JESUS CHRIST REVEALED!

REVELATION 1:1

Pastor Rick Jackson

People love to talk about Jesus and call Him a great teacher, or a great example. Some call Him a prophet, an angel, a brother to Satan or the man upstairs. Many talk of Him flippantly and say that Paul and the others misrepresented His teachings and made more claims than Jesus Himself did. My friends, hogwash, poppycock and fiddle-faddle!

The Bible is the Only completely reliable guide as to who the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let us get a glimpse of Him tonight from just a few verses.

1. Jesus is The Faithful Martyr/Witness [v. 5]

2 Timothy 2:10-13 Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2. Jesus is the First Begotten of the Dead [v. 5] (the first One in a glorifed body)

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.

3. Jesus is the Ruler over all earthly rulers [v. 5]

1 Timothy 6:14-15 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

4. Jesus is the Lover of our souls [v. 5]

Psalm 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.

5. Jesus is the Saviour of Sinners [v. 5]

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

6. Jesus is the Shedder of His Own Blood [v. 5]

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

7. Jesus is the Maker of Kings and Priests [v. 6]

Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

8. Jesus is the holder of Glory & Dominion Forever [v. 6]

1 Peter 4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Jude 1:25 To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for. ever. Amen.

9. Jesus is the Coming One! [v. 7]

Zechariah 12:10 And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.

10. Jesus is as Much God as God the Father [v. 4-5]

Isaiah 41:4 Who hath wrought and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I the LORD, the first, and with the last; I am he.
Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Wives Love your Husband

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation    view archive

Wives Love your Husband From the writings of Sumner Wemp Sep 30, 2009 Wives, you have a special promise   Likewise, ye wives, be in submission to your own husbands, that, if any obey not the word, (the Word of God) they may without "a" word in the Greek (of nagging or begging from you) be won by the conversation (behavior) of the wives" 1 Peter 3:1.   Love the stew out of him " So that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart " 1 Peter 1:22. This goes for husbands and wives as well as "the brethren." Make sense? Do everything in your power to make him feel good about himself, "brag on him" and believe me, he will feel good about you. Make sense. Remember, I laid it on him in the last email to "love your wife as Christ loved the church" Eph 5:25.   Help make him be the spiritual leader Here is a husband who doesn't read his Bible, doesn't pray as he ought, doesn't go to church etc. What is a wife to do? She is to be in submission (spiritually) "as unto the Lord" Eph. 4:22.   "If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home" 1 Cor. 14:35. Now, if we preachers and teachers will do our part correctly, we will ask women who ask us questions about the Bible and spiritual things if they have asked their husbands. If they have not we should not give them the answers but tell them to go ask their husband like the Bible says. I do this all the time. If they say, "but he is not a Christian" or "he is not spiritually minded," it does not matter. They should show him this verse and tell them "I am to be in submission to you" and you must give me an answer.   Adorn yourself The most beautiful garment she owns did not come from Saks of Fifth Avenue but from the wardrobe of heaven, "while they behold your chaste behavior coupled with fear...the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which IN THE SIGHT OF GOD is of great price" 1 Peter 3:3. The only way you get that beautiful garment is to "walk in the Spirit" Gal 5:16. Get my book, "How ON Earth Can I Be Spiritual" and learn how to be "Filled with the Spirit" and "How to Walk in the Spirit."   Your spiritual ministry You can "win him, " you can make him become a man of God as he is graciously forced to get spiritual answers. What a spiritual ministry you have to the one you love, the one you left your mother and father for and who became the father of your dear children. It is a terrible tragedy when women let their husbands pass off the spiritual role of the home to their wives. Doesn't this make sense? Minister to your husband. Rave about him at every step he takes to be the spiritual leader he must be. Much more to come for husbands and wives. Tell your friends and family.   O dear lady, if you "love your husband" your will do all you can to be submissive and urge him on to be the man of God for you and your family.   Prayer:  Father, bless these dear women and adorn them in the gorgeous garments of God You have for them so they can win their husbands to You, In Jesus name.   The relationship between a husband and a wife is a special gift from God and we need to be representatives of God in our marriages.  So pray that God would guide you in your marriage every single day.   Click here for the East-West Ministries website.

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QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

If good is not best- it's bad. - David Bouler

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Walk by the Spirit: (Gal. 5:22).



We walk by faith: (2 Cor. 5;7).



Walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8).



Have you ever analyzed walking? You lift the right foot off the ground and place it ahead of where it was.In that brief time when your right foot is off the ground your lift foot is holding you up. Then you do the same thing with the left foot and the right foot is holding you up. If you cannot trust the one foot to hold you up you will get nowhere. Walking requires trusting. So also in our Christian walk. We must trust our Lord to hold us up as we progress in our Christian life.If you ever twisted an ankle or had a surgery on a leg you needed help to walk--a friend, a cane, rehab exercises. To strengthen our faith we all need help, and our Lord gives it to us according to our particular situation. Don't sit, don't lie down, get walking. - Dr. Charles Ryrie

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Now let me encourage everybody okay? Unless you have an emergency let's be still alright? To much walking around. Mommas and daddies (I'll just take a parentheses) if you need to take your kid to the restroom do it before church. That's why we give you the break. But there may be a person sitting right on your row that God brought in here specifically to hear the Word of God and you let everybody disperse and distract them and I don't get them again. And so be careful. This is the most critical hour of the whole week for us and dealing with people. Amen? So listen to that. This is serious business. Now I try not to be negative or ugly but man be conscious of this hour and the eternal souls of men. Okay. - David Bouler, Pastor, HPBC, 3-8-1992

Fearless Living

 

Psalm 56:3 "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."     Fearless Living     Fear-no one is exempt from it; it is just a part of life. Some of the bravest people I have ever met were in positions where they had the most to fear. King David certainly had plenty of reasons to fear throughout his life: fierce Goliath, relentless King Saul, his rebellious son Absalom. And by looking at this brief, simple verse, we know that even a brave warrior like David faced fear.     Notice that both fear and faith are shown in this verse and in the next verse. Verse 4 continues the thought, "In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." He made a deliberate choice to trust God though "flesh" (other people) could do many harmful things to him. We see what some of those harmful things were in the next few verses: they "wrest" his words (they twist his words and use them against him); they "gather themselves together" (they gang up on him); they "hide themselves" (they are deceitful with him); and they "mark [his] steps when they wait for [his] soul" (they are watching him in order to hurt him).     I'm sure that David could have listed many more fearful possibilities. If we let our minds go, we all could think of many things that could cause us to live in fear. The question is not whether you'll ever be afraid, but what will you do when you are afraid?     David looked to God when he was afraid. First of all, know that God knows where you are. Verse 8 says, "Thou tellest my wanderings. . . ." The word wanderings does not give the impression that David knew exactly where he was heading, but he trusted the fact that God knew. God knows exactly where you are in your life, and He knows exactly where you are heading in the future-trust Him!     Next, know that God cares. Verse 8 continues, "Put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?" God knows the cares that we have, and He challenges us to cast them upon Him. I Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." At the risk of sounding flippant, God cares so I don't need to!     Lastly, know that God hears. Verse 9 says, "When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me." When we are right with God and have just enough faith to lift our voices to the Lord for help, we can be certain that He hears us and will work on our behalf. The Scriptures are full of examples of men crying out in prayer and God, in turn, hearing them.     Isn't it a wonderful thing that we don't have to live in fear? "God is for me." When we turn our fear into faith, we will find ourselves giving praise to God for His care. Remember verses 10-11 this morning: "In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word. In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Brazil, IN and Cookeville, TN  2. BRR Men's Retreat this week (10/1-3) 3. BRR Sign Language School in Tipp City, OH this week (9/27-10/4) 4. Recruiting of college summer staff today and tomorrow (9/28-29)   Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

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GIVE & TAKE

MATTHEW 26:17-20

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. BEHOLD THE GIVER

1. Jesus Gave His Word [v. 18-19, 24]

2. Jesus Gave Himself [v. 26-28]

John 10:17-18 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

3. Jesus Gives Life [v. 28]

John 4:13-15 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

II. BE A TAKER

1. Take God at His Word [Isaiah 28:16]

Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

God sure puts a premium on believing Him!

John 3:16-18, 36, 5:24, 6:35, 6:47, 7:38, 11:25, 12:44, 14:12
Romans 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
1 Peter 2:6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 John 5:10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

2. Take Christ as your Savior [Jn 1:11-12]

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

3. Take the Bible as your Guide [Psalm 31:3]

For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.
Psalm 73:24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

III. BE A PARTAKER [I Cor. 11:23-32]

1. Worshipfully [v. 23-27]

2. Willingly [v. 28]

3. Wisely [v. 27-32]

RIGHT STEPS FOR THE BATTLE

I SAMUEL 17:22-29

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. GET IN THE BATTLE [I Sam. 17]

Too many Christians want to sit on the sidelines when actually they are in the battle but without the battle mentality.

1. Get your Heart in the Battle by Realizing the Battle is the LORD's! [v. 23, 26, 29-37]

2. Get your Head in the Battle by Refusing Unproven Battle Gear [v. 38-39]

3. Get your Hands in the Battle by Reusing Proven Battle Gear [v. 40-50, Eph. 5:10, 6:10ff]

II. PREPARE FOR THE BATTLE [I Sam. 17:51, 18:1-5, 13, 27a, 21:8-9]

1. Study [2 Timothy 2:15]

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2. Stay Active [Acts 24:14-16]

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

3. Share (Train others) [I Tm. 4:6-16]

III. STAY IN THE BATTLE [II Sam. 11:1]

1. Don't Remain (at status quo) [I Cor. 3:1-2, 13:11]

2. Don't Revert [Gal. 1:6, 2:18-20, 3:1-4, 4:9, 5:1]

3. Don't Retreat [Psalm 78:9]

The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

-Stand [Acts 5:20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.]

Acts 7:39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
Romans 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
1 Corinthians 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
2 Corinthians 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
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.
Ephesians 6:11, 13 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil... Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK - What is a Humanzee?

Originally sent out on May 21, 2009 Humanzee: Fact or Fantasy Daily Devotional 24/7 CSEtv Eric's Blog: Missing Link? Creation Illustrated Magazine View All Events Article: Humanzee: Fact or Fantasy Humanzee. What is it? Is it a chimpanzee? A human? Perhaps it is a hybrid of the two. Well, according to many evolutionary proponents, the humanzee is more than just a creature. This hypothetical mixture of human and chimpanzee genes is a great hope to validate their ideological premise that humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor, in defiance of God's Holy Word, which holds a contrary position—that humans were created in the image of God, and given dominion over animals like the chimpanzee. To evolutionists, finding some way to prove that this is a possibility—that humans and apes can interbreed—is the pathway to legitimacy. However, history is littered with their failed attempts to prove such ridiculous claims. Read Entire Article... Related Resource Offers Bones of Contention Buried Alive The Garden of Eden DVD Eric's Blog: Missing Link? What is the truth about "Ida" (Darwinius maxillae)? A missing link or just another silly attempt to promote evolution? Check out Eric's blog to get his thoughts on this supposed "proof" of evolution. View it now

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Love in a Marriage

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation  view archive

Love in a Marriage From the writings of Sumner Wemp   Love in a Marriage   Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her" Eph. 5:25.   1. Relationship of husband to wife, Spiritually.   "HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIVES" The word "love" is agape which is God's love, unselfish love, sacrificial love, the fruit of the Spirit which is not natural, Gal 5:22. When you married her, you promised to :"love her until death do you part." Now DO IT.   MAKE HER HAPPY   It means to look out for her good and her happiness. It means to please her and not demand that she please you. To expect and demand that she please you is selfish, devilish, carnal and unbiblical. (More on this and her part later and she should want to please you.) "So that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart" 1 Peter 1:22. Dear people, this is for husbands and wives just as much as for brothers and sisters in Christ. Make sense? Husband you have a spiritual ministry to your wife, first and foremost. Love her. Make her know she is loved with words and ways. Make sense?   CHECK UP ON YOUR WIFE Everyday when you come home you ought to check up on your wife and see how she is doing. Too often we barge in and blow off about what a hard time we had at work. That is selfish, carnal living. She probably had a hard time with the kids, the kitchen sink and on and on. "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (and that includes wives.) We are not to look out for number one (ourselves) but others and ESPECIALLY our wives, and you must if you want them to "be submissive to your husbands" 1 Peter 3:1. I am shocked at men who don't genuinely "love their wives" and then expect their wives to "be in submission" to them. THAT IS DEAD WRONG and men who do that need to wake up. O kind sir, your wife gave herself, gave her body, to you and believe me that is hard for every woman, you must love her, unselfishly. You are to "leave" your mother and father and "cleave" to your wife. You loved and honored your mother now do the same for your wife. That is one of your primary spiritual ministries. Just as much as being a deacon or usher or S. S. teacher. Be diligent at both. You are the "head" of your home. You are the leader, now lead in loving.   Quote:  "It is not only important to marry the right person but also to be the right partner."   Prayer:  Father, bless us men and help us to love our wives even as You love us. In Jesus name.   A good godly marriage is a great witness of Christ to everyone arround you, so I urge you to do every thing possible to love your wife and more importantly be a husband that is lead by God.   Click here for the East-West website.

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Powerful Pointers from Proverbs - Making Right Judgements

Proverbs 21

It ended up being that every verse really deals with making judgements. Look carefully and you will see the same.

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.

2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.

3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

4 An high look, and a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked, is sin.

5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.

6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a vanity tossed to and fro of them that seek death.

7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.

8 The way of man is froward and strange: but as for the pure, his work is right.

9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.

10 The soul of the wicked desireth evil: his neighbour findeth no favour in his eyes.

11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise: and when the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge.

12 The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked: but God overthroweth the wicked for their wickedness.

13 Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifieth anger: and a reward in the bosom strong wrath.

15 It is joy to the just to do judgment: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.

16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.

17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.

21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.

22 A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, and casteth down the strength of the confidence thereof.

23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.

24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath.

25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labour.

26 He coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous giveth and spareth not.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?

28 A false witness shall perish: but the man that heareth speaketh constantly.

29 A wicked man hardeneth his face: but as for the upright, he directeth his way.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.

31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.

PUTTING PIECES OF PRAYER IN THE PROPER PLACES

DANIEL 9

Pastor Rick Jackson

I. THE PLACE OF THE WORD OF GOD [v. 1-3]

1. It is Important for Christians of Any Age [v. 1-2, 1:8]

2. It is Important for Understanding the Times [v. 2, 1:20, 2:21, 9:25; Jer. 25:11-12, 29:10]

1 Chronicles 12:32 And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

3. it is Important for Knowing How to Pray [v. 3]

II. THE PLACES OF NEGATIVES IN PRAYER [v. 4-14]

1. Confession [v. 4-6]

2. Ownership [v. 7-10]

Who owns the problem? If you do- deal with it... if you don't- let it go!

Romans 2:1 Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

(1) God Owns Righteousness [v. 7]

(2) Man Owns Confusion of Face [v. 8]

Psalm 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.

(3) God owns Mercy & Forgiveness [v. 9-10]

3. Deservedness [v. 11-14]

III. THE PLACE OF POSITIVES IN PRAYER [v. 15-19]

1. The Righteousness of God [v. 15-16; Rm. 3:19-31]

2. The Mercies of God [v. 17-18]

Lamentations 3:22-23 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:32 But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies.

3. "For God's Sake" [v. 19]

Daily Devotional for September 23, 2009

 

Psalm 39:4 "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am."     One Short Journey     When my daughter Lauren turned ten years old, it was a milestone which made me realize once again that I'm getting older! In the truck not long ago, she said, "Daddy, why does God say life is so short when it seems so long?" It's amazing how your perspective changes as you get older; the older you become, the shorter life seems. It does us all good to consider the brevity of our lives, not so that we become morbid, but so that we become wiser with the time we have.     Here in this passage, David first considered his end. Here is something profound: I will die someday and so will you. No matter how strong and wise we think we are, our lives are but a "handbreadth" (v.5) to the Lord. And "our age is nothing" to Him. God's perspective is eternal. So many times, we get caught up in our own little world and forget that our lives are only drops in the vast ocean of eternity. It is truly amazing that any of us could ever become arrogant. In reality, I'm not much and you're not much. Encouraging, isn't it? Well, it gets better!     In verses 5-6, David considered his days-how he spent this short life God granted him. He said, "Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them."  When you consider the shortness of life, you won't become overly possessive of material things. How discouraging it would be to spend your whole life working for riches that you have to leave behind when you die!     Remember that our "days" in eternity are incomparably longer than our days here on earth. Notice that David says, "They are disquieted in vain. . . ." Don't waste your days worrying about things that don't really matter! Life is too short for that. Life is too short to worry, to be bitter, to waste time, to live without a purpose, and to not know where you are heading. Every day must count.     Lastly, David considered his hope. Verse 7 says, "And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee." We dare not place our hope in anything or anyone else but the Lord. Everything else will pass away before we know it; everyone else will die too. God is unchanging and eternal; and His purpose for our lives is much bigger and greater than we can imagine.     May we live with David's perspective in verse 12: "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were." Just as the many godly believers who have come and gone before us, we are travelers just passing through this life to our final home. Place your focus and your hope in God and His plan, and live each day according to that hope. The journey is a short one, so travel wisely!     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Plainfield, IN; Sarasota, FL; and Marana, AZ 2. BRR Senior Adult Retreat this week (9/24-26)     Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

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Rejoice in the Lord

Sumner Wemps Spiritual Encouragement & Motivation view archive

Rejoice in the Lord From the writings of Sumner Wemp Sep 22, 2009 Get Excited About God 1. Read His Word. God wrote you a letter, you ought to read your mail 2. Remember His Word, (memorize it). Be like Jesus, He memorized the Bible 3. Rehearse His Word (meditate therein day and night) 4. Respond to His Word (obey God. do what He said) 5. Relate His Word: preach it. 6. Rejoice in His Word Ps 1:1, 2. "Blessed is the man...that delights in the law of the Lord" Ps. 1:1,2. Delight in the Bible All of our five children and their children play golf. It is fun. You should see us when one of us makes a birdie. We have a duck fit. In one of our family tournaments one of our sons made a hole in one. WOW. You have never seen such carrying on. But do you know what? It did not last forever. When you and I delight in the Word of God and find an eternal nugget it lasts forever and we are eternally blessed. Set your affections on things above. There is nothing wrong with having fun and delighting in things down here. The wise man will set his affections on things above Col. 3:1 and "delight in the law of the Lord" Ps. 1:2. He will get great pleasure out of the Bible. Doesn't that make sense? I am amazed You have heard it. Someone sees a movie or a TV program that delights them and they relate the story or program in detail. When have you heard someone get so delighted in the Word of God, and it is FULL of the most exciting stories and truths in the world, and they tell about what they read the day before? With all the bad things in the news and terrible TV programs, we need to "exhort (encourage) one another daily" with something from God Heb. 3:13. O dear people, we have such a fabulous opportunity to be a blessing and encourage one another and exalt the Lord Jesus by "delighting the law of the Lord." Prayer: Father, You wrote us the most exciting letter in the world. Help us to delight in Your Letter and share it with others. In Jesus name Scripture: "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart" Ps 37:4

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Nailed to the Cross

Nailed to the Cross September 21, 2009 "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities." (Psalm 103:2-3) When Christ was nailed to the cross as our atoning sacrifice, our sins--all of them--were nailed there, as well. His death paid the entire penalty, "having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:13-14). This is the theme of the thrilling third verse of "It Is Well with My Soul." My sin--O the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more: Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). On what basis? "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (v. 7). "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness" (1 Peter 2:24). The fact that our sins are gone--"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12), and we bear them no more, gives us the courage, strength, and stamina to bear up, with His help, under the trials of this age--the theme of the song's first two verses. If ever the circumstances of this present life threaten to overwhelm us, we can "consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" (Hebrews 12:3). The certainty of our future overrides any uncertainty in this life. "It is well, it is well with my soul." JDM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229 Powered by phplist.

Rosh Hashanah

JOHN 5:1-15

Pastor Rick Jackson

Rosh Hashanah, according to Wikipeda, is Hebrew and means literally "first of the year" or "head of the year." It is a Jewish holiday commonly referred to as the "Jewish New Year." It is observed on the first day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar, as ordained in the Torah, in Leviticus 23:24. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holidays which are days specifically set aside to focus on repentance that conclude with the holiday of Yom Kippur.
Many Jews believe Rosh Hashanah represents the creation of the World, or Universe.


The Mishnah, the core text of Judaism's oral Torah, contains the first known reference to Rosh Hashanah as the "day of judgment." In the Talmud tractate on Rosh Hashanah it states that three books of account are opened on Rosh Hashanah, wherein the fate of the wicked, the righteous, and those of an intermediate class are recorded. The names of the righteous are immediately inscribed in the book of life, and they are sealed "to live." The middle class are allowed a respite of ten days, until Yom Kippur, to repent and become righteous; the wicked are "blotted out of the book of the living."


I. ROSH HASHANAH & THE RABBIS

According to Elwood McQuaid, executive editor for Israel My Glory wrote, "Rabbis identified a number of significant factors reflected in Rosh Hashanah. Four are of particular interest."

1. “Trumpets are sounded at a coronation, and God is hailed as King on this day.”

2. “Zephaniah speaks of the ‘great day of the LORD.’ Judgment day is a day of the horn of alarm” (Zeph. 1:14–16).

3. “Isaiah speaks of the great shofar which will herald the messianic age” (Isa. 27:13).

4. “The shofar will be sounded at the resurrection.”

There can be no question that the prevailing thoughts of Jewry at Rosh Hashanah were caught up in judgment, life, death, and resurrection. and ... readings for new year’s day reflect these themes. Among them are Ezekiel 18:30, “Therefore, I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”

II.ROSH HASHANAH & JESUS [Jn. 5]

Many scholars believe Rosh Hashanah is the feast mentioned here in Jn. 5:1 and if so the words of Jesus are even stronger because of the day on which He gave them. Anyone who says Jesus never claimed to be God does NOT understand the Bible and certainly does no understand John 5.

1. The Messiah is God & King. [v. 17-20]

2. The Messiah is Judge. [v. 21-22, 26-29]

3. The Messiah is Lifegiver [v. 21-25]

"No more talk of 'Awesome Days' and a never-sure relationship to God and eternity need ever be theirs. The Son was on the scene, and, for those who would hear His Word, the book of life was a sure thing." - Elwood McQuaid

III. THE MESSIAH & THE WITNESSES [Jn. 5]

1. John the Baptist [v. 30-35]

2. Jesus' Works [v. 36, 8-9]

3. God the Father [v. 37-38]

4. The Scriptures [v. 39-47]

"Let's Get Back To The Basics"

A friend of mine I have known since he was a high school student is Evangelist David Dunn. He has his own blog which I highly recommend- http://pastorddunn.blogspot.com/ . He recently published a great message which I liked it so much, I adapted it to my style (right back at you Brother David- he's preached at least one of mine) and preached it today at my church. Rather than give you my version I am reproducing his from his blog.

"Let's Get Back To The Basics"

We seriously need a simplified outlook on the Christian Life as we know it. We are guilty of making the Christian Walk so complicated that it has become something that "No One", not even Christians who have been saved for many years could live. We made a simple "Daily Walk" into a "Difficult Hill Climb"!

Notice I said "WE"! We did it ... NOT God! God did NOT create this complicated thing that we have put in front of New Converts and then said... "Ok, Go live it now!"We need a Serious "Wake Up Call" in all of Christianity!

Take a look at this:

Race car driver Bill Vukovich won the famed Indianapolis 500 race in 1953 and 1954, a record of success few other drivers had matched. When asked what was the secret of his success in Indianapolis, Vukovich replied, "There's no secret. You just press the accelerator to the floor and steer left."

Now many Racing fans would argue with me saying that this really simplifies what Racing truly is. Well I am not a professional race car driver, However, I do believe that when you sit down and watch Racing on TV, you will indeed find that most racing involves just that... drive fast and turn left!

I want to talk about 3 points concerning the Basics of Christianity. These are not "NEW", this is NOT "Rocket Science". It is just a basic, simple observation of Christianity, Christians and Churches. Please take it for what it is intended... to point out the "800 Pound Gorilla" in the room!

I. The Need to Preach

Acts 8:5 - "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them."In preaching Christ to them what did he preach?

A. He preached the Resurrection

B. He preached Redemption

C. He preached Repentance

Someone once made this comment about Preachers:

"Some pastors preach 'Longhorn Sermons'... a point here, a point there, and a lot of Bull in between!"

We don't need Longer Sermons... We need Preachers who will spend "Longer Time" in the Bible and "Hours On Their Knees" in Prayer.

II. The Need of the People

Frederick The Great said this about People:"The more I get to know people, the more I love my dog!"

The great need of people has always been the same... We need Christ!

Acts 8:6 - "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did."

What was the great need of the people of Philip's day?

A. To Hear God's Word

B. To Hold to God's Word

C. To Heed to God's Word

The Great Need for us today is exactly the same! (*HEAR, HOLD & HEED!)

III. The Need of Power

There is no way in this world that we could do justice to really how "Big" of a problem this business is of "NOT HAVING THE POWER OF GOD" is in our lives, homes, preaching, prayer, Bible study, ministries and Churches!

The writer of Acts shows us that in his day there was power available and power needed!

This is still true for us today... Power IS Available, and it IS Needed!

Acts 8:7-8 - (7) "For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed." (8) " And there was great joy in that city."

A. To Deliver the lost

B. To Defeat the devil

C. To Delight God's people

Look at this simple illustration:

In a seminary missions class, Herbert Jackson told how, as a new missionary, he was assigned a car that would not start without a push. After pondering his problem, he devised a plan. He went to the school near his home, got permission to take some children out of class, and had them push his car off. As he made his rounds, he would either park on a hill or leave the engine running. He used this ingenious procedure for two years.Ill health forced the Jackson family to leave, and a new missionary came to that station. When Jackson proudly began to explain his arrangement for getting the car started, the new man began looking under the hood. Before the explanation was complete, the new missionary interrupted, "Why, Dr. Jackson, I believe the only trouble is this loose cable." He gave the cable a twist, stepped into the car, pushed the switch, and to Jackson's astonishment, the engine roared to life.For two years needless trouble had become routine. The power was there all the time. Only a loose connection kept Jackson from putting that power to work.

We need desperately to have Spirit Filled preaching and times of Prayer where the Holy Spirit's presence is so real that there is no way to deny He was there.

Preacher... Sunday School Teacher... Church Ministry Worker... Christian... This is our Great Need!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK! - How do dogs get their coats?‏

Q: How do dogs get their coats?

A: There is astounding variation that exists within dogs. There are different sizes, shapes, and colors. What causes this variety? How can there be so much diversity within a single species?

With the rapid accumulation of genomic data, these questions are beginning to be answered. Several different genes have been associated with variation in coat color of dogs. Now, a new study has found that three genes account for most of the variation in canine fur patterns.

The researchers of this fascinating study looked at three different coat characteristics: 1) “furnishings,” a moustache and eyebrows commonly seen in wire-haired dogs, 2) hair length, and 3) curl. After performing genome-wide association studies on more than 1000 dogs from 80 breeds, it was found that 95% of the variation in these characteristics was attributable to just three genes: RSPO2, FGF5, and KRT71.

Read more in the newest Answers in Depth article: Hairy New Findings in Dog Variation.

News to Note Quick Look

Snake: have leg, will travel: A snake with a leg—is it evidence of evolution, creation, both, or neither? Read more.

Tree-climbing Velociraptors: Velociraptor: the fearsome carnivore and . . . tree climber? Read more.

Also:

Resisting a myth

What’s in a James?

Richard Dawkins and the straw-god

And Don’t Miss . . .

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 children of Israel—why’d they rebel?

Chimpanzees—as smart as young children?

The Church fathers—what did they believe?

Adam’s race—are you a member?

The seven-day week—what’s its origin?

After Eden

Powerful Pointers from Proverbs- the Fear of the Lord

Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:

Proverbs 2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the LORD prolongeth days: but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

Proverbs 13:13Whoso despiseth the word shall be destroyed: but he that feareth the commandment shall be rewarded.

Proverbs 14:2 He that walketh in his uprightness feareth the LORD: but he that is perverse in his ways despiseth him.
26 In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.

Proverbs 15:16 Better is little with the fear of the LORD than great treasure and trouble therewith.
33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.

Proverbs 20:2 The fear of a king is as the roaring of a lion: whoso provoketh him to anger sinneth against his own soul.

Proverbs 22:4 By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.

Proverbs 23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

Proverbs 24:21 My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:

Proverbs 29:25 The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

Proverbs 31:30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Prayer Changes Things

 

Ezra 8:21 "Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance."     Prayer Changes Things     Each time my family and I leave the Ranch to travel, you will see our brake lights at the end of the driveway. Just like my dad did while I was growing up, we stop to pray for safety and wisdom in travel. This is not just a meaningless habit my family has formed; this prayer does make a difference.     Here in this passage, Ezra and God's people were setting out on a risky journey through unknown territory. They were stopped at the river, leaving the known and familiar behind and crossing over into a land with many dangers.     We can see in verse 21 that Ezra took this time of prayer very seriously. They fasted and deprived themselves so that they could seek of the Lord a "right way." Amazingly, they had been offered an escort of soldiers by Artaxerxes the king, but Ezra refused this escort. Why would he do this? Verse 22 explains, "For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, 'The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him'."     First of all, Ezra was more concerned with God's glory than with his own safety. It would not have been sinful to accept this escort. We know that because many times the Lord uses other humans to provide for the needs of His people. In addition, we see Ezra's contemporary, Nehemiah, using an escort. But Ezra did not want to be misunderstood by this pagan king and seem dependent upon the help of man rather than the help of God. He wanted him to see that God did not need any "help" in protecting His people.     Secondly, by refusing this escort, Ezra was taking his hands off and letting God choose the means by which He would protect and provide for His people. If God could use pagan kings to accomplish His will, certainly He could accomplish His will in His own way. So here they were, entreating God for help before setting out "on their own."     And we find a wonderful thing in verse 23: "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us." They prayed and God responded! The pious statement that "the only thing that prayer changes is you" is absolutely wrong and unbiblical. Prayer does change things!     At a prayer station in Manhattan, a man came up to me, looked at what I was wearing (which said "Prayer changes things") and quickly retorted, "Sure it changes things-it changes you!" Although that sounds nice, it denies the power of prayer. Come to find out, this man didn't even believe in the God of heaven.     God is the One who designed prayer to be the catalyst for His response. Things are different because we pray! If Ezra believed that prayer only changed the person praying, it was pure foolishness to set out across that river. Don't be afraid to lean wholly on your God for provision and protection. You will see the God of heaven answer in a way that brings all the glory to Him.     Prayer Requests: 1. Revival services tonight in Martinsville, IN 2. BRR Sign Language School in Salem, VA continuing through Sunday (9/20) 3. BRR Youth Conference today and tomorrow 4. Ranch evangelists traveling to services this weekend in Plainfield, IN; Sarasota, FL; and Marana, AZ     Check for revival services and events in your area on our website: billriceranch.org

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Warning!

If you receive an email from the Department of Health
telling you not to eat canned pork because
of swine flu............. Ignore it.

It's just SPAM.

SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD

MARK 14:1-9

Pastor Rick Jackson*

How many people in the Scriptures have ever had that said of them? We can dedicate ourselves to the Lord but only the Lord can determine how much we have done. For this particular time and in this particular place it is Mary, the sister of Lazarus and Martha- of whom the Lord says this wonderful statement, She hath done what she could. We don't know that Jesus ever said that about any men or any other women. We don't know a whole lot of things Mary said but we know of several things Mary did. Isn't that the case even in history? We remember more what most people did than what they said. Proverbs 20:11 declares, "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."

I. MARY'S ACTIONS

1. Mary Sat at Jesus Feet to Grow [Lk. 10:38-39]

We need to know something before we can do something. 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

2. Mary Fell Down at Jesus Feet to Grieve [Jn. 11:28-37]

Do you realize Jesus understands sorrow better than anyone else in the world? He was the most forsaken person in the universe.

Isaiah 53:3-4 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

3. Mary Knelt at Jesus Feet to Give [Jn. 12:1-9]

This is not to be confused with the account of the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-46. Mary may have been inspired but this event and even more so be Jesus' words to that Simon. Note what she did according to Mk. 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head. and John 12:3 Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.

II. MARY'S CHARACTERIZATION

1. As One of a group that loved Jesus [Jn. 12:1-3]

Martha was serving (and that's wonderful), Lazarus was fellowshipping (also wonderful) and Mary (sacrificed for the cause- she saw something others had missed- perhaps because she took the time to sit at Jesus feet). Not everyone has the same gifts, do the same things in the same way. Even within the same family.

2. As One who wasted her resources [Jn. 12:4-6, Mt. 26:8, Mk. 14:4]

The world and worldly Christians see things as waste that aren't wasted. Money, talent, time, lives... "Only one life, twill soon be past, Only what's done, for Christ will last"

3. As One who was Approved by God [Jn. 12:7-8]

Mark 14:9 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.

I Pt. 2:3-5 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

III. MARY'S CHOICE

Mary had 3 choices with her treasure.

1. She could use it all on herself or someone else of the world.

2. She could use part on herself and part on Jesus.

3. She could use it all on Jesus.

She chose to use it all on Jesus. And look how she did that.

Costly was not enough- it had to be very costly [Jn. 12:3, 5]

Unbroken was not enough- it had to be broken [Mark 14:3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured it on his head.]

Part was not enough- she had to give it all [Jn. 12:3]

1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ROMANS 12:1,2

*inspired by a message by the late Evangelist Fred Brown