Monday, March 03, 2008
Sunday, March 02, 2008
JACOB'S JOURNEY
GENESIS 28:10-29:14
Pastor Rick Jackson
I was shocked to find some commentaries finding fault with every move Jacob made. The writers seem to have come to this section with a preconceived notion of Jacob's utter lack of character. Jacob had his share of faults to be sure but who doesn't? Where he was wrong let us take heed lest we fall, where he was right let us give him credit but give the glory to God, where we are not sure let us apply the golden rule!
I. THE FIRST LEG OF THE JOURNEY [v. 6-7, 10-12]
1. Jacob obeyed the charge [v. 6-7, II Tm. 4:1-2]
2. Jacob attacked the challenge [v. 10-11]
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
3. Jacob enlightened by the Lord [v. 12]
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II. THE FAITHFUL LORD OF THE JOURNEY [v. 13-22]
1. Reception of the Word [v. 13-15]
2. Reaction to the Word [v. 16-17]
Psalm 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Psalm 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
3. Response of Worship [v. 18-22, Eph. 2:8-10]
III. THE FINAL LEG OF THE JOURNEY [29:1-14]
1. The land entered [v. 1-3]
2. The locals engaged [v. 4-8]
3. The lass encountered [v. 9-14]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I was shocked to find some commentaries finding fault with every move Jacob made. The writers seem to have come to this section with a preconceived notion of Jacob's utter lack of character. Jacob had his share of faults to be sure but who doesn't? Where he was wrong let us take heed lest we fall, where he was right let us give him credit but give the glory to God, where we are not sure let us apply the golden rule!
I. THE FIRST LEG OF THE JOURNEY [v. 6-7, 10-12]
1. Jacob obeyed the charge [v. 6-7, II Tm. 4:1-2]
2. Jacob attacked the challenge [v. 10-11]
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
3. Jacob enlightened by the Lord [v. 12]
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
II. THE FAITHFUL LORD OF THE JOURNEY [v. 13-22]
1. Reception of the Word [v. 13-15]
2. Reaction to the Word [v. 16-17]
Psalm 34:9 O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
Psalm 89:7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.
Psalm 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
Psalm 119:63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.
Psalm 130:4 But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.
3. Response of Worship [v. 18-22, Eph. 2:8-10]
III. THE FINAL LEG OF THE JOURNEY [29:1-14]
1. The land entered [v. 1-3]
2. The locals engaged [v. 4-8]
3. The lass encountered [v. 9-14]
JACOB’S GOD SHOULD BE YOUR GOD!
GENESIS 28:10-15
Pastor Rick Jackson
Fact Number One: There is only One True God.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Fact Number Two: You may have another god other than the true God.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Fact Number Three: If you have another god other than the Triune God of the Bible, whether you know it or not, your god is Satan, the devil, the deceiver.
2 Corinthians 4:4, 6:14-16 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
So today you should make sure Jacob’s God is your God! Why?
I. HE IS THINKING ABOUT YOU EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT THINKING ABOUT HIM! [v. 10-11, 16]
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
II. HE REACHES YOU WHEN YOU CANNOT REACH HIM! [v, 12, John 1:45-51]
III. HE IS THE TRUE GOD! [v. 13]
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
IV. HE CARES ABOUT YOU & EVERYBODY ELSE! [v. 14, Jn. 3:16]
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
V. HE WILL KEEP HIS PROMISES! [v. 15]
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
Pastor Rick Jackson
Fact Number One: There is only One True God.
Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Fact Number Two: You may have another god other than the true God.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Fact Number Three: If you have another god other than the Triune God of the Bible, whether you know it or not, your god is Satan, the devil, the deceiver.
2 Corinthians 4:4, 6:14-16 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
So today you should make sure Jacob’s God is your God! Why?
I. HE IS THINKING ABOUT YOU EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT THINKING ABOUT HIM! [v. 10-11, 16]
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
II. HE REACHES YOU WHEN YOU CANNOT REACH HIM! [v, 12, John 1:45-51]
III. HE IS THE TRUE GOD! [v. 13]
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
1 John 5:20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
IV. HE CARES ABOUT YOU & EVERYBODY ELSE! [v. 14, Jn. 3:16]
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
V. HE WILL KEEP HIS PROMISES! [v. 15]
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
Saturday, March 01, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Does God even care?
People who accuse God of sitting back and doing nothing are missing an important truth. Actually, God has already done everything you would want a loving God to do!
After Adam’s sin, the Lord didn’t abandon mankind or destine us to an eternity of suffering and separation from Him. God in His mercy stepped into history in the person of His Son, Jesus—the “last Adam.” He became a man so He could suffer death on a cross, paying for the sins of His people.
Christ also rose from the grave, showing He had power over death. He can now offer eternal life to all who believe and receive this gift by faith.
Those who put their trust in Christ as Savior have a wonderful hope—they can spend eternity with the Lord. Revelation 21 describes this place, where “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.”
We all need to understand God’s perspective of time. The Apostle Paul says that our present suffering is so insignificant, in view of eternity, that it cannot even be compared to the glory to come (Romans 8:18).
For more information, see Feedback: Are We Wasting Our Time?
News to Note Quick Look
Natural preservatives: A team examining a fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies has determined that the fossil “bonanza” was buried by a rapid, muddy “miracle of preservation.” Read more.
The monster from the deep: Norwegian scientists have announced the largest marine reptile known to modern science, a fossil discovered in 2006 in Norway?s far-north Svalbard islands. Read more.
Also: planning to be Expelled, a man-made flood, Americans switching faiths. Read more.
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.
After Adam’s sin, the Lord didn’t abandon mankind or destine us to an eternity of suffering and separation from Him. God in His mercy stepped into history in the person of His Son, Jesus—the “last Adam.” He became a man so He could suffer death on a cross, paying for the sins of His people.
Christ also rose from the grave, showing He had power over death. He can now offer eternal life to all who believe and receive this gift by faith.
Those who put their trust in Christ as Savior have a wonderful hope—they can spend eternity with the Lord. Revelation 21 describes this place, where “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.”
We all need to understand God’s perspective of time. The Apostle Paul says that our present suffering is so insignificant, in view of eternity, that it cannot even be compared to the glory to come (Romans 8:18).
For more information, see Feedback: Are We Wasting Our Time?
News to Note Quick Look
Natural preservatives: A team examining a fossil deposit in the Canadian Rockies has determined that the fossil “bonanza” was buried by a rapid, muddy “miracle of preservation.” Read more.
The monster from the deep: Norwegian scientists have announced the largest marine reptile known to modern science, a fossil discovered in 2006 in Norway?s far-north Svalbard islands. Read more.
Also: planning to be Expelled, a man-made flood, Americans switching faiths. Read more.
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, February 29, 2008
Things you don't hear anymore
My niece, Melissa, sent me these:
THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........
Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company after while.
Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Aunt Mary in the mail today.
Quit slamming the screen door when you are on your way out!
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.
Wash your feet before you go to bed, they are nasty from playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your pant legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your good school clothes on!
Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him.
You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out!
Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile.
Wash under your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there.
Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread!
Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.
Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go,
we are almost out of paper out there.
Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.
Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have nine cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?
Eat those vegetables, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.
That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs just don't come in the house.
Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all botched up.
Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.
If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.
Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!
Soak your foot in this pan of coal oil so that bad cut won't get infected.
When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn. Left arm straight out the window for a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop.
It is: "Yes Ma'am!" and "No Ma'am!" to me, young man, and don't you forget it!
Y'all come back now, ya hear!
THINGS YOU DON'T HEAR ANYMORE........
Be sure to refill the ice trays, we're going to have company after while.
Watch for the postman, I want to get this letter to Aunt Mary in the mail today.
Quit slamming the screen door when you are on your way out!
Be sure and pull the windows down when you leave, it looks like a shower is coming up.
Don't forget to wind the clock before you go to bed.
Wash your feet before you go to bed, they are nasty from playing outside all day barefooted.
Why can't you remember to roll up your pant legs? Getting them caught in the bicycle chain so many times is tearing them up.
You have torn the knees out of that pair of pants so many times there is nothing left to put a patch on.
Don't you go outside with your good school clothes on!
Go comb your hair; it looks like the rats have nested in it all night.
Be sure and pour the cream off the top of the milk when you open the new bottle.
Take that empty bottle to the store with you so you won't have to pay a deposit on another one.
Put a dish towel over the cake so the flies won't get on it.
Quit jumping on the floor! I have a cake in the oven and you are going to make it fall if you don't quit!
Let me know when the Fuller Brush man comes by, I need to get a few things from him.
You boys stay close by, the car may not start and I will need you to help push it off.
There's a dollar in my purse, get 5 gallons of gas when you go to town.
Open the back door and see if we can get a breeze through here, it is getting hot.
You can walk to the store; it won't hurt you to get some exercise.
Don't sit too close to the TV. It is hard on your eyes.
If you pull that stunt again, I am going to wear you out!
Don't lose that button; I'll sew it back on after awhile.
Wash under your neck before you come to the table, you have beads of dirt and sweat all under there.
Get out from under the sewing machine; pumping it messes up the thread!
Be sure and fill the lamps this morning so we don't have to do that tonight in the dark.
Here, take this old magazine to the toilet with you when you go,
we are almost out of paper out there.
Go out to the well and draw a bucket of water so I can wash dishes.
Don't turn the radio on now, I want the battery to be up when the Grand Ole Opry comes on.
No! I don't have nine cents for you to go to the show. Do you think money grows on trees?
Eat those vegetables, they'll make you big and strong like your daddy.
That dog is NOT coming in this house! I don't care how cold it is out there, dogs just don't come in the house.
Sit still! I'm trying to get your hair cut straight and you keep moving and it is all botched up.
Hush your mouth! I don't want to hear words like that! I'll wash your mouth out with soap!
It is time for your system to be cleaned out. I am going to give you a dose of castor oil tonight.
If you get a spanking in school and I find out about it, you'll get another one when you get home.
Quit crossing your eyes! They will get stuck that way!
Soak your foot in this pan of coal oil so that bad cut won't get infected.
When you take your driving test, don't forget to signal each turn. Left arm straight out the window for a left turn; left arm bent up at the elbow for a right turn; and straight down to the side of the door when you are going to stop.
It is: "Yes Ma'am!" and "No Ma'am!" to me, young man, and don't you forget it!
Y'all come back now, ya hear!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
To the Fourth Generation
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me" (Deuteronomy 5:9).
This seemingly unwarranted penalty imposed on the innocent grandchildren of the idolater cannot possibly negate the later promise of God through the prophet Ezekiel: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteous of the righteousness shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20).
And certainly it cannot obviate the clear promise of Christ Himself in the last chapter of the Bible: "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Anyone who desires to do so may accept the Lord's gracious offer of salvation, regardless of the possible wickedness or anti-Christian religion of any of his ancestors.
At the same time, a man should realize that his decision to follow a false religion and then bring up his children in that false religion will almost certainly affect his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Many of the latter will actually be children while their great grandfather is still alive. It is a simple fact that most children (though not all) will continue in their parents "religion." They can, if they wish, choose to leave their parents' religion and become Christians, but most will not.
What a great responsibility, therefore, each father has! He should quickly accept Christ (whose credentials as our Creator and Redeemer are impeccable!) as his Savior and Lord, and then diligently train his own children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 28, 2008
This seemingly unwarranted penalty imposed on the innocent grandchildren of the idolater cannot possibly negate the later promise of God through the prophet Ezekiel: "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteous of the righteousness shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him" (Ezekiel 18:20).
And certainly it cannot obviate the clear promise of Christ Himself in the last chapter of the Bible: "Let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Anyone who desires to do so may accept the Lord's gracious offer of salvation, regardless of the possible wickedness or anti-Christian religion of any of his ancestors.
At the same time, a man should realize that his decision to follow a false religion and then bring up his children in that false religion will almost certainly affect his grandchildren and great grandchildren as well. Many of the latter will actually be children while their great grandfather is still alive. It is a simple fact that most children (though not all) will continue in their parents "religion." They can, if they wish, choose to leave their parents' religion and become Christians, but most will not.
What a great responsibility, therefore, each father has! He should quickly accept Christ (whose credentials as our Creator and Redeemer are impeccable!) as his Savior and Lord, and then diligently train his own children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
WHAT WE OUGHT BE DOING (II)
MT. 23:23
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw things Jesus said “these ought ye to have done”. I got a real testy email from a man I dubbed “Mister PHD” trying to straighten me out on his hobby horse. He wasn’t very kind and I saw no reason to advertise his meanness by allowing his unfounded comments to be published on my blog. Isn’t it interesting that people will do exactly what Jesus said – that is, ignore weightier matters, and strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Last week we saw we ought tithe, judge rightly, be merciful, and have faith. Let’s see what other things the Word of God says we ought be doing.
WE OUGHT:
ALWAYS PRAY [Luke 18:1]
SERVE ONE ANOTHER HUMBLY [John 13:14]
MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO OBEY GOD [Acts 5:29]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT GOD [Acts 17:29-31]
WORK AND SHARE [Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1, 3 John 1:8]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OURSELVES [Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 11:7-15]
FORGIVE AND RESTORE REPENTANT BRETHREN [2 Corinthians 2:7]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OUR FAMILIES [2 Corinthians 12:14, Ephesians 5:28]
WATCH THE CONTENT AND CHARACTER OF OUR SPEECH [Colossians 4:4, 6; 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 1:11, James 3:10, 4:15 ]
PLEASE GOD [1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:7, Hebrews 2:1, 5:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:16, 4:11
Rick Jackson
Last week we saw things Jesus said “these ought ye to have done”. I got a real testy email from a man I dubbed “Mister PHD” trying to straighten me out on his hobby horse. He wasn’t very kind and I saw no reason to advertise his meanness by allowing his unfounded comments to be published on my blog. Isn’t it interesting that people will do exactly what Jesus said – that is, ignore weightier matters, and strain at a gnat and swallow a camel?
Last week we saw we ought tithe, judge rightly, be merciful, and have faith. Let’s see what other things the Word of God says we ought be doing.
WE OUGHT:
ALWAYS PRAY [Luke 18:1]
SERVE ONE ANOTHER HUMBLY [John 13:14]
MAKE IT A PRIORITY TO OBEY GOD [Acts 5:29]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT GOD [Acts 17:29-31]
WORK AND SHARE [Acts 20:35, Romans 15:1, 3 John 1:8]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OURSELVES [Romans 12:3, 1 Corinthians 11:7-15]
FORGIVE AND RESTORE REPENTANT BRETHREN [2 Corinthians 2:7]
THINK BIBLICALLY ABOUT OUR FAMILIES [2 Corinthians 12:14, Ephesians 5:28]
WATCH THE CONTENT AND CHARACTER OF OUR SPEECH [Colossians 4:4, 6; 1 Timothy 5:13, Titus 1:11, James 3:10, 4:15 ]
PLEASE GOD [1 Thessalonians 4:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:7, Hebrews 2:1, 5:12; 2 Peter 3:11, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:16, 4:11
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Prepared Hearts
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).
It does not come naturally into our hearts to seek, obey, and then teach others the words of God as found in the Scriptures. Therefore, like Ezra, we must prepare our hearts.
The Hebrew word for "prepare" means to "stand erect," and thus takes special effort. One's natural "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) not at all inclined to "stand up" for the word of God.
But Ezra did, even in the court of a pagan king and in the midst of the enemies of God's people in a far country, and even among the backslidden people of his own nation. He prepared his heart, fixing it in firm faith on the laws and promises of God. And, because he did, he could testify: "I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me" (Ezra 7:28).
On the other hand we read, for example, of King Rehoboam whose rebellion and sin led to the dividing of Israel into two kingdoms and eventually into the captivity. These judgments came because, unlike Ezra, Rehoboam "did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (II Chronicles 12:14).
Thus, our hearts need to be prepared to seek God and His word, but how do we get them prepared? First, we must come to Him in true humility. "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Psalm 10:17).
God is then the One who actually prepares our hearts! "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1). We can only prepare our hearts to seek and serve God if we humbly call on Him to do the preparing. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
It does not come naturally into our hearts to seek, obey, and then teach others the words of God as found in the Scriptures. Therefore, like Ezra, we must prepare our hearts.
The Hebrew word for "prepare" means to "stand erect," and thus takes special effort. One's natural "heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked" (Jeremiah 17:9) not at all inclined to "stand up" for the word of God.
But Ezra did, even in the court of a pagan king and in the midst of the enemies of God's people in a far country, and even among the backslidden people of his own nation. He prepared his heart, fixing it in firm faith on the laws and promises of God. And, because he did, he could testify: "I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me" (Ezra 7:28).
On the other hand we read, for example, of King Rehoboam whose rebellion and sin led to the dividing of Israel into two kingdoms and eventually into the captivity. These judgments came because, unlike Ezra, Rehoboam "did evil, because he prepared not his heart to seek the LORD" (II Chronicles 12:14).
Thus, our hearts need to be prepared to seek God and His word, but how do we get them prepared? First, we must come to Him in true humility. "LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear" (Psalm 10:17).
God is then the One who actually prepares our hearts! "The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD" (Proverbs 16:1). We can only prepare our hearts to seek and serve God if we humbly call on Him to do the preparing. HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
Sunday, February 24, 2008
THE MATHEMATICS OF SIN
GENESIS 27:1-28:9
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. REBELLION MULTIPLIED [27:1-29]
We do our families no favors when any member rebels against the will of God. Better to divide families over righteousness than over unrighteousness.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Better yet when families unite over righteousness!
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1. ISAAC'S POSITION TO DEFY GOD [25:23, 27:1-4]
1) Self-pity [v. 1-2]
2) Self-indulgence [v. 3-4]
3) Self-deception [v. 4]
2. REBEKAH'S PATTERN TO DEFY ISAAC [27:5-17]
1) Showed a lack of faith
2) Sad use of God-given authority
3) Supported the false idea that the end justifies the means
3. JACOB'S PATH TO DEFY ISAAC [27:11-23]
1) Did not appeal to his mother's faith [v. 11-12]
2) Did not appeal to his own faith [v. 18-23]
3) Did not appeal to his father's faith [v. 24-29]
4. ESAU'S POSITION TO DEFY AUTHORITY [27:30-41]
1) Emphasized the earthly [v. 30-34]
2) Excused the flesh [v. 35-36]
3) Entertained the Devil [v. 37-41]
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
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. RESTORATION DIVIDED [27:33-28:9]
RESTORATION REJECTED - PATTERNS UNBROKEN/ RESTORATION RECEIVED PATTERNS BROKEN
1) Rebekah- a Christian in denial [27:42-44]
2) Issac- a Christian coming out of denial [27:33, 28:1-5]
Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [Rm. 10:17]
3) Esau- a natural man in denial [26:34-35, 28:6-9]
4) Jacob- A Christian out of defiance [28:7]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. REBELLION MULTIPLIED [27:1-29]
We do our families no favors when any member rebels against the will of God. Better to divide families over righteousness than over unrighteousness.
Matthew 10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Better yet when families unite over righteousness!
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
1. ISAAC'S POSITION TO DEFY GOD [25:23, 27:1-4]
1) Self-pity [v. 1-2]
2) Self-indulgence [v. 3-4]
3) Self-deception [v. 4]
2. REBEKAH'S PATTERN TO DEFY ISAAC [27:5-17]
1) Showed a lack of faith
2) Sad use of God-given authority
3) Supported the false idea that the end justifies the means
3. JACOB'S PATH TO DEFY ISAAC [27:11-23]
1) Did not appeal to his mother's faith [v. 11-12]
2) Did not appeal to his own faith [v. 18-23]
3) Did not appeal to his father's faith [v. 24-29]
4. ESAU'S POSITION TO DEFY AUTHORITY [27:30-41]
1) Emphasized the earthly [v. 30-34]
2) Excused the flesh [v. 35-36]
3) Entertained the Devil [v. 37-41]
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
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. RESTORATION DIVIDED [27:33-28:9]
RESTORATION REJECTED - PATTERNS UNBROKEN/ RESTORATION RECEIVED PATTERNS BROKEN
1) Rebekah- a Christian in denial [27:42-44]
2) Issac- a Christian coming out of denial [27:33, 28:1-5]
Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [Rm. 10:17]
3) Esau- a natural man in denial [26:34-35, 28:6-9]
4) Jacob- A Christian out of defiance [28:7]
FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT - THE LIFE OF PAUL
ACTS 9:1-6
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY TO GOD
1. SAUL HEARD THE GOSPEL [7:51-60]
2. SAUL HATED THE GOSPEL [8:1-3, Luke 6:22]
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
3. SAUL HEEDED THE GOSPEL [9:1-6]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
II. THE WILL OF GOD
1. BE WILLING [Acts 9:6a, Luke 9:23]
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. BE OBEDIENT [Acts 9:6b-9]
3. BE WISE [Acts 9:10-11]
Note what God did NOT tell Saul and what He did tell him.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
III. THE WORK OF GOD
1. DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO NOW! [v. 12-19]
2. BE WHAT YOU CAN BE NOW! [v. 20]
3. BE BECOMING WHAT YOU WILL BE [v. 21-30; 11:22-26; 13:2, 9, 13; 14:12]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE WAY TO GOD
1. SAUL HEARD THE GOSPEL [7:51-60]
2. SAUL HATED THE GOSPEL [8:1-3, Luke 6:22]
Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.
3. SAUL HEEDED THE GOSPEL [9:1-6]
2 Thessalonians 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
II. THE WILL OF GOD
1. BE WILLING [Acts 9:6a, Luke 9:23]
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
2. BE OBEDIENT [Acts 9:6b-9]
3. BE WISE [Acts 9:10-11]
Note what God did NOT tell Saul and what He did tell him.
James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
III. THE WORK OF GOD
1. DO WHAT YOU KNOW TO DO NOW! [v. 12-19]
2. BE WHAT YOU CAN BE NOW! [v. 20]
3. BE BECOMING WHAT YOU WILL BE [v. 21-30; 11:22-26; 13:2, 9, 13; 14:12]
Saturday, February 23, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Evolution and school violence—a sad connection?
People have been shocked in recent times at the outbreak of violence in public schools in America and around the world. Some schools have installed metal detectors to try to curb such violent behavior.
What does evolution have to do with this sad—and shocking—situation?
What we see happening is the end result of an education system that has effectively eliminated God from the classroom. When you think about it, generations of young people are being brainwashed each day in evolutionary ideas. They are being told that they are nothing special—they are just animals that have evolved from some primitive form of life over millions of years.
The more society as a whole thinks this way, the more people will act consistently with what they’ve been taught. If life is not special, then it has no value. If there’s no God, and thus no absolute authority, then anyone can decide right and wrong for themselves.
Most of the students probably don’t realize the connection of violence with evolution (though some have)—but underneath it all, this anti-God belief system has subtly caused them to think life is hopeless and without any purpose.
For more information, see The “Why?” question—why is school violence in the headlines again?
News to Note Quick Look
Get Expelled!: In what could be the biggest push the Intelligent Design Movement has seen in years, American actor, comedian, lawyer, writer, economist, game show host, and speechwriter Ben Stein is releasing the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed this spring. Make plans to see it! Read more.
“Evolution” now in Florida schools: The Florida Board of Education has passed new standards for science education that, for the first time in the state’s history, support the teaching of “evolution” (as opposed to more vague descriptions of Darwin’s theory). Read more.
Also: Planet-hunting on the increase, salt and water on Mars, and the “frog from hell.” Read more.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com/ For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
What does evolution have to do with this sad—and shocking—situation?
What we see happening is the end result of an education system that has effectively eliminated God from the classroom. When you think about it, generations of young people are being brainwashed each day in evolutionary ideas. They are being told that they are nothing special—they are just animals that have evolved from some primitive form of life over millions of years.
The more society as a whole thinks this way, the more people will act consistently with what they’ve been taught. If life is not special, then it has no value. If there’s no God, and thus no absolute authority, then anyone can decide right and wrong for themselves.
Most of the students probably don’t realize the connection of violence with evolution (though some have)—but underneath it all, this anti-God belief system has subtly caused them to think life is hopeless and without any purpose.
For more information, see The “Why?” question—why is school violence in the headlines again?
News to Note Quick Look
Get Expelled!: In what could be the biggest push the Intelligent Design Movement has seen in years, American actor, comedian, lawyer, writer, economist, game show host, and speechwriter Ben Stein is releasing the documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed this spring. Make plans to see it! Read more.
“Evolution” now in Florida schools: The Florida Board of Education has passed new standards for science education that, for the first time in the state’s history, support the teaching of “evolution” (as opposed to more vague descriptions of Darwin’s theory). Read more.
Also: Planet-hunting on the increase, salt and water on Mars, and the “frog from hell.” Read more.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com/ For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Things We Ought To Do
"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone" (Matthew 23:23).
This sharp rebuke by Jesus to the legalists of His day should also be taken seriously by us today. Although we are saved by grace alone, there are many things we ought to do, not as a matter of credit toward salvation, but as gratitude for our salvation. Surely judgment, mercy, and faithfulness are high on such a list.
Other "oughts" of the born-again Christian life would include the following incomplete listing:
Prayer: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
Obedience to God as Priority: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Working and Sharing: "So laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Gracious in Speech: "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).
Walking with God: "As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (I Thessalonians 4:1).
Heeding God's Word: "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
Sanctified Behavior: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (II Peter 3:11).
HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 20, 2008
This sharp rebuke by Jesus to the legalists of His day should also be taken seriously by us today. Although we are saved by grace alone, there are many things we ought to do, not as a matter of credit toward salvation, but as gratitude for our salvation. Surely judgment, mercy, and faithfulness are high on such a list.
Other "oughts" of the born-again Christian life would include the following incomplete listing:
Prayer: "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).
Obedience to God as Priority: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29).
Working and Sharing: "So laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Gracious in Speech: "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Colossians 4:6).
Walking with God: "As ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more" (I Thessalonians 4:1).
Heeding God's Word: "We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
Sanctified Behavior: "What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness" (II Peter 3:11).
HMM
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INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 20, 2008
Mister PHD* and his Hobby Horse
*I know the correct version is PhD but apparently Mister PHD didn't. He signed his attack "His Full Name, PHD, author of Book I Don't Want To Advertise" [italics indicate words changed to keep from giving this guy publicity]
Mister PHD tried to leave a comment on my blog yesterday that related back to Wednesday's blog. Apparently I struck a nerve. He isn't a regular reader of my blog but rather someone who evidently searches the internet for any mention of his favorite topic and then... HE POUNCES! Maybe I should have nicknamed him Pounce De Leon but then again maybe not. Fortunately for all of my regular readers (both of you- heh, heh, *sniff*) I don't allow comments without seeing and approving them first. Why? Because this is MY blog and I feel responsible for what goes up (I have had some real wackos trying to get attention for themselves and their heretical views - not that Mister PHD is a heretic, but I have screened some that were).
I also don't feel a need to give every bozo or egomaniac a platform for his views especially if it's an obvious hobby horse. Let them get their own blog! Or website or whatever and don't expect me to advertise it for them. Not that I mind advertising worthwhile projects (hence the links given and various endorsements from time to time). By the way PHDboy does have his own website and guess what it's devoted to? Hobby horse rides again!
His opening volley started out like this:
Sir
(1) You have violated the most important very first rule of biblical interpretation which is taught in seminary. You have ignored the context!
I didn't violate anything or ignore the context. In the church service where I preached the message more was given than just the outline contained in the blog. But even the blog was clear to anyone not blinded by the dust from his hobby horse's hooves. What Mister PHD did was violate:
the second great commandment
Mt. 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
the rule of charity
1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
the way of restoration
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Read his opening from above again. Can't you feel the love? Can you sense the spirit of meekness of trying to help a brother (he thinks is) in error? No? Me neither.
The “you” of Mt 23:23 is “you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.” Jesus was speaking, not to the church, but to the interpreters of the law whom the people had allowed to be over them.
Well DUH! I am perfectly aware of who Jesus was speaking to and did not try to hide that fact. Hence I quoted the whole verse on the blog instead of just giving the reference as I sometimes do. I was making application of the principles Jesus was telling the Pharisees and scribes they had missed.
Well from there he goes on to tear apart (in his own mind) one point of the four that were given in my message. He continues the rudeness, misrepresentations and bias throughout and I see no reason to go point by point with such a narrow minded opinionated individual that cannot conceive that good men might disagree on minor matters (and it was on the minor matter that he is fixated on). Some of his arguments against that one point would have to be applied to the other three weightier matters but since those aren't his hobby horse he doesn't go there. He's written a book to prove his point and I must say, even without having read it, of all the books that have ever been written it certainly is one of them.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Hmmm. Maybe I should write a book and then go on the web and blindside anyone who doesn't hold my perfect view and... and... and... then again --- maybe not.
Mister PHD tried to leave a comment on my blog yesterday that related back to Wednesday's blog. Apparently I struck a nerve. He isn't a regular reader of my blog but rather someone who evidently searches the internet for any mention of his favorite topic and then... HE POUNCES! Maybe I should have nicknamed him Pounce De Leon but then again maybe not. Fortunately for all of my regular readers (both of you- heh, heh, *sniff*) I don't allow comments without seeing and approving them first. Why? Because this is MY blog and I feel responsible for what goes up (I have had some real wackos trying to get attention for themselves and their heretical views - not that Mister PHD is a heretic, but I have screened some that were).
I also don't feel a need to give every bozo or egomaniac a platform for his views especially if it's an obvious hobby horse. Let them get their own blog! Or website or whatever and don't expect me to advertise it for them. Not that I mind advertising worthwhile projects (hence the links given and various endorsements from time to time). By the way PHDboy does have his own website and guess what it's devoted to? Hobby horse rides again!
His opening volley started out like this:
Sir
(1) You have violated the most important very first rule of biblical interpretation which is taught in seminary. You have ignored the context!
I didn't violate anything or ignore the context. In the church service where I preached the message more was given than just the outline contained in the blog. But even the blog was clear to anyone not blinded by the dust from his hobby horse's hooves. What Mister PHD did was violate:
the second great commandment
Mt. 22:36-40 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
the Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
the rule of charity
1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
the way of restoration
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Read his opening from above again. Can't you feel the love? Can you sense the spirit of meekness of trying to help a brother (he thinks is) in error? No? Me neither.
The “you” of Mt 23:23 is “you scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites.” Jesus was speaking, not to the church, but to the interpreters of the law whom the people had allowed to be over them.
Well DUH! I am perfectly aware of who Jesus was speaking to and did not try to hide that fact. Hence I quoted the whole verse on the blog instead of just giving the reference as I sometimes do. I was making application of the principles Jesus was telling the Pharisees and scribes they had missed.
Well from there he goes on to tear apart (in his own mind) one point of the four that were given in my message. He continues the rudeness, misrepresentations and bias throughout and I see no reason to go point by point with such a narrow minded opinionated individual that cannot conceive that good men might disagree on minor matters (and it was on the minor matter that he is fixated on). Some of his arguments against that one point would have to be applied to the other three weightier matters but since those aren't his hobby horse he doesn't go there. He's written a book to prove his point and I must say, even without having read it, of all the books that have ever been written it certainly is one of them.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Hmmm. Maybe I should write a book and then go on the web and blindside anyone who doesn't hold my perfect view and... and... and... then again --- maybe not.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
ARE YOU SPIRITUAL?
"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man" (I Corinthians 2:15).
The word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.
A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," knowing that "to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:4,6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God’s will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk in the Spirit," they "shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities--that is, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22,23).
Yet while "he that is spiritual" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: . . . because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14).
Nevertheless, "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:8).
HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 21, 2008
The word rendered "spiritual" is the Greek word pneumatikos, from which theologians have coined the term "pneumatology," the doctrine of the Holy Spirit. Thus a "spiritual" person is one who is not only born again spiritually through faith in Christ and the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, but also tries diligently to follow the leading of the indwelling Spirit and to understand and obey the precepts of the Bible inspired by Him.
A spiritual person will have "the mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 2:16), able to judge all things by spiritual standards and Biblical revelation. He or she will "walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit," knowing that "to be spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:4,6). As such, spiritual believers prayerfully make decisions seeking God’s will, they are "led by the Spirit of God" (Romans 8:14). And since they "walk in the Spirit," they "shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16).
They will often and repeatedly be "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18) for Christian service. Furthermore, they will manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" in their lives and personalities--that is, "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22,23).
Yet while "he that is spiritual" is thereby able to discern and evaluate all things by such divine standards, he will find himself often misunderstood by unsaved relatives and acquaintances, for "the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: . . . because they are spiritually discerned" (I Corinthians 2:14).
Nevertheless, "he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting" (Galatians 6:8).
HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 21, 2008
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
WHAT WE OUGHT BE DOING
Matthew 23:23
Pastor Rick Jackson
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
This verse was recently highlighted in the devotional booklet, Days of Praise, along with others that teach us what we ought to be doing! Let us consider this verse.
1. WE OUGHT BE TITHING! [Mt. 23:23]
The tithe is the Lord's. The Bible says in Malachi to not give it to Him is robbing God. Someone may say but tithing was under the law, we are under grace. Tithing was before the law (Abraham), during the law, and after the law. But aren't we to give as God has prospered us--- well, what do you think tithing is if not percentage giving. The more God gives you the more you tithe. I knew a man who said he made too much money to tithe. He couldn't afford to tithe because he made too much money! A tithe, the starting place by the way- not the ending place, is 10 cents on the dollar whether you make $10, $100 or $1,000,000. Jesus didn't say they were wrong for titihing. He said, "Yes, you should have done that but you ought to have done these things too!"
2. WE OUGHT JUDGE RIGHTLY [John 7:24]
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Judging by appearance is wrong and so is judging motives [Mt. 7:1] but we can judge actions and words by the Word of God! Is abortion wrong? What saith the Scripture? Is capital punishment wrong? What saith the Scripture?
3. WE OUGHT BE MERCIFUL [Matthew 5:7]
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
4. WE OUGHT HAVE FAITH [Romans 10:17]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1) Saving faith - Eph. 2:8-9
2) Securing faith - Mk. 11:20-26
3) Living faith - Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
4) Strong faith - Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
5) Standing faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
6) Shielding faith - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
7) Sacrificing, serving faith - Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
8)Steadfast, establishing faith - Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein ° with thanksgiving.
9) Working faith - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
10) Growing faith - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
Pastor Rick Jackson
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
This verse was recently highlighted in the devotional booklet, Days of Praise, along with others that teach us what we ought to be doing! Let us consider this verse.
1. WE OUGHT BE TITHING! [Mt. 23:23]
The tithe is the Lord's. The Bible says in Malachi to not give it to Him is robbing God. Someone may say but tithing was under the law, we are under grace. Tithing was before the law (Abraham), during the law, and after the law. But aren't we to give as God has prospered us--- well, what do you think tithing is if not percentage giving. The more God gives you the more you tithe. I knew a man who said he made too much money to tithe. He couldn't afford to tithe because he made too much money! A tithe, the starting place by the way- not the ending place, is 10 cents on the dollar whether you make $10, $100 or $1,000,000. Jesus didn't say they were wrong for titihing. He said, "Yes, you should have done that but you ought to have done these things too!"
2. WE OUGHT JUDGE RIGHTLY [John 7:24]
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Judging by appearance is wrong and so is judging motives [Mt. 7:1] but we can judge actions and words by the Word of God! Is abortion wrong? What saith the Scripture? Is capital punishment wrong? What saith the Scripture?
3. WE OUGHT BE MERCIFUL [Matthew 5:7]
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Luke 6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
Romans 12:8 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
4. WE OUGHT HAVE FAITH [Romans 10:17]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
1) Saving faith - Eph. 2:8-9
2) Securing faith - Mk. 11:20-26
3) Living faith - Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
4) Strong faith - Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
5) Standing faith - 1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
6) Shielding faith - Ephesians 6:16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
7) Sacrificing, serving faith - Philippians 2:17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
8)Steadfast, establishing faith - Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein ° with thanksgiving.
9) Working faith - 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
10) Growing faith - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
Memorable quotes
The ultimate reason to serve God - BECAUSE HE IS GOD! - Evangelist Tim Thompson
Nobody gets by with sin! - Evangelist Robert L. Sumner
God's men are always a puzzle to God's enemies. - Sumner
------------------------------------------------------------
Foolish quote
The snowman is, of course, white and invariably male....[His] ritual location in the semi-public space of garden or field imaginatively reinforces a spatial social system, marking women’s proper sphere as the domestic-private and men’s as the commercial-public....It presents an image, however jocular, of a masculine control of public space. - University of Birmingham (UK) art historian Tricia Cusack
-------------------------------------
Childish quotes
I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. -- Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why but scientists are working on it. -- Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -- Matthew, 9 [People don't become angels. This kid's been listening to too many adults who don't know their Bible - Rick, 51]
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows. -- Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. -- Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. -- Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. -- Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. -- Jared , 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. -- Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -- Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. -- Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. --Tommy, 8
Angels help God sort out all the messages he gets every Sunday morning. ---Phil, 9
The ultimate reason to serve God - BECAUSE HE IS GOD! - Evangelist Tim Thompson
Nobody gets by with sin! - Evangelist Robert L. Sumner
God's men are always a puzzle to God's enemies. - Sumner
------------------------------------------------------------
Foolish quote
The snowman is, of course, white and invariably male....[His] ritual location in the semi-public space of garden or field imaginatively reinforces a spatial social system, marking women’s proper sphere as the domestic-private and men’s as the commercial-public....It presents an image, however jocular, of a masculine control of public space. - University of Birmingham (UK) art historian Tricia Cusack
-------------------------------------
Childish quotes
I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold. -- Gregory, 5
Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why but scientists are working on it. -- Olive, 9
It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to heaven, then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes. -- Matthew, 9 [People don't become angels. This kid's been listening to too many adults who don't know their Bible - Rick, 51]
Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else. Mitchell, 7
My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science. --Henry, 8
Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows. -- Jack, 6
Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead. -- Daniel, 9
When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado. -- Reagan, 10
Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter. -- Sara, 6
Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter. -- Jared , 8
All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it. -- Antonio, 9
My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth. -- Katelynn, 9
Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it. -- Vicki, 8
What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them. --Tommy, 8
Angels help God sort out all the messages he gets every Sunday morning. ---Phil, 9
Monday, February 18, 2008
PERKS OF BEING OVER 50
The Great Sandini sent me this one!
If you're not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, "Did I wake you???"
5. People no longer view you
as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without romance but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather
service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18 Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list!
And you notice these are
all in Big Print for your convenience.
You should send this to anyone you can remember!
If you're not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, "Did I wake you???"
5. People no longer view you
as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without romance but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as challenge.
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather
service.
17. Your secrets are safe with your friends because they can't remember them either.
18 Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size.
19. You can't remember who sent you this list!
And you notice these are
all in Big Print for your convenience.
You should send this to anyone you can remember!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
True Learning
"And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them" (Deuteronomy 5:1).
In a day when more people are going to school than ever before in history, it is important to learn the best subjects. "Learn not the way of the heathen" is God's command (Jeremiah 10:2).
Most important of all is to learn the word of God, as our text states; and then to obey it, once we have learned it. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Obedience to what we learn in Scripture, of course, means learning many other things from the Scriptures.
"Learn to do well" is one example (Isaiah 1:17), and "learn to maintain good works" (Titus 3:14) is another. These do not come naturally, so they must be learned!
Perhaps even more difficult, but still vitally important, is the lesson Paul had to learn. "I have learned," he said, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Even Christ, the incarnate Creator, had lessons that could only be learned by becoming man. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). And we, in turn must learn from Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," He said (that is, "learn from me"), "and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
The very first mention of learning in the Bible, however, is vitally important. "I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children" (Deuteronomy 4:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 17, 2008
In a day when more people are going to school than ever before in history, it is important to learn the best subjects. "Learn not the way of the heathen" is God's command (Jeremiah 10:2).
Most important of all is to learn the word of God, as our text states; and then to obey it, once we have learned it. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). Obedience to what we learn in Scripture, of course, means learning many other things from the Scriptures.
"Learn to do well" is one example (Isaiah 1:17), and "learn to maintain good works" (Titus 3:14) is another. These do not come naturally, so they must be learned!
Perhaps even more difficult, but still vitally important, is the lesson Paul had to learn. "I have learned," he said, "in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). Even Christ, the incarnate Creator, had lessons that could only be learned by becoming man. "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered" (Hebrews 5:8). And we, in turn must learn from Him. "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me," He said (that is, "learn from me"), "and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).
The very first mention of learning in the Bible, however, is vitally important. "I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children" (Deuteronomy 4:10). HMM
INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org
February 17, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is science impossible without evolution?
Some evolutionists have argued that science isn’t possible without evolution. They teach that science and technology actually require the principles of molecules-to-man evolution in order to work. They claim that those who hold to a biblical creation worldview are in danger of not being able to understand science!
Critical thinkers will realize that these kinds of arguments are quite ironic because evolution is actually contrary to the principles of science. That is, if evolution were true, the concept of science would not make sense. Science actually requires a biblical creation framework in order to be possible.
Science presupposes that the universe is logical and orderly and that it obeys mathematical laws that are consistent over time and space. Even though conditions in different regions of space and eras of time are quite diverse, there is nonetheless an underlying uniformity.
Scientists are able to make predictions only because there is uniformity as a result of God’s sovereign and consistent power. Scientific experimentation would be pointless without uniformity; we would get a different result every time we performed an identical experiment, destroying the very possibility of scientific knowledge.
Evolutionists are able to do science only because they are inconsistent. They accept biblical principles such as uniformity, while simultaneously denying the Bible from which those principles are derived.
Read the entire article: Evolution: The Anti-science.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
Critical thinkers will realize that these kinds of arguments are quite ironic because evolution is actually contrary to the principles of science. That is, if evolution were true, the concept of science would not make sense. Science actually requires a biblical creation framework in order to be possible.
Science presupposes that the universe is logical and orderly and that it obeys mathematical laws that are consistent over time and space. Even though conditions in different regions of space and eras of time are quite diverse, there is nonetheless an underlying uniformity.
Scientists are able to make predictions only because there is uniformity as a result of God’s sovereign and consistent power. Scientific experimentation would be pointless without uniformity; we would get a different result every time we performed an identical experiment, destroying the very possibility of scientific knowledge.
Evolutionists are able to do science only because they are inconsistent. They accept biblical principles such as uniformity, while simultaneously denying the Bible from which those principles are derived.
Read the entire article: Evolution: The Anti-science.
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.
http://pastorjax.blogspot.com For a dose of Starke Reality stop by for a visit!
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