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<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=120 BGCOLOR="#BF0000" TEXT="#F7F7FF" bgproperties="fixed" background="06800880dvldal.jpg"> <div> <B>Happiness   Hill   Ministries</B><FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000099" FACE="Adams Extended" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Times New Roman" ><B> </B></FONT></div> <div> <B><IMG SRC="06a35140.gif" border=0 width="309" height="20" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=204 BGCOLOR="#BF0000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Happiness Hill Christian Home Academy, "><B>Home</B></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Return to Devotionals</B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=360 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Archives</div> <div> <B>April 2010</B></div> <div> <I>“Three Fools in the Bible”</I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I> </I></FONT></div> <div> <B>By: Bro. David Harrell</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> In the month of April we had what was known as “April Fool's Day.” While talking with a preacher friend of mine about this day, I began to ponder on this topic and decided to see what the bible has to say about “fools.” Upon studying, I found out that there are three different types of fools in the bible. The definition of the word fool means “stupid; wicked (especially impious-“irreverent; disrespectful”).” Here are the three types of fools in the bible.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#1. "The Lost Fool" - The fool that is open about his foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 14:1-"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 53:1-"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> This fool is the one that makes the atheistic statement “there is no God.” Obviously, we see why this person is described as foolish (or stupid); anyone who would say there is no God is definitely a fool. This statement signifies an empty fellow, a contemptible person, a villain. One who has a muddy head and an unclean heart; and, in his darkness and folly, says in his heart, "There is no God."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <I><B>Proverbs describes this fool:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1:7<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-does not want wisdom</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1:22<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-hates knowledge</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 7:22<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-is led as a magnet to a harlot</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:8<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-a fool will despise correction and fall</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:18<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-a fool lies and slanders with their lips</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:23<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-does mischief as a sport</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:15<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-guides himself</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:16<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-is an angry person</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:23<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-brags about foolish actions</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 13:20<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-friendship with them leads to destruction</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 14:9<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-mock at sin</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 15:5<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-doesn't listen to their parent's instruction</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 17:7<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-has bad speech</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 17:21<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-his father has no joy</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 20:3<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-meddles with strife</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 26:11<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-always returns to his folly</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The Bible tells us there are two ways that you can know that there is a God<I><B>:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>1) By Creation-</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Romans 1:19, 20-“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 19:1-“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 97:6-“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>2) By Conscience-</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Romans 2:14-16-“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#2. "The Religious Fool" - The fool that is blind to his foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Matt. 23:13-33<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Jesus is speaking to the multitude here and he warns them of a certain group; a group of religious people, known as the Pharisees and Scribes. The Pharisees are defined as “someone who was separated by a religion” and the Scribes were a writer, town secretary or clerk. </div> <div> He labels them as some definitions here:<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1) <U>hypocrite</U>-an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT></div> <div> 2) <U>blinde guides</U>-blind leader<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 16, 24</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >) </FONT></div> <div> 3) <U>blind</U>-blind<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 17, 19, 26</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >), </FONT></div> <div> 4) <U>serpents</U>-a sly, cunning, malicious person, **title of Satan<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 33</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >), </FONT></div> <div> 5) <U>generation of vipers</U>-poisonous snake <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >(v. 33)</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, </FONT></div> <div> 6) <U>fools</U>-dull or stupid, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 17, 19</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >). </FONT></div> <div> <I><B>Jesus then goes on to tell why they are a fool:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 3-"for they say, and do not"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 4-"they bind heavy burdens...will not move them with one of their fingers"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 5-"all their works they do for to be seen of men"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 6-" love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 7-"be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 13-"shut up the kingdom of heaven"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 14-"devour widows' houses... make long prayer"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 15-"proselyte"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 23-"pay tithe...and have omitted the weightier matters of the law"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 25-"make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The lost fool denies that there is a God, the second fool denies the power of God in their life. They are blinded because of the things they do such as praying, fasting, tithing, etc. They feel that these religious acts make them worthy of Heaven.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> One such example of this is found in<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Luke 18:10-14</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >. T</FONT>he Pharisee in this story considered himself righteous but God thought differently considering the publican (tax collector) righteous. Thus the religious Pharisee was the fool because religion will never get anyone to Heaven.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#3. The Accused Fool" - The fool that is labeled for his "so-called" foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I Corinthians 4:10-"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Paul is speaking to the Corinthian Church and he tells them about the public spectacles among the Romans, where they were accustomed to hiss, hoot, mock, and variously insult the poor victims. Thus, Paul says that they were fools on Christ's account. When we walk in conformity to his will, and we bear his cross, we will be called a fool for Christ. For Christ's sake they chose a path of sorrow that made the world call them fools. **Notice that it was the world that called them fools.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Titus :13, 14-" Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> We are a peculiar (“being beyond usual; special”) people and we don't fit in here in this world, therefore people will term us “fools.” This is the right fool to be because we are being associated with Christ and His sufferings. </div> <div> May we all strive to be the accused fool (by the world) and stand for our Lord.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> If you are a lost fool, realize today that there is a God and He wants to save you. If you are a religious fool, realize that religion and works will not save you and that you must trust Jesus as your Savior. If you have been accused as a fool, glorify God because you have taken part in His sufferings.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -DH<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> <B>March 2010</B></div> <div> <I><B>“You're Just a Twister Mister”</B></I></div> <div> By: Evangelist Ralin Williams</div> <bR> <div> Bro. Ralin is on staff at Cedar Grove Baptist Church in Newton, MS. as an evangelist. The church is in the process of starting an Independent, Fundament Baptist Church in Brandon, MS. which</div> <div> Bro. Ralin will be the pastor there. Please pray for them during this process and if you would like to help in any way, contact Bro. Ralin at 601-604-5894</div> <bR> <div> “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: </div> <div> but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” - Proverbs 10:25</div> <bR> <div> We have tornadoes that rip and tear through our land, and they are devastating. They will come in and cause a great disturbance and then they just disappear. They destroy homes, churches, businesses, and even take lives. With fierce winds, tornadoes turn building structures into complete rubbish piles with nothing left usually but the concrete foundation.</div> <bR> <div> We have an adversary, the devil that rises up against us. His vile breath blows past us and drops temptation after temptation in front of us, trying to get you to fall. Then when you don't think you can hold out any longer, you give in. Satan then has his foot in the door and all hell breaks loose. His wickedly fierce wind tears through the home. Husbands turn against their wives, and wives against their husbands. Children go on a rebellious rampage. Families are torn apart by divorce, drugs, and many other destroyers.</div> <bR> <div> Then the path of destruction is turned toward churches. The people begin to question God’s true word (KJV) and turn to new age ideas and liberalism. The members gossip, and tear down, and criticize each other instead of edifying and encouraging one another. Bitterness takes root and then springs up and many become defiled.</div> <bR> <div> Next on the demolition list would be businesses. Business partners, lifelong friends, fall into greed. The love of money eats at them driving them to cheat and sever the covenant of friendship. All of the divine order and structure is destroyed by that one little slip into sin.</div> <bR> <div> So the righteous need to take courage and trust in the Lord Jesus at all times, “for if God be for us who can be against us?”. God has given the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. He arose a mighty victor over His foes! He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today! So don't be Satan’s sucker, don't let the howling winds of his scheme intimidate you. When he tries to lead you astray, you tell him that “you're just a twister mister”. Your day is coming devil; you shall be cast into the lake of fire. I said “you're just a twister mister”, you are going to be no more.</div> <bR> <div> The devil’s whirlwind of wickedness doesn't scare me because I'm standing on a solid foundation, Jesus the Rock, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He is my refuge in every storm. He is my fortress in the midst of battle. His mighty hand will help me. Jesus is all I need, so Satan get out of my face, your end is coming. I am a child of God Almighty. I was bought by the blood of Jesus. I am no longer a servant of sin. I am on the winning side! Get grounded in Jesus.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Januarty 2010</B></div> <div> <I><B>“How to Have a Biblical New Year”</B></I></div> <div> <B>By: Bro. David Harrell</B> </div> <bR> <div> <B>Numbers 29: 1 – 6-“</B>And in the seventh month, on the first [day] of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, [and] seven lambs of the first year without blemish: And their meat offering [shall be of] flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, [and] two tenth deals for a ram, And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: And one kid of the goats [for] a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.” </div> <bR> <div> This passage of scripture is God speaking to Moses and He is giving him the details for what is known as the Feast of Trumpets. This feast was during the month of Tishri (7th month), which was the first month of the Jewish civil year. To us, this would be known as the “New Year.” The Feast of Trumpets means “a memorial proclaimed with the blasts of horns.” As we move forward into this new year of 2010 many people are making resolutions and trying to change things. On our New Year’s Days we find ourselves doing the “resolution thing,” watching the bowl games, eating all the foods that will bring us luck and money for the next year. In Bible times during this day, all work ceased. This feast started on the first day and it was called <I>Rosh Hashanah. </I>Several interesting things happened on this day such as: 1) trumpets were sounded on this day all throughout the land, 2) several offerings were given, and 3) there was also a time of public reading of the law. Let's look at these three main things and see how we can have a biblical new year in 2009 by following these guidelines. </div> <div> <B><U>#1. The Trumpets Blown:</U></B> </div> <div> As we have already said, this was a day where trumpets were blown. Usually a trumpet was sounded in the temple at the time of an offering of a sacrifice, but this was different. A shofar (ram's horn) and two silver trumpets were sounded.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Trumpets in the bible were used for many reasons such as:</B></I><I> </I></div> <div> Calling assemblies </div> <div> Regulating the journeys of the children of Israel. </div> <div> Blowing over the sacrifices on the feast day. </div> <div> Blowing at all religious processions and ceremonies. </div> <div> Assembling the people to war. </div> <div> Proclaiming kings. </div> <div> Giving alarm in cases of danger. </div> <div> Associated with coming of Lord </div> <div> On that day, the High Priest would stand upon the SW parapet of the Temple and blow the trumpet so that it could be heard by all in the surrounding fields. At the instant that the Jewish workers heard the trumpet sound, all would immediately stop harvesting, even if they were not finished <I>(think about that!)</I> and go to the Temple for worship! In those days, as it is sometimes today, a Jew & an Arab might be working side by side in the fields - but when the trumpet sounded on this particular day, the Jew would stop and go to worship, while the Arab kept on harvesting.</div> <div> What a great truth for us on this New Year! Why is this important with us on our New Year's Service? Because we have a trumpet to blow. </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Joel 2:1</B> </FONT>Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for <I>it is</I> nigh at hand;”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> John the Baptist said it the best when he told the Pharisees that he was a “voice.” Romans says that we are to yield our members as <I>instruments</I> of righteousness. We need to sound the alarm that Jesus is coming soon. But we must not do it only in the temple, but yet in the whole land as they did on this day. Let your voice be heard this coming year and on this New Year’s Day that Jesus is coming and that you are not ashamed to be “voice.” </div> <div> <B>1 Thessalonians 64:16</B> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:</FONT> </div> <div> <B><U>#2. The Offerings Made:</U></B> </div> <div> Offerings were given in the bible to picture the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. They were for purification from sin so that one could enter into a fellowship with God. There were all kinds of offerings in the bible: sin, trespass, peace, meal, drink, wave, burnt, etc. Usually there were eleven offerings on the first of every month, but on this day there was also a young bullock, a ram, and seven lambs. The offerings were of no value if the offerer did not do exactly what they were told to from God. Christ is our perfect lamb today so we do not have to make offerings of animals anymore. We are however commanded to offer some sacrifices still today though: </div> <bR> <div> <B>I Peter 2:5- </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >“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.”</FONT> </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Our Three Sacrifices:</B></I><B> </B></div> <div> <B>1) </B><B><U>the sacrifice of the body</U></B>-<B>Rom. 12:1</B>, -“ <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” </FONT></div> <div> <U>Beseech</U>-invite </div> <div> <U>Present</U>-to stand beside </div> <div> <U>Holy-</U>morally blameless, pure </div> <div> <U>Acceptable</U>-well pleasing </div> <bR> <div> <B>2</B><B><U>) the sacrifice of praise</U></B>-<B>Heb. 13:15</B>-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”</FONT> </div> <div> -it is us giving thanks </div> <div> -<U>Giving</U>-confessing</div> <bR> <div> <B>3) </B><B><U>the sacrifice of good works</U></B>-<B>Heb. 13:16</B>-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >“But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” </FONT></div> <div> -it pleases God </div> <bR> <div> <B><U>#3. The Service Held:</U></B> </div> <div> The service during this time was a service of joy and worship.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Nehemiah 8:1-6</B>-“<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" >And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. … And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.</FONT>” </div> <bR> <div> During this Feast of the Trumpets, they had a service that day. They read the law publicly and they ended up worshipping God. What a glad thought that we are to rejoice and meditate on this day. This is the day that the Lord hath made. We must remember to worship Jesus Christ upon this day.</div> <bR> <div> <B><U>Conclusion:</U></B> </div> <div> On this New Year's Day, we need to blow our trumpets, make our offering, and have a worship service. If we do these three things, we will have a biblical New Year's Day.</div> <bR> <div> <B>December 2009</B></div> <div> <B>"Thou Hast Left Thy First Love"</B> </div> <div> <B>By: Pastor Chris Pugliese </B></div> <div> <B>Revelation 2:1 - 4</B></div> <div> The Church at Ephesus seems like a good one on surface. They are to be commended for their works and even labour. They were patient. They couldn't bear that which was evil. They couldn't stand blatant hypocrites or empty professions.They are sound in their doctrine, they found those that said they were apostles were liars. </div> <div> Now I know this is a description of the church at Ephesus, but I also know that there is an application for today. </div> <div> While they were commended for all those good things, the Lord said in verse <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >4,</FONT> </div> <div> "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Now let us take a closer look at the church at Ephesus:</div> <div> <B>First</B>, we notice their works and their labour. When I think of works I think of a resume. You ask someone "If you died today, do you know if you would go to heaven or hell." Lots of the time people will start to list off their works. They will say things like "I go to church. I tithe. I'm a deacon. I'm a Sunday School teacher. I'm an usher. I sing in the choir" and on and on. I also notice they are a labouring church. Thank God for labourers! There are some who do a lot of work at the church and for the church. They do the things most people don't or won't. They clean and build, cut the grass, faithful to visitation, hand out tracts, and read their Bibles. But with the church of Ephesus the Lord said that they had left their first love. All that labor without love. I believe that love is a choice, but I am also thankful that love is not only a choice. Without love, all the work and labour becomes a chore, a duty. Love is what makes it enjoyable. It's the glue that holds it all together, it's that pitter patter when you think of the one you love. It should be what drives you to church, to work and to labour. I wonder if they had a worship problem. When you go to church, do you go to worship? To lift up praise and thanks to God. To just adore the Saviour. I find it makes all the difference when your heart is really in it. When you just get caught up in the moment, not thinking about what time it is or what you would rather be doing, but getting involved and enjoying the goodness of God.</div> <div> <B>Second</B> we notice that they are commended for their patience. Sometimes Christians can be too patient. We should be ready for the Lord's coming and looking forward to it! I'm sure if we were to know that the Lord was to come tonight or tomorrow, instead of being excited, some would be disappointed. They would say "Lord can't you wait just a little bit longer, I have a big presentation tomorrow," or "I'm about to go on vacation," "I'm going to be honored next week," "We're having Revival next week."</div> <div> <B>Lastly</B> in verse <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >3</FONT>, the Bible says they had not fainted. Thank God for those who just won't quit. Too many marriages end because someone quit. But some stay married just because they believe divorce is wrong, and it is. But I believe one of the things that keeps a relationship fresh is fellowship. Spending quality time together. Just talking and listening. Sharing the good times and the bad with each other. Some husbands and wives live totally separate lives from each other. Once the children leave the nest, they find they have nothing in common with each other any more. Sometimes Christians have been in the habit of going to church for so long yet they are really not in fellowship with one another any more. Much less in fellowship with the Lord. </div> <div> So what was the counsel of our Lord? He told them to...</div> <div> "<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >Remember from whence thou art fallen.</FONT>" Do you remember how it was when you first got saved? You couldn't wait to go to church. You were hungry for the Bible and the things of God. Next He tells them to "repent and do the first works." If you're doing a lot of work and labour but not really enjoying it. Maybe you've left your first love. If you have left your first love. Just go ahead and confess unto him and forsake your sins. Don't offer up excuses. REPENT! Turn from your sins. Change your mind and your direction and go back to the first things. The Lord didn't tell them that they had lost they're their first love but that they had "left their first love". Go back and get it!</div> <div> Thanks, </div> <div> Chris Pugliese</div> <div> 1 Timothy 1:12</div> <div> 912-245-5427</div> <div> thepuglieses@hotmail.com</div> <bR> <div> <B>November 2009</B></div> <div> <B>“Perverting the Right Ways of God”</B> </div> <div> By: Pastor Dale Henderson</div> <div> (Bro. Henderson pastors Hazel Baptist Church in Forest, MS)</div> <div> <B>Acts 13:10-“</B>And said, O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord.”</div> <div> I want to key in on the last phrase of this verse which reads, “wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord.” If you notice who Paul is talking to, it is a religious man that is in every way mixed up. Elymas was a sorcerer, a false prophet, and a Jew. If Elymas would've been alive today, he'd probably joined a non-denominational church. Nonetheless, Elymas was a religious person. Paul is trying to win a man to the Lord but Elymas (Bar-jesus) is doing everything he can to stop him. Elymas, whose name means “a corrupter,” isn't doing away with the right ways of the Lord, he’s just perverting, twisting, or corrupting them. Elymas was a child of the devil and an enemy of all righteousness. If there is one thing Satan knows, it is how to twist and pervert the right ways of God. He was doing it then and he’s still doing it now. I want to show you four ways Satan has perverted the right ways of God in the local church.</div> <div> <B>Satan has perverted…</B></div> <div> <B><U>1. The Church and Her Purpose (Acts 1:8):</U></B></div> <div> What is the purpose of the local church? The book of Acts is not a beginning but a continuation. A continuation of what? Acts 1:1 tells us that it is a continuation of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. The work that Jesus began during His earthly ministry did not stop when He ascended back to Heaven. The work of God is still going on today. </div> <div> Jesus didn't come to this earth to meet man’s physical need; He came to meet man’s spiritual need. Satan has perverted the work of God by turning our attention off of the real problem of man to the temporal problem of man. If you don't believe me, just sit in on a Wednesday night prayer meeting service. More time is spent talking about Aunt Bertha’s ingrown toenail that got infected than the lost condition of people’s souls. More effort and time is used to organize a potluck meal for the family that has just buried their loved one than to tell the community about Jesus. I'm not saying we shouldn't pray for Aunt Bertha’s infected ingrown toenail or we shouldn't minister to a grieving family. I am saying, if this is all we are doing then we've missed the purpose God has given us. </div> <div> God has not left His church on this earth just so we can meet three times a week. God has not left His church on this earth just so we can have times of fellowship over potluck meals. God has not left his church on this earth just so we can have activities with our young people. I know that assembling together is biblical and needed. I know that fellowship is needed. I know that activities for our young people are needed to keep them from the things of the world. But if this is all we are doing, we have missed the real purpose of the church. We are to assemble ourselves together so we can be encouraged. We are to assemble ourselves together so we can receive the help and strength we need to fulfill the purpose God has left us here to do. If the only purpose of the church was to meet, God would've raptured the church a long time ago. Our purpose is to tell others about Jesus.</div> <div> <B><U>2. The Church and Her Power (Acts 2:1-4):</U></B></div> <div> If a church is just bound and determined to tell others about Jesus, then Satan will come along and try to turn her attention from the source of her power. We know that God is our source of power. Jesus promised His church that the Holy Ghost would come and empower her to fulfill her purpose. </div> <div> Have you ever been on a committee that is responsible for finding people to volunteer for certain positions in the church? “Brother Smith, would you serve in such and such capacity?” “Well I'd like to but I'm afraid I just ain’t qualified.” Or in a business meeting, “We are out of room so we need to build.” The reply almost will certainly come from someone, “We ain’t got enough money. We are barely meeting our budget now as it is.” Friend the source of the church’s power isn't from her members, it’s from her Master. </div> <div> If there is one thing Satan doesn't mind, it is a church filled with programs and activities done in the power of the flesh. He doesn't mind a preacher preaching in the power of his flesh. He doesn't mind a teacher teaching in power of their flesh. He doesn't mind a singer singing in the power of their flesh. The reason Satan doesn't mind us doing things in the power of our flesh is because our flesh is weak. We are no threat to him. What does bother and threaten Satan, is when we are doing what we do in the power of the Holy Spirit. When we become obedient to the Word of God and submissive to the Will of God, then and only then do we receive the power God has promised to accomplish what God has purposed for us.</div> <div> <B><U>3. The Church and Her Preaching (Acts 2:16-36):</U></B></div> <div> What were the first words out of Peter’s mouth? This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. Thus saith the Lord. Peter, in the power of the Holy Spirit spoke the truth in love. He wasn't worried about pleasing the people; he was concerned about pleasing God. </div> <div> Preaching is one area that Satan has probably perverted the most in the local church. No longer is it John 1:1 being preached from the pulpit but rather it is psychology 101. Don't tell them what they need to hear says the devil. You'll lose your congregation and if your congregation goes, your nice salary will follow. Tell them what they want to hear and they'll love you and support you. Make them feel good about themselves. You'll know that preaching has been perverted when drunkenness is no longer sin but an addiction, pornography is no longer fornication but art, sex outside of marriage is no longer adultery but an affair, homosexuality is no longer an abomination to God but an alternate lifestyle, and abortion is no longer murder but a choice. Is it really any wonder that Joel Osteen preaches to over thirty thousand people on any given Sunday? </div> <div> You'll also know that the preaching in the local church has been perverted when the preacher preaches from a corrupted text. By corrupted text, I mean anything other than a King James Version Bible. There is only one God and He only has one Word. If two versions differ then they can't be the same and since God never changes, His Word never changes. I'll not go into the different manuscripts and their history but I'll simply say this, the King James Version was copied from the superior text used by the martyrs of the church down through the centuries and the other versions are copied from inferior text found in a garbage can and a Catholic library in the 1700’s and 1800’s.. Enough said!</div> <div> <B><U>4. The Church and Her Praise (Acts 2:47):</U></B></div> <div> If there is one particular point of a worship service that has generated more strife and confusion, it would have to be the music. Should we have contemporary music or the traditional hymns? In order to save peace, we'll just compromise and have a blended worship service, that way everyone will be happy. Music should not make us feel good nor should it play on our emotions. The fact is, many church services and contemporary Christian rock (no such thing but for clarity) concerts resembles secular rock concerts. They resemble secular rock concerts and bands in appearance, dress, tone, and style. Music within a church, or our home for that matter, should be God honoring and Christ exalting. God is not honored by anything that resembles the world. We are called and commanded to be different from the world. We can't resemble the world and the Word at the same time, it just isn't possible. </div> <div> The argument from those who advocates contemporary music is, “well the Bible talks about making music with the harps, stringed instruments, trumpets, organs, timbrel, etc.” They are right. Psalm 33:2 says to play it skillfully with a loud noise. We should not be ashamed to sing to the One who has saved us. Nor should we be ashamed to play music and sing songs that are different from the world’s standards. </div> <div> Do you know one instrument that you'll not find in the book of Psalm or anywhere else in the King James Version Bible? It is the drum. The key instrument in any rock band whether they are secular, southern, hard, or Christian is the drum. The drum provides the beat. Drums were used in pagan rituals to contact spirits. Others would dance to the beat of drums to please gods. The reason you'll not find drums mentioned in singing to the Lord is because our music should be different from the worlds. The message should certainly be different but the style should as well. Nothing about a church worship service should even remotely resemble the world. Like other perversions of the Bible, they can't be different and the same at the same time. Jesus said those that worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. </div> <div> May we guard ourselves against Satan’s attacks in perverting the right ways of the Lord in the local church.</div> <bR> <div> <B>October 2009</B></div> <div> <B>"The Inspiration & Preservation of the King James Bible"</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> By: Evangelist Jeremiah Dixon</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="626" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="VOID" RULES="NONE" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 5038 WIDTH="622"><div> <B>“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > (II Timothy 3:15 -16)</FONT></div> <div>      There are several things in the text that we will highlight by way of introduction to the subject of “The Inspiration and Preservation of the King James Bible.” </div> <div>      First of all, the Holy Scriptures mentioned in verse 15 were not the Originals but rather copies of copies of copies, and they were still able to make Timothy ‘wise unto salvation’ by producing faith in Christ.</div> <div>      Then in verse 16 it’s important to note that ALL Scripture is given by inspiration of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” The word ‘inspiration’ has to do with God not only breathing the words, but breathing His Spirit and His Life into the words, as clarified by the Lord Jesus in John 6:63 where He declared that <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“… the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”</B></FONT></div> <div>      It is also important to note that in verse 15 the Scriptures are called ‘holy,’ which implies something that is set apart by God and to God, which makes them unique, one-of-a-kind, and complete. What is holy is not to be touched or tampered with by man. When Uzzah touched the ark of God, he died because it was holy, and because he had overstepped his bounds. His good intentions were no excuse.</div> <div> To tamper with the Holy Scriptures is to overstep one’s bounds and tread dangerous ground, as is indicated in Revelation 22:18-19. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”</B></FONT> Although the primary application of these verses is the book of Revelation, the whole Bible is holy and God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will judge those who tamper with any portion of the Holy Scriptures. </div> <div>      When God speaks of the Scriptures, it not only makes reference to the body of Scripture as a whole, or even to the words only. According to the Lord Jesus, it also deals with the letters. In Matthew chapter 5 verse 18, we read, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”</B></FONT> A jot was the smallest Hebrew letter, and the tittle was the smallest projection on a letter. </div> <div>      It’s important to note that when Jesus made this statement, He was not referring to the Originals, but rather to copies, and His promise was that it would remain intact until Heaven and earth pass. Since Heaven and earth have not yet passed, I must assume that there is still an inspired, preserved Bible with every jot and tittle, or I must assume that Jesus lied. When we carry this concept over to the English Bible, it implies that He will preserve it in such a way so that not even a dot on an ‘i’ or a cross on a ‘t’ is missing. </div> <div>      Another important truth found in our text is the fact that this inspired Bible has a purpose. “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (II Timothy 3:17) Without the inspired Bible this purpose cannot be fulfilled, and the original reason for inspiration is defeated. Therefore, since all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, if it is Scripture, it is inspired. If it is not inspired, it is not Scripture. Do we have Scripture or not? </div> <div>      There are those who discount the supernatural oversight of God, and tell us that 3% to 5% was lost during translation. If this were true, how would I know that the error is not in John 3:16 or Romans 10:13, verses on which my salvation rests? </div> <div>      Why bother to preserve what has already been corrupted? I often preserve deer meat by canning it. A few years ago I had meat stored in a refrigerator. The refrigerator quit working, and by the time I realized it, some of the meat had already spoiled. I did not bother to can any of it because I didn't know what was spoiled and what was not. I didn't trust any of it. And after listening to some preachers, I understand why some people don't trust any of the Bible. They throw the whole thing out like I did with the spoiled meat. In this manuscript I am not going to talk about the translators, but rather the promises of God Who cannot lie and cannot change. Let God be true and every man a liar. </div> <div>      In Matthew 4:4 God says that, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”</B></FONT> If God requires me to live by every word, and He is a just God, would it be logical for me to assume that He made sure that I had all of the words? Anything less than that would be injustice on His part, because He is demanding that I live by what I don't have, and He is the only one Who could have provided it. </div> <div>      It is important to note that when God speaks of inspiration, He is not implying that a man was inspired, and gave his inspired opinion, but rather that God spoke through that man and saw to it that what He dictated was accurately recorded and alive. </div> <div>      In Psalm 45:1 the Psalmist said, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“…my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.”</B></FONT> The implication here is that God is the Ready Writer and He is using the tongue of the Psalmist. The following illustration adds insight, but does not completely explain the inspiration of Scripture. For instance, if I dictate a letter to my secretary word-for-word and she types it exactly as it was dictated, the final draft is not the work of an inspired secretary, but it is the breath, the wording, and the spirit of the one dictating it. It also carries the authority of the one who breathed it. There is a vast difference between a mere invitation and a court order or a summons to appear. The first is a request, but the second is a demand with all of the authority of the judge who issued it. </div> <div>      To question inspiration is to question the Authorship and the Authority, as well as the spirit and life of the Scriptures. Let me again emphasize that Acts 17:11 tells us that the Berean's searched the Scriptures daily, and they did not have the Originals. “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so.”</B></FONT> They were looking at copies, and those copies are referred to as Scripture. Only what is inspired is Scripture. </div> <div>      In II Peter 1:16-21, Peter declared that the scriptures were a more sure word of prophecy than an eye-witness account or hearing the voice of God directly.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B> “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”</B></FONT> Peter declares that the prophecy of Scripture is more sure than what he saw as any eye-witness and what he heard with his ears. How can this be? I have seen Gospel magicians do things with my own eyes, but it was an illusion. My eyes deceived me. I have heard things with my own ears and misunderstood what was said. But the prophecy of Scripture is inspired by God, and preserved by God, and more sure than my sight or my hearing. </div> <div>      To question inspiration is blasphemous, and those who do so do it in the name of education. It is important to remember that ‘higher education’ has never been the friend of true Christianity, primarily because of the principle found in I Corinthians 8:1 where it says, “…Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.” To be ‘puffed up’ is to be filled with pride, and pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) </div> <div> In reality, to question inspiration is an expression of intellectual arrogance rather than education. Those who do so have been corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ, and have begun to scrutinize the Infallible Book on the basis of information found in fallible books that are definitely not inspired, such as lexicons, dictionaries, and history books. </div> <div>      To do so is as foolish as trying to find the exact dimensions of an object while using an inaccurate ruler. Suppose I had a yardstick that was only 28 inches long instead of 36 inches, and I was measuring something that had already been measured by a perfect yardstick, and after I measure it by my imperfect standard, I then question its perfection, because I did not come up with the same number of yards. </div> <div>      These folks scoff at those of us who are simple enough to operate by faith. Faith is dependency upon God and expectancy from God to the point that the Word of God is enough. Those of us who walk by faith and not by sight believe that if God can keep the soul of a sinner saved, He can keep His Book intact, including the inspiration, which is the life of the Book. Because of the simplicity of our faith, they call us ‘ignorant and unlearned men,’ but fail to acknowledge that we have been with Jesus. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”</B></FONT> (Acts 4:13) Who was it that had the truth, these called unlearned and ignorant men, or the doctors of the law with all of their education? </div> <div>      Faith is simple, but not blind. It is based on Biblical principle. Higher education complicates simple matters, and to complicate what God made simple is a form of corruption and will lead to utter apostasy in time. </div> <div>      In Psalm 138:2, it says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“…for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”</B></FONT> If God’s Word is no good, then His name is no good, therefore He has elevated His Word above His name. </div> <div> In Exodus 20:7 we are warned, “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.”</B></FONT> My question is this: If God will not hold them guiltless who take His name in vain, and He has elevated His Word above His name, can those who question the inspiration and preservation of His Word be found guiltless? </div> <div>      To cast doubt on the Word of God is to destroy the foundations. This is exactly what the lawyers were guilty of in Luke 11:52, where Jesus said, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge; ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.”</B></FONT> The key of knowledge is an inspired, preserved Bible that can be trusted. First John 5:13 is proof of this statement. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”</B></FONT> The Scriptures that have been written are how I know that I have eternal life. They are the key to this knowledge. Since people enter by faith, you hinder them by raising doubts. </div> <div>      The Scriptures are the foundation of my faith. Romans 10:17 says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”</B></FONT> They are also the foundation of my salvation. In the parable of the sower in Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the seed being sown. In verse 19, when giving the explanation of the parable to His disciples, He tied the seed and the Word of the kingdom together, and made them understand that, to sow the seed is to communicate the Gospel which produces various responses, one of which is the salvation of the soul. </div> <div> The Scriptures are also the foundation of my moral values, my ethics, my religious practice, my doctrine, and my hope. To cast doubt on the King James Bible is like building a house on a firm foundation and then, after completion, taking a jackhammer and beginning to chip away at the very foundation your house rests upon. </div> <div>      In Psalm 11:3 the danger of the foundations being destroyed is pointed out. The verse says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do</B></FONT>?” It’s important to note that the word ‘foundations’ is a plural word, which implies there is more than one. According to I Corinthians 3:11, Jesus is the foundation of salvation. But the Scriptures are the foundation on which we build our lives. </div> <div>      My question is: What good is inspiration without preservation? Who cares if there ever was an inspired Bible if we don't have it today? The whole point of inspiration is defeated without God supernaturally preserving the Book. </div> <div>      There was a battle, and somewhat of a split in our ranks over this issue, and Bible believers concluded that the King James Bible is the very inspired, preserved Word of God. Some are now calling that battle “The King James Controversy” and condemning those who fought the battle for the foundation of our faith, implying that they hindered the growth of our churches by their stand. Let me remind you that in Nehemiah’s day, they had a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other. They were building and battling. </div> <div>      As we already learned in Matthew 4:4 and 5:18, somewhere there must be an every word and every jot and tittle Bible. If it is not in the King James Bible, where is it? Put a copy in my hand. Even common sense would lead one to believe that the King James Bible is the Scripture spoken of by Jesus and Paul, since every great revival that the English-speaking world has ever experienced was in conjunction with the use of a King James Bible. There has been no NIV revival, no ASV revival, no Living Bible revival, no Revised Standard Version revival, no Good News for Modern Man revival, but rather since the Bible-a-month club has started, apostasy has become more rampant both in society and in our churches. </div> <div>      Recently a new theological discussion has surfaced. It is based on the false idea that the King James Bible is preserved but it is not inspired. My question is very simple. If we begin with something inspired, and we preserve it, how do we lose inspiration in the process of preservation? This is theological double-talk. Furthermore, it is important to note that both inspiration and preservation are supernatural acts of God. Everyone involved in this debate believes that the Bible was inspired by God in the Originals, but some believe that inspiration was lost in translation. </div> <div>      My good friend, Dr. Rick Sowell, asked a very probing question while preaching out of Jeremiah 36. The question was this: Where does inspiration end? Does it end when God speaks to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 36:2? Or does it end with Jeremiah repeating it verbatim to Baruch in Jeremiah 36:4? Or does it end with Baruch writing it in Jeremiah 36:4? Or does it continue to the second manuscript that Jeremiah dictated at the command of God after the king had cut the first manuscript and cast it into the fire in Jeremiah 36:32? Verse 32 declares that the second roll had all the words of the first roll that the king had thrown into the fire, and there were added many like words. </div> <div>      Brother Sowell made the statement that, “Inspiration is more of a process than a singular act.” I tend to agree because both inspiration and preservation are the work of God and do not depend on the translating ability of man. And if God did not supernaturally preserve His Word and it’s life, there would have been no point in Him breathing it or inspiring it to start with. Regardless of whether it is a process singular in nature or two separate supernatural acts, the outcome is the same. We have the inspired, preserved Word of God. </div> <div>      Please pay close attention to the wording of Jeremiah 36:32, where it says, “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Then took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah; who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides unto them many like words.”</B></FONT> I want to remind you that Jeremiah was not copying from the Originals which had been burned in the fire, and it does not tell us that God spoke the words a second time to Jeremiah, but rather that Jeremiah once again spoke the words and Baruch penned them. It certainly was not of Jeremiah alone that ‘all the words’ that had been in the first roll were in the second. God both inspired it and preserved it, and used Jeremiah as the instrument or tool to accomplish it. </div> <div>      Remember that II Timothy 3:16 declares that all scripture is given by inspiration of God. Inspiration is not only to breathe the words, but to infuse them with life. The breath of God is equivalent to the Spirit of God, according to John 20:22, where it says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“…he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”</B></FONT> </div> <div>      It is equally true that if you take the breath or the inspiration out of the Scriptures, it is a dead book. If our Bible is not inspired, then it is equivalent to an embalmed Bible. The form is still there, but the life is gone. Second Timothy 3:5 speaks of those who have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof. To have a preserved Bible and deny its inspiration is to have the form or the shell of the Bible, but to deny the power thereof. A sea shell is the outward form of a sea creature, but the life is gone. Adam, when formed, had all of his fingers and toes, but without the spirit being breathed into him, he was lifeless. </div> <div>      I don't need an embalmed Bible. I need one that is alive, as well as complete. If I go to the hospital, I want them to preserve more than my form. The mortician can do that. I want them to preserve my life. God promised to preserve an inspired Bible. As already stated, the Lord Jesus declared, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“… the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” </B></FONT>(John 6:63) which means that they were inspired. </div> <div>      The fact that God breathed the Bible is clearly stated in the Bible itself. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;”</B></FONT> (Hebrews 1:1-2) </div> <div>      The King James Bible is both a spiritual Book and a living Book, and I might add, it is the only such Book in English in the universe. This is why the natural man, who is dead spiritually, cannot discern its contents. In Job 32:8 he declares, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”</B></FONT> This spirit was put into man by the inspiration of the Almighty and is taught by the same breath of inspiration, now contained in the Scriptures.. To understand the Book, I must have the same breath of life in me that the Bible has in it. Otherwise, I cannot get on the same wavelength. The words are spirit, and therefore spiritual. To those who are dead spiritually there can be no communion nor witness with the spirit or spiritual, thus the statement, “…neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” It is not possible for the lost man to know them. </div> <div>      This is also declared in Romans 8:16 where it says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”</B></FONT> It is not mere accuracy that makes the Bible indiscernible to the lost man, but its inspiration — its Spirit-life. To read the inspired words of God as a lost man is like someone trying to understand a book written in Chinese when they can only read English, or like a dead man trying to communicate with the living. </div> <div>      If the Bible is not the very Word of God, then it cannot be a good Book, because it would be filled with lies. Four hundred thirteen times we find the expression, “Thus saith the Lord.” Two hundred thirty-five times the Bible describes itself as “the Word of the Lord.” Forty-eight times it describes itself as “the Word of God.” Eight times, speaking of its contents, it says, “the Spirit saith.” </div> <div>      Inspiration is what sets the Bible apart from all other religious books, such as the Koran or the Book of Mormon. A preserved Koran has no life in it, even if it is a perfect copy of the original, because there was no inspiration of God in it to start with. If you take the inspiration out of the Bible and have a perfect copy of the words, you have reduced it to just another religious book, rather than ‘the power of God unto salvation.’ </div> <div>      In Hebrews 4:12 it says, “<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”</B></FONT> In this verse there are attributed to the Bible certain qualities that could only be attributed to something or someone that is alive. </div> <div>      First it says that the Word of God is quick. The very word ‘quick’ speaks of life. The ink and paper cannot be alive, but God has infused the words with His breath, and made them spirit. If the King James Bible is not alive, it is not the Word of God, because the Word of God is quick, or alive. </div> <div>      In I Peter 1:23 it says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”</B></FONT> Both the Lord Jesus and the Bible are called the Word of God, and both live forever and abide forever. If the Lord Jesus had died at Calvary and never risen, He would have no power to save, because only what has life has power. It is equally true that if we have a Book that is perfect in content, but has lost its inspiration and life in translation, it has no power to produce life. Only what is alive can beget life. </div> <div>      Not only is the Word of God declared to be quick, but to be powerful. Power speaks of authority, and the wise man taught us that ‘where the word of the king is, there is power.’ Power also speaks of ability to perform. In II Timothy 3:15 we learned that the scriptures are ‘able’ to make thee wise unto salvation. In Romans 1:16 we learn that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” </B></FONT></div> <div>      Also attributed to the Word of God is the ability to pierce by way of conviction, to divide by establishing a holy standard, and to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. Discernment has to do with probing and searching, which could only be done by a living Book. And the life of the Book is its inspiration. God’s Word is alive and has power to produce life. </div> <div>      My question is, “Do we have a copy of the Word of God which is alive and powerful in the King James Bible?” If not, show me where to get a copy, since God promised that it would both live and abide forever. I believe in divine preservation, as it is promised in Scripture. Psalm 100:6 says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“…his truth endureth to all generations.”</B></FONT> This would imply that no generation is skipped over or left out. </div> <div>      Psalm 12:6-7 declares that, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”</B></FONT> Please note that in verse seven it is declared that God would preserve His words from that generation for ever. It is God’s job to preserve His Word, in spite of man. Do you think He is up to the task? If God cannot keep or preserve His own words, how can He keep the soul of a saved sinner such as you or me, as He promised to do in I Peter 1:5, where it declares that we are ‘kept by the power of God’. This is apart from any human work, and the preservation of the Bible is apart from any human work. Let me remind you that the things which are impossible with men are possible with God. (Luke 18:27) </div> <div>      Question #1 If God could inspire His Word through one man, could He preserve it through another, or in another language? Proverbs 21:1 says, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.”</B></FONT> Would that include King James, who authorized the translation? Would it also include the translators? </div> <div>      Question #2 If God could overrule in the affairs of Joseph concerning his brothers’ evil intentions toward him and turn their evil intentions into something good as He did in Genesis 50:20, could He also overrule in the good intentions of these fallible translators? Genesis 50:20 <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”</B></FONT> </div> <div>      Let me remind you that God has always used fallible man to achieve His infallible goals. Much of the Bible was originally penned by three murderers: Moses, who killed and Egyptian and buried him, David who killed Uriah, and Saul of Tarsus, who gave consent to the stoning of Stephen. All of these men were forgiven and cleansed before they were used, but my point is this: It was originally inspired through these frail, fallible human beings, and everyone involved in the debate believes that. Does God have any less power to preserve than He had to inspire? Is preservation any more dependent upon man than inspiration was? </div> <div>      Question #3 If God could see to it that all the words were re-written by Jeremiah that had been written in the previous scroll destroyed by Jehoiakim, could He oversee the translation of an existing document? Jeremiah 36:28 <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" ><B>“Take thee again another roll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first roll, which Jehoiakim the king of Judah hath burned.” </B></FONT></div> <div>      I believe that God preserved all the words. (Matthew 4:4) I also believe that He preserved the inspiration, which is the spirit and life of the words. As already stated, anything less than this would be the equivalent of an embalmed Bible. A corpse has all the body parts, but the breath and life is gone. It has no power to pierce, to divide, to discern, nor to save. </div> <div>      Remember, everybody involved in the discussion believes that we started with something inspired in its original form. If we preserve what is inspired, how can we possibly lose inspiration in the process of preservation? </div> <div>      Let me define the word ‘preservation’ from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. It means a) to keep or save from injury, decay, or destruction. b) to uphold or sustain c) to keep in a sound state, d) to defend from corruption and to make last e) to prevent what is preserved from changing. If we begin with something that is inspired and keep it from decay, sustain it, keep it in a sound state, defend it from corruption, make it last, and prevent it from changing, is it still inspired? </div> <div>      If I preserve peaches by canning them, after they are preserved, are they still peaches, or have they now become generic fruit? We do not need a good translation. Nor do we need the best translation. We need the inspired, preserved Word of God that was promised to us by God Himself. Because preservation without inspiration is equivalent to no inspiration to start with. </div> <div>      It is inspiration that gives the Bible life. (Hebrews 4:12) It is inspiration that gives it power. (II Timothy 3:5) It is inspiration that makes it holy. (II Timothy 3:15) It is inspiration which makes it able. (II Timothy 3:15) It is inspiration that makes it Scripture. (II Timothy 3:16) It is inspiration that guarantees its authenticity as the Word of God. To question inspiration is to question the Source and authenticity of the document, as well as to remove any force and power that it had in its origin. We have an inspired and preserved King James Bible. It is perfect, it is complete, and it is alive. It has as much life and as much force to transform the lives of people as it had in its original form. </div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> <B>September 2009</B></div> <div> <I><B>“Committed to Christ” </B></I></div> <div> <B>By: Bro. David Harrell</B></div> <div> Psalm 37:4,5</div> <div> “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.” </div> <div> <B><U>commit</U></B>-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><I>to roll, to wallow, to trust</I> </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>way</U></B>-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><I>course of life</I> </FONT></div> <div> The Psalmist is saying to trust the Lord with the course of our life. This commitment is of faith, just as a dog would roll in the grass because he doesn’t fear it, he doesn’t since any danger in it, so we as Christians have that confidence in the Lord. </div> <div> <I>You may trust the Lord too little, but you can never trust Him too much.</I> -Anonymous </div> <div> Our lives are full of roads (“way”), sometimes the road you are about to travel is a new one, one that you have never been on before. As you journey down this road, be committed to Christ, trust Him with your life.</div> <div> <I>All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.</I> -Emerson </div> <div> <I>Don't try to hold God's hand; let Him hold yours. Let Him do the holding, and you the trusting.</I> -Webb </div> <div> II Timothy 1:12-“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have <U>committed</U> unto him against that day.” </div> <div> <B><U>Committed</U></B>-<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" ><I>deposit, trust</I></FONT></div> <div> This is God’s commitment list for you, the things you commit to, He will judge you on. Paul is saying that he knows Christ will remember when we make commitments or promises to Him. </div> <div> John 6:66-68-“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” </div> <div> In other words Peter was saying in this verse, “We are committed to You Lord!” We are not going anywhere; that is true commitment.</div> <bR> <div> <B>August 2009</B></div> <div> By: Bro. Darren Duncan</div> <div> We are living in a day and hour when folks are faced with obstacles that will grasp hold of them, and seemingly take over their lives. Hopefully, this August devotional will help us to understand how to get these things under control. </div> <div> In May of 2008, I was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, and also Multiple Myeloma which is Cancer of the Bone Marrow and the Blood Plasma. The diagnosis was devastating to me. </div> <div> I had always believed that Cancer was “Sure Death,” and the news caused me to make some rash decisions in my life.. Some of the decisions may have been rushed, and I should have taken time to examine the situation a little closer. </div> <div> After much prayer and meditation, I sought the Lord concerning the sickness. He affirmed to me that I may never be healed in this life, but He also assured me that I would live to be a blessing to other folks. </div> <div> The blessing that I have shared with other people is the fact that God has given me Grace to smile through my sickness, and rejoice through my sorrow. It is not in my strength, but it is in the fact that I have learned “How to Handle What’s Handling Me”. I want to share that news with you in this Devotional. </div> <div> <B>Let’s look at</B>: </div> <div> <B><U>HOW TO HANDLE WHAT’S HANDLING YOU</U></B></div> <bR> <div> <B>Matthew 11:28 “</B><I>Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest</I><B>.”</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">God will allow things to enter our lives that nearly devastate us. But, He does it to grow us and teach us more about Him. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Now, we all know that trouble and trials are part and parcel of the human life. After all, Job said it. </div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800009900.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Job 14:1</B> “<I>Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble</I>.” </div> <div> <B><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800009900.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Job 5:7 </B>“<I>Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.”</I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Burdens, troubles, trials and difficulties are going to come our way! </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Jesus said so in </FONT><B>John 16:33</B> “<I>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”</I></div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700c800000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">In this little, simple, short verses, Jesus gives us clear teaching on what to do with our burdens. He teaches us How To Handle What’s Handling You.. </div> <div> Let’s look into this verse and think on that thought:</div> <bR> <div> <B>HOW TO HANDLE WHAT’S HANDLING YOU</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><U>I. TAKE YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PLACE</U></B></div> <div> <B>A. Fretting Won't Help You -</B> (Most people take their burdens here, but it is the wrong place to take them. After all, we are forbidden from worry by the Word,</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >· </FONT><B>Phillippians 4:6 “</B><I>Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God</I>.” </div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >· </FONT><B>John 14:1 “</B><I>Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”</I> </div> <div> · <B>Lot’s of people are just like Martha, </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" ><B>Luke 10:38-42 “</B><I>Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”</I></FONT></div> <div> <B>B. Friends Won't Help You -</B> Job tried to tell his friends about his burdens, but he found that they were “physicians of no value”, Job 13:4. (The problem with friends is that they will lie to you! They will allow you to wallow in self-pity and tell you that you have a right to do so. They may even sympathize with you, but they can't really help you with the real burdens of life!)</div> <div> <B>C. Fleeing Won't Help You -</B> You will never be able to run away from the problems and trials of life.</div> <div> <B>D. Fighting Won't Help You -</B> A lot of people try to live in denial and fight what they are called to face. Fighting against what the Lord brings into your life is dangerous! If you aren't careful, you might find yourself fighting against God.</div> <div> <B>E. The Father Will Help You -</B> Notice the invitation - “Come!” The Lord throws open the door and invites all who are in need to come to Him for help, Heb. 4:16.</div> <div> <B><U>II. TRANSFER YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PERSON</U></B></div> <div> <B>A. There Is One Who Cares About Your Situation -</B> 1 Pet. 5:7 - Jesus has walked through loneliness, need, and death. He knows what you're going through and He cares about you, Heb. 4:15.</div> <div> <B>B. There Is One Who Can Do Something About Your Situation - </B>Not only does He know what we face, He can change what we face and how we face it! (His power is beyond imagination - Eph. 3:20; Job 42:2; Luke 1:38.) (Isa. 40:12 - If He can place the stars in heaven with a spreading of the fingers, then your problems and mine pose no problem at all to Him! If He can.... for..., then He can.. For you!)</div> <div> <B><U>III. TRUST YOUR BURDENS TO THE RIGHT PROVISIONS</U></B></div> <div> <B>A. Sometimes He Will Remove Your Burden -</B> There are times when the Lord changes your situation in an instant, removing your burden. (The Widow of Zarepath - 1 Kings 18!)</div> <div> <B>B. Sometimes He Will Relieve Your Burden -</B> There are times when the Lord will leave the burden on your shoulders, but He will lighten the burden a little bit. He did this for Ruth when He allowed her path to cross that of Boaz, Ruth 2-3!</div> <div> <B>C. Sometimes He Will Rest You In Your Burden -</B> This is the most common aid we receive from Him. He gives us grace to carry the load we have been assigned, 2 Cor. 12:9. (The glory of Him changing us in our situation instead of Him just changing our situation.)</div> <div> <B><U>Conclusion:</U></B></div> <div> However He decides to handle your situation, you can be sure that He will always do that which is right for your life, Rom. 8:28. </div> <div> And, you can rest on His promise that He will meet your need, Phil. 4:19!</div> <div> He is still Jehovah-Jireh - Gen. 22:14. </div> <div> What’s handling you tonight? Why don't you just bring it to Him? He knows how to handle what’s handling you!</div> <div> <I><B>Brother J. Darren Duncan </B></I></div> <div> Member of Beech Avenue Baptist Church </div> <div> Gastonia, North Carolina </div> <div> <A HREF="mailto:www.jdarrenduncanministries.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:www.jdarrenduncanministries.com">www.jdarrenduncanministries.com</A></div> <bR> <div> <B>July 2009</B></div> <div> <B>The Land of the Lost</B> </div> <div> <B>By: Bro. Jerry Poole</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Matthew 18:11-“</B>For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>Have we to become a generation of lost causes?</B></div> <div> 1) not made use of, 2) no longer possessed or no longer known, </div> <div> 3) ruined or destroyed physically or morally, 4) taken away or beyond reach or attainment, & 5) unable to find the way</div> <div> <B><U>#1. We have lost our relationship (No respect)</U></B> </div> <div> Deut. 6:5-6-“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. [6] And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: “ </div> <div> Matthew 6:21-“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”</div> <div> Proverbs 23:7-“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he:”</div> <div> <B><U>#2. We have lost our Homes (No morals, No obedience, No standards)</U></B></div> <div> Deut. 6:7-“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”</div> <div> Exodus 12:7-“And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.” -no identification of the home anymore</div> <div> <B><U>#3. We have lost our Churches (No leaders, No time, No Word)</U></B></div> <div> Mark 7:8-9-“For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. [9] And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”</div> <div> Mark 7:13-“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”</div> <div> <B>Deut 6:6-9 </B></div> <div> <I>If they are in your heart you have relationship, if you have relationship they will be in your home, if they are in your home, then they will be in your church, if they are in your church they will be in your daily walk. What are we carrying everyday?</I></div> <div> <B><U>#4. We have lost our way or path</U></B></div> <div> Psalm 119:176-“I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.”</div> <div> Jeremiah 6:15-16-“Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. [16] Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.”</div> <div> <B><U>#5. We have lost our Power (The slack has come out, we are unplugged)</U></B></div> <div> II Samuel 22:33-“God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect.” </div> <div> -Have we forgotten this simple fact?</div> <div> Matthew 22:29-“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”</div> <div> Luke 10:19-“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”</div> <div> <B><U>#6. We have lost our instruction & leaders</U></B></div> <div> Jeremiah 50:6-“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.”</div> <div> II Tim. 4:3-“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”</div> <div> <B><U>#7. We have lost our Savour, Zeal, or desire</U></B></div> <div> Matthew 5:13-“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” </div> <div> Romans 10:1 (KJV) This is no longer the desire of the Church</div> <div> “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”</div> <div> <B><U>#8. We have lost our commitment (people today have committed everything but to Jesus)</U></B></div> <div> Psalm 31:5-“Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.”</div> <div> Luke 16:11-“If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”</div> <div> <B><U>#9. We have lost our compassion for others</U></B></div> <div> Luke 15:4-“What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?”</div> <div> <B><U>#10. We have lost our desire of fellowship</U></B></div> <div> Luke 15:6-“And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”</div> <div> <B><U>#11. We have lost our time of thankfulness</U></B></div> <div> Luke 15:32-“It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”</div> <div> <B><U>#12. We have lost our desire to witness</U></B></div> <div> 1 Cor. 15:34-“Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.”</div> <div> <B><U>#13. WE have lost our worship</U></B></div> <div> Deut. 8:19-“And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.” </div> <div> Psalm 99:9 - Our desire should be “Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the Lord our God is holy.”</div> <div> Psalm 132:7-“We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.”</div> <div> <B><U>#14. We have lost God!!!</U></B></div> <div> <B>II Chron. 7:19-21-“</B>But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them; [20] Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. [21] And this house, which is high, shall be an astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so that he shall say, Why hath the Lord done thus unto this land, and unto this house?”</div> <div> <B>The end result is a lost world Will we bring back that which is lost?</B></div> <div> <I>There is something wrong with our Christianity when we have to beg most of our crowd to come to church to hear about</I> – Vance Havner</div> <div> Today the greatest task of the church is not to get sinners saved but to get saints to serve or come to church.</div> <div> I know now why so many today don't like turnips. God’s turnip patch is: </div> <div> <B>-</B>Turn up for church </div> <div> <B>-</B>Turn up for meetings, in prayer, and Bible study </div> <div> <B>-</B>Turn up with a smile, even when things are difficult </div> <div> <B>-</B>Turn up with determination to do your best in God’s service</div> <div> Let me ask you something. How would you like it if?: </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your watch worked only sometimes </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your heart beat one time and missed the next </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your car only hit on half its cylinders half the time </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your child missed every other day of school </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your favorite TV show was only on once a year </div> <div> <B>-</B>Your favorite restaurant only open 4 times a year</div> <div> Something to think about isn't it?</div> <bR> <div> <B>June 2009</B></div> <div> <I><B>“When a Hero Comes Along” </B></I></div> <div> <I><B>By: Pastor Jody Hodnett</B></I> </div> <div> <I>(Bro. Hodnett is a pastor-friend of our home and pastors First Baptist Church in Lawtey, FL.)</I> </div> <div> <I><B>II Samuel 23:8-17</B></I> </div> <div> David is nearing the end of his life and is recounting precious memories. Surely his first memory will be of Samuel’s visit to his father Jesse’s house, when he was anointed king. When we think of David, many thoughts rush to our minds. We, many times associate him with killing a bear and a lion with his bare hands. We envision him on the battlefield before all of Israel with the severed head of Goliath in his hand. We see David as a fearless leader, which little boys have admired throughout the centuries, a champion of champions. We seldom think of David as having heroes, men that he admired and stood in awe of their courage. These men were just that, the king’s heroes, his champions. Let’s look at what made these men Heroes in David’s eyes.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#1. Their hand was in the ministry. (Verses 9 – 10):</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Many had put their hand against David and his ministry, but these men championed the cause and put their lives on the line for the ministry. Thank God for those that will work and be an active part alongside the Man of God, defending and fighting for what is right, regardless of who is watching and what the popular opinion is. Those who do so are truly a Hero to their Pastor.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#2. Their heart was in the ministry. (Verses 11 - 12):</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> There were tens of thousands of other men who had stood with David and fought the enemies of Israel. As a soldier in the army, it was their job. They carried out orders and did as they were told. So, what made these three men David’s heroes? They were not the kind of men who enlisted for service because they were asked to do so. They fought because God had given them a love for their country and their king. These men didn't serve David with lip service and just tell him, “Man of God, I love you.” it was evident in their courageous actions. They grasped the vision that God had given the king, and that was their motivation. David didn't have to push and pull to get these men to serve; it was in their heart to do it. As a pastor, people like these are my heroes.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#3. They were a help to the ministry. (Verses 13 – 17):</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#990000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> At first glance, it looks like these men risked their lives in vain. David made a specific request, and when it was fulfilled, he wasted it. The sacrifice of these men was much more refreshing to him than any water could have been. It is so encouraging to see God’s people show up for church functions, knowing full well the sacrifices that were made for them to be there. To see white haired saints who can hardly move come to a work day at the church. To watch a young couple who work from sun up to sun down just to make ends meet take time that they need to spend with each other, and come to door to door visitation. To see God’s people come to Wednesday night prayer meeting with the joy of the Lord on their face after a long hard day at work. That is more of a help to a ministry than anything I can imagine. It sure is a blessing to a church and a pastor, when a hero comes along.</div> <bR> <div> <B>May 2009</B></div> <div> <B>“State of the Union (God and Man)”</B> </div> <div> <B>By: Bro. Jerry Poole</B></div> <div> <I>Bro. Poole is a friend and supporter of our home and pastors Faith Baptist Church in Lena, MS.</I> </div> <div> <B><U>Our Prior State:</U></B><B> </B></div> <div> <B>People believed the Word of God-</B></div> <div> Exodus 4:31-“And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited Israel, and that People feared and gave reverence he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.”</div> <div> Exodus 14:31-“And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and His servant, Moses.“</div> <div> <B>People would come and pray -</B></div> <div> Judges 21:2-“And the people came to the house of God, and abode there before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore;”</div> <div> Joshua 24:16-“And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;”</div> <div> Psalm 33:12-“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.”</div> <div> <B><U>Our Current State:</U></B></div> <div> Exodus 32:8-“They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought the up out of the land of Egypt.”</div> <div> Isaiah 53:6-“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.”</div> <div> Jeremiah 2:27-“Saying to a stock, thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: For they turned their back unto me, and not their face: But in the time of their trouble will say, Arise, and save us.”</div> <div> Jeremiah 32:33-“And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction.”</div> <div> Jeremiah 50:6-“My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.” </div> <div> Jeremiah 5:25-“Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins hath withholden good things from you.” </div> <div> Isaiah 5:20-“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” </div> <div> We have lost our spiritual balance and reserved our values.</div> <div> We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.</div> <div> We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.</div> <div> We have killed our unborn and called it a choice.</div> <div> We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.</div> <div> We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.</div> <div> We have abused power and called it politics.</div> <div> We have coveted our neighbors’ possessions and called it ambition.</div> <div> We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.</div> <div> We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightment.</div> <div> We have perverted the Word of God and called it better understanding.</div> <div> We have taken the traditions of men and called it worship.</div> <div> <B><U>Our Future State</U></B><B>:</B> <B>(The choice is ours, Destruction or Deliverance)</B></div> <div> <B>Destruction-</B></div> <div> Psalm 28:5-“Because they regard not the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands, he shall destroy them, and not build them up.”</div> <div> Proverbs 21:7-“The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them; because they refuse to do judgment.”</div> <div> Isaiah 13:9-“Behold the day of the Lord cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it.”</div> <div> <B>We must change our current path-</B></div> <div> Micah 2:10-“Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.”</div> <div> <B>Deliverance-</B></div> <div> Deut. 32:2-“My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:”</div> <div> Hosea 14:4-5-“I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.”</div> <div> Jeremiah 3:22-“Return ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.”</div> <div> <B>Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us:</B></div> <div> Ye call me Master and obey me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Light and see me not</div> <div> Ye call me Way and walk me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Life and choose me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Wise and follow me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Fair and love me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Rich and ask me not.</div> <div> Ye call me eternal and seek me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Noble and serve me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Gracious and trust me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Might and honor me not.</div> <div> Ye call me Just and fear me not.</div> <div> The works of yesterday will follow, unless the works of today out shadow.</div> <div> The pleasures of this world-money, security, material possessions,-can be dangerous, because their temporary satisfaction makes us indifferent to God’s offer of lasting satisfaction. If you find yourself feeling indifferent to church, to God, or to the Bible, you have begun to shut God out of your life.</div> <bR> <div> <B>April 2009</B></div> <div> <B>“Three Fools in the Bible”</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>By: Bro. David Harrell</B></div> <bR> <div> In the month of April we had what was known as “April Fool's Day.” While talking with a preacher friend of mine about this day, I began to ponder on this topic and decided to see what the bible has to say about “fools.” Upon studying, I found out that there are three different types of fools in the bible. The definition of the word fool means “stupid; wicked (especially impious-“irreverent; disrespectful”).”Here are the three types of fools in the bible.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#1. "The Lost Fool" - The fool that is open about his foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 14:1-"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 53:1-"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> This fool is the one that makes the atheistic statement “there is no God.” Obviously, we see why this person is described as foolish (or stupid); anyone who would say there is no God is definitely a fool. This statement signifies an empty fellow, a contemptible person, a villain. One who has a muddy head and an unclean heart; and, in his darkness and folly, says in his heart, "There is no God."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <I><B>Proverbs describes this fool:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1:7<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-does not want wisdom</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 1:22<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-hates knowledge</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 7:22<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-is led as a magnet to a harlot</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:8<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-a fool will despise correction and fall</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:18<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-a fool lies and slanders with their lips</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 10:23<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-does mischief as a sport</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:15<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-guides himself</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:16<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-is an angry person</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 12:23<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-brags about foolish actions</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 13:20<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-friendship with them leads to destruction</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 14:9<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-mock at sin</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 15:5<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-doesn't listen to their parent's instruction</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 17:7<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-has bad speech</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 17:21<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-his father has no joy</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 20:3<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-meddles with strife</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> 26:11<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#008000" FACE="Arial" >-always returns to his folly</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The Bible tells us there are two ways that you can know that there is a God<I><B>:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>1) By Creation-</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Romans 1:19, 20-“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 19:1-“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Psalm 97:6-“The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>2) By Conscience-</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Romans 2:14-16-“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#2. "The Religious Fool" - The fool that is blind to his foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Matt. 23:13-33<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Jesus is speaking to the multitude here and he warns them of a certain group; a group of religious people, known as the Pharisees and Scribes. The Pharisees are defined as “someone who was separated by a religion” and the Scribes were a writer, town secretary or clerk. </div> <div> He labels them as some definitions here:</div> <div> 1) <U>hypocrite</U>-an actor under an assumed character (stage-player), <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 13, 14, 15, 23, 25, 27, 29</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >)</FONT></div> <div> 2) <U>blinde guides</U>-blind leader<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 16, 24</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >)</FONT></div> <div> 3) <U>blind</U>-blind<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 17, 19, 26</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >),</FONT></div> <div> 4) <U>serpents</U>-a sly, cunning, malicious person, **title of Satan<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >, (</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 33</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >),</FONT></div> <div> 5) <U>generation of vipers</U>-poisonous snake <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >(v. 33)</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >,</FONT></div> <div> 6) <U>fools</U>-dull or stupid, <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >(</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" >v. 17, 19</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >). </FONT></div> <div> <I><B>Jesus then goes on to tell why they are a fool:</B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 3-"for they say, and do not"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 4-"they bind heavy burdens...will not move them with one of their fingers"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 5-"all their works they do for to be seen of men"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 6-" love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 7-"be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 13-"shut up the kingdom of heaven"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 14-"devour widows' houses... make long prayer"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 15-"proselyte"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 23-"pay tithe...and have omitted the weightier matters of the law"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> v. 25-"make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess"<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The lost fool denies that there is a God, the second fool denies the power of God in their life. They are blinded because of the things they do such as praying, fasting, tithing, etc. They feel that these religious acts make them worthy of Heaven.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> One such example of this is found in<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Arial" > Luke 18:10-14</FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >. T</FONT>he Pharisee in this story considered himself righteous but God thought differently considering the publican (tax collector) righteous. Thus the religious Pharisee was the fool because religion will never get anyone to Heaven.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B><U>#3. The Accused Fool" - The fool that is labeled for his "so-called" foolishness:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> I Corinthians 4:10-"We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Paul is speaking to the Corinthian Church and he tells them about the public spectacles among the Romans, where they were accustomed to hiss, hoot, mock, and variously insult the poor victims. Thus, Paul says that they were fools on Christ's account. When we walk in conformity to his will, and we bear his cross, we will be called a fool for Christ. For Christ's sake they chose a path of sorrow that made the world call them fools. **Notice that it was the world that called them fools.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> Titus :13, 14-" Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> We are a peculiar (“being beyond usual; special”) people and we don't fit in here in this world, therefore people will term us “fools.” This is the right fool to be because we are being associated with Christ and His sufferings. </div> <div> May we all strive to be the accused fool (by the world) and stand for our Lord.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> If you are a lost fool, realize today that there is a God and He wants to save you. If you are a religious fool, realize that religion and works will not save you and that you must trust Jesus as your Savior. If you have been accused as a fool, glorify God because you have taken part in His sufferings.<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> -DH</div> <bR> <div> <B>March 2009</B></div> <div> <I><B>“Who Me!”</B></I> </div> <div> By: Bro. Mike Ramsey </div> <div> (Bro. Ramsey is the pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Springville, AL.) </div> <div> Hebrews 10:7<B>-“</B>Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > What is the will of God? </FONT></div> <div> Luke 19:10<B>-“</B>For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > Jesus said in </FONT>Luke 22:42<B>-</B>“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >We are saved to do His will</FONT>. </div> <div> Ecclesiastes 12:13 – 14<B>-“</B>Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this <I>is</I> the whole <I>duty</I> of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether <I>it be</I> good, or whether <I>it be</I> evil.” </div> <div> <I><B><U>It Is A Personal Choice: “Then said I, Lo, I Come.”</U></B></I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B> </B></I></FONT></div> <div> Jesus’ entire life was wrapped around pleasing God. Our life should be wrapped around pleasing God. It is stated in the Word of God over and over that if we love Him we will obey Him. I am here to do Thy will even if it is a complete sacrifice. Jesus, Paul and others literally poured out their lives for God.</div> <div> Colossians 1:16<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > <A NAME="17"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></FONT><B>-“</B>For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether <I>they be</I> thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:” </div> <div> <I><B><U>It Is A Preserved Choice: “In the volume of the book it is written.”</U></B></I><I><B> </B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >A Puritan Catechism said, “What is the chief end of man?” Man’s chief end is to glorify God. </FONT>I Corinthians 10:31<B>-“</B>Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > And to enjoy him forever </FONT>Psalms 73:25 – 26<B>-“</B> Whom have I in heaven <I>but thee</I>? and <I>there is</I> none upon earth <I>that</I> I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: <I>but</I> God <I>is</I> the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” II Timothy 3:16<B>-“</B>All scripture <I>is</I> given by inspiration of God, and <I>is</I> profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”<FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > It cannot be spiritual if it is not scriptural. </FONT></div> <div> <I><B><U>It Is A Purposeful Choice: “to do thy will, O God.” </U></B></I></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >God’s will means His determination, His purpose, or His desire. We need to be faithful in Bible reading, faithful in church attendance, faithful in praying, and faithful in witnessing. This must be accomplished with delight, diligence, and dreams. It must not be duty.</FONT> Romans 12:1 – 2<B>-“</B>I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, <I>which is</I> your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what <I>is</I> that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” </div> <div> <I><B><U>How much of our lives is really in the will of God?</U></B></I><I><B> </B></I></div> <div> Every desire should be brought to the test of God’s will. If the desire is out of the will of God, it should be instantly dismissed as unworthy of us. Someone said, “The thing that I am afraid of the most is that I might succeed in doing that which is not God’s will.” </div> <div> <I><B>Until Jesus Comes!</B></I> </div> <div> Pastor Mike Ramsey </div> <div> Solid Rock Baptist Church </div> <div> 560 Mountain Drive </div> <div> Springville, Al. 35146 </div> <div> (205)-467-9770 </div> <div> www.solidrockbaptistonline.com</div> <bR> <div> <B>February 2009</B></div> <div> <B>"The Tricks of the Trapper"</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> <B>By: Evangelist Jeremiah Dixon </B></div> <div> <B>(II Corinthians 2:9 - 11) </B></div> <div> The Apostle Paul issued a solemn warning to the believers in the Corinthian Church. While addressing the subject of forgiveness, Paul admonished God's people not to be ignorant of the "devices" of the Devil. It would benefit every believer to be aware of the tricks of our enemy. </div> <div> <B><U>I. The TITLES of the Trapper!</U></B></div> <div> A. Satan</div> <div> (II Corinthians 2:11) </div> <div> B. Lucifer </div> <div> (Isaiah 14:12) </div> <div> C. The Devil </div> <div> (I Peter 5:8) </div> <div> D. The Great Dragon </div> <div> (Revelation 12:9) </div> <div> E. That Old Serpent </div> <div> (Revelation 12:9)</div> <div> <B><U>II. The TRICKS of the Trapper!</U></B> </div> <div> *Trappers use various devices and tricks for trapping animals. The tedious setting of traps is a skilled art. There are numerous examples of trappers in nature.</div> <div> 1. The Trapdoor Spider </div> <div> -This spider digs a burrow in the ground and covers </div> <div> the entrance with a trap door. The spider then waits </div> <div> under the trap for its prey. When it feels the footsteps </div> <div> of an insect, it pops open the door and catches the victim! </div> <div> 2. The Venus Fly Trap </div> <div> -This plant can be found off the coasts of the Carolinas. </div> <div> It has hairy leaves with two lobes at the end. The lobes </div> <div> fold together to trap and digest insects. </div> <div> *While both men and animals have become very skillful at trapping their prey, Satan could be considered the greatest Trapper of all time. He has been busy using his schemes, bait, lures, and traps to destroy the lives of God's people ever since the beginning in the garden of Eden. He disguises his traps in multiple ways, endeavoring to keep us blinded to his work. The Trapper has "snared" many saints of God through the years.</div> <div> A. The Trap of DOUBT! </div> <div> (Genesis 3:1 - 6, Ephesians 4:14) </div> <div> B. The Trap of DECEPTION! </div> <div> (Matthew 7:13 - 15, II Corinthians 11:3 – 4, II Corinthians 11:13 - 15, I Timothy 4:1 - 3) </div> <div> C. The Trap of DISCOURAGEMENT! </div> <div> (Numbers 21:4, Hebrews 12:2 - 3)</div> <div> <B><U>III. The TRIUMPH over the Trapper!</U></B> </div> <div> A. Renounce his Bargains! </div> <div> (Matthew 4:8 - 10, Ephesians 4:26 - 27) </div> <div> B.. Recite the Book! </div> <div> (Matthew 4:4, 4:7, 4:10, Ephesians 6:17) </div> <div> C. Rely upon the Blood! </div> <div> (John 10:10, I John 3:8, 4:4, Revelation 1:5, 12:11)</div> <div> *Jesus Christ not only trampled the traps, but also the Trapper!</div> <div> <B>Evangelist Jeremiah Dixon</B> </div> <div> <B>Knoxville, TN</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>January 2009</B></div> <div> <B>“How to Have a Biblical New Year”</B> </div> <div> <B>By: Bro. David Harrell</B> </div> <div> <B>Numbers 29: 1 - 6</B></div> <bR> <div> <B>“</B>And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. And ye shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savour unto the LORD; one young bullock, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish: And their meat offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three tenth deals for a bullock, and two tenth deals for a ram, And one tenth deal for one lamb, throughout the seven lambs: And one kid of the goats for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you: Beside the burnt offering of the month, and his meat offering, and the daily burnt offering, and his meat offering, and their drink offerings, according unto their manner, for a sweet savour, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD.” </div> <div> This passage of scripture is God speaking to Moses and he is giving him the details for what is known as the Feast of Trumpets. This feast was during the month of Tishri (7th month), which was the first month of the Jewish civil year. Which to us, would be known as the “New Year.” The Feast of Trumpets means “a memorial proclaimed with the blasts of horns.” </div> <div> During this day, all work ceased. This feast started on the first day and it was called <I>Rosh Hashanah. </I>Several interesting things happened on this day such as: 1) trumpets were sounded on this day all throughout the land, 2) several offerings were given, and 3) there was also a time of public reading of the law. Let's look at these three main things and see how we can have a biblical new year in 2009 by following these guidelines.</div> <div> <B><U>#1. The Trumpets Blown:</U></B> </div> <div> As we have already said, this was a day where trumpets were blown. Usually a trumpet was sounded in the temple at the time of an offering of a sacrifice, but this was different.. This was a day of blowing trumpets. A shofar (ram's horn) and two silver trumpets were sounded. </div> <div> Trumpets in the bible were used for many reasons such as: </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Calling assemblies </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Regulating the journeys of the children of Israel. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Blowing over the sacrifices on the feast day. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Blowing at all religious processions and ceremonies. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Assembling the people to war. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Proclaiming kings. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Giving alarm in cases of danger. </div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c866000000.png" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Associated with coming of Lord</div> <div> <B>1 Thessalonians 64:16</B> For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: </div> <div> <B>Joel 2:1</B> Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for <I>it is</I> nigh at hand;” </div> <div> Why is this important with us on our New Year's Service? </div> <div> Because we have a trumpet to blow. John the Baptist said it the best when he told the Pharisees that he was a “voice.” Romans says that we are to yield our members as instruments of righteousness. We need to sound the alarm that Jesus is coming soon. But we must not do it only in the temple, but yet in the whole land as they did on this day.</div> <div> <B><U>#2. The Offerings Made:</U></B> </div> <div> Offerings were given in the bible to picture the coming Messiah Jesus Christ. They were for purification from sin so that one could enter into a fellowship with God. There were all kinds of offerings in the bible: sin, trespass, peace, meal, drink, wave, burnt, etc. Usually there were eleven offerings on the first of every month, but on this day there was also a young bullock, a ram, and seven lambs. The offerings were of no value if the offerer did not do exactly what they were told to from God. Christ is our perfect lamb today so we do not have to make offerings of animals anymore. </div> <div> We are however commanded to offer some sacrifices still today though: </div> <div> <B>I Peter 2:5- </B>“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, <U>to offer up spiritual sacrifices</U>, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” </div> <div> We are told to offer our body a living sacrifice: </div> <div> <B>Romans 12:1</B>- “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” </div> <div> This sacrifice isn't even that costly to us. Notice Paul says it is “reasonable.” Today, quit all the resolutions about diets, hobbies, etc.; present a body sacrifice for the Lord.</div> <div> <B><U>#3. The Service Held:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> The service during this time was a service of joy and worship. </div> <div> Notice in <B>Nehemiah 8:1-6</B>. </div> <div> “And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.. … And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up: And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” </div> <div> During this Feast of the Trumpets, they had a service that day. They read the law publicly and they ended up worshipping God. What a glad thought that we are to rejoice and meditate on this day. This is the day that the Lord hath made. We must remember to worship Jesus Christ upon this day.</div> <div> <B><U>Conclusion:</U></B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000066" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <div> On this New Year's Day, we need to blow our trumpets, make our offering, and have a worship service. If we do these three things, we will have a biblical New Year's Day.</div> <div>  -<B>DH </B><A HREF="mailto:brodavidgeorgia@yahoo.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:brodavidgeorgia@yahoo.com"><B>brodavidgeorgia@yahoo.com</B></A></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>