BRUCE SCOTT'S BEST FRIEND

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

The last words of the "He is survived by" sentence of Bruce's obituary reads, "...and many friends." That is evident by your presence here this afternoon. Some of you may even consider yourself close friends. But I almost hate to tell you--- you were not his best friend. I wasn't either though I had a part in introducing him to his best friend and he met Him not very far from where you are sitting today.

His best friend, like most best friends, shared common interests with Bruce. Bruce Scott's best friend is a Fisherman, a Hunter, a Gardener, a Humanitarian, a Supplier, and among other things, a Builder. Bruce Scott's best friend was and is Jesus Christ. And Bruce would have told you and I tell you today that most of the things you liked about Bruce were because of His best friend.

His best friend is a Hunter. Another way to say hunt is to say seek, and Jesus said in Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. There was a time Bruce Scott was lost in sin. The Bible says, Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Bruce believed that was true because it is true.

When I first met Bruce back in the late '60s/early 70s I was the pesky kid brother keeping him from being alone with my sister. Expecting a bribe to leave them alone what I got was a modified spinning toe hold. Eventually he decided kindness might be better than brute force and he would give me his truck keys so I could go listen to his Partridge Family 8-track tape! By 1974 I was an usher in their wedding. In 1976 Bruce and Becky thought I made the smartest decision of my life by marrying Clydie. It was really the second smartest decision I had made as they were about to find out. Clydie and I had joined Pine Level Baptist Church the week after we got married and started inviting family and friends to visit with us. Eventually Bruce and Becky did. Brother Roman was preaching the Gospel from the pulpit and we were talking to them every weekend we were home from college.

Mother's Day 1977 they were under what we call conviction. That means God was dealing with their hearts. After lunch that day the four of us walked out into the yard at Mom's house and sat in the grass and talked about how we are all sinners, and how the Bible teaches that because of our sin we all deserve to go to the lake of fire, the place we commonly call Hell.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

The bad news is that we are all sinners and if we pay for our own sin we have to go to Hell and stay there forever. The Good News is that God loves us and sent Jesus to pay the price for us.

Romans 5:8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Every farmer and gardener knows crops don't all come up at the same rate. Bruce Scott's best friend is a Master Gardener. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Though they did not trust Christ that afternoon they came back to church that night for the evening service. It was in the building right next to this one. Bruce and Becky sat close to the back (like many of you). Brother Alvarez undoubtedly repeated many of the things I have mentioned here. "We are sinners. God is Holy. Sin must be dealt with. Christ died to pay the sin debt and rose again from the dead, proving He is who He said He is-God in the flesh and that He had done what He came to do which was pay for sins. If you will receive Him as your Saviour He will save you and take you sin and sin debt away!"

I have heard both Brother Roman and Bruce tell this part many times. As the invitation was given with every head bowed and every eye closed Bruce knew he needed to trust Christ. He was fighting that internal battle. His hands gripped the pew in front of him until his knuckles turned white. Roman looked back and Bruce looked right a him and Roman motioned one time. Bruce said that that step was the hardest he ever taken but then he didn't even remember the rest and he never regretted having taken that stepped. He trusted Christ as His Saviour and his life was forever changed, his eternity forever secure and his best friend forever Jesus.

His best friend is a fisherman. Bruce loved to fish. Many fish and many ways with many people. Jesus met some professional fishermen on the shores of Galilee one time and told them, [Matthew 4:19] And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Bruce became a fisher of men. He enjoyed introducing others to his best friend. One of his favorite fishing holes was beside a hospital bed where he led many a soul to the feet of Jesus. But he fished in many places, a few of you may have hooks in your mouth right now... friend, let Jesus reel you in this afternoon. Don't fight the Saviour. Find as Bruce did... you win by surrendering.

His best friend is a humanitarian. The Bible says in Acts 10:38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. If we had the time scores of you could testify that Bruce had done good unto you. That was due largely to his best friend.

Bruce was a supplier. This was true in many areas but he specialized in windows. Many have told me that when it came to measuring and getting the right windows for you that nobody could touch him. Friends, his Best Friend is THE Supplier. Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

There are many things we could say but I guess for the sake of time let us say just one more. Bruce Scott was a builder. He could have been a contractor, a carpenter, a roofer. Let's just say he was a builder. His Best Friend is a Builder. John 14:1-6

1. Jesus has built an Assured Place [v. 1]

2. Jesus has built an Abundant Place [v. 2a]

3. Jesus has built a Distant Place [v. 2b]

4. Jesus has built a Populated Place [v. 3]

5. Jesus has built a Reserved Place [v. 4-6]

Two weeks ago I accompanied the youth of our church to the bill Rice Ranch in Tennessee. I asked Bruce to preach for me on Wednesday night. He preached a message he entitled "When He Reached Down His Hands". On the last page of his notes he wrote:

The touching hand of God is for us every day, every hour, every minute if we would but trust Him at His word.

It is our unbelief that makes me wonder why He keeps working with us. He keeps reaching down His hand.

[then he sang] When he reached down His hands for me. When He reached down His hands for me. I was lost and undone without God's Holy Son when He reached down His hands for me.

This week at the Bill Rice camp God has already reached down to at least 8 young people who got saved, and you can rest assured He is still reaching down. Thank God for His unseen hand.

[then he sang] I am trusting to His unseen hand that leads me through this weary land and some sweet day I'll cross that strand still guided by the unseen Hand.

Bruce made his reservation on Mother's Day 1977, on July 2, 2009 his place was prepared and Jesus came for him [v. 3] and received Bruce unto Himself. Have you made your reservation?

Invitation--------------------


Closing remarks- There will not be a processional to Crosby Lake Cemetery nor will there be a graveside service. The family thanks you very much for your prayers and kindnesses shown during these days and for the honor you have shown Bruce Scott.

The Servant of the Lord is Dead, Long Live the Servant of the Lord

Joshua 1:1-2

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE MAN MOSES

1. He was a Sinner Saved by Grace [Dt. 32:48-52]

2. He had a Strange Death [Dt. 34:5-7]

3. He had a Unique Ministry [Dt. 34:10-12]

II. THE MAN JOSHUA

1. He had the same Spirit of God as Moses [Dt. 34:9]

2. He had a Specific Will of God for His Life [Josh. 1:1-4]

3. He had the Promise of God's Presence [Josh. 1:5, Hebrews 13:5]

III. THE PERSON YOU AND I OUGHT BE [Josh. 1]

1. Be Faithful [v. 7]

2. Be Biblical [v. 8, Galatians 5:1]

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

3. Be Encouraged [v. 9]

Will YOU rise to the challenge and be the person God wants you to be? Will you stand in the gap?

H.I.D.

FW: July 4 - Ceremony Becoming the Occasion

Ceremony Becoming the Occasion   July 4, 2009   "The LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." (Isaiah 61:1)   "Philadelphia, July 5, 1777. My dear Daughter: Yesterday being the anniversary of American Independence, was celebrated here with a festivity and ceremony becoming the occasion . . . The thought of taking any notice of this day was not conceived until the second of this month, and it was not mentioned until the third. It was too late to have a sermon, as every one wished, so this must be deferred another year" (John Adams, from Adams Family Correspondence: June 1776-March 1778, 274).   John Adams made two observations that should be remembered today. First, the idea of "taking any notice" of the significance of the day was "not conceived" for some time, and second, "every one wished" to hear a sermon rather than hold a celebration. We have come far!   But note the Creator's idea of independence. The text in Isaiah 61 is what the Lord Jesus quoted in the synagogue in Nazareth as He assumed His public ministry. "This day," Jesus declared, "is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). God's great liberty is of the spirit and of the mind, not merely of the land and the national population. The independence of Christ will heal the brokenhearted. It grants deliverance to the "captives" and new sight to the blind. The liberty of the King of kings and the Creator of the ends of the earth will set at liberty the bruised.   Be grateful and celebrate the wonderful liberty that God has granted the United States. But pray, "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. . . . For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen" (Matthew 6:10-13). HMM III   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Fear Not

Fear Not "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10) The second verse of the hymn "How Firm a Foundation" follows quite closely to the words of our text. Fear not, I am with thee; O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand. The Christian should hold no illusions regarding his possible circumstances. Our Savior does not promise a life of ease or wealth or even worldly acceptance. He does promise that He will be with us no matter what, and that He is just and powerful, able to deal rightly with any difficulty, and that we will be ultimately victorious with His help: "For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee" (Isaiah 41:13). The New Testament authors reflected this theme in many other passages as well. Paul prayed for the believers at Colosse, that they would be "strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness" (Colossians 1:11). Christ promised: "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). We have no cause for fear, for our Savior subjected Himself to far greater difficulties: "Consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3). He is "the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2). His victory is complete, and He is with us. JDM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

Why preach the gospel to "every" creature‏

Thanks to one of you for getting me to do this. Why share, preach the gospel individually. - Sumner Wemp

1. What is the most important thing to ever happen to you? Why you got saved, of course. What is the most important thing you can do for someone else? Give them the gospel, get them saved!

2. Worth the whole world. Gain the world and lose your own soul. A soul is worth more than zillions of dollars. You must share the gospel with every creature you can

3. Give them a brand new start in life. A new creature! Don't you wish someone would share the gospel with your lost loved ones?

4. The Ethiopian reading the Bible was asked, "Do you understand what you are reading? "How can I except someone guide me?" How awful if you don't.

5. To change people and the world. Our president got elected primarily promising to "change" America and its people

6. So their blood will not be on your hands. Awesome! Ez. 3:18,19. You MUST.

7. The eternal rewards you lay up doing it. Get your priorities straight.

8.The joy you get and more joy in heaven over one sinner getting saved.

9. "The harvest in plenteous ,the laborers are few.(are you one)

10 The glory and honor it brings to God!

11. Why call me Lord and not do what I tell you How would you feel if your children ignored your requests or commands.

Read 3 chapters of your Bible every day. Start with Proverbs. Notice the emphasis on "Wisdom" more valuable than anything else. Will keep you from a wicked man and strange woman. Do it and you will thank me in heaven. I LOVE YOU. ABC Sumner

"They rehearsed all that God had done with them" Acts 14:27. They were not boasting. They were telling what God did. How we need to do that today and for it to be just as normal as breathing. When have you seen "a demonstration of the power of God" in your life? We need to tell about it to encourage others to hunger for it. Call 1-877-872-2871 to order my tract "Your Ticket to Heaven" We are seeing the power of God as we use it.

God's Timing

Last night (see previous blog) I preached my fourth message on "I THINK I'LL JUST GO ON ANYWAY". It was a mini-series I fully intended to have ended 2 weeks ago but was unable to do so and then led of the Spirit to finish yesterday eve. It was a normal Wednesday night service, after the songs and announcements the first (and only current) deacon of Bradford Baptist Church, my brother-in-law Bruce Scott went over the prayer list with us with his usual style of humor and genuine concern.

When I got up I thanked Bruce again for preaching for me last Wednesday while I was away with the young people at the Bill Rice Ranch in Murfreesboro, Tn. He spoke on "When God Reaches Down His Hand" and I had heard the message on tape and complimented him on it. I preached after that. Part of my message was... "Paul was saying, We ought: GO ON IN SPITE OF TEARS... Tears Because of Death [Isaiah 25:8]He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev. 21:4 And 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: for the former things are passed away.

God's Timing. Always perfect. Sometime in the early afternoon today, God reached down His hand, tapped Bruce Scott on the shoulder, and said, "Come home my child." Bruce was just starting to leave the home of a Christian brother who thought he had stumbled and reached out to catch him. Before he could ease Bruce's body to the ground Bruce was walking on streets of gold, basking in the glow of his Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks to Jesus, I think I'll just go on anyway.

"I THINK I'LL JUST GO ON ANYWAY" [4]

HEBREWS 6:1

Dr. Raymond Hancock [edited, enlarged, & adapted by Pastor Rick Jackson]

Paul was saying, "Don't stop at salvation...press for the mark... press on... go on anyway." The same thing Peter said when he said, "But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The same thing Jesus did when he set His face as a flint toward Jerusalem. He told us in John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

We ought:

I. GO ON IN SPITE OF EVERY TRIAL

1. Consider the Normality of Trials [1 Peter 4:12]

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

2. Consider the Source of Trials [Job 1:9-2:10]

3. Consider the Satisfaction of Trials [1 Peter 1:7]

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
James 5:11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy

We'll be tempted to quit because of trials but we should say, "I think I'll just go on anyway!"

II. GO ON IN SPITE OF TEARS

1. Because of Enemies [Psalm 6:6-8]

I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears. Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies. Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.

2. Because of Lost Souls [Psalm 126:5-6]

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

3. Because of Death [Isaiah 25:8]

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces;
Revelation 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev. 21:4 And 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: for the former things are passed away.

4. Because of Sin [Jeremiah 13:17]

But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive.
31:16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

5. Because of Heart Burden [Hebrews 5:7]

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

We may well want to quit because of tears but we should say instead, "I think I'll just go on anyway!"

III. GO ON IN SPITE OF TEMPTATIONS [

1. By Being Rooted [Luke 11:4]

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

2. By Being Alert [1 Corinthians 10:12-13]

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

3. By Being Faithful [James 1:12]

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Someone has wisely said, "The Lord's sheep should NOT be playing with the Devil's billy goats!"

"The best you can be when you are older starts when you are younger."
-Evangelist Ron Reilly

"Who is hiding your sin . . . you or God?" (Psalm 32:5,7) -Evangelist Troy Carlson

"The point is not one particular system, one certain book of the Bible, or reading to earn some imaginary 'badge' to piously display to those around you. Reading God's Word is a matter of thinking-informing your thinking with what God has said. Think about what you read, look ahead to an application in your life, and ask questions so that you know what God has actually said. Reading the Bible takes time-so take time!" -Evangelist Wil Rice IV

"One of the best-kept secrets among Christians today is this: Jesus paid it all. I mean all. He not only purchased your forgiveness of sins and your ticket to Heaven, He purchased every blessing and every answer to prayer you will ever receive. Every one of them—no exceptions.” —Jerry Bridges

"Life is preparation for eternity." (James 4:14)
-Evangelist Chris Miller

"The solution to pressure is prayer." -Dr. J. R. Faulkner, former President of Tn. Temple University & Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN

STOP, LOOK & LISTEN!

MATTHEW 25

Pastor Rick Jackson

Mt. 25 presents 3 pictures of the future. The old saying goes, "A picture is worth a thousand words." So this chapter has a lot to say. However, for times sake we can narrow down what the chapter says to 3 words--- STOP, LOOK, & LISTEN!

I. "STOP" [v. 1-13]

1. All appeared to be Christians- so STOP deceiving Yourself [v. 1-4]

2. Some plan to be Saved but waited too long- so STOP putting it Off [v. 5-10]

3. Some try to deceive others but you can't fool Jesus- so STOP trying! [v. 11-12]

4. All were surprised at His coming- so STOP trying to determine the Day! [v. 13]

II."LOOK" [v. 14-30]

-servants are rewarded according to faithfulness with what they have, not what they don't have (God doesn't expect me to be Bill Rice III but he does expect me to be the best Rick Jackson I can be)
-what you don't use, you're liable to lose (muscle tone, voice quality, etc.)

III. "LISTEN" [v. 31-46]

1. Saved or Lost by choice- what did they choose to do with Christ? [v. 31-33, Jn. 10:25ff]

2. Saved by Grace, Rewarded for Service [v. 41-46]

3. Lost by Choice, Condemned by Actions [v. 41-46]

ADDITIONAL LESSONS & CONCLUSIONS

-speaks of Christ coming to reign for 1000 years- this is not the Great White Throne Judgement

-Lost person, DON'T BE FOOLISH and put off salvation!

-Saved person, DON'T BE FOOLISH and put off service (using what God has given you)!

-Everyone, DON'T BE FOOLISH and think GOD doesn't see what you do and don't do!

THE HEALTHY DIET

While at camp I had occasion to observe Junior boy who only ate the cake off his plate. On another occasion he hadn't eaten anything. When I asked why he was hungry his friends told me he ate junk food all day. This same book lacked energy to compete or even to stay awake during services.

When we lived in Tennessee we knew a young woman who rarely, if ever, ate fruits and vegetables. As a result of this deficiency in her diet every three or four weeks she would go through excruciating pain as her digestive system fought to do its work without the proper tools. I remember on one occasion she was very upset with a male classmate who misdiagnosed her condition as being a problem limited to the fairer sex. Indeed, her problem is common to those who do not regard the seriousness of their diet as a matter of some spiritual import.

I. SOME BIBLICAL FACTS ABOUT FOOD

1. Man was originally a Vegetarian [Gn. 1:29-30] Note-Animals too!

2. Meat was added to the diet after the fall & the flood [Gn. 9:1-3] Note-nothing subtracted.

3. Vegetarians are not more spiritual than omnivores [I Tm. 4:1-5] Note-maybe less so

4. Dietary deficiencies can cause physical problems [1 Timothy 5:23] Note-not the intoxicating variety [scurvy, rickets, brittle bones, hypoglycemia, diabetes]

II. MAN NEEDS THE RIGHT SPIRITUAL FOOD AS WELL

1. He needs Milk for growth early on [1 Peter 2:2]

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2. Lack of Steady growth is Unnatural [ Hebrews 5:12-13]

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men.

Faculty- something has always bothered me for years and I've wanted to say it- I'm going to say it today. I've been around here a long time and there have been people who've come through here on faculty and some haven't enjoyed going to church here and it was mostly in Dr. Roberson's era-- it's not been recent era, but the same kind of mentality is there, and I heard this kind of statement, "All Roberson ever preaches is sin, salvation, and service- prayer, read the Word, that's all he ever preaches. I need something to feed me! I need something to feed me not just preach Gospel to people all the time." I heard that from faculty a lot. You know what I thought? Faculty, we are leaders who are training leaders. Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere- I should know how to get things from God for myself without having somebody give it to me all the time... that's the wrong attitude. "I've got to be fed." What are you, a baby? If you are a baby resign from the faculty because we need leaders and mature faculty we don't need babies trying to train leaders. so please resign. And leaders have enough discipline to say, "It's my job I'll do it it's right." ...Yes you need to be fed and you should know how to go to God's Word and get some feeding. -Dr. Roger Stiles, 12-6-1993, TTU president

3. Don't Limit your Spiritual Diet - Read all the Word [2 Timothy 3:16]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

DIY

ACTS 16:29-34

Pastor Rick Jackson

Here is a well known and often misinterpreted passage of scripture. I once read an article which tried to use verse 33 to prove infant baptism was practiced by the early church. The article said something to the effect that, "Undoubtedly infants were in this household so they too must ave been baptized- thus proving infant baptism."

Two things- first, have many households here today have infants in them? How many don't? Okay, so "undoubtedly" is off considerably. Secondly- how many households here have a pet of some kind? So we could better prove cat/dog/pet baptism than infant baptism using verse 33 using their logic.

There are certain things that nobody else can do for you but you. Nobody can drink to satisfy your thirst or eat to satisfy your hunger. No one can learn for yo so you can retain something in your memory. There are spiritual truths as well that fall into this category.

I. NOBODY ELSE CAN GET SAVED FOR YOU!

1. They All Heard the Gospel [v. 32]

Verse 31 has been falsely used to say that God promises if one person in a household gets saved that all the people in that household will definitely be saved. Granted the chances of the other members of the household go up tremendously having a saved person in their midst but a guarantee? Nay, nay.

2. They All Had to Believe [v. 31, 34]

3. They All Heralded Their Faith by Baptism [v. 33]

II. NOBODY ELSE CAN SURRENDER FOR YOU! [Rm. 12:1-2]

1. Your Body [v. 1]

2. Your Mind [v. 2, Colossians 2:8]

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

3. Your Will [v. 1-2, Jn. 7:14-18]

III. NOBODY ELSE CAN SACRIFICE FOR YOU! [Philippians 2:17]

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

1. The Sacrifice of Praise [Heb. 13:15]

2. The Sacrifice of Doing Good [Heb. 13:16]

3. The Sacrifice of Missionary Support [Heb. 13:16, Phil. 4:13-18]

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Why is the church dying?‏

Q: Why is the church dying?

A: Earlier this year I attended Sunday services at an impressive 19th-century church in London. In a building with seating for 3,000 in ornate pews, a handful of elderly people sat inside . . . in chairs set up in the foyer.

The service, held in a vibrant city full of millions of people, reminded me of a funeral—not the funeral of a person, the funeral of a once-great institution. In the past 40 years, 1600 churches in England, with hundreds of years of ministry behind them, have shut their doors, according to an architectural preservation group called the Victorian Society.

Today, few Americans are aware of the spiritual epidemic that wiped out the land of our Christian forefathers. Even fewer are aware that the same epidemic has reached our own shores, spreading like a virus.

American Christianity could become extinct in less than two generations—if Christians in this country don’t act quickly and decisively. Respected pollster George Barna was one of the first to put numbers to this epidemic, finding that six out of ten 20-somethings who were involved in a church during their teen years are already gone. Since that research was published in 2000, survey after survey has confirmed the same basic trend.

The problem, in both the United Kingdom and America, began when the Church basically disconnected the Bible from the real world. Churches in America are not places where people typically talk about dinosaurs, fossils, or the age of the earth—that is left up to the secular schools and colleges. Effectively, the Church concentrates on the spiritual and moral aspects of Christianity.

But the Bible is not some “pie in the sky” theoretical book. It’s a real book connected to the real world. It has everything to do with history, geology, biology, anthropology, and sociology. It provides the true history of the world, as opposed to evolution over millions of years.
Continue reading as Ken Ham explains the source of church decay in Already Gone: Why the Church Is Dying. The article serves as an introduction to Ham’s new book Already Gone.
Did you miss it?

If you missed our live coverage of the tremendous “State of the Nation” report by Ken Ham due to slow streaming, we apologize. Due to the overwhelming interest in this first-ever broadcast from the Creation Museum, our servers had difficulty keeping up! But you can watch it for free now!

(For highest quality and ease of exhibition to families and groups we highly recommend our special “Recorded Live!” DVD option.)

Petition for Genesis

Are you a young-earth creationist with a graduate degree in theology or biblical studies? Have you signed our “Affirmations and Denials” document from the book Coming to Grips with Genesis? If not, and you want to learn more, check this out!

News to Note Quick Look

Kin confusion: For all the years of proclaiming chimpanzees as our closest living evolutionary cousins, some evolutionists think we may actually be more closely related to orangutans. Read more.

Dinosaurs on a diet: Dinosaurs: large, terrifying, and surprisingly lightweight? Read more.

Also: where there’s water there’s speculation; design, design, and more design; hide-chewing Neanderthals; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.

Prayer Requests

View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

Gecko feet—beyond human technology?
Deadly germs—did they add new information?
Things evolve—but they stay the same!
Ötzi, the hi-tech stone-aged iceman!
Evolution—when it’s not evolution!

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.

He Shall Prolong His days "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand." (Isaiah 53:10) In this one verse, found in the wonderful 53rd chapter of Isaiah, there is an amazing prophecy of the sacrificial death of the Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, His resurrection from the dead, and the resulting salvation of many lost sinners. This Old Testament chapter, written 600 years before Christ, contains probably the most complete and cogent exposition of the saving work of Christ on the cross to be found in the entire Bible. How could it "please" the Lord to bruise His only begotten Son? It could only be because of the great work this would accomplish. Then, indeed, "the pleasure of the Lord" would be realized. As to the Son, "He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11). After the Father has allowed the enemies of His Son to "bruise him" to death, it would be soon known that this was actually "an offering for sin" and that, having satisfied the requirements of God's holiness, the Son "shall prolong his days." Though He died and actually "made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death" (v. 9), death could not hold Him, and "he shall prolong his days." As He would later proclaim: "I am alive for evermore" (Revelation 1:18). And because He has done this, He "shall see his seed." "For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10). What a wonderful Savior! HMM Print this article INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH http://icr.org/

Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

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GLORY IN WHAT?

Jeremiah 9:23-24 "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." Glory in What? Jeremiah 9:23 reminds us of anything and everything we could probably want in this life-wisdom, strength, and money. Have you ever known a wise person to do something foolish? I think of Solomon, the wisest man, who had seven hundred wives. How foolish! The strongest man, Samson, could not govern himself. And the rich man in Luke 16 could not redeem his soul with all his money. These verses remind us of our tendency to boast in what we have. We can be proud of and talk about our wisdom, our might, and our money. But Jeremiah was a weak man (remember chapter one?) that went to God for the wisdom, strength, and provision he needed. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches." This passage also reminds us of what we should glory in. We ought to glory in God and what He delights in. If you glory in what you have, it will eventually run out. Your ability as a speaker will one day diminish; your riches could be gone tomorrow; and your wisdom can fail you like Solomon's did. But God is loyal love, justice, and righteousness. Glory in what He delights in! Evangelist Troy Carlson and I have an ongoing joke about meeting famous people. I have a knack for meeting people who are famous athletes and singers in places like airports and stores. In good fun, I can be a "name-dropper" about all the famous people I "know." You should glory in that you know God! Do your actions show who you "rub shoulders with" today? The better question is, who do they show you have rubbed shoulders with? Is it God, or do you glory in your own wisdom, strength, and money? "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." For more information about the Bill Rice Ranch visit our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128

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Incorruptible Things "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers" (I Peter 1:18). Not all the wealth of the world can redeem a single soul, for gold and silver are merely corruptible elements in a world under "the bondage of corruption" (Romans 8:21). Everything in the physical creation is decaying and dying. In fact, one day all these "elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (II Peter 3:10). Even the very seeds which transmit life are "corruptible seed" (I Peter 1:23), and all mankind is "corruptible man" (Romans 1:23). Modern science recognizes this universal principle of decay as one of its most basic laws--the law of increasing entropy. Even in this corruptible world, however, some things are incorruptible. There is the "incorruptible . . . word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Peter 1:23). Even though "Heaven and earth shall pass away," the words of Christ "shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35). We are redeemed, not by silver and gold, but "with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:19). God Himself is the "uncorruptible God" (Romans 1:23), and He has "begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away" (I Peter 1:3-4). We work, not as others "to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible" (I Corinthians 9:25). Finally, these dying bodies will themselves be redeemed, "for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (I Corinthians 15:52-53). HMM Print this article INSTITUTE FOR CREATION RESEARCH www.icr.org

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Who shut the door.

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation

"The Spirit suffered them not" Acts 16:7

The Holy Spirit shut the door
"They assayed to go into Bithynia but the Spirit suffered them not", did not allow them to go. He shut the door. It does not say how this was done. I am sure the Holy Spirit suffered Celeste and me not to go to Brazil 57 years ago. We got married and in less than six months all of our support came in to go to Brazil as missionaries. It was staggering the way God did it. We and the mission board, were overwhelmed. It usually takes two to five years to raise one's support. Just as dramatically, God shut the door and we never went to Brazil. It was many years later before we came to know why God closed the door.

Behind the scenes
The Holy Spirit opens and shuts doors. It is vital and relieving to realize this. If we are "walking in the Spirit" and praying and trusting the Holy Spirit to lead us (Rom 8:14), when the door is shut, we can have peace and not doubt God. We must walk by faith and trust God when He may not tell us why! We must pray like Jesus did, "Not my will but thine be done" Lk 22:42.

Sometimes, here is why
Paul had a "thorn inn the flesh" Cor 12:7. He never told just what it was. "For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me." God never took it away but told him, "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is perfect in weakness." You and I must know that His grace is sufficient for us when we have a '"Thorn in the flesh" or any problem or any prayer we do not see answered.

Our response
Then we must respond like Paul and say sincerely, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" 1 Cor 12:7-10. Make sense?

What are your infirmities
What has He "suffered you not" to do nor get? He shut the door. He did not answer that prayer when and the way you wanted . He did not take away that infirmity and you have agonized and prayed for it for years. Don't be hurt, don't be angry, don't rebel, don't get bitter. You can trust God. He knows all about it. He is the omniscient God. A sparrow does not fall to the ground but what God takes note of it Matt 10:29. Trust God that "all things work together for good to those who love Him" Rom 8:28 and "take pleasure in your infirmity" so God can use it in wonderful ways to His glory.

Enter the drawings once a day, daily. Others do and have a better chance to win. Great books given each month.

On this day in 1945 Nazi forces surrendered unconditionally. If you surrendered unconditionally to God He will set you free and use you greatly to His glory.

"It is not what happens to you that counts but what you do with happens to you that counts." It can make you better or bitter." That is all up to you.

"The persecution of the early church was like scattering firebrands" Dr. L. R. Scarborough

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

“It is not only that sin consists in doing evil, but in not doing the good that we know.” —Harry Ironside

“If He be God, He is to be reverenced.” —Stephen Charnock

Regarding surrender . . . "Christ did not save you in order to go 50%-50% with you."
-Pastor Jon Stone


"Incomplete obedience is not obedience."
-Evangelist Chris Miller


Faculty- something has always bothered me for years and I've wanted to say it- I'm going to say it today. I've been around here a long time and there have been people who've come through here on faculty and some haven't enjoyed going to church here and it was mostly in Dr. Roberson's era-- it's not been recent era, but the same kind of mentality is there, and I heard this kind of statement, "All Roberson ever preaches is sin, salvation, and service- prayer, read the Word, that's all he ever preaches. I need something to feed me! I need something to feed me not just preach Gospel to people all the time." I heard that from faculty a lot. You know what I thought? Faculty, we are leaders who are training leaders. Somewhere, somewhere, somewhere- I should know how to get things from God for myself without having somebody give it to me all the time... that's the wrong attitude. "I've got to be fed." What are you, a baby? If you are a baby resign from the faculty because we need leaders and mature faculty we don't need babies trying to train leaders. so please resign. And leaders have enough discipline to say, "It's my job I'll do it it's right." ...Yes you need to be fed and you should know how to go to God's Word and get some feeding. -Dr. Roger Stiles, 12-6-1993, TTU president

THE FATHER'S BUSINESS

LUKE 2:41-50

Pastor Rick Jackson

An event in the life of the Lord Jesus we don't look at very often actually has a lot to tell us considering it is the only account in narrative form we have of the years between when he was 2-4 years old and when he started His ministry at age 30. It should be obvious to even the casual reader of the Bible that Mary and Joseph, Jesus' earthly mother and step-father were godly people. That being said, they were not perfect people, they were sinners saved by grace just like many of us here. The only other possibility is that you may be a sinner in need of the grace that is being offered to you by God Almighty at this very moment. Joseph and Mary made mistakes, they didn't go around with halos on their heads, and they didn't always know what t do. Let's look at a example of that as we look at, "The Father's Business."

I. WHAT WE DON'T KNOW CAN HURT US! [v. 41-46]

1. They didn't know He stayed behind [v. 41-43]

2. They didn't know who He was with [v. 44]

3. They didn't know where He was [v. 45-46]

This is less dangerous from the perspective of Jesus Himself since He did not have a sin nature but others did!

II. WHAT THEY LEARNED WE SHOULD KNOW [v. 46-49]

1. Jesus Teachings Are Amazing [v. 46-48a]

The word "amazed" here is the Greek word ekplesso, ek-place'-so; and means "to strike with astonishment:--amaze, astonish". It is only used 14 times in the N.T., only in the Gospels and the books of Acts and only to refer to the teachings or works of the Lord Jesus Christ!

Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.

Luke 9:43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

2. Inattention to our children brings sorrow [v. 48, Proverbs 29:15]

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

The word sorrow here is the same used of sorrow in Hell in Lk 16:24.

3. The Father's will is better than the parents' will [v. 49]

III. HOW CAN WE DO THE FATHER'S BUSINESS? [v. 49-50]

1. To do the Father's Business learn His Word [v. 46-47]

2. To do the Father's Business accept His Work [Romans 3:25]

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Hebrews 9:5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

3. To do he Father's Business stay in contact with the Home Office [Luke 19:46]

Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - Is there an "ultimate proof of creation"?‏

A: Many creationists are searching for a “magic bullet”—a proof of creation so powerful that there can be no true rebuttal. But is there such a proof? In our brand-new book The Ultimate Proof of Creation we find that there is!

When many people think of “proof,” they often think of a particular piece of scientific evidence that they believe supports their position. They might be thinking of a particular fossil series or a specific rock or a DNA sequence. The problem with such evidences is that there is always another way to understand them.

An evolutionist looking at a fossil series is thinking in terms of common descent, whereas a creationist is thinking in terms of variation within a kind. An evolutionist looks at the similarities in DNA and concludes that there is a common ancestor. But a creationist, looking at those same similarities, sees evidence that there is a common Creator.

We all have access to the same physical evidence. But creationists and evolutionists interpret that evidence differently because we each have a different view of history. We have two distinctly different views of the world that constrain how we understand the evidence. So, there simply is no “magic bullet” if we are thinking in terms of specific scientific evidences. Nevertheless, there is a proof of creation.

Continue reading Dr. Jason Lisle’s overview of his new book in Is There an “Ultimate Proof of Creation”?

News to Note Quick Look

Another evolutionary flap: Last week we reported on a solid scientific study that dismissed dinosaur-to-bird evolution. Of course, some researchers have yet to catch on. Read more.

Rip van Microbe: After tens of thousands of years trapped in ice, an ancient species “wakes up.” Is it science news or the plot of a low-budget movie? Read more.

Also: lessons from XO-3b; fish: geniuses of the animal kingdom?; may we answer that?; and don’t miss . . . . Read more.

Prayer Requests

View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Thank you!

Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program

The flying machine—who invented it?
The meaning of death—did Adam know?
Jacksy’s—an example of created kinds!
Death, Eden, and the Lamb of God!
Vegetarians—in the Garden of Eden?

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.