Pastor Rick Jackson
People sometimes say they don't know what they should pray for for themselves. They have no problem praying for others but for some praying for themselves seems selfish. We are encouraged to pray for others in the Scriptures but we are also encouraged to pray for ourselves. Let me give you 5 personal prayer requests for every Christian.
We should pray:
I. FOR FAITH TO ACCEPT WHATEVER GOD DESIGNS
We do not live accidentally.
Jeremiah 18:6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.
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:
God knows His plan- so He sometimes interrupts or changes ours!
Some birds were trying to build a nest in a brush pile. I kept destroying it. They didn't understand but I knew the brush pile was going to be burned.
The building that is now our fellowship hall was on sale for $70K, we offered $50K and were turned down flat. A few years later we got it for around $30K.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
We do NOT live outside God's care!
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
II. FOR A LIFE YIELDED TO GOD [Rm. 6:13]
Romans 6:13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
D.L. Moody once heard a man say, The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is fully surrendered to Him." Moody said, "By God's grace I will be that man!" Close to the end of his life Moody is reported to have remarked, "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man who is fully surrendered to Him."
We might think the Apostle Paul was that man, but Paul said under Divine inspiration, "Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus."
Two of the greatest abilities a person can have is availability and dependability!
III. A GRATEFUL HEART [Rm/ 1:21-25]
Ps. 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:
Someone has said, "You don't miss water 'til the well runs dry." Let us not be that way.
IV. TO BE PLEASING TO GOD [2 Corinthians 5:9]
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
Ephesians 5:10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
V. FOR GRACE ENOUGH TO BE KIND [1 Corinthians 13:4]
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
(This message is an adaptation from a Jan. 1996 message which in turn was adapted from another source. Proving once again that there is nothing new under the sun.)
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
It's Who You Follow
Luke 5:27-28"And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me. And he left all, rose up, and followed him."
It's Who You Follow
Here in Luke, we read a very streamlined account of the day Levi the publican left all to follow Jesus. Jesus saw Levi and said, "Follow me." We don't know how Levi came to his decision; the Bible simply says, "He left all, rose up, and followed him." Though the verses are short and succinct, they describe a life-changing day in the life of this man!
Let's take a look at who Levi was. Verse 27 tells us that he was a publican. Publicans were despised in Jesus' day, and for good reason. They were viewed as Jewish turncoats who changed their alliance to the oppressive Roman government. They were hired by Rome to swindle as much money as possible from their own people through taxes. They were known to be backstabbing, selfish cheats who would do anything to get ahead. How interesting that Jesus chose to call a man like Levi!
Do you realize how strong the pull of money would have been for Levi? He had turned his back on his own country and people-not to mention his own integrity-to be a publican. It is truly amazing what people will do today to give their lives meaning. People all around us are following empty, futile, and even destructive things just to find meaning in their lives. And yet when the Lord Jesus walked into his life, Levi found what He had been looking for. He "left all, rose up, and followed him." You see, it is not what you have but who you follow that gives meaning to your life.
Levi followed someone worth living for. He found in Christ the purpose of his life. No longer did he live for material gain-now he lived for eternal gain. No longer was his life about taking-now it was about giving. This meeting with Jesus at the "receipt of custom" that day completely changed the course of Levi's life!
Levi followed someone worth speaking for. Levi the publican is the man we know as Matthew the disciple. God used him to write the Gospel of Matthew. In the book of Matthew, you repeatedly find references to the deity and kingship of Christ. Under inspiration, Matthew records the very words of the Lord Jesus, which point to the truth that He is the Messiah and that He is truly God. The Gospel of Matthew is a compelling challenge, especially to the Jewish people.
It would seem like God could have called Levi to witness to the Romans, but certainly not to the Jews. But in fact, that is exactly what God did! What a testament to how dramatically God can change a life! He made a man that had been a traitor to his own people into a man that proclaimed the gospel to his people.
Levi followed someone worth dying for. Though we may not know the exact details of Levi's death, we do know that he was martyred for his faith in Christ. He found in Christ truth and purpose so compelling that he was willing to follow Christ to his death.
It was not what Levi had but who he followed that made his life important. We are able to read his story centuries later because of the day Levi "left all, rose up, and followed him."
Prayer Requests:
1. New York City Evangelistic Outreach this week (Jan. 5-9)
2. Revival services tonight in Delray Beach, FL
For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH (6)
On October 2, 2008 a small band of intrepid warriors, weary from the daily struggles of life, made their way through the splendors of north Florida, the long winding roads of Georgia, and the treacherous mountains of Tennessee to the Bill Rice Ranch for much needed rest, relaxation, and recharging.As usual, the ranch did NOT disappoint!
Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.
On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power. The second speaker of the day was Evangelist Troy Carlson. See November 2008 blogs for more details of these messages. Evangelist Rick Flanders stepped up to the plate later that day. All these guys were hitting home runs! Brother Flanders preached on, "WHY THE FAILURE?" from Acts 1:1-14. See last week for details.
That evening Evangelist Troy Carlson preached on "WHY GO TO CHURCH?" using as his text Heb. 10:24-25. The Bible says "Let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and good works"
How? "In this context", he said, "by church attendance!"
I. THE PREACHING [I Cor. 1:18-24ff]
How can I get more out of church and the messages?
1. Be On Time
2. When you are there (physically) - be there! (mentally, spiritually, emotionally)
3. Sit in a place where you and yours will not be distracted.
II. THE PASTOR "for they watch for your souls"
[the following 3 thoughts weren't necessarily given by brother Carlson word for word- my notes were a little hard to read here-RJ]
1. Pray for him don't criticize him
2. Befriend him don't betray him
3. Acknowledge his humanity and apply the golden rule and I Cor. 13
III. THE PEOPLE [v. 24]
How can you provoke others?
1. By your attendance
2. By your baptism
3. By your membership
4. By your words
5. By your example
Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.
On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power. The second speaker of the day was Evangelist Troy Carlson. See November 2008 blogs for more details of these messages. Evangelist Rick Flanders stepped up to the plate later that day. All these guys were hitting home runs! Brother Flanders preached on, "WHY THE FAILURE?" from Acts 1:1-14. See last week for details.
That evening Evangelist Troy Carlson preached on "WHY GO TO CHURCH?" using as his text Heb. 10:24-25. The Bible says "Let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and good works"
How? "In this context", he said, "by church attendance!"
I. THE PREACHING [I Cor. 1:18-24ff]
How can I get more out of church and the messages?
1. Be On Time
2. When you are there (physically) - be there! (mentally, spiritually, emotionally)
3. Sit in a place where you and yours will not be distracted.
II. THE PASTOR "for they watch for your souls"
[the following 3 thoughts weren't necessarily given by brother Carlson word for word- my notes were a little hard to read here-RJ]
1. Pray for him don't criticize him
2. Befriend him don't betray him
3. Acknowledge his humanity and apply the golden rule and I Cor. 13
III. THE PEOPLE [v. 24]
How can you provoke others?
1. By your attendance
2. By your baptism
3. By your membership
4. By your words
5. By your example
Monday, January 05, 2009
You have a new year. Invest it in eternity.
You have a new year. Invest it in eternity.
SumnerJan 5, 2009
1. You have a new start. You are alive. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Invest it wisely in eternal things.
2. You have a new name.- (if) you are a Christian- wear it proudly, wear it purely
3. You have a new bank. Lay up treasures in heaven
4. You have a new affection. Set your affections on things above.
5 You have a new place being prepared for you. Get ready for the move.
6.You have a new day. This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad n it. Use it wisely for His glory.
Pray for Celeste, she has had a rough week. Love YOU, ABC Sumner
SumnerJan 5, 2009
1. You have a new start. You are alive. This is the first day of the rest of your life. Invest it wisely in eternal things.
2. You have a new name.- (if) you are a Christian- wear it proudly, wear it purely
3. You have a new bank. Lay up treasures in heaven
4. You have a new affection. Set your affections on things above.
5 You have a new place being prepared for you. Get ready for the move.
6.You have a new day. This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad n it. Use it wisely for His glory.
Pray for Celeste, she has had a rough week. Love YOU, ABC Sumner
Sunday, January 04, 2009
SIN IN THE WILDERNESS OF SIN
EXODUS 16
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE SIN OF COMPLAINING [v. 1-8]
1. Playing the Blame Game [v. 1-3]
2. Proving the Walkers' Sincerity [v. 4-6]
"In our pilgrim journey through life, we live on promises and not explanations." -WWW
3. Probing the Underlying Sin [v. 7-8]
II. THE SIN OF ARROGANCE [v. 9-20]
1. It is Arrogance to Think God Doesn't Know What's Happening [v. 9-12]
we should ask "Lord what can I get out of this?" not "Lord how can I get out of this?"
2. It is Arrogance to Think God Has to do Things Our Way [v. 13-18]
3. It is Arrogance to Think God Doesn't Know What he's Talking About [v. 19-20]
III. THE SIN OF DISOBEDIENCE [v. 21-36]
1. In the Face of God's Provision [v. 21-23]
2. In the Fact of God's Preservation [v. 24]
3. In the Faith of God's Pronouncements [v. 25-36, Rm. 10:17, Heb. 11:6]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE SIN OF COMPLAINING [v. 1-8]
1. Playing the Blame Game [v. 1-3]
2. Proving the Walkers' Sincerity [v. 4-6]
"In our pilgrim journey through life, we live on promises and not explanations." -WWW
3. Probing the Underlying Sin [v. 7-8]
II. THE SIN OF ARROGANCE [v. 9-20]
1. It is Arrogance to Think God Doesn't Know What's Happening [v. 9-12]
we should ask "Lord what can I get out of this?" not "Lord how can I get out of this?"
2. It is Arrogance to Think God Has to do Things Our Way [v. 13-18]
3. It is Arrogance to Think God Doesn't Know What he's Talking About [v. 19-20]
III. THE SIN OF DISOBEDIENCE [v. 21-36]
1. In the Face of God's Provision [v. 21-23]
2. In the Fact of God's Preservation [v. 24]
3. In the Faith of God's Pronouncements [v. 25-36, Rm. 10:17, Heb. 11:6]
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - What's ahead for Answers Research Journal?
Q: What’s ahead for Answers Research Journal?
A: It began on January 9, 2008, in a maelstrom of controversy. Despite such an initial reaction, Answers Research Journal has, in less than a year, grown from a humble start with three peer-reviewed papers to a popular destination for serious creation researchers and a fast-growing repository of investigations from those on the new frontiers of science.
ARJ launched earlier this year with the goal of bringing the best in creation science to publication as quickly, efficiently, and accurately as possible. This research is not only on the cutting edge, but freely available for everyone. The journal wasn’t the first peer-reviewed biblical scientific journal, though critics attacked it as if it were, but it is the first free technical journal to break through academic censorship with cutting insights not limited by page length or other restrictions common to printed journals.
Understandably, the secular world has not been happy. A journal that shows how God’s creation affirms the trustworthiness of the Bible, eschews evolutionary propaganda, and offers peer-reviewed research to build the creation model is certainly not going to sit well with those who want Darwinian indoctrination to be the only viewpoint allowed. Many secular journals have chimed in with mockery and derision (there have even been attempts to submit bogus papers), but God has used such attacks to bring nearly 200,000 people to the site and to generate more interest in creation research than ever before.
In fact, the number—and quality—of the papers submitted have exceeded expectations (195 pages worth, and much more on the way next year). If you haven’t already, be sure to review Volume 1. While it is true that secular journals have as many pages and more in each issue, thanks to the 2008 Sixth International Conference on Creationism, ARJ, and the other quality creation research journals, examining God’s world through the truth of His Word has never been as exciting or as popular, nor has there been such enthusiasm about real scientific research. Truly, ARJ is proving that there is no chasm between science and religion. Nature, instead, testifies to God’s glory—and the best is yet to come.
Read more as Dr. Andrew Snelling, Answers Research Journal editor, looks ahead in ARJ: Past, Present, and Future.
News to Note Quick Look
A wave of sadness: Last week marked the fourth anniversary of a deadly natural disaster. Read more.
Evidence upon evidence: Twins of different skin color are now the older siblings of another set of twins of different skin color! Read more.
Also: musical apes, the web of evolution, censorship 101, and Dinosaur Memorial Gardens. Read more.
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
People getting taller—isn’t that evolution?
Evolution—it’s not the main problem!
A walking whale—did it really exist?
Evolution—is it a barrier to the gospel?
Darwinism—it’s shaking up the church!
After Eden
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.
A: It began on January 9, 2008, in a maelstrom of controversy. Despite such an initial reaction, Answers Research Journal has, in less than a year, grown from a humble start with three peer-reviewed papers to a popular destination for serious creation researchers and a fast-growing repository of investigations from those on the new frontiers of science.
ARJ launched earlier this year with the goal of bringing the best in creation science to publication as quickly, efficiently, and accurately as possible. This research is not only on the cutting edge, but freely available for everyone. The journal wasn’t the first peer-reviewed biblical scientific journal, though critics attacked it as if it were, but it is the first free technical journal to break through academic censorship with cutting insights not limited by page length or other restrictions common to printed journals.
Understandably, the secular world has not been happy. A journal that shows how God’s creation affirms the trustworthiness of the Bible, eschews evolutionary propaganda, and offers peer-reviewed research to build the creation model is certainly not going to sit well with those who want Darwinian indoctrination to be the only viewpoint allowed. Many secular journals have chimed in with mockery and derision (there have even been attempts to submit bogus papers), but God has used such attacks to bring nearly 200,000 people to the site and to generate more interest in creation research than ever before.
In fact, the number—and quality—of the papers submitted have exceeded expectations (195 pages worth, and much more on the way next year). If you haven’t already, be sure to review Volume 1. While it is true that secular journals have as many pages and more in each issue, thanks to the 2008 Sixth International Conference on Creationism, ARJ, and the other quality creation research journals, examining God’s world through the truth of His Word has never been as exciting or as popular, nor has there been such enthusiasm about real scientific research. Truly, ARJ is proving that there is no chasm between science and religion. Nature, instead, testifies to God’s glory—and the best is yet to come.
Read more as Dr. Andrew Snelling, Answers Research Journal editor, looks ahead in ARJ: Past, Present, and Future.
News to Note Quick Look
A wave of sadness: Last week marked the fourth anniversary of a deadly natural disaster. Read more.
Evidence upon evidence: Twins of different skin color are now the older siblings of another set of twins of different skin color! Read more.
Also: musical apes, the web of evolution, censorship 101, and Dinosaur Memorial Gardens. Read more.
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
People getting taller—isn’t that evolution?
Evolution—it’s not the main problem!
A walking whale—did it really exist?
Evolution—is it a barrier to the gospel?
Darwinism—it’s shaking up the church!
After Eden
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, January 02, 2009
BLESSINGS FROM THE BILL RICE RANCH (5)
On October 2, 2008 a small band of intrepid warriors, weary from the daily struggles of life, made their way through the splendors of north Florida, the long winding roads of Georgia, and the treacherous mountains of Tennessee to the Bill Rice Ranch for much needed rest, relaxation, and recharging.As usual, the ranch did NOT disappoint!
Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.
On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power. The second speaker of the day was Evangelist Troy Carlson. See November 2008 blogs for more details of these messages.
Evangelist Rick Flanders stepped up to the plate later that day. All these guys were hitting home runs! Brother Flanders preached on, "WHY THE FAILURE?" from Acts 1:1-14.
The early church did well.
1. There was Proof [v. 1-3a]
2. There was Teaching [v. 3b]
3. There was the Promise [v. 4]
4. There was Prayer [v. 24]
5. There was Power
6. There was Obedience (Preaching)
7. There was fruit [Acts 2]
We've gotten off track. What mistakes have we made?
1. Going without Knowing [v. 3] a neglect of the Bible
2. Going without Glowing [v. 4-5] going out without praying for the power
3. Knowing without Going [v. 6-7] neglecting evangelism
4. Gazing without Going [v. 11] neglect of involvement
Practical things----
The Retreat is about back home
the mountaintop is about the valley
the well is about the thirst
It's not meant to be enjoyed--- it's meant to be used!
Two great services on Thursday night and a good nights sleep did nothing but prepare us for the next day of blessing.
On Friday morning, October 3, 2008 after a fantastic breakfast (the food at the Ranch is utterly delicious) we had our first service of the day. Evangelist Bill Rice III was the preacher and as usual he preached the Word with power. The second speaker of the day was Evangelist Troy Carlson. See November 2008 blogs for more details of these messages.
Evangelist Rick Flanders stepped up to the plate later that day. All these guys were hitting home runs! Brother Flanders preached on, "WHY THE FAILURE?" from Acts 1:1-14.
The early church did well.
1. There was Proof [v. 1-3a]
2. There was Teaching [v. 3b]
3. There was the Promise [v. 4]
4. There was Prayer [v. 24]
5. There was Power
6. There was Obedience (Preaching)
7. There was fruit [Acts 2]
We've gotten off track. What mistakes have we made?
1. Going without Knowing [v. 3] a neglect of the Bible
2. Going without Glowing [v. 4-5] going out without praying for the power
3. Knowing without Going [v. 6-7] neglecting evangelism
4. Gazing without Going [v. 11] neglect of involvement
Practical things----
The Retreat is about back home
the mountaintop is about the valley
the well is about the thirst
It's not meant to be enjoyed--- it's meant to be used!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
"Happy New Year": here is how to make it happen
Sumner Wemp
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Here's how to make it happen -
Wishing for it or others wishing you have the one, wont make it happen. The Lord willing I want to help us all to make it a happy new year. I don't mean to make a gob of new year's resolutions. Setting some priorities in you life will though.
God says, "Seek first"... "Above as things." "Forgetting those things that are behind you." are a few of the admonitions to have a really happy new year. In my 86 years of life I have found setting priorities in your life will do it.
For the rest of this month, wont you think seriously and carefully about what priorities you want for the new year and lets set some.
What about listening to God as He tells un in His Word what to do. My first priority is to hear from heaven, read the Word of God. Is reading the Bible on your priority list at all? Where does it rank. Please, with me, begin a list of daily priorities for 2009.
Listen to this story. "Thy word was found and I did eat them and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jer. 15:16.
ABC Sumner.
click here, then click on "best sellers' and go down until you come to "Your ticket to Heaven (twice) http://www.gnpcb.org/home/tracts/
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Here's how to make it happen -
Wishing for it or others wishing you have the one, wont make it happen. The Lord willing I want to help us all to make it a happy new year. I don't mean to make a gob of new year's resolutions. Setting some priorities in you life will though.
God says, "Seek first"... "Above as things." "Forgetting those things that are behind you." are a few of the admonitions to have a really happy new year. In my 86 years of life I have found setting priorities in your life will do it.
For the rest of this month, wont you think seriously and carefully about what priorities you want for the new year and lets set some.
What about listening to God as He tells un in His Word what to do. My first priority is to hear from heaven, read the Word of God. Is reading the Bible on your priority list at all? Where does it rank. Please, with me, begin a list of daily priorities for 2009.
Listen to this story. "Thy word was found and I did eat them and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart. Jer. 15:16.
ABC Sumner.
click here, then click on "best sellers' and go down until you come to "Your ticket to Heaven (twice) http://www.gnpcb.org/home/tracts/
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
DO YOU KNOW YOUR 3 R's?
Pastor Rick Jackson
As we stand on the threshold of a new year let us be mindful of the three Rs. No, I don't mean "readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic". I do mean "Resolutions, Revolutions, & Revelations"!
Let's think first of all about:
I. RESOLUTIONS
The inspiration for this message was actually when someone told me they never made resolutions. Now, everybody should make resolutions and I think probably most of us do. We may not make "New Years" resolutions but anytime you resolve to quit doing something you shouldn't, or you resolve to do something you ought do... you are making resolutions! I have failed at many resolutions over the years but then again I have succeeded in enough that I will continue to strive to be better to the glory of God.
Is that not what the Holy Spirit meant for us when he spake through the old warrior Paul, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."?
Let us then:
1. Resolve to Believe [Acts 27:25]
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
2. Resolve to Behave [Micah 6:8]
He hath shewed 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?
3. Resolve to Beseech [Psalm 116:4]
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
-Beseech the Lord! [Psalm 118:25] Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee,
send now prosperity.
-Beseech Christians! [Romans 12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
-Beseech sinners! [2 Corinthians 5:20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Not only should we think of Resolutions we should consider the right kind of:
II. REVOLUTIONS [Eph. 2:1-10, 4:22-32ff]
1. Revolt against the World system!
2. Revolt against the Devil!
3. Revolt against the Flesh, the old nature!
That brings us to the third "R". Let us consider:
III. REVELATIONS
1. God has revealed Himself in the Word Inscripturated [Rm. 16:25-27]
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen .
2. God has revealed Himself in the Word Incarnate! [1 Timothy 3:16]
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.]
3. Let God be revealed by putting His Word In Action [2 Corinthians 4:11]
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
As we stand on the threshold of a new year let us be mindful of the three Rs. No, I don't mean "readin', 'ritin', and 'rithmetic". I do mean "Resolutions, Revolutions, & Revelations"!
Let's think first of all about:
I. RESOLUTIONS
The inspiration for this message was actually when someone told me they never made resolutions. Now, everybody should make resolutions and I think probably most of us do. We may not make "New Years" resolutions but anytime you resolve to quit doing something you shouldn't, or you resolve to do something you ought do... you are making resolutions! I have failed at many resolutions over the years but then again I have succeeded in enough that I will continue to strive to be better to the glory of God.
Is that not what the Holy Spirit meant for us when he spake through the old warrior Paul, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."?
Let us then:
1. Resolve to Believe [Acts 27:25]
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
2. Resolve to Behave [Micah 6:8]
He hath shewed 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?
3. Resolve to Beseech [Psalm 116:4]
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.
-Beseech the Lord! [Psalm 118:25] Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee,
send now prosperity.
-Beseech Christians! [Romans 12:1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
-Beseech sinners! [2 Corinthians 5:20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
Not only should we think of Resolutions we should consider the right kind of:
II. REVOLUTIONS [Eph. 2:1-10, 4:22-32ff]
1. Revolt against the World system!
2. Revolt against the Devil!
3. Revolt against the Flesh, the old nature!
That brings us to the third "R". Let us consider:
III. REVELATIONS
1. God has revealed Himself in the Word Inscripturated [Rm. 16:25-27]
Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen .
2. God has revealed Himself in the Word Incarnate! [1 Timothy 3:16]
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.]
3. Let God be revealed by putting His Word In Action [2 Corinthians 4:11]
For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 29, 2008
PATRIOT OF THE WEEK
Teaching Democrats New Tricks By Ann CoulterFresh off my triumph over Kwanzaa, I thought I'd mention a couple of other facts that some of us are forced to keep repeating because liberals refuse to learn.
Ravens can learn to snatch fishermen's untended lines to get fish. Worms learn not to eat harmful bacteria (as opposed to the tasty nutritious bacteria they normally feed on). Fruit fly larvae can learn to detect the scent of predators.
But liberals cannot learn that the Aug. 6, 2001, Presidential Daily Briefing titled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the U.S." had not a speck of what we call "useful information."
I described the Aug. 6 PDB in detail in my 2006 book "Godless: The Church of Liberalism." The memo read like a fifth-grader's book report that he left to the last minute and had to quickly cobble together with old information on Google. The only "warnings" of future actions by al-Qaida were completely wrong -- for example, suggesting that terrorists might be planning an attack "with explosives" or preparing to attack "federal buildings in New York."
But liberals cite the Aug. 6 PDB as if it were a clarion warning of the 9/11 attacks.
On Dec. 3 this year, MSNBC's Keith Olbermann angrily announced that the Aug. 6 PDB "could have included copies of the terrorist itineraries and the message from the future," but if the president didn't "act on it or perhaps did not even read it," it wouldn't make any difference.
In fact, if Bush had directed all members of the executive branch to drop everything and jump on the "warnings" in the Aug. 6 PDB, bomb-sniffing dogs would have been prowling the nation and police lookouts would have been stationed at federal buildings in New York City -- as planes smashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
True, the title of the PDB was "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in the U.S." I have a memo on 10,000 waitresses in Los Angeles titled: "Aspiring Actresses Determined to Succeed in Hollywood."
But liberals endlessly repeat the same falsehoods like Stalinist party members, long after normal people have learned the truth and moved on.
Another Stalinesque classic is the left's claim that Sen. Saxby Chambliss ran an ad challenging Max Cleland's patriotism in the 2002 Senate campaign. I've seen the ad. You can see it, too: It's all over the Internet. It does not challenge Cleland's patriotism.
The ad begins by noting that America is facing "terrorists and extremist dictators" -- briefly showing pictures of them -- and goes on to say that although Cleland said he "supports Bush at every opportunity," in fact he had voted against "the president's vital Homeland security efforts 11 times."
Again, as I noted in "How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)," Cleland voted against the establishment of a Homeland Security Department ... because it didn't allow for unionization of the work force:
OH MY GOD! THERE'S A PLANE HEADED FOR THE WHITE HOUSE!
Sorry, I'm on my break. Please call back in two hours.
It was a completely legitimate campaign ad -- urgent in fact -- having nothing to do with Cleland's patriotism, but rather addressing his voting record (and, I would add, his sanity).
And yet, on MSNBC'S "Countdown" the host and guests vented their spleens at the ad all over again this year, during Chambliss' runoff re-election.
On Nov. 7, Olbermann called it "one of the most shameful moments in the history of American politics." His equally screechy guest Craig Crawford exclaimed: "I was horrified by what Chambliss did to (Cleland) in that campaign!"
On the Dec. 1 "Countdown," Margaret Carlson said: "I don't think enough attention can ever be paid to the ads that were run against Max Cleland. I'm waiting to hear if Chambliss apologizes for that someday."
At least liberals no longer lyingly claim Cleland lost his limbs because of a Viet Cong grenade. So there is that small victory. Soon, perhaps they'll learn to stop eating harmful bacteria.
Someday, I could stop writing new columns altogether and could just repost columns and book excerpts I've already written disproving the same yarns liberals spin over and over again.
******
CORRECTION
Although I am usually stunningly error-free, due to the obvious urgency of getting my next book out as soon as possible after the election, the recession necessitating a proofreader from Bangalore and the sun being in my eyes, there are some minor editing errors in the first printing of "Guilty: Liberal 'Victims' and Their Assault on America." (Out next week!) This will make the first edition something of a collector's item, rather like postage stamps with an upside-down airplane.
One error requires advance warning. On Page 89 of my new book, Frank Rich is quoted as referring to a "barrage of McCarthyesque guilt-by-association charges against [the media's] candidate, portraying him as a fellow traveler of bomb-throwing, America-hating, flag-denigrating terrorists."
Due to an editing error, the brackets around "the media's" in the above quote were left out, making Rich sound like me. I regret the error, and if Rich doesn't think it's an improvement, I apologize to him.
--------------------------------------------
Ann Coulter. Need I say more?
Ann Coulter is Legal Affairs Correspondent for HUMAN EVENTS and author of "High Crimes and Misdemeanors," "Slander," ""How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must)," "Godless," and most recently, "If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans."
Sunday, December 28, 2008
THIS IS MY STORY, HE IS MY SONG [part 2]
EXODUS 15:10-18
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE HYMN OF PRAISE [v. 6-13]
As the first part of the song was a testimony and was sung to others, testifying of God, this part of the song is a hymn, sung directly to God!
1. FOR HIS POWER [v. 6]
2. FOR HIS PERSON [v. 7]
3. FOR HIS PROTECTION (of His people) [v. 8-10]
4. FOR HIS UNIQUENESS [v. 11-12]
5. FOR HIS REDEMPTION [v. 13]
II. THE HYMN OF PURPOSE [v. 14-18]
1. HE HAS PUT THE FEAR OF GOD UPON THE HEATHEN [v. 14-16]
2. HE HAS PUT THE PLAN OF GOD UPON HIS INHERITANCE [v. 17]
3. HE HAS PUT THE PURPOSE OF GOD UPON HIS PERSON [v. 18]
III. THE HISTORY OF PEOPLE [v. 19-27]
1. PEOPLE WILL PRAISE GOD FOR TRIUMPH [v. 19-22]
2. PEOPLE WILL BLAME GOD FOR TROUBLE [v. 23-25]
3. GOD WILL TRY PEOPLE FOR TESTING [v. 26-27]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE HYMN OF PRAISE [v. 6-13]
As the first part of the song was a testimony and was sung to others, testifying of God, this part of the song is a hymn, sung directly to God!
1. FOR HIS POWER [v. 6]
2. FOR HIS PERSON [v. 7]
3. FOR HIS PROTECTION (of His people) [v. 8-10]
4. FOR HIS UNIQUENESS [v. 11-12]
5. FOR HIS REDEMPTION [v. 13]
II. THE HYMN OF PURPOSE [v. 14-18]
1. HE HAS PUT THE FEAR OF GOD UPON THE HEATHEN [v. 14-16]
2. HE HAS PUT THE PLAN OF GOD UPON HIS INHERITANCE [v. 17]
3. HE HAS PUT THE PURPOSE OF GOD UPON HIS PERSON [v. 18]
III. THE HISTORY OF PEOPLE [v. 19-27]
1. PEOPLE WILL PRAISE GOD FOR TRIUMPH [v. 19-22]
2. PEOPLE WILL BLAME GOD FOR TROUBLE [v. 23-25]
3. GOD WILL TRY PEOPLE FOR TESTING [v. 26-27]
THIS IS MY STORY, HE IS MY SONG
EXODUS 15:1-5
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the first song given in the Bible. It has three verses of unequal length. The first verse is a testimonial to others as to Who God is in my life and what He has done for me! It is this verse we will explore in this message.
The second verse [v. 6-10] is directed straight to God and deals with how awesome God is. The third verse of the song [v. 11-18] is likewise directed to God and rejoices in what He will do with reference at the end to what He has already done. Lord willing, these latter 2 verses will be the subject of our next meeting.
I. I WILL SING FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE! [v.1]
1. IT IS A SONG OF AN INDIVIDUAL NATURE [v. 1]
"Then sang Moses..." "I will sing..."
2. IT IS A SONG OF A SHARED EXPERIENCE [v. 1]
"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel..."
3. IT IS A SONG OF A WORK OF GRACE [v. 1]
"I will sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath HE thrown into the sea."
II. I WILL SING FOR WHO HE IS! [v. 2]
1. HE IS MY STRENGTH
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 28:7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.
Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength...
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
2. HE IS MY SONG (not just that He gives me a song)
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 118:14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds [feet,] and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
3. HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION (not automatic)
III. I WILL SING FOR HE IS WORTHY OF PRAISE! [v. 2c-5]
1. HE IS MY GOD [v. 2]
2. I AM HIS HABITATION [v. 2]
3. HE IS MY FATHER'S GOD [v. 2]
4. I WILL EXALT HIM [v. 2]
5. HE IS MY VICTORY! [v. 3-5, Rm. 8:31-39 ]
Pastor Rick Jackson
This is the first song given in the Bible. It has three verses of unequal length. The first verse is a testimonial to others as to Who God is in my life and what He has done for me! It is this verse we will explore in this message.
The second verse [v. 6-10] is directed straight to God and deals with how awesome God is. The third verse of the song [v. 11-18] is likewise directed to God and rejoices in what He will do with reference at the end to what He has already done. Lord willing, these latter 2 verses will be the subject of our next meeting.
I. I WILL SING FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE! [v.1]
1. IT IS A SONG OF AN INDIVIDUAL NATURE [v. 1]
"Then sang Moses..." "I will sing..."
2. IT IS A SONG OF A SHARED EXPERIENCE [v. 1]
"Then sang Moses and the children of Israel..."
3. IT IS A SONG OF A WORK OF GRACE [v. 1]
"I will sing unto the LORD, for HE hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath HE thrown into the sea."
II. I WILL SING FOR WHO HE IS! [v. 2]
1. HE IS MY STRENGTH
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 28:7 The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
Jeremiah 16:19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and [things] wherein [there is] no profit.
Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength...
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
2. HE IS MY SONG (not just that He gives me a song)
Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
Psalm 118:14 The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
Habakkuk 3:19 The LORD God [is] my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds [feet,] and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
3. HE HAS BECOME MY SALVATION (not automatic)
III. I WILL SING FOR HE IS WORTHY OF PRAISE! [v. 2c-5]
1. HE IS MY GOD [v. 2]
2. I AM HIS HABITATION [v. 2]
3. HE IS MY FATHER'S GOD [v. 2]
4. I WILL EXALT HIM [v. 2]
5. HE IS MY VICTORY! [v. 3-5, Rm. 8:31-39 ]
Saturday, December 27, 2008
QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - What news mattered in 2008?
A: Believe it or not, yet another year has come and gone—and believe it or not, the creation/evolution controversy, and along with it the controversy between Christianity and humanism, have yet to be settled!
For the third year in a row (see 2007 and 2006), we’re finishing up the year by recapping the news stories and recurring themes that made headlines in the debate over origins, whether the topics were out among the stars, here on planet earth, or in the culture.
Want to read our take on some of the top news stories of the year? See News to Note: Year in Review.
Events in 2009
Noah’s Ark and Flood Pocket Guides
General Safety
Answers 4(2) (April - June 2009)
International Training Seminar: March 2009
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Our pet poodle—God’s creation or a mutant?
Boxgrove Man—who on earth was he?
Evolution’s a fact? Who made that claim?
Pastors—could some be atheists?
The church—statistics show it’s dying!
After Eden
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 the third year in a row (see 2007 and 2006), we’re finishing up the year by recapping the news stories and recurring themes that made headlines in the debate over origins, whether the topics were out among the stars, here on planet earth, or in the culture.
Want to read our take on some of the top news stories of the year? See News to Note: Year in Review.
Events in 2009
Noah’s Ark and Flood Pocket Guides
General Safety
Answers 4(2) (April - June 2009)
International Training Seminar: March 2009
Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program
Our pet poodle—God’s creation or a mutant?
Boxgrove Man—who on earth was he?
Evolution’s a fact? Who made that claim?
Pastors—could some be atheists?
The church—statistics show it’s dying!
After Eden
This information was provided by Answers In Genesis, an excellent source of material relating to Creation and evolution. Please visit their website using the link in the upper left.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The second little word from heaven
Sumner
Dec 26, 2008
The angel said, "I bring you good tidings of great joy" Lk 2:10. "These things have I written unto you that your joy might be FULL" 1 Jn. 1:4. The good news from heaven was "great joy" and "fullness of joy".
Is your life FULL of GREAT Joy? Not FUN. It can be and should be. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" Fun is earthly, enjoyed by the flesh, Joy is spiritual and enjoy by the new life in Christ. Above all it is the "fruit of the Spirit." When you share the gospel, you are offering them real joy.
How in the world a born again Christian keeps from graciously "preaching" the gospel I will never understand. Be a Spirit filled Christian and start by giving people a good gospel filled tract. Then give the gospel with your tongue, tell them the good news, how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our SINS, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds and let God do the convincing and converting. Someone gave you the gospel, now do unto others the same.
make sense? I LOVE YOU! I WANT YOU TO ENJOY THE TRIP. AND HAVE TONS OF TREASURES AND TROPHIES IN HEAVEN. ABC Sumner Go to www.sumnerwemp.com
Dec 26, 2008
The angel said, "I bring you good tidings of great joy" Lk 2:10. "These things have I written unto you that your joy might be FULL" 1 Jn. 1:4. The good news from heaven was "great joy" and "fullness of joy".
Is your life FULL of GREAT Joy? Not FUN. It can be and should be. "The joy of the Lord is your strength" Fun is earthly, enjoyed by the flesh, Joy is spiritual and enjoy by the new life in Christ. Above all it is the "fruit of the Spirit." When you share the gospel, you are offering them real joy.
How in the world a born again Christian keeps from graciously "preaching" the gospel I will never understand. Be a Spirit filled Christian and start by giving people a good gospel filled tract. Then give the gospel with your tongue, tell them the good news, how the Lord Jesus suffered and died for our SINS, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds and let God do the convincing and converting. Someone gave you the gospel, now do unto others the same.
make sense? I LOVE YOU! I WANT YOU TO ENJOY THE TRIP. AND HAVE TONS OF TREASURES AND TROPHIES IN HEAVEN. ABC Sumner Go to www.sumnerwemp.com
Thursday, December 25, 2008
December 25 - What We Celebrate at Christmas
What We Celebrate at ChristmasDecember 25, 2008
"And he Joseph knew her Mary not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS." (Matthew 1:25)
The actual birthday of Jesus was sometime in the fall (September or October), rather than in December. [I respectfully disagree--- see the Ctirics of Christmas blog earlier this month. -Rick] The date is of lesser consequence, however, than the reason for the celebration (Isaiah 1:18). Heaven itself celebrated the birth (Luke 2:8-14). And after the shepherds got over their fear, they couldn’t stop telling the news.
Then there were the wise men from the east who came to worship the one "born king of the Jews" (Matthew 2:1-2). They got there well after the birth, having put their lives on hold, and willingly gave of their time and treasures to honor this great King while they rejoiced with "exceeding great joy" (Matthew 2:10). Surely all Christians should worship and rejoice as well as open our treasuries when we celebrate Christ’s birth.
But if we just focus on the birth, we may miss the greatest reason for the commemoration. After all, there was nothing uncommon about the physical process. But the conception, now that was miraculous (Luke 1:35)! The eternal "Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The great Creator and Son of God, "foreordained before the foundation of the world" (1 Peter 1:20), submitted to the will of the Father and "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7). That was why heaven celebrated.
Counting back nine months from around September puts us pretty close to the end of the previous December. Perhaps our sovereign God has orchestrated events so that we would celebrate the real miracle of the conception: "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). HMM III
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Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christians being called "believers" or "followers of Christ"
Christians being called "believers" or "followers of Christ"
Sumner
Dec 24, 2008
Christmas is about three little words.
The first word is SAVED.
"Unto you is born a SAVIOR" Lk 2:11.
The jailor cried out, "What must I do to be saved" "Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved" Acts 16:31.
There is a big trend to call ourselves "a believer" or a "follower of Jesus" I understand why. But what we need is people who are saved! That all starts with the gospel being given for "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation." Rom. 1;16. Please listen careful and see if the gospel is scripturally given.
This week I received a tract in the mail on John 3:16 and claiming it is the greatest gospel verses in the Bible. Excuse me but the gospel is not given at all in that verse. "The gospel is how Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor' 15:1-4. It is not given in John 3:16 or in most sermons preached last Sunday. Listen carefully and it will scare you to see the gospel is not being given. There is no power for salvation in that sermon if the gospel is left out.
Then I received a sermon, preached by one of the most well known preachers of the past. So help me, the gospel was not in it at all and he was called one of the greatest "gospel preachers" of all times. A few months ago I picked up a book of sermons by another great "gospel preacher". I was stunned. Out of the 15 sermons in it only TWO had the gospel in them and both of them just did get it in. That is like leaving Christ out of Christmas. No wonder there are so many professing Christians not possessing one ounce of salvation. This is not to be critical but to be discerning so we will get more people "saved" through our witnessing and preaching. Make sense? Did the Lord Jesus suffer and die for your sins, rise again and seen by hundreds or didn't He? The other words next time.
May you have the most blessed Christmas ever by loving and preaching the gospel.. ABC Sumner
Sumner
Dec 24, 2008
Christmas is about three little words.
The first word is SAVED.
"Unto you is born a SAVIOR" Lk 2:11.
The jailor cried out, "What must I do to be saved" "Believe on the Lord Jesus and thou shalt be saved" Acts 16:31.
There is a big trend to call ourselves "a believer" or a "follower of Jesus" I understand why. But what we need is people who are saved! That all starts with the gospel being given for "the gospel is the power of God unto salvation." Rom. 1;16. Please listen careful and see if the gospel is scripturally given.
This week I received a tract in the mail on John 3:16 and claiming it is the greatest gospel verses in the Bible. Excuse me but the gospel is not given at all in that verse. "The gospel is how Christ died for our sins, was buried, rose again and was seen by hundreds" 1 Cor' 15:1-4. It is not given in John 3:16 or in most sermons preached last Sunday. Listen carefully and it will scare you to see the gospel is not being given. There is no power for salvation in that sermon if the gospel is left out.
Then I received a sermon, preached by one of the most well known preachers of the past. So help me, the gospel was not in it at all and he was called one of the greatest "gospel preachers" of all times. A few months ago I picked up a book of sermons by another great "gospel preacher". I was stunned. Out of the 15 sermons in it only TWO had the gospel in them and both of them just did get it in. That is like leaving Christ out of Christmas. No wonder there are so many professing Christians not possessing one ounce of salvation. This is not to be critical but to be discerning so we will get more people "saved" through our witnessing and preaching. Make sense? Did the Lord Jesus suffer and die for your sins, rise again and seen by hundreds or didn't He? The other words next time.
May you have the most blessed Christmas ever by loving and preaching the gospel.. ABC Sumner
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
PATRIOT OF THE WEEK
For this, the second "Patriot of the Week" blog. I submit to you a column written by my pick for patriot of the week, Pat Buchanan!This information was provided by Human Events, an excellent source of material relating to Conservatism & patriotism. Please visit their website: http://www.humanevents.com/
"De mortuis nil nisi bonum." Of the dead, nothing but good.
So said Dean Acheson of Sen. Joe McCarthy on his death in 1957. "Tailgunner Joe" had bedeviled the secretary of state for his lassitude toward communist penetration of State in President Truman's time.
But the passing of Mark Felt, associate director of the FBI in the later Nixon years, lately exposed as "Deep Throat," the source for the Woodward-Bernstein stories, calls forth some rebuttal to the tributes lavished upon Felt as the honest lawman who saved our republic.
When the Watergate break-in was traced to the Committee to Reelect the President, Felt was put in charge of the FBI investigation. Almost immediately, he began to leak to Woodward.
Felt, it is said, was justified, as the White House was interfering with his investigation. False.
This is a moral cloak belatedly cast over more base motives.
The truth: Felt was a bitter man. Having risen through the ranks under J. Edgar Hoover, whose black-bag jobs he had overseen, Felt expected to be rewarded by being named director on Hoover's death. Nixon had passed him over for an outsider, L. Patrick Grey.
By secretly colluding with the Post, Felt was ingratiating himself with an establishment that loathed Nixon, even as he exacted revenge for having being denied by Nixon the post he had coveted.
Had Nixon or aides restricted Felt, the Post would have had an explosive story. But the Post never charged the White House with interfering with the FBI investigation that summer or fall, because it was not interfering.
What Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein ran with were such shockers as that Nixon's men had hired a trickster to ape the Democrats' Dick Tuck, and said trickster had sent dozens of pizzas to a Muskie rally.
The FBI had ferreted out the Artful Dodger, and the Post led with the atrocity. "FBI Finds Nixon Aides Sabotaged Democrats," screamed the four-column headline at the top of page one.
Indeed, if what Felt did was honorable, why did he lie and deny it repeatedly when asked if he was leaking to the Post? Why did he lie in his memoir in 1979, when, well into retirement, he emphatically denied he was Deep Throat? Was Felt so noble he could save our republic, yet refuse, to the point of lying in his memoirs, to take any credit?
Answer: Felt knew what he did was dishonorable, corrupt -- and unnecessary. For honest FBI agents were steadily making progress toward proving that higher-ups at CREEP were involved in aiding those caught in the Watergate break-in.
Felt had another reason for lying about his role as snitch for the Post. Former colleagues would be disgusted, for his was not only a breach of law, but of faith and trust, a dishonoring of his oath as an FBI agent.
One wonders what went through the mind of Felt, when, on trial in Manhattan in 1980 for those FBI black-bag jobs against the Weather Underground that had bombed the Pentagon and Capitol, ex-President Nixon walked into the courtroom to testify in Felt's defense?
When Felt was convicted, Ronald Reagan pardoned him, declaring that if the Carter amnesty was proper for those who had defected to Canada rather than serve in Vietnam, it was right to pardon those who risked their careers to protect the nation.
After exposure as Deep Throat, Felt wrote in a 2006 memoir, "The bottom line is that we did get the whole truth out, but isn't that what the FBI is suppose to do?"
No, Mr. Felt, that is not what the FBI is supposed to do.
Do we really want, here in America, our premier investigative and police agency to get the truth out that it decides to get out?
Would it have been right for Hoover to get the "whole truth out" on JFK's liaisons with suspected German spies, Mafia molls and Marilyn Monroe, and destroy his presidency? Would it have been right for the FBI to get the "whole truth out" of Hoover's secret files, and ruin all the public careers the FBI could have destroyed?
Isn't that what the old KGB did to its enemies?
In the early '60s, Robert Kennedy authorized Hoover to bug and tap Dr. Martin Luther King. When the FBI turned up film of King with loose women, LBJ's White House moved the photos to the Washington press.
Felt knew of this. The Post knew of this. The Washington press corps knew of this. Why didn't Felt and the Post blow the whistle on this squalid deed? Was it not so egregious as sending pizzas to Muskie's rally?
In that Scoundrel Time, the liberal establishment -- the press, the politicians and the police bureaucrats -- colluded to destroy Nixon, even as they covered for JFK and LBJ.
Nixon, you see, was not one of them. Is it not always thus?
Mr. Buchanan is a nationally syndicated columnist and author of many books.
Monday, December 22, 2008
QUOTES OF THE WEEK!
If you wish to know God, you must know his Word. If you wish to perceive His power, you must see how He works by his Word. If you wish to know His purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by His Word." (C.H. Spurgeon)
"There is nothing so costly as ignorance." (Horace Mann)
"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me." (Hudson Taylor)
"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"Loneliness seems to be one pricethe saint must pay for his saintliness. Always remember this: you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart." (A.W. Tozer)
"When I was on board the Mary, those particular parts of the Book of Jeremiah, which relate to the opposition he met with from false prophets, were deeply impressed upon my soul. Now I begin to see the wisdom of God in it; for five churches have already denied me, and some of the clergy, if possible, would oblige me to depart out of these coasts. But I rejoice in this opposition, it being a certain sign that a more effectual door will be opened, since there are so many adversaries." (George Whitefield - Journal - Dec. 10, 1738)
Written to his wife during one difficult time in the work of the China Inland Mission, "We have twenty-five cents - and all the promises of God!" (J. Hudson Taylor)
"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." (George Mueller)
"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time." (George Mueller)
"Nothing but Christianity will give you the victory. Until a man believes in his heart that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Master...his course through life will be neither safe nor pleasant. My only regret is that I was so long blinded by my pleasures, my vices and pursuits, and the examples of others that I was kept from seeing, admiring, and adoring the marvelous light of the gospel." (Francis Scott Key, author of the words of our national anthem)
"I would rather sail and hit a rock than sit and rot in dry dock." (Dr. Lester Roloff)
"There was a day when I died; died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God." (George Mueller)
"Be active. Give no place to indolence or sloth. Give no occasion for anyone to say, 'You are idle.'" (John Wesley)
"There is nothing so costly as ignorance." (Horace Mann)
"I used to ask God to help me. Then I asked if I might help Him. I ended up by asking Him to do His work through me." (Hudson Taylor)
"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." (Theodore Roosevelt)
"Loneliness seems to be one pricethe saint must pay for his saintliness. Always remember this: you cannot carry a cross in company. Though a man were surrounded by a vast crowd, his cross is his alone and his carrying of it marks him as a man apart." (A.W. Tozer)
"When I was on board the Mary, those particular parts of the Book of Jeremiah, which relate to the opposition he met with from false prophets, were deeply impressed upon my soul. Now I begin to see the wisdom of God in it; for five churches have already denied me, and some of the clergy, if possible, would oblige me to depart out of these coasts. But I rejoice in this opposition, it being a certain sign that a more effectual door will be opened, since there are so many adversaries." (George Whitefield - Journal - Dec. 10, 1738)
Written to his wife during one difficult time in the work of the China Inland Mission, "We have twenty-five cents - and all the promises of God!" (J. Hudson Taylor)
"To learn strong faith is to endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amid severe testings." (George Mueller)
"If the Lord fails me at this time, it will be the first time." (George Mueller)
"Nothing but Christianity will give you the victory. Until a man believes in his heart that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Master...his course through life will be neither safe nor pleasant. My only regret is that I was so long blinded by my pleasures, my vices and pursuits, and the examples of others that I was kept from seeing, admiring, and adoring the marvelous light of the gospel." (Francis Scott Key, author of the words of our national anthem)
"I would rather sail and hit a rock than sit and rot in dry dock." (Dr. Lester Roloff)
"There was a day when I died; died to self, my opinions, preferences, tastes and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren or friends; and since then I have studied only to show myself approved unto God." (George Mueller)
"Be active. Give no place to indolence or sloth. Give no occasion for anyone to say, 'You are idle.'" (John Wesley)
Sunday, December 21, 2008
O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM
John 7:42 Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE PLACE OF SORROW [Gn. 35]
-the 1st mention of Bethlehem is a time of sorrow and death--- reminding us of the curse sin has brought upon mankind [35:16-19, 3:16]
-Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob, while dying names her son "Benoni" (son of my sorrow) -consider that Christ, born in Bethlehem was the man of sorrows for our sins [Is. 53:3, I Cor. 15:3]
-note also the sorrow of Rachel [Mt. 2:16-18]
II. THE PLACE OF SOVEREIGNS [Ju. 12:8]
-the judge Ibzan was from Bethlehem
-Jacob renamed his son "Benjamin" son of my right hand, Christ sits at the Father's right hand! [Gn. 35:18]
-Saul, the 1st king was a Benjamite with a connection to Bethlehem [I Sm. 9:1-2, 25-10:2]
-David, the greatest king of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem [I Sm. 16:1, 13]
-Christ the King of Kings was born in Bethlehem and kings came to honor Him [Micah 5:2, Mt. 2]
III. THE PLACE OF KINSMAN REDEEMER [Ruth 1:22, 2:4, 4:11]
-Boaz, the most famous kinsman redeemer of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem
-Christ, became our kinsman through the incarnation, that he might redeem us sinners [Gal. 4:4-5]
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
IV. THE PLACE OF LIFE-GIVING WATER [2 Samuel 23:14-17]
-because of their willingness to sacrifice their lives David said it was their blood
-Christ offers the living water [Jn. 7:37ff, 4:13-14]
V. THE PLACE WHERE THE INCARNATION WAS MANIFESTED [Mt. 2:1-11]
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
VI. THE PLACE OF THE SHEPHERDS [Lk. 2]
-David had been a shepherd
-they heard the Word [v. 8-14]
-they headed to Worship [v. 15-16]
-they heralded their Witness [v. 17-18]
-He honored their Work [John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 5:4]
Pastor Rick Jackson
I. THE PLACE OF SORROW [Gn. 35]
-the 1st mention of Bethlehem is a time of sorrow and death--- reminding us of the curse sin has brought upon mankind [35:16-19, 3:16]
-Rachel, beloved wife of Jacob, while dying names her son "Benoni" (son of my sorrow) -consider that Christ, born in Bethlehem was the man of sorrows for our sins [Is. 53:3, I Cor. 15:3]
-note also the sorrow of Rachel [Mt. 2:16-18]
II. THE PLACE OF SOVEREIGNS [Ju. 12:8]
-the judge Ibzan was from Bethlehem
-Jacob renamed his son "Benjamin" son of my right hand, Christ sits at the Father's right hand! [Gn. 35:18]
-Saul, the 1st king was a Benjamite with a connection to Bethlehem [I Sm. 9:1-2, 25-10:2]
-David, the greatest king of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem [I Sm. 16:1, 13]
-Christ the King of Kings was born in Bethlehem and kings came to honor Him [Micah 5:2, Mt. 2]
III. THE PLACE OF KINSMAN REDEEMER [Ruth 1:22, 2:4, 4:11]
-Boaz, the most famous kinsman redeemer of ancient Israel was from Bethlehem
-Christ, became our kinsman through the incarnation, that he might redeem us sinners [Gal. 4:4-5]
Titus 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
IV. THE PLACE OF LIFE-GIVING WATER [2 Samuel 23:14-17]
-because of their willingness to sacrifice their lives David said it was their blood
-Christ offers the living water [Jn. 7:37ff, 4:13-14]
V. THE PLACE WHERE THE INCARNATION WAS MANIFESTED [Mt. 2:1-11]
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
VI. THE PLACE OF THE SHEPHERDS [Lk. 2]
-David had been a shepherd
-they heard the Word [v. 8-14]
-they headed to Worship [v. 15-16]
-they heralded their Witness [v. 17-18]
-He honored their Work [John 10:11, Hebrews 13:20, 1 Peter 5:4]
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