, I love people, I am doing the best I can. I do all the good I can. Can the judge say, that is fine, you can go free doing all of that." "I believe in God" and quote back to them why they think that ought to go to heaven. It is amazing how they catch on to this and see how wrong they were.
Never say,
"The first thing you need to realize, you are a sinner." I read every tract I can. Most start out by saying, the first thing you need to know is your are a sinner." When you do that you have slapped them in the face. They become defensive and is why so many never lead someone to Christ
This works
I use this all the time and never have someone not admit they have sinned. I say, "I don't know a thing about you but we are all in the same boat, we have all done wrong, We have all sinned. Haven't we? Saying it like that, I have never had a person not admit they have sinned. Saying "We have all done wrong first, most people equate sinning as murder or rape or some other horrible thing. Then to equate that doing wrong to sin, always gets them to admit they too have sinned.
Good news
Now you are ready to give them the gospel, the good news. Let this soak in. Remember this so you can tell it clearly.
More next time. You are loved by God and me. ABC C. Sumner Wemp Dallas, TX
Special announcement. NO ONE on our team gets one cent from this ministry. We all give into it. A good number have asked about giving to the missions project of getting tracts published in different languages around the world. You can now and get tax credit for it. Send money to "Northside Baptist Church, 3130 Moon Rd. Mesquite, TX 75150. Designate it to Tract Ministry. Every cent goes into this mission's project. We will keep you posted.
We love you. ABC C. Sumner Wemp (see link in upper left corner)
May I tell you how to know for sure you are going to heaven. Then I ask, If you died right now and went up to the gates of heaven and they asked you, Why should we let you into heaven, what would you say. This is the best question I have ever found to get to know where they really stand.
Here are some answers
"I love people", "I am doing all the good I can", "I believe in God", etc. Then I say, "Suppose someone ,molested and murdered you daughter and came before the judge and say, judge, I love people, I am doing the best I can. I do all the good I can. Can the judge say, that is fine, you can go free doing all of that." "I believe in God" and quote back to them why they think that ought to go to heaven. It is amazing how they catch on to this and see how wrong they were.
Never say,
"The first thing you need to realize, you are a sinner." I read every tract I can. Most start out by saying, the first thing you need to know is your are a sinner." When you do that you have slapped them in the face. They become defensive and is why so many never lead someone to Christ
This works
I use this all the time and never have someone not admit they have sinned. I say, "I don't know a thing about you but we are all in the same boat, we have all done wrong, We have all sinned. Haven't we? Saying it like that, I have never had a person not admit they have sinned. Saying "We have all done wrong first, most people equate sinning as murder or rape or some other horrible thing. Then to equate that doing wrong to sin, always gets them to admit they too have sinned.
Good news
Now you are ready to give them the gospel, the good news. Let this soak in. Remember this so you can tell it clearly.
More next time. You are loved by God and me. ABC C. Sumner Wemp Dallas, TX
Special announcement. NO ONE on our team gets one cent from this ministry. We all give into it. A good number have asked about giving to the missions project of getting tracts published in different languages around the world. You can now and get tax credit for it. Send money to "Northside Baptist Church, 3130 Moon Rd. Mesquite, TX 75150. Designate it to Tract Ministry. Every cent goes into this mission's project. We will keep you posted.
We love you. ABC C. Sumner Wemp (see link in upper left corner)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Subject: Lipstick in School
According to a news report, a certain private school in Washington was recently faced with a unique problem. A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints.
Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back.
Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses).
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required.He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.
Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers .... and then there are educators
Every night the maintenance man would remove them and the next day the girls would put them back.
Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night (you can just imagine the yawns from the little princesses).
To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required.He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleaned the mirror with it.
Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers .... and then there are educators
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
THE GOD WE SERVE
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE GOD WE SERVE IS FANTASTIC!
He is unique. He is singular. There isn't anyone or anything like Him.
1. GOD ALONE IS IRREPLACEABLE!
A few years ago a businessman told the manager of one of his stores that only one person in that business was irreplaceable. The manager wisely and Scripturally reminded him, none but God is irreplaceable. Presidents come and go, even countries rise and fall, great prophets and Apostles go to their eternal destiny and the work of God continues. The Pastor is not irreplaceable. No position or person is- save God alone.
Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
2. GOD IS IRREDUCIBLE!
People can be brought down low, humbled and disgraced but not so with the Lord.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
He is bigger than our problems.
3. GOD IS IRREFUTABLE! [IS. 45:18-23]
The hymnwriter Joseph Scriven wrote:
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
II. THE GOD WE SERVE IS FAITHFUL! [1 Thessalonians 5:18-24]
1. GOD THE FATHER IS FAITHFUL! Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Hosea 11:12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FAITHFUL! 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. GOD THE SON IS FAITHFUL! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
III. THE GOD WE SERVE WILL NOT FORSAKE US!
1. GOD THE FATHER WILL NOT FORSAKE US! Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NOT FORSAKE US! [Ephesians 4:30]
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
3. GOD THE SON WILL NOT FORSAKE US! [Hebrews 13:5-7]
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
I. THE GOD WE SERVE IS FANTASTIC!
He is unique. He is singular. There isn't anyone or anything like Him.
1. GOD ALONE IS IRREPLACEABLE!
A few years ago a businessman told the manager of one of his stores that only one person in that business was irreplaceable. The manager wisely and Scripturally reminded him, none but God is irreplaceable. Presidents come and go, even countries rise and fall, great prophets and Apostles go to their eternal destiny and the work of God continues. The Pastor is not irreplaceable. No position or person is- save God alone.
Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
2. GOD IS IRREDUCIBLE!
People can be brought down low, humbled and disgraced but not so with the Lord.
1 Chronicles 29:11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.
He is bigger than our problems.
3. GOD IS IRREFUTABLE! [IS. 45:18-23]
The hymnwriter Joseph Scriven wrote:
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
II. THE GOD WE SERVE IS FAITHFUL! [1 Thessalonians 5:18-24]
1. GOD THE FATHER IS FAITHFUL! Deuteronomy 7:9 Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;
Hosea 11:12 Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.
2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FAITHFUL! 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
3. GOD THE SON IS FAITHFUL! 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Revelation 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
III. THE GOD WE SERVE WILL NOT FORSAKE US!
1. GOD THE FATHER WILL NOT FORSAKE US! Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
Psalm 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.
2. GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL NOT FORSAKE US! [Ephesians 4:30]
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
3. GOD THE SON WILL NOT FORSAKE US! [Hebrews 13:5-7]
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Give a tract to someone delivering, passing out or selling something
Give a gospel tract to those delivering, passing out, or selling something.
Someone comes to your door, delivering, passing out, or selling something. Have tracts on a table near your door. Thank them for their delivering and then say, "Let me give you something, you will like this, it just tells you how to get to heaven". You don't have to be slick Willie or tricky Dick, just offer them a tract. Wait a few seconds to see if they respond in any way.
The best question
Then I ask, "Can I ask you my pet question?" No one has ever refused when I ask that so I just keep using it. I ask, "Do you know for sure you are going to heaven." very few say for sure they know they are going to heaven. Many will reply, "I hope so, I am doing the best I can. I am trying. I don't know. " Here is the best analogy. "Suppose you ask me, "Sumner, are you married." Here is the clincher, Suppose I answer, "I hope so. I am doing the best I can. I am trying to be, I don't know." Just repeat what thy told you about going to heaven. It works.It is amazing how they catch on to that. You either are or not.
How to know
Can I tell you how to know for sure you are going to heaven. Then I ask, If you died right now and went up to the gates of heaven and they asked you, Why should we let you into heaven, what would you say. This is the best question I have ever found to get to know where they really stand. To be continued.
Sometimes you reap
In a Home Depot I was looking for something and could not find it. Sandy came up and asked, "Can I help you?" I said Sandy, I need a lot of help. She took me right to what I needed. Graciously I thanked her and gave her a gospel tract and said this just tells you how to go to heaven, She blurted out, "I need that." I told her how God loved her and His Son, the Lord Jesus, suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds." She was so ready and prayed out loud right there to receive the Lord Jesus as her Savior with tears in her eyes.
Special announcement.
NO ONE on our team gets one cent from this ministry. We all give into it. A good number have asked about giving to the missions project of getting tracts published in different languages around the world. You can now and get tax credit for it. Send money to "Northside Baptist Church, 3130 Moon Rd. Mesquite, TX 75150. Every cent goes into this mission's project.
We will keep you posted. We love you. ABC Sumner Wemp (see link top left)
Someone comes to your door, delivering, passing out, or selling something. Have tracts on a table near your door. Thank them for their delivering and then say, "Let me give you something, you will like this, it just tells you how to get to heaven". You don't have to be slick Willie or tricky Dick, just offer them a tract. Wait a few seconds to see if they respond in any way.
The best question
Then I ask, "Can I ask you my pet question?" No one has ever refused when I ask that so I just keep using it. I ask, "Do you know for sure you are going to heaven." very few say for sure they know they are going to heaven. Many will reply, "I hope so, I am doing the best I can. I am trying. I don't know. " Here is the best analogy. "Suppose you ask me, "Sumner, are you married." Here is the clincher, Suppose I answer, "I hope so. I am doing the best I can. I am trying to be, I don't know." Just repeat what thy told you about going to heaven. It works.It is amazing how they catch on to that. You either are or not.
How to know
Can I tell you how to know for sure you are going to heaven. Then I ask, If you died right now and went up to the gates of heaven and they asked you, Why should we let you into heaven, what would you say. This is the best question I have ever found to get to know where they really stand. To be continued.
Sometimes you reap
In a Home Depot I was looking for something and could not find it. Sandy came up and asked, "Can I help you?" I said Sandy, I need a lot of help. She took me right to what I needed. Graciously I thanked her and gave her a gospel tract and said this just tells you how to go to heaven, She blurted out, "I need that." I told her how God loved her and His Son, the Lord Jesus, suffered and died for our sins, paid our debt in full, rose again and was seen by hundreds." She was so ready and prayed out loud right there to receive the Lord Jesus as her Savior with tears in her eyes.
Special announcement.
NO ONE on our team gets one cent from this ministry. We all give into it. A good number have asked about giving to the missions project of getting tracts published in different languages around the world. You can now and get tax credit for it. Send money to "Northside Baptist Church, 3130 Moon Rd. Mesquite, TX 75150. Every cent goes into this mission's project.
We will keep you posted. We love you. ABC Sumner Wemp (see link top left)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
A Divine Controversy
Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord's controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with His people, and He will plead with Israel" (Micah 6:2).
It might not occur to average Christians that God is interested in presenting them with His arguments. They might not think it possible that they are in a state of controversy with God. Certainly the Jewish nation at the time of the prophets needed to be alerted to this fact. God challenged them further: "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me" (v.3). God wanted to have a candid debate with his people.
The prophet Hosea similarly challenged the people about this divine controversy. "Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1).
The religious activity of the people in those days had become mere rote rituals without any emotional relationship. The prophet asked them, "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" (Micah 6:7). God's primary desire is for our lives to be in conformity to His will, not for us to give Him a formalistic, token religious devotion. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (v.8).
Still today God carries this same desire for a frank, honest dialogue about our spiritual condition. Jeremiah 25:31 states, "for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh." We need to regularly pause, reassess our relationship with God, and prepare for a frank discussion. DW
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
It might not occur to average Christians that God is interested in presenting them with His arguments. They might not think it possible that they are in a state of controversy with God. Certainly the Jewish nation at the time of the prophets needed to be alerted to this fact. God challenged them further: "O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me" (v.3). God wanted to have a candid debate with his people.
The prophet Hosea similarly challenged the people about this divine controversy. "Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land" (Hosea 4:1).
The religious activity of the people in those days had become mere rote rituals without any emotional relationship. The prophet asked them, "Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?" (Micah 6:7). God's primary desire is for our lives to be in conformity to His will, not for us to give Him a formalistic, token religious devotion. "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" (v.8).
Still today God carries this same desire for a frank, honest dialogue about our spiritual condition. Jeremiah 25:31 states, "for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh." We need to regularly pause, reassess our relationship with God, and prepare for a frank discussion. DW
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Monday, October 15, 2007
MIXED FEELINGS
Yesterday I "celebrated" 15 years as pastor of BBC. I was reflecting on my years here with mixed feelings. Hundreds have been saved through the various ministries over these 15 years but very few of those have translated into current membership for the church. We are a small church.
Why have some not come to our church or not stayed? Some of the people saved didn't live in our area. Some people have gone on to glory, some have sought for churches with more bells and whistles. Some didn't like different church members or even the pastor. It's hard for me to say in some cases.
We rejoice over the missionaries we help to support. We rejoice over the souls saved and lives changed even if they don't join our church. We rejoice in the blessings of God over the years.
We weep over failed opportunities. We weep over those who have forsaken us, having loved this present world. We weep over unintentional offenses that might have caused some weak brethren to stumble.
We continue to stand on the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ and look for the Blessed Hope. We continue to preach the Gospel though we were once told we preach too much Gospel. (Is that even possible? What is that? Too much Gospel?)
Am I a failure? Maybe I am. But that's not for men or me to decide.
Rom. 14:
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or ° die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or ° why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
-----------------------------------------------------
The church had a fellowship meal after the evening service to commemorate my 15 years as pastor. They gave me a nice gift and the fellowship was sweet. One man decided this was the perfect occasion to tell me he and his family were leaving the church (partly due to me, partly due to other things). Yesterday I "celebrated" 15 years as pastor of BBC.
Why have some not come to our church or not stayed? Some of the people saved didn't live in our area. Some people have gone on to glory, some have sought for churches with more bells and whistles. Some didn't like different church members or even the pastor. It's hard for me to say in some cases.
We rejoice over the missionaries we help to support. We rejoice over the souls saved and lives changed even if they don't join our church. We rejoice in the blessings of God over the years.
We weep over failed opportunities. We weep over those who have forsaken us, having loved this present world. We weep over unintentional offenses that might have caused some weak brethren to stumble.
We continue to stand on the Word of God, the Gospel of Christ and look for the Blessed Hope. We continue to preach the Gospel though we were once told we preach too much Gospel. (Is that even possible? What is that? Too much Gospel?)
Am I a failure? Maybe I am. But that's not for men or me to decide.
Rom. 14:
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or ° die, we are the Lord's.
9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or ° why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord °, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
Luke 6:42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye.
-----------------------------------------------------
The church had a fellowship meal after the evening service to commemorate my 15 years as pastor. They gave me a nice gift and the fellowship was sweet. One man decided this was the perfect occasion to tell me he and his family were leaving the church (partly due to me, partly due to other things). Yesterday I "celebrated" 15 years as pastor of BBC.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
PROMISES, PROMISES
GENESIS 12:1-3
Pastor Rick Jackson
Almost every day we hear promises. Ads promise us happiness, weight loss, a perfect smile, the toughest truck or even the perfect match in a mate. People promise us their presence, their support, their undying gratitude. Countries promise they won't develop nuclear weapons, they won't restrict freedom of religion, and that all will be well. Ads lie, people lie, countries lie, Satan lies, parents lie, children lie, mates lie, preachers lie, heathen lie, Christians lie but GOD NEVER LIES!
When God makes a promise, He keeps it. When God says it, it's a promise. The Word of God is stedfast and true. If you get nothing else out of this message- get this. God keeps His Word. His promises are true. He does not lie!
I. THE FAILURE OF ABRAM [v. 1]
The story of Abram is not the story of a perfect man. It is the story of a fallible man with a perfect, infallible God. Abram didn't start out as "the friend of God", he became the friend of God. In many ways he failed. He lied, he feared, he failed to focus on what was important and, as in this chapter, he hesitated.
1. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS COUNTRY [v. 1, 11:31]
2. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS KINDRED [v. 1, 4-5]
3. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS FATHER [v. 1, 11:31-32]
II. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD [v. 2-3]
1. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL MAKE OF THEE A GREAT NATION" [v. 2]
The nation of Israel qualifies on many levels. For it's survival, for it's strength, for it's history, for it's future... God made of Abram a great nation.
2. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL BLESS THEE" [v. 2]
Abram went from a childless, nomad to Abraham, a father of multitudes, a man of wealth and "the friend of God."
3. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL... MAKE THY NAME GREAT" [v. 2]
Abraham is better known by more people today than Bush, Clinton, or Obama or Osama. He is respected by Jews, Christians and Muslims. His name is great indeed.
4. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "THOU SHALT BE A BLESSING" [v. 3]
Quite literally fulfilled and used both in the Old Testament and New Testament.
Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
5. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE" [v. 3]
History has shown this to be true in Abram's life and even in the life of his offspring. Nations have been prospered by being kind to the Jews. Egypt prospered under Joseph, Nebuchadnezzar prospered with Daniel, even Rome prospered when it regarded the offspring of Abraham. England and America are but two modern day examples that come to mind.
6. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL ...CURSE HIM THAT CURSETH THEE" [v. 3]
Even a nation that had been blessed by God for it's treatment of Israel learned the hard truth when it turned from blessing to cursing. Egypt, Babylon, Rome, England, etc. Is America next?
7. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "IN THEE SHALL ALL FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED" [v. 3, Gal. 3:6-9]
III. THE FAITH OF ABRAM
His failures, like our failures are, not what made him who he was, and is, in the eyes of God. It is his faith in God that makes him stand out.
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Pastor Rick Jackson
Almost every day we hear promises. Ads promise us happiness, weight loss, a perfect smile, the toughest truck or even the perfect match in a mate. People promise us their presence, their support, their undying gratitude. Countries promise they won't develop nuclear weapons, they won't restrict freedom of religion, and that all will be well. Ads lie, people lie, countries lie, Satan lies, parents lie, children lie, mates lie, preachers lie, heathen lie, Christians lie but GOD NEVER LIES!
When God makes a promise, He keeps it. When God says it, it's a promise. The Word of God is stedfast and true. If you get nothing else out of this message- get this. God keeps His Word. His promises are true. He does not lie!
I. THE FAILURE OF ABRAM [v. 1]
The story of Abram is not the story of a perfect man. It is the story of a fallible man with a perfect, infallible God. Abram didn't start out as "the friend of God", he became the friend of God. In many ways he failed. He lied, he feared, he failed to focus on what was important and, as in this chapter, he hesitated.
1. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS COUNTRY [v. 1, 11:31]
2. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS KINDRED [v. 1, 4-5]
3. HE HESITATED IN LEAVING HIS FATHER [v. 1, 11:31-32]
II. THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD [v. 2-3]
1. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL MAKE OF THEE A GREAT NATION" [v. 2]
The nation of Israel qualifies on many levels. For it's survival, for it's strength, for it's history, for it's future... God made of Abram a great nation.
2. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL BLESS THEE" [v. 2]
Abram went from a childless, nomad to Abraham, a father of multitudes, a man of wealth and "the friend of God."
3. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL... MAKE THY NAME GREAT" [v. 2]
Abraham is better known by more people today than Bush, Clinton, or Obama or Osama. He is respected by Jews, Christians and Muslims. His name is great indeed.
4. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "THOU SHALT BE A BLESSING" [v. 3]
Quite literally fulfilled and used both in the Old Testament and New Testament.
Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?
Luke 20:37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.
5. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL BLESS THEM THAT BLESS THEE" [v. 3]
History has shown this to be true in Abram's life and even in the life of his offspring. Nations have been prospered by being kind to the Jews. Egypt prospered under Joseph, Nebuchadnezzar prospered with Daniel, even Rome prospered when it regarded the offspring of Abraham. England and America are but two modern day examples that come to mind.
6. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "I WILL ...CURSE HIM THAT CURSETH THEE" [v. 3]
Even a nation that had been blessed by God for it's treatment of Israel learned the hard truth when it turned from blessing to cursing. Egypt, Babylon, Rome, England, etc. Is America next?
7. GOD PROMISED ABRAM "IN THEE SHALL ALL FAMILIES OF THE EARTH BE BLESSED" [v. 3, Gal. 3:6-9]
III. THE FAITH OF ABRAM
His failures, like our failures are, not what made him who he was, and is, in the eyes of God. It is his faith in God that makes him stand out.
Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
