tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76381001311722077332024-03-13T04:08:45.183-07:00Salt Light and TruthSALT LIGHT and TRUTH - Blogging from a Conservative Biblical PerspectiveParson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-27275931741296255432016-06-18T18:18:00.000-07:002016-06-18T18:18:10.271-07:00I Sought For A Man...<div style="border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt;">I Sought
For A Man…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Ezekiel 22:30<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Dr. David L. Brown<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ezekiel
22:30</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “And <u>I sought for a man</u> among them, that should make
up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not
destroy it: but I found none.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Outline<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
Sought For A Man…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Lean</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">II.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Lead</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">III.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Love</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Manhood is under attack in America! I
read an article by David L. Goetsch called <i>Neutering
The Male of The Species: The Feminization Of American Society</i>. </span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Feminists are neutering the American male and
the American male is letting it happen. In his book, <em>Missing from Action:
Vanishing Manhood in America, </em>author Welden M. Hardenbrook writes:
“Over the years I have had the privilege of working with the broad spectrum of
men who can only be found in America. No matter who they have been—capitalists,
communists, college students, dropouts, Christians, atheists, blacks, whites,
young, or old—they have had one problem in common. They have suffered to one
degree or another from the touch of the <em>feminizing forces </em>that have taken over
the land. These men have not been sure what it means to be a man…They are men
who refuse to take responsibility. Their <em>passivity </em>and <em>inaction </em>ensure
that…<em>leadership
</em>in their homes belongs to their wives.” Hardenbrook might have
added that it isn’t just in the home </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">where
men are no longer leaders.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today is Father’s Day. God is
seeking for men, biblical men. I want to address that the qualities of biblical
manhood and fatherhood are. Being a man, functioning as a man, taking
responsibility as a man, thinking like a man, acting like a man, working like a
man, all of these are prerequisites to being a good Father! You cannot be a
good father until you are a good man, biblical man. God is seeking biblical
men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I Sought For A Man…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That Has <u>Learned To Lean</u>
[upon the Lord]<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs
3:5</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto
thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
<b>For Salvation </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eph.
2:8-9</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of <u>works</u>, lest any <u>man</u>
should boast.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has designed men to be “in
control and to “make things happen.” However, this can be a disadvantage. It is
often difficult for a man to yield to the control of the Holy Spirit &
accept Christ as Savior and let Him be in control of his life. A good man
realizes he is under the authority of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leans on the Lord…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">B.
For Strength <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah
40:30-31 “</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even the youths shall faint and be
weary, and the young <u>men</u> shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon
the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Isaiah 41:10</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">
“Fear thou not; for I <i>am</i> with thee: be not dismayed; for I <i>am</i> thy
God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee
with the right hand of my righteousness.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leans on the Lord…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">C.
For Supply <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Phililippians 4:19 “</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But
my <u>God shall supply</u> all your need according to his riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">To be sure, the Lord expects us to be
diligent! Solomon wrote, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do <i>it</i>
with thy might….” <b>Ecc. 9:10</b>. God
expects a husband and father to provide for his wife and children. Remember however, it is God who gave you your
brain and gifts. It is God who gives your health. It is God who will see you
through the challenges of life if you will look to him! Our Lord taught his
disciples to pray – “Give us this day our daily bread and lead us not into
temptation but deliver us from evil. (<b>Mat.
6:11 & 13</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
is God’s design that a husband and father provide for his family. Paul wrote to
Timothy –</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“If any
provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath
denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” (<b>1 Tim. 5:8). <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Considering
all of that, we need to remember we belong to God. <b>Psalm 100:3 </b>reminds us – “Know ye that the LORD he <i>is</i> God: <i>it
is</i> he <i>that</i> hath made us, and not we ourselves; <i>we are</i> his
people, and the sheep of his pasture.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Our
Creator wants what is best for us (<b>Jer.
29:11</b>). The Lord is to take TOP priority in our lives and when that is
true, He will see our needs are met. <b>Mat
6:33</b> “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all
these things shall be added unto you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leans on the Lord…</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
D. For Soundness </span></b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Reasoning/Wisdom)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are two sources of wisdom in
the world – God’s Wisdom and the corrupt wisdom of Satan (<b>James 3:13-18</b>). Obviously when you need wisdom the place to go is
to the Bible and find out what God has to say. We read in <b>James 1:5</b> “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that
giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” This
is the one of only two prayers any person can pray which the answer is always
yes! Calling on the Lord for Salvation is the other – <b>Romans 10:13</b>].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Going to the godless world for
wisdom is dangerous. We are warned in <b>1
Corinthians 3:19</b> that “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">the
wisdom of this world is foolishness with God….” God blesses those who refuse to
seek and follow the council of the ungodly (<b>Psalm 1</b>).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A good man, a biblical man has <i>learned to lean</i></span></u><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.
<b>I Sought For A Man…</b></span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">II.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">That
Has <u>Learned to Lead</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
A. His Flesh <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
we get saved, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. We have a new nature.
Ephesians says, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">put
on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
(<b>Ephesians 4:24</b>). Yet, know this you
still have the “old man” or the flesh. <b>Verse
22</b> of the same chapter says “put off concerning the former conversation the
old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A biblical man learns to lead by
rejecting the “flesh” and walking is the Spirit. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Galatians 5:16-17</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> “This I say then, Walk in the
Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth
against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary
the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” <b>Galatians 2:20 </b>reminds us, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am
crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me:
and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of
God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Men, we have to lead our flesh or our flesh will lead us! We
need to walk in the Spirit! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A biblical man is a man who has learned to lead…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">B.
His Family <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5zFi7_5ONk/V2Xye0_Wt3I/AAAAAAAAANw/KXsvn4RFLb4Jhyebw3ZzZyf3jmowiznAwCLcB/s1600/umbrella%2BCommand%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5zFi7_5ONk/V2Xye0_Wt3I/AAAAAAAAANw/KXsvn4RFLb4Jhyebw3ZzZyf3jmowiznAwCLcB/s640/umbrella%2BCommand%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ephesians
5:23 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">says, “For the husband is the head of the wife, even as
Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.” Headship
is NOT being the dreaded dictator. To be sure, “the husband is the head of the
wife.” However, he is to be the loving leader. A body only has one head. All of
the other members function per the direction of the head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That does not mean the woman is
inferior. The ground is level at the cross (<b>Gal. 3:28</b>) to be sure! However, God has established a chain of
command that is to be followed. We read of it in </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Corinthians 11:3</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> “But I would have
you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman <i>is</i>
the man; and the head of Christ <i>is</i> God.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Men, listen: <u>Headship is not a
privilege as much as it is a responsibility! </u>The hardest think you will
ever do is be a good biblical husband to your wife and a good biblical father
to your children. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">In about 1252 B.C. Eli was the
High Priest and judge in Israel. He took good care of the Temple, but not his
own children. He had two sons named Hophni and Phinehas who are said to be sons
of Belial (<b>1 Samuel 2:12</b>). They had
sex with the servant girls of the Temple and took meat from the people that was
meant to be used in sacrifice (<b>1 Sam.
2:15-17 & 22</b>). Eli knew all about what his sons were doing and even
talked to them (<b>22-23</b>). But that was
NOT enough. God expected Eli to stop their behavior (<b>1 Sam 3:13</b>). He refused to step up to the plate and stop his sons.
As a result, God killed his sons. When hearing the news, he fell off of his
seat and dies after judging Israel for 40 years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Men, <u>God expects
you to lead your wife and family</u>. God expects you to have your wife and
family in order! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I Sought
For A Man…<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">III.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">That Has Learned to Love<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.45in; text-indent: -0.3in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The
Father (the Lord)</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.15in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">Mark 12:30</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength:
this <i>is</i> the first commandment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;">1 John 5:1-3</span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"> “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of
God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten
of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, <u>when we love
God, and keep his commandments</u>. 3 <u>For
this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments</u>: and his
commandments are not grievous.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.15in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.45in; text-indent: -0.3in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Their
Families <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">I
have written an entire chapter on a husband loving his wife. Suffice it to say
that </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God admonishes every husband to love his wife. </span><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Ephesians 5:25 & 28</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">
“<u>Husbands, love your wives</u>, even as Christ also loved the church, and
gave himself for it; 28 So <u>ought men to love their wives as their own bodies</u>.
He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Just
for the record, the <b><i>love</i></b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> as used here is far more than
affection or erotic love. It is more than emotional feeling or
satisfaction. What is in focus here is <i>agape
</i>love. </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The essence of agape love is goodwill,
benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It means that you are going to seek
the welfare and happiness of the person loved. That means that my effort will
be to make the object of my love secure, content, and comfortable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What about the children? Shouldn’t
we love them? The answer is yes! However, there is no direct command telling
dads to love their children like there is concerning the wife. However, there
are passages that indicate it is the proper norm to love your children. Paul
indicates that in the last days men shall be lovers of themselves and not their
children & family. The phrase “without natural affection” (<b>Rom. 1:31; 2 Tim. 3:3</b>) is a translation
of the Greek word </span><span style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">αστοργοι<span lang="EL"> - </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">astorgoi which means without
family love.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There is more. <b>Proverbs 13:24</b> says that a father who loves his children son will chasten
him diligently. It is the Hebrew word used for love of family. Again in <b>Proverbs 3:11-12</b> is the Lord corrects
those He loves “even as a father the some in whom he delighteth.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A godly father loves his family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.45in; text-indent: -0.3in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">C.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Fallen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">James
2:8 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">says the “royal law according to the Scripture” is to “love
thy neighbor as thyself.” A biblical man is concerned about the souls of those
who are unsaved. He lets his life shine before men so they can see his godly
character and he opens his mouth and shares the Gospel so they have the
opportunity to be saved (<b>2 Corinthians
5:17-20</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
D. The Fellowship (with other believers in the body)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It begins with worshipping together
at church</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - <b>Hebrews 10:24-25</b> “</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Open Sans";">And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is;
but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day
approaching.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It continues as you serve together</span></u><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> - Paul thanks God “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">For
your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.” (<b>Phil. 1:5</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">It build us up as we “sharpen”
each other’s</span></u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">
iron - Proverbs 27:17 “Iron
sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” When
<b>iron </b>is rubbed against another piece of <b>iron</b> it shapes and <b>sharpens
</b>it. Similarly people can help each other improve by their discussions,
criticisms, suggestions, and ideas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="background: white; color: #23221f; font-family: "Open Sans";">Conclusion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
Sought For A Man - A man of God is one…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Lean</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">II.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Lead</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">III.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That
Has <u>Learned to Love</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-88674477051004642162015-12-17T16:50:00.000-08:002015-12-17T16:59:49.683-08:00<br />
<div style="border: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;">
<div align="center" style="border-image: none; border: medium; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Eternal Security!?</span></div>
<div align="center" style="border-image: none; border: medium; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. David L. Brown</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt;">EternalSecurity.2015</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">No chapter in the Bible has disturbed and
worried people more than has <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 6, </b>specifically
verses <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4-6</b>. Tragically many people
use these verses as a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proof text </i></b>to support their errant
view that a believer can lose his or her salvation. It says - “For <i>it is</i>
impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly
gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good
word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If they shall fall away, to
renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of
God afresh, and put <i>him</i> to an open shame.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 3pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">These verses have been misunderstood and
misapplied by many. Also, there are too many who make the error of developing
doctrine based on obscure verses. I would remind you that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>we are to interpret the obscure by the obvious</u></b>. There are
MANY verses in the Scriptures that assure the true believer that he or she can
never be lost! </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
I do not want to give a false assurance to any professed Christian who is NOT
truly born again, neither do I want to cause a TRUE believer to stumble and doubt
God’s truth concerning Salvation</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Following are some <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">OBVIOUS</b> verses that assure the true believer that their salvation
is secure, they cannot lose it. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Christ Is The One Who Gives Eternal Life to
His Sheep and He Is the One Who Keeps Them - John 10:28-30</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “And I [Jesus] give unto them [His sheep;
those who have believed] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>eternal life</u></b>;
and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>they shall never perish</u></b>,
neither shall any <i>man</i> <u>pluck them out of my hand</u>. 29 My Father,
which gave <i>them</i> me, is greater than all; and no <i>man</i> is able to <u>pluck
<i>them</i> out of my Father's hand</u>. 30 I and <i>my</i> Father are one.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">This
is one of the clearest statements in the Bible that one who believes in Jesus
for salvation will never be lost. Believers sin and stumble, but Jesus as the
perfect Shepherd loses none of His flock. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Note
the phrase, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I give unto them eternal
life</b>….” If you believe in Christ today and have eternal life, but you lose
it tomorrow, then the life that was given was NOT “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">eternal</b>” at all. Therefore, if you can lose your salvation, the
promises of eternal life in the Bible are erroneous. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“They
shall never perish”</span></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> is a strong affirmation in the Greek: <i>ou mē apolōntai
eis ton aiōna</i> (“they will indeed not ever perish”; cf. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 3:16</span></b>, <i>mē apolētai</i>, “should not perish”). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The security of the sheep is found in the
ability of the Shepherd to defend and preserve His flock</b>. Such security
does not depend on the ability of the frail sheep. Note the word “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">pluck</b>.” It means to carry off by force;
to snatch away. No wolf, no thief, no bandit, on hireling, no demon, not even
the devil can pluck the sheep out of Christ’s grasp! We are safe and secure in our
Heavenly Father and His Son’s Hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Christ
Promises That Those Who Come To Him Are Secure</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 6:37</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “All that the Father giveth me shall come to
me; and <u>him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out</u>.”</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I really appreciate this verse. However, I admit it does annoy the
Calvinists though. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Election and free will are both in this verse. “All that the
father giveth me shall come to me” states a truth, and that is election. But
wait a minute! “And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” is also
true, and “him that cometh to me” is free will. I don't know how to reconcile
them, but they are both true. The Father gives men to Christ, but men of their
own free will have to come. And the ones that come are the ones, apparently,
whom the Father gives to Him. You and I are down here, and we don't see into
the operation of God and the machinery of heaven. I don't know how God runs
that computer of election, but <u>I know that He has given to you and to me a
free will and we have to exercise it</u>.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Charles H. Spurgeon was a
Calvinist of sorts. Yet, he preached a “whosoever will” Gospel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone said to Spurgeon, “If I believed like
you do about election, I wouldn't preach like you do.” </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Spurgeon's answer went
something like this, “If the Lord had put a yellow stripe down the backs of the
elect, I'd go up and down the street lifting up shirttails, finding out who had
the yellow stripe, and then I'd give them the Gospel. But God didn't do it that
way. He told me to preach the gospel to every creature that ‘whosoever will may
come.’” Jesus says, “… <u>and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out</u>.”
</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So, my Calvinist friends,
you can argue about election all you want to, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>but you can come. And if you come, He'll not cast you out</u></b>.
Jesus assured them that nobody who came to Him would ever be lost but would be
raised at the last day. Even death cannot rob us of salvation! (In regard to
the “last day,” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 6:40</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">).</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Holy Spirit Seals The Believer -
Ephesians 1:13-14</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“In whom ye also <i>trusted,</i> after that
ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after
that ye believed, ye were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>sealed with
that holy Spirit </u></b>of promise,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14
Which is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the earnest of our
inheritance</u></b> until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the
praise of his glory. </span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In the Bible a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">seal</b> signifies
1) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Finished Transaction</i></b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jeremiah
32:9-10</b>). 2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ownership</i></b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jeremiah
32:11-12</b>; <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Timothy 2:19</b>) 3) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Security</i></b>
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Esther 8:8; Daniel 6:17; Ephesians 4:30</b>)</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">God places the Holy Spirit in us permanently (He indwells us, taking up
permanent residence) indicating that the great transactions in which God the
Son paid for sin, thus satisfying the just demand of God’s Holy Law is FINISHED
(<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 19:30</b>). The believer’s body
becomes “the temple of the Holy Ghost” and we are OWNED by God for we have been
bought with a price (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians
6:19-20</b>). And clearly, we are SECURE for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 4:30</b> says, “<u>ye are sealed unto the day of redemption</u>.”
If believers did not have eternal security, the sealing could not truly be unto
the day of redemption, but only to the day of sinning, apostasy, or disbelief. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Those Who Believe Are Guaranteed Everlasting
Life -</span></b><a href="http://biblia.com/bible/esv/John%203.15-16" target="_blank"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">John
3:15-16</span></b></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">That whosoever believeth</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> in him should not perish, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>have
eternal life</u></b>. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, <u>that whosoever believeth in him</u> should not perish, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>have everlasting life</u></b>.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">These verses tell us that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">whoever
believes</b> in Jesus Christ will "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">have
eternal life</b>." If a person were to be promised eternal life, but then
have it taken away, it was never "eternal" to begin with. If eternal
security is not true, the promises of eternal life in the Bible would be in
error.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Another supporting passage is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John
5:24</b> “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and
believeth on him that sent me, hath <u>everlasting life</u>, and <u>shall not
come into condemnation</u>; but is passed from death unto life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ye Must Be Born-Again Not Again & Again</span></b></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">John 1:12-13</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “But as many as received him, to them gave
he power to become the sons of God, <i>even</i> to them that believe on his
name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of
the will of man, but of God.”</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Once you are born, you cannot be unborn. Jesus said you must be
born-again, not you must be born-again and again (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 3:7</b>). In facts since we are God’s children we are heirs of God
and joint-heirs with Christ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 8:17</b>).
When His children sin, God does not kick them out of the family back into the
dominion of the devil for we have been delivered from the power of darkness and
translated into the Kingdom of Christ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Col.
1:13-14</b>), but, as a proper human father deals with an errant child, God our
father disciplines his children (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrews
12:4-13</b>). Once you are born into the family of God you can never be unborn.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "symbol"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Nothing Can Separate Us From Christ Who
Redeemed Us </span></b></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Perhaps the most powerful proof for eternal security is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 8:31-39</b>. Our eternal security is
based on God's love for those whom He has redeemed. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Our eternal security is purchased by Christ, promised by the Father,
and sealed by the Holy </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Spirit</span></b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">I am SURE that God the Father, His Son and my
Savior Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit will keep me saved! Paul
writes in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">2 Timothy 1:12 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for <u>I know whom I have believed, and am
persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against
that day</u>.”</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">THE
PROBLEM PASSAGE IN FOCUS</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hebrews 6:4-6</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “For <i>it is</i> impossible for those who were once enlightened, and
have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And
have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6 If
they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify
to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put <i>him</i> to an open shame.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Those who believe Christians can lose their
salvation appeal to these verses as “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">proof</i>”
of their theory. Then there are those like me who believe </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">we are to interpret the obscure
by the obvious</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">. As I showed you in my
last message there are many verses that clearly teach that true believers can
never lose their salvation. So what is the meaning of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 6:4-6</b> “For <i>it is</i> impossible for those who were <u>once
enlightened</u>, and have <u>tasted of the heavenly gift</u>, and were <u>made
partakers of the Holy Ghost</u>, 5 And have <u>tasted the good word of God</u>,
and <u>the powers of the world to come</u>, 6 If they shall fall away, to renew
them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God
afresh, and put <i>him</i> to an open shame.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">First</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> of all, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the
writer IS describing saved people</b>. We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 4</b> they were “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>once </u></b><u>enlightened</u>.”
The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">once</i></b> is a first <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">aorist
passive articular participle</i>, which indicates it means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>once and for all</u></i></b><u>
enlightened</u>, indicating an experience of true salvation. They have “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>tasted</u></b><u> [experienced] of the
Heavenly gift</u>,” the gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
They were “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>partakers</u> </b>[sharers]
<u>of the Holy Ghost”</u>, “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>tasted </u></b><u>[experienced]
the good word of God</u> and “<u>the powers of the world to come</u>.” Clearly
believers are being addressed here.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">second</b>
thing to note is the <u>focus is on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repentance</b></u>,
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT</b><u> </u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">salvation</b>. </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The writer of Hebrews is <u>talking about the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>fruit</i></b> of salvation, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not</b> about <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the <i>root</i> of salvation</b></u>. Notice verse <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hebrews 6:9</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span>- “But, beloved, we are
persuaded better things of you, and things that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>accompany</u></b>
salvation [he hasn't been discussing salvation but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the things that accompany
salvation</i></b>], though we thus speak.” </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">He is
speaking of the fruit of the Christian's life and the reward that comes to him
as the result. The whole tenor of this passage is that he is warning them of
the possibility of losing their reward not losing their salvation`. I am
talking about the Judgment Seat of Christ before which all believers will
appear (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Corinthians 5:10</b>). Our
works will be tested there by fire (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1
Corintians 3:11-15</b>).</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Now to the troublesome verse: - <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">“If they shall <u>fall away</u>, to renew them again unto
repentance; seeing they <u>crucify</u> to themselves the Son of God afresh, and
<u>put</u> <i>him</i> to an open shame.” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">v.6</b>).
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The phrase <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fall away </b>is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">NOT</i></b> </span><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">apostasia,</span></i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> from
which we get the English word “apostasy.” It is It is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>parapipto</i></b><i>,</i> (<i>par-ap-ip'-to</i>)
which means “<u>to fall beside, to deviate, to turn aside, to wander</u>.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">It is
similar to the word for “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fault</b>,” as
found in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Galatians 6:1</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span>(“if a man be overtaken in a fault [trespass]”).
So, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hebrews 6:6</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span>describes
believers who have experienced the spiritual blessings of God but <u>who fall
by the side, backslidden or trespassed because of unbelief</u>. Having done
this, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u style="text-underline: double;">they
are in danger of divine chastening</u></b> (see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hebrews 12:5-13</span></b>)
and of becoming <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">castaways</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 9:24-27</span></b>), which <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">results in loss of reward and divine disapproval, but NOT loss of
salvation</b>.</span></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You
should also note that the words “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">crucify</b>”
and “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">put</b>” in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Hebrews 6:6</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span>are, in the Greek,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> present participles</b>: “<u>while they <i>are</i>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>crucifying</i></b></u><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>. . . and <u>while they <i>are</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>putting</i></b> Him to an open shame</u>.”
That means, the writer IS NOT SAYING that these people could <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>never</i></b> be brought to repentance. <u>He
said that they could not be brought to repentance <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>while</i> <i>they</i> <i>were</i> <i>treating</i> <i>Jesus</i> <i>Christ</i>
<i>in</i> <i>such</i> <i>a</i> <i>shameful</i> <i>way</i></b></u>. Once they
stop disgracing Jesus Christ in this way, they can be brought to repentance and
renew their fellowship with God.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There are
many examples in Scripture of men who “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fell
away</b>.” The apostle <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Peter fell</u></b>,
but he was not lost. The Lord Jesus said to him, "I have prayed that your
faith might not fail" (see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Luke 22:32</span></b>). Peter suffered
loss, but he was not lost. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">John Mark</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> is another example. He failed so miserably
on the first missionary journey that when his uncle Barnabas suggested that he
go on the second journey, Paul turned him down. He as much as said, “Never.
This boy has failed, and as far as I am concerned, I am through with him” (see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Act 15:37-39</span></b>). Well, thank God, although he stumbled and
fell, <i>God</i> was not through with him. Even the apostle Paul, before he
died, acknowledged that he had made a misjudgment of John Mark. In his last
epistle he wrote, "… Take Mark and bring him with thee; for he is useful
to me for ministering" (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">2 Timothy 4:11</span></b>). Now,
neither Peter nor John Mark lost his salvation, but they certainly failed and
they suffered loss for it.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There is two
final points I want to address. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First</b>,
lose, sinful living by a believer can so damage his or her testimony that
others blaspheme, mock and deride Christ. You can so destroy your testimony
that you become unusable by the Lord. Paul speaks of this in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 9:27</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “But I keep under my body, and bring <i>it</i> into subjection: lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a <u>castaway</u>.”
That means unworthy and unusable. Those who are castaway’s have not lost their
salvation, but they have lost their testimonies and damaged the name of Christ
to such an extent that they are no longer useable. They will be saved, but “yet
so as by fire!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 3:15</b>).
Those who are genuinely saved cannot lose their salvation but they can lose
their testimonies and put Christ to open shame. I know of several instances
where this has happened. Sin destroyed the persons testimony, caused people to
mock Christ, destroyed the church and has had long lasting consequences for
several generations.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Finally, there are people who have done the “1, 2, 3 pray
after me” thing, and there has never been a change in their lives. There is no
fruit, not even a dried raisin. Then there are others who professions of faith
for some reason or other for ulterior motives. I remember a young man who went
and asked a dad if he could date his daughter. The dad said, are you a
born-again believer. The young man answered “No!” The dad said, “You may not
until you get saved.” That Sunday, the young man responded to the invitation
and “trusted Christ.” He got baptized, and joined the church and a year later
he and the young lady were married. He continued to attend church, later taught
a Sunday school class, sang in the choir and even became a Trustee. However, more
than two decades later, walked the aisle during an invitation and confessed to
the people he was not really saved. He made a profession so he could marry the
young lady. That evening, this middle aged man got GLORIOUSLY SAVED!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">So, what is
my point? Be SURE you are genuinely saved. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">2 Corinthians 13:5</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Examine
yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your
own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”</span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">There is NO
chance in eternity to change your destiny!</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-12312350733476956812015-06-27T17:52:00.000-07:002015-06-27T17:52:08.247-07:00Truth Is Fallen In The Street<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Dublin","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Truth Is Fallen In The Street</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">By Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Truth Is Fallen In The Streets. 06282015</span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Isaiah
59:12-15</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For our <u>transgressions are multiplied</u>
before thee, and <u>our sins testify against us</u>: for our transgressions <i>are</i>
with us; and <i>as for</i> our iniquities, we know them; 13 In <u>transgressing</u>
and <u>lying against the LORD</u>, and <u>departing away from our God</u>,
speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of
falsehood. 14 And <u>judgment is turned away backward</u>, and <u>justice
standeth afar off</u>: for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>truth is
fallen in the street</u></b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>equity</u>
</b>[right] <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>cannot enter</u></b>. 15 Yea,
<u>truth faileth</u>; and he <i>that</i> departeth from evil <u>maketh himself
a prey: and the LORD saw <i>it,</i> and it displeased him that <i>there was</i>
no judgment.”</u></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: auto;" />
</span>
<br />
<div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God’s Prophet Isaiah lays out Israel’s spiritual
condition. Their transgressions against God had multiplied to such an extent
that they became so corrupt spiritually their justice system was characterized
as “judgment turned away backward,” meaning judgment had turned its back on
justice. Truth was disregarded and is characterized as being “<u>fallen in the
streets</u>.” Right or “equity” barred from entering. There was such a flagrant
disregard for truth, to the extent, that those who stood against evil and for
the truth became the target of derision, mockery and persecution (“maketh
himself a prey”). Israel’s sin, deliberate rebellion against the Lord, lying,
injustice, and persecution of those who stood for righteousness, brought God’s
wrath down upon them. God is NOT mocked!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tragically, our nation is following the same
path that Israel followed. Over my lifetime I have seen <u>“truth” fall in the </u>streets
so to speak. </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">Slowly but surely an unelected committed of nine judges (the Justices of
the Supreme Court of the United States) have thrown Biblical truth in the
street, robbed the People for their freedom of religion, taken away their liberty
to govern themselves, and have set up our nation for the Judgment of God. Let
me trace for you how, in the United States, “judgment is </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">turned away backward, and justice
standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">SCOTIS</span></u></b><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S</b>upreme <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">C</b>ourt <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">O</b>f <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">T</b>he
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">U</b>nited <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">S</b>tates) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Decisions</b></span></u></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">Engel
v. Vitale - "The Regents School Prayer" - 1962</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The New York school system had adopted a prayer
to be said before the start of each day's classes. (I will remember my kindergarten
teacher leading in prayer when I was in school). This prayer was to help <u>promote
good moral characte</u>r of the students, <u>spiritual training</u> and <u>help
combat juvenile delinquency</u>. The Regents wrote a prayer for the schools
which had to be non-sectarian or denominational. It was so bland that it became
known to some religious leaders as the "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to whom it may concern prayer</i>." <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is the Regents School Prayer - <b>Almighty God, we
acknowledge our dependence upon thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our
parents, our teachers and our Country.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The court Warren court ignored the plainly
stated truth of the Founding Fathers that stated that <u>religion and morality
were to be a part of our society and government</u> and instead <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">expelled prayer</b> from the public schools
for the first time. George Washington said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Religion
and morality are the essential pillars of civil society.” </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also said, </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">“It is the duty of all nations to
acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful
for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.” </span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Noah Webster said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">"[T]he Christian religion, in its purity, is the basis, or rather
the source of all genuine freedom in government. . . . and I am persuaded that
no civil government of a republican form can exist and be durable in which the
principles of that religion have not a controlling influence." </span></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Supreme
Court by majority vote thumbed their noses at our Founding Father and what is
exceedingly worse, at God.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">Murray v. Curlett "School
Prayer" - 1963</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Madalyn Murray O'Hair, a militant left wing
atheist with close ties to the American Communist Party, took the school board
of Baltimore to court for allowing prayer in school. The local court judge J.
Gilbert Pendergast dismissed the petition stating, “<u>It is abundantly clear
that petitioners' real objective is to drive every concept of religion out of
the public school system</u>.” The case went to the Maryland Court of Appeals,
and the court ruled, “neither the First nor the Fourteenth Amendment was
intended to stifle all rapport [relationship] between religion and government.”
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The case was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Leonard Kerpelman addressed the court saying the Constitution had erected a
"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wall of separation</i></b>" between church and state, at which
point Justice Potter Steward interrupted, asking where this wording appears.
Kerpelman was stumped and an embarrassing silence followed. When he regained
his composure, he stated that the text was not explicit on the point but that
it had been interpreted to mean so. Actually that is NOT true. The phrase “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wall of separation</i>” was in a private
letter of Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The thing that troubles me is this. Not a single
Christian organization filed a brief in support of school prayer, so the case
went virtually uncontested before the Court. <u>The Supreme Court ruled 8 to 1
in favor of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">abolishing school prayer and
Bible reading in the public schools</b></u>. Justice Tom Clark wrote, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">religious freedom, it has long been
recognized that government must be neutral and, while protecting all, must prefer
none and disparage none</i>.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">Abington
Township School District v. Schempp - "Bible reading in school" -
1963</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
Pennsylvania school system complied with a state law requiring that <u>ten
verses of Scripture be read every day</u>. The readings were without
interpretation, comment or questions asked, and any student could request to be
excused. It was voluntary without coercion, and the Schempp girl never asked to
be excused and <u>even volunteered to read the Bible on occasions</u>. <i>(This
point was not brought up when the case was before the Supreme Court.)</i>
Yet the parents brought the case to court on grounds that it was
coercion. This case came to the Supreme Court at the same time as
the Murray v. Curlett case, and <u>the court ruled on them together</u>. After
these last 2 cases were decided, the court’s ruling stated that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Prayer and / or Bible reading was a
violation of the establishment clause of the first amendment</b>. <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">In so ruling the court established a secular
religion for our school system, thus violating the <u>"establishment
clause"</u> of the First Amendment.</span></i> <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">And thus <b>the First Amendment has been completely revised with regard
to religious freedom, putting the restrictions on the people and not the
government</b>.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">Noah Webster who was called the School Master of the United States
because of the use his Blue Back Speller in public schools, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(the speller was packed full of Biblical principles
and biblical moral teachings) said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The
Bible must be considered as the great source of all truth by which men are to
be guided in government as well as in all social transactions.”</i> Yet, the
majority of nine unelected men on the U. S. Supreme Court ruled that <u>the
Bible and prayer must be excluded from our public schools</u>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">These rulings attacked our God given right to
exercise our religion publically. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Public Schools became a NO GOD ZONE. Prayer
to God and Bible reading were removed from put public schools</i></b>. Today, students
who bring their Bible and read them or who pray or who write papers about Jesus
Christ, the Bible and God are regularly threatened and in numerous instances, expelled.
To combat that parents have to engage a lawyer to fight for their child’s 1<sup>st</sup>
Amendment rights.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Roe v. Wade - 1973</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is the Supreme Court decision overturning a Texas interpretation of
abortion law and making abortion legal in the United States. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Roe v. Wade attacked our God-given right-to-life</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> and has shifted our nations focus
from being a life focused culture to a death focused culture. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs
8:35-36</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “For whoso
findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD. 36<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his
own soul: all they that hate me love death.” Innocent blood has been shed! 50
million babies have been murdered by abortion in this nation. Our nation has
sown to the wind and is reaping the whirlwind.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Now we come to the most recent
abominable Supreme Court ruling -</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Obergefell v. Hodges - 2015</span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">This ruling decreed that so called “same
sex marriage” (an oxymoronic phrase) must be recognized in all 50 states of
these United States. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Our Governor Scott Walker said, </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“<u>I believe this Supreme
Court decision is a grave mistake</u>. Five unelected judges have taken it upon
themselves to redefine the institution of marriage, an institution that the
author of this decision acknowledges ‘has been with us for millennia.'” </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In fact, God established
marriage in Eden. We read in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Genesis 2:24</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Therefore shall a <u>man</u> leave
his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his <u>wife</u>: and they
shall be one flesh.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Justice Clarence Thomas</span></u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> said that the court’s “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">decision threatens the religious liberty
our Nation has long sought to protect</b>.” The First Amendment to the
Constitution guarantees “the free exercise” of religion—which is not confined
to “worship” that takes place within a religious building, but engages all
aspects of a person’s life. “Aside from undermining the political processes
that protect our liberty, the majority’s decision threatens the religious
liberty our Nation has long sought to protect,” Thomas said in his dissent.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">“In our society, marriage is not simply a
governmental institution; it is a religious institution as well,” said Thomas.
“Today’s decision might change the former, but it cannot change the latter. It
appears all but inevitable that the two will come into conflict, particularly
as individuals and churches are confronted with demands to participate in and
endorse civil marriages between same-sex couples…The majority appears unmoved
by that inevitability,” Thomas concluded.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Justice Antonin Scalia</span></u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> declared that this
Supreme Court has become a “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">threat to American democracy</i></b>.” Here
is the quote. “I write separately to call attention to this Court’s threat to
American democracy,” Scalia said. “This practice of constitutional revision by
an unelected committee of nine, always accompanied (as it is today) by extravagant
praise of liberty, robs the People of the most important liberty they asserted
in the Declaration of Independence and won in the Revolution of 1776: <u>the
freedom to govern themselves</u>.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">I would make
this observation as well. Traditional marriage. Biblical Marriage is the
backbone of society. Marriage unites a man and a woman as husband and wife so
that the children will have both a father and a mother. Further, <span style="background: white;">Marriage is based on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the anthropological truth</u></b> that men and woman are distinct
and complementary and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>biological
fact</u></b> that reproduction depends on a man and a woman, and the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>social reality</u></b> that children fare
best with a mother and a father. </span><u>Redefining marriage to make it <a href="http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2013/03/marriage-what-it-is-why-it-matters-and-the-consequences-of-redefining-it"><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; color: black; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in;">a genderless institution
fundamentally changes marriage</span></a></u>: It makes the relationship more
about the desires of adults than about the needs—or rights—of children. It
teaches <a href="http://dailysignal.com/2015/06/16/new-york-times-ignores-children-of-gay-parents-who-want-a-mom-and-dad/"><span style="border-image: none; border: 1pt windowtext; color: black; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-themecolor: text1; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">the lie that mothers and fathers are interchangeable</span></a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: text1;">Please
understand, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">while the Court changed the
definition of marriage, <u>THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THINGS THAT HAVE NOT CHANGED.</u>
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GOD’S TRUTH ABOUT MARRIAGE HAS NOT
CHANGED. </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">THE PRINCIPLE OF ACTS 5:29 HAS NOT
CHANGED - “we ought to obey God rather than man.”</span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">MAN’S NEED FOR SALVATION HAS NOT
CHANGED SO WE WILL CONTINUE SHARE THE GOSPEL. </span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Psalmist poses this question - </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">“If the foundations be destroyed,
what can the righteous do?” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 11:3</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></b></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">I have an answer. We need to keep on
keeping on for the Lord. We need to stand for the TRUTH of God’s word even when
the world stands against us. That is what we did when abortion was legalized. Abortion
is STILL sin. It is murder, the shedding of innocent blood. So called “same sex
marriage” is an abomination to almighty God! Yet, I DO know this. When a sinner
turns to Jesus Christ that sinner gets saved and that sinner’s life changes. We
need to seek to win them to Christ.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Turn to 1<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Corinthians 6:9-11</b> “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not
inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with
mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor
extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you:
but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Western Civilization is rotten to
the core and moving rapidly toward God's impending Judgment. I am reminded of
the words that are written on the walls of the Jefferson Memorial - “</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">God
who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when
we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God? Indeed I
tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot
sleep forever.</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-themecolor: text1;">” – Thomas
Jefferson <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">We need to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>redouble our efforts to reach them with the Gospel</u></b>. When a
person is really saved his or her life changes.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">As a side note, I like what Governor
Walker said -</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Recognizing that our Founders
made our Constitution difficult to amend, I am reminded that it was first
amended to protect our ‘First Freedom' - the free exercise of religion. The
First Amendment does not simply protect a narrow ‘right to worship,' but
provides broad protection to individuals and institutions to worship and act in
accordance with their religious beliefs. In fact, the Wisconsin constitution
explicitly protects the rights of conscience of our citizens. <u>I can assure
all Wisconsinites concerned about the impact of today's decision that your
conscience rights will be protected, and the government will not coerce you to
act against your religious beliefs</u>.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“I
call on the president and all governors to join me in reassuring millions of
Americans that the government will not force them to participate in activities
that violate their deeply held religious beliefs. No one wants to live in a
country where the government coerces people to act in opposition to their </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">conscience. We will continue to fight
for the freedoms of all Americans.”</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Christians; It is up to us to hold God’s
Standard high. First teach them to our children and grandchildren. The
government schools will try to undermine biblical values and morals. The
entertainment media will continue of offer their perverted view of sex and
morals. Our Government will bring it power to bear against us who know and
teach the truths of the Bible. WE MUST STAND FOR THE ENDURING WORDS OF GOD!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">If</i> thou faint in
the day of adversity, </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">thy strength <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
small. </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proverbs 24:10</span></b></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" />
</span>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-14504468431217430412014-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:002014-12-17T11:37:14.721-08:00What Christmas Are You Celebrating?
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
By Pastor David L.
Brown, Ph.D.</div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<st1:placename w:st="on">First</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Baptist</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype>
of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Oak Creek</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state></st1:place></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/"><span style="color: blue;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org</span></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
Audio Sermons:
www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</div>
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</div>
<br />
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The idea for this message came from the tract titled <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A
Christmas Trio</i></b> by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Trumpet Tract
Ministries of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Milwaukee</st1:place></st1:city>.</i>
A husband-wife team from our church published a number of good Gospel tracts, all of which use the King James Bible for Scripture quotes.</div>
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</div>
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Christmas is one of the United States of America’s
“OFFICIAL” Holidays! Yet, there are a variety of different ways that Americans
celebrate Christmas. The tract suggests three different ways people celebrate
this National Holiday. I will add one more. As you listen to the four
descriptions of Christmas, ask yourself this question: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“What Christmas am I celebrating?”</b></div>
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</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Here are three, and a
fourth category</b> –</div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1) The Secular Xmas</b>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2) The Mythical
Christmas</b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3)</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Religious Christmas</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4)</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The True Christmas</b></div>
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</div>
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Let’s begin by looking at…</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The
Secular Xmas</u></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><u><br /></u></strong></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Even atheists and agnostics take part in this national
holiday, however they are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SURE </b>to “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">X</b>” Christ completely out. “The birth of
Christ carries no relevance for them and the main concerns are gifts, parties,
and family gatherings.”<sup>1</sup> They view the primary value of the holiday
as financial boost to the economy. It certainly does give a BIG boost to our
economy. Americans will spend from $455 to $475 billion this Christmas.</div>
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</div>
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But, there is a warped bent within this Xmas crowd that
takes things even further. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">They desire
to remove all public manifestations of Christ from <u>Christ</u>mas</b>.
Nativity displays MUST GO! They insist that <u>Christ</u>mas Trees become
Holiday Trees. No “Merry <u>Christ</u>mas” greetings! That’s a BIG “No, NO! It
must be “Happy Holiday’s.” They make sure that every one knows that they are
offended if “Christ” is in any way included. One community was even going to
ban Red and Green because they make people think of Christmas. After a HUGE
public outcry, the city council voted it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Red and Green can be displayed</div>
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</div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Here is an email that I received from Liberty Counsel that
illustrates the militant attack on Christmas-</div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on"><span><span style="color: black;">Southwestern</span></span></st1:placename><span><span style="color: black;"> <st1:placename w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">State</st1:placetype> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></span></span></st1:place><span><span style="color: black;"> in Weatherford</span></span><span style="color: black;"> has issued a disturbing directive
forbidding employees to say or write the word "Christmas."
This directive was given by the University upon legal advice of the <a href="http://www.oag.state.ok.us/" target="_blank"><span><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Oklahoma Attorney
General, W.A. Drew Edmondson</span></span></a>. Liberty Counsel sent a demand
letter to the University following a complaint from a University affiliate.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">The controversy began when the
University's Director of Human Resources recently visited various departments
and said that decorations featuring the word "Christmas" in
any areas of the University must be immediately removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">He also instructed the
employees not to say "<span>Christmas</span>"
while on the job. As a result the employees cannot respond "Merry
Christmas" to other employees or visitors to the University. Read our News
Release for more details. (After being confronted by a law firm, the University
President intervened and brought sanity back to the situation)</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Then, closer to home, we have a
group of atheists who can’t stand the fact that Racine permits a Christian
Nativity scene to be erected by a private group in Monument Square. So atheists
decided to erect a pyramid with various anti-religious quotes on it, right next
to the crèche scene.</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">An article on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Racine Post Blog</i> says, “David Nelson,
81, another of the half-dozen atheists who helped set the pyramid up on the
square Wednesday night -- about six feet from the Nativity Scene -- insisted,
‘we're trying to educate the American public. The Founding Fathers left too
many loopholes in the doctrine of separation of church and state.’”</span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"><br />
One person who identified himself as an American agnostic is quoted to have
said – “The only problem with putting the pyramid next to the nativity is that
you come off as a XXXX [fool]. The atheists are probably right, that
Christianity is a make-believe myth that can cause people feel all good and
faithy inside, and that religion should be separate from government. But, keep
in mind that it's that same government (and maybe a forgiving religion) that is
keeping you (the atheists) from being lynched.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As you can see, this crowd celebrates Xmas. No religious
convictions are involved. Jesus is completely crossed out of the picture. They
refuse to recognize the paramount importance of His birth. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The irony of this Christmas is that people
are participating in a holiday that came about as a result of the birth of the
Savior, Jesus Christ; however, they don’t recognize Him as such, don’t pay
attention to Him, yet will still participate in His birthday. It is made a
common thing and that is a sad thing. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is
this the Christmas you are celebrating</b></i>?”<sup>1</sup></div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
The
appropriate Scripture for the Xmas crowd is -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 14:1</b> “The fool hath said in his heart, <i>There is </i>no
God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, <i>there is </i>none
that doeth good.” They are fools!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The
Mythical Christmas</u></b><u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></u></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
This is perhaps the most popular version that Americans
celebrate. Those who celebrate the mythical Christmas combine pagan mythology
and modern folklore to come up with their celebrations. Here’s what I mean. The
PRIMARY character of this mythical Christmas celebration is none other than
Santa Claus! The focus is on Santa not the Savior. Santa Claus got his biggest
boost in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>
from a seminary professor, Dr. Clement Clarke Moore. He taught Oriental and
Greek Literature at General Theological Seminary in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">New York City</st1:place></st1:city>. At age 43 he had six children.
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moore</st1:place></st1:city> had
purchased the first American Book about secular Christmas. It was called A NEW
YEAR'S PRESENT FOR THE LITTLE ONES FROM FIVE TO TWELVE." It inspired him
to write his poem called “A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS, OR SANTA CLAUS” for his
children. He read it to them at the dinner table on Christmas Eve, <b>1822.</b>
We know the poem better as "T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS". The
following year it was published in the Troy New York Sentinel anonymously. This
was the beginning of Santa and his reindeer-powered sleigh. It was not until
1837 that <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Moore</st1:place></st1:city>
allowed his name to be used in connection with the poem. </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Bible-believing Christians were strongly
against the mythical celebration of Christmas</b> with Santa Claus and all the
pagan trappings like Yule logs, mistletoe, <span style="color: black;">the
wassail bowl, holly,</span> etc. in the mid 1830-1850’s, <span style="color: black;">famous American Cartoonist Thomas Nast popularized <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Santa</i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Claus</i></b>
in Harper' Bazaar from the <b>1860's to the 1880's</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span> George Webster contributed the idea that Santa's headquarters
was at the North Pole. Christ and Santa were further confused by Thomas Nast
and Christmas Card publisher Louis Prang who pictures the Christ Child and
Santa together in the <b>1880's and 90's</b>. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">Slowly but <u>surely the Santa
Claus myth usurped the truth and significance of the birth of our Savior</u>, <u>the
Lord Jesus Christ</u>. I ask you, “</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is
this the Christmas you are celebrating</b>?”<span style="color: black;"> I would
simply say this, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No Virginia</b>, there
is no real Santa Claus, but <u>Christ is real and you need Him as your Savior</u>!
I remind you, Christ is to have the preeminence in all things (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colossians 1:18</b>). </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;">That brings me to the next
Christmas people celebrate…</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The
Religious Christmas</u></b></div>
<br />
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</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
As a Pastor, I can tell you of this; I will likely see
people who I never see in any other services the entire year at Easter and
Christmas services! I have never quite figured it out to be honest with you.
What is the rationale for throwing God a “bone” so to speak, two Sunday’s a
year and ignoring Him the other 50? </div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Christmas is one holiday in which those who evidently see no
need of God or church during the year, decide to “play church” for a day and
attend a Christmas service. Likely they think they are “giving God His due” so
to speak. </div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Churches go to extra effort presenting plays, musicals, and
special messages on this day. You have to wonder if these things are why this
crowd comes! I remember reading on one church sign – “Avoid the Christmas rush!
Attend church now!”</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
Don’t
get me wrong! I certainly enjoy singing the Christmas hymns. I am blessed by
the Christmas Cantata and my heart is warmed by the Sunday School program.
However, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The religious Christmas</i></b> crowd too often does not get past the
babe in the manger! They come, sing the songs, hear the sermon and as soon as
“the doors are opened…thoughts have quickly reverted back to presents, parties,
and dinner. In other words, back to everything other than Jesus….”<sup>2</sup>
For those who celebrate a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">religious Christmas</i></b>, there is really
<u>no room</u> in their day-to-day life for Christ. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luke 2:11</b> is not a reality to them "For unto you is born this
day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." The
Christmas message “never penetrates the heart and so never gets past being a
religiously institutionalized message. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Is
this the Christmas you are celebrating</b>?” Finally we come to…</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>The
True Christmas</u></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
The fact is that even the <i>enemies</i> of Christianity
claimed that Christ lived, and that He performed miracles! Early Jewish
documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus, as well as first-century
Gentile historians such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus, all testify that the
one called Christ lived in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Palestine</st1:place></st1:city>
and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The historicity of Christ is as
[certain]. . . as the historicity of Julius Caesar</i>” (<i>NT
Documents</i>, 119).</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My point is this</b>:
since Jesus lived, then Jesus was born! The Gospel of Matthew tell us that His
birth was shortly <i>before</i> Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:19). Herod's
death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just
before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus
also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on
April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus,
we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and
April 4th in <i>4 B.C.</i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Likely it sounds strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was
born <i>no later</i> than 4 B.C. since B.C. means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Before Christ</b>. But <u>our modern calendar which splits time between
B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525</u>. At that time, Pope John I
asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western
Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the <i>real</i> B.C./A.D. division
by at least four years!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Matthew tells us that Herod killed <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Bethlehem</st1:place></st1:city>'s babies two years old and under.
The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">6</span> B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be
relatively confident that the Messiah was born in either late <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">5</span> or early <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">4</span> B.C.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The birth of Christ
is the most important event in human history</b>. So important in fact, that
the timeline of history is divided by it - B.C. abbreviated for “Before Christ”
and A.D. abbreviated for the two Latin words Anno Domini (meaning in the year
of our Lord). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This was no ordinary birth
and it changed human history forever</b>. Even a complete skeptic like H.G.
Wells, a professional historian and science-fiction writer who made no
profession of Christianity, admitted in his Outline of History, “More than 1900
years later, a historian like myself, who doesn’t even call himself a
Christian, finds the picture [of history] centering irresistibly around the
life and character of this most significant man.…” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The True Celebration of Christmas focuses the birth of Emmanuel (God
with us)</b>. You can read about all the related facts surrounding the Savior’s
birth in the Gospels of Matthew (1:18-2:11) and Luke (1:26-56, 67-75, 2:4-40).
But <u>what was the purpose of Christ’s birth</u>? We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 John 4:14</b> “And we have seen and do
testify that the Father sent the Son <i>to be </i>the Saviour of the world.” <u>Why
do we need a Savior</u>? The birth of Christ was necessary because all people
are lost sinners (Romans 3:23). God gave His Son Jesus a body so that so that
He could pay for our sins by offering of His own body (Hebrews 10:5 & 10; 1
Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-14). If you have never received Jesus Christ as
your Savior, do it today! “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ
our Lord.” Romans 6:23.</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Notes
1-2 are from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Christmas Trio</i> by
Trumpet Tract Ministry <a href="http://www.trumpettracts.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.TrumpetTracts.com</span></a></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-66653648210254298312013-06-15T19:55:00.000-07:002013-06-15T19:55:19.282-07:00Responsibilities For Fathers
<br />
<div style="border: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1pt 4pt;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 20pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Responsibilities for Fathers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">First Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Email <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">– </span></span><a href="mailto:firstbaptistchurchoc@gmail.com"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">firstbaptistchurchoc@gmail.com</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-hyphenate: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchoc"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchoc</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 8pt; letter-spacing: -0.15pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Responsibilities
of Fathers.06152013</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Text:
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 4</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Hear, ye
children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For
I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. 3<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For I was my father's son, tender and only <i>beloved</i>
in the sight of my mother. 4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine
heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.” </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Proverbs 4:1-4</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Twenty-four times the phrase "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">my
son</b>" occurs in Proverbs. In all but one instance it is a father (David
or Solomon) giving instruction to their sons. Here are just a just a few verses
to give you a flavor of the advice given –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 1:8</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My
son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy
mother:” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 3pt 0in; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 1:10</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My
son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 3:11</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither
be weary of his correction:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 5:1</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My son, attend unto my wisdom, <i>and</i> bow thine ear
to my understanding:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 23:26</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe
my ways.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 24:21</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: <i>and</i>
meddle not with them that are given to change:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-vertical-align-alt: auto; punctuation-wrap: hanging; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">There
are many good things that a father should teach his children from Proverbs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-hyphenate: none; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Proverbs 4</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"> points out some basic responsibilities for fathers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">A Father is Responsible to Provide Instruction To His Children <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Father Is Responsible To Require Obedience<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Father Is
Responsible To Motivate The Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">A</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Father Is Responsible To Teach Right Direction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Father Is Responsible To Teach Right Speech<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Father Is
Responsible To Teach The Child To Think<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Focus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">The father is responsible to provide instruction to his children<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Hear, ye children, <u>the instruction of a father</u>…”
v.1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">Since
children are directed to “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hear</b>”
their father’s instruction, it should go without saying <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the father IS to guide and teach them</u>. The Apostle Paul </b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">says, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to
wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 6:4</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">A.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">What Is To Be The Basis of
guiding and teaching them?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; letter-spacing: -0.15pt;">The answer is found in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 2</b> – “</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">For I give you good doctrine….” Dads have the
key responsibility for teaching their children doctrine, that is the Christian
belief system. You need to teach them what you believe and tell them why your
believe it and then live it in front of them! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">It is NOT enough to just sent them to church
or even take them to church. They MUST see faith in practice in your life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Dad’s do your children see and hear you
praying. Have you taught them to pray? Do they see you reading and studying the
Bible? Do they hear you pray for lost souls or heard you tell of witnessing to
someone? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">I cannot emphasize enough the importance of
you feeding your children the Scriptures and then encouraging them to be in the
Scriptures themselves. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Turn to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Timothy
3:15-17 </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. 16 All scripture <i>is</i> given by inspiration of God, and <i>is</i> <u>profitable
for doctrine</u>, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto
all good works.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you are in the Word of God and you see that your
children are in the Word of God their moral compass will be programmed by the
Word of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A
father is responsible to instruct his children. The cornerstone of the
instruction is to be biblical Doctrine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Father Is Responsible to Require Obedience</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 4:4</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “He
taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>keep my commandments, and live</u></b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">It
is not enough to give <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">commandments</b>.
You <u>must</u> require <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">obedience</b>
and if obedience is not forthcoming, there needs to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">consequences</b>.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 3:1</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “My
son, forget not my law; but <u>let thine heart keep my commandments</u>:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">It has been said that a Country that does not
enforce its laws breeds lawlessness. Likewise, a father that does not enforce
his laws breed rebellion. Certainly the command is “Children, obey <i>your</i>
parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colossians 3:20</b> And if they do obey, “</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Chasten thy son
while there is hope…” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 19:18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Children who are left to
themselves bring reproach and shame on their parents! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 29:15</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but
a child left <i>to himself</i> bringeth his mother to shame.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">The Father Is
Responsible To Motivate The Child<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 4:5-7</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “<u>Get wisdom</u>, <u>get understanding</u>: forget <i>it</i>
not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. 6 Forsake her not, and she
shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. 7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Wisdom <i>is</i> the principal thing</u>; <i>therefore</i>
get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A
father is to be a teacher! It takes time to be a teacher, but you need to teach
your children practical things about life and living! Manners, personal
hygiene, how to behave in different situations. The “how to” list: How to ride
a bike. How to use tools. How to swim, hunt, fish, how to treat others, etc.
Guys need to learn how to treat a lady and what to look for in a wife. Girls
need to learn how to behave properly and what to look for in a husband. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Further,
a father promotes right education! When my granddad was young 8<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>th</sup>
grade was enough. When my dad graduated, high school was enough. I am here to
tell you, you need training beyond high school in either a trade or college.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Father Is Responsible To Teach Right Direction</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 4:14-19</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in
the way of evil <i>men.</i> 15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass
away. 16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is
taken away, unless they cause <i>some</i> to fall. 17 For they eat the bread of
wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just <i>is</i>
as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 19 The
way of the wicked <i>is</i> as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Mrs.
Brown and I would use life examples to teach righteousness and to illustrate
the end of wickedness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Father Is Responsible To Teach Right Speech</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 4:24</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Put away from thee a <u>forward</u> [deceitful;
distorted] mouth, and <u>perverse</u> lips put far from thee.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">“What is in the well of the heart
will come up through the bucket of the mouth.” A dad must be sure he speaks
with integrity, not deceitfully or in a foul, slanderous way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">A Father Is
Responsible To Teach The Child To Think<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Proverbs 4:26-27</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be
established. 27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot
from evil.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-themecolor: text1;">You
need to teach your children common sense! Teach them NOT to make decisions
based on emotions. Teach them to think through situations. What are the positives?
What are the negatives? What are the long range implications? Far too many
people are impulsive and make wrong decisions because they have no idea how to
reason properly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
am praying for you dads! Your children need you. Take these responsibilities
seriously.<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-76416058605887230722013-06-13T15:28:00.002-07:002013-06-13T15:28:56.971-07:00The Untold Story of The Persecution of Christians
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 36pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">A History Untold</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Untold Story of The Persecution of Christians<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">by Jaclyn Miller<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">04-18-13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Did you know hundreds of thousands of
people have been murdered for their faith in the God of the Bible?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These peaceable people had two main ties that
bound <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">them</span> together:
their belief that Jesus Christ came to save the world from sin and that the
Bible is God’s Word and sole authority in their lives. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many generations of religions and/or
governments attacked, tortured, molested, and slaughtered these people simply
because they held to the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From as
early as the Jews of Jesus day, to the Roman Catholic Church during the Dark
Ages, <s>to</s> the Protestant Reformers in Europe and <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">even in </span>the <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">American</span> colonies, to today, there has been unending persecution
of Bible believers throughout the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most people understand the Inquisition to be the height of religious persecution
that occurred for only a few hundred years in Europe, but, in fact, religious
persecution has continued for two millennia across the borders of many
countries including the American colonies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In America and most other free countries
today, we take our religious freedoms for granted; to the point, we have all
but forgotten why we wanted those freedoms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Society <s>calls out</s> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">cries out</span></b> for tolerance
of everyone’s beliefs because, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">they
claim, </span>we all serve the “same God”. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly, many of the churches<span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during </span><s>of
</s>the Reformation have begun talking with the Roman Catholic Church about
becoming one church again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. David
Cloud, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">founder of </span>Way of
Life Literature website <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">(www.wayoflife.org),
</span>wrote, “The lie that Catholicism is becoming more evangelical, more
biblical, and more spiritual…is being used to encourage ecumenical
relationships between Catholics and Protestants” <w:sdt citation="t" id="5067833"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(290)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ever since the Roman Catholic Church lost the
great power she had before the Reformation, Rome has been seeking to regain her
glory years again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lutherans, Presbyterians,
Anglicans, and etc. <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">today </span>do
not fully understand why they separated in the first place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">the churches that came out of the Reformation </span>do not remember the
<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">history of the persecutions and </span>vicious
Inquisition against themselves, do Bible-believers <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">even recall </span>the persecutions they have endured for
so long from the Jews, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Protestant Reformers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">To begin with, Religious <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">persecution</span> against Christians started
with Jesus Christ Himself<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">being persecuted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>The Jews were looking for their
Messiah to save them from the rule of the Romans, but when Jesus died, as He
said, to save them from their sins <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">instead. </span>The Jews rejected <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Jesus</span> and His followers <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">as a result</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dr. Phil
Stringer, who is <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">an author and </span>active
Bible conference speaker, says <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The
leaders of the Jewish Sanhedrin began the first persecution of Christians”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993062"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(49)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harold Chadwick, Editorial Director of
Bridge-Logos Publishers, wrote in the updated version of “Foxe’s Book of
Martyrs” that because He claimed to be the Son of God, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The first to suffer for the Church was Jesus Himself—not a martyr, of
course, but the inspiration and source of all martyrdom”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993066"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(4)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because Christ was willing to suffer <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">and die </span>as He did on the cross,
His disciples believed that He taught the truth and follow<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">ed</span> Him, even unto death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peter, one of the more famous disciples, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">requested that he be crucified in an upside
down position because he did not consider himself worthy to be crucified in the
same manner as his Lord</i>” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993083"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 7)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“[Paul] <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was
taken to the execution block and beheaded</i>.” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993084"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 8)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All but one of the twelve Disciples of Christ
died violent deaths along with many other followers of Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
men, guilty only of preaching in the name of Christ, were murdered by the Jews,
who did not want to hear the truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In 70 A.D., the Roman <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Army under the leadership of Titus </span>sacked
Jerusalem<span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>destroyed the Temple</span>, but
Christians were still persecuted, <s>now</s> by the Romans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrary to popular belief today,
Constantine, who came to power in 306 A.D., was not a Christian in the same way
as the Bible teaches a Christian ought to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Like many during his time,
Constantine’s life and conduct were a mixture of Christianity and paganism.”</i>
<w:sdt citation="t" id="43993085"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 42)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Romans of Constantine’s day just added the
God of the Bible to their other gods, instead of making the God of the Bible
his sole authority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This Christianity resembled
that of the RCC, not of the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Constantine
created the union between “church” and state though it still took some two
hundred years for the RCC to gain its full power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, Constantine approved the famous
Edict of Milan, supposedly giving Christians the freedom to live out their
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Chadwick’s book, he writes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“During the thousand years of general peace
Christians still suffered martyrdom for their faith in Christ”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993086"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(46)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite the edict, true Bible-believers still
suffered for their faith because the edict only approved the Roman Catholic
version of Christianity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the
more they were persecuted, the more the Bible-believers spread the gospel
around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">As the Roman Catholic Church gained
greater power over the people’s lives, she tightened her grip not only on the
populace but also on the governments of that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reign of the Roman Catholic Church across
Europe was the second worst time of persecution for the Bible-believers because
the Roman Catholic Church refused to allow the people to read the Bible in the
vulgar (common) language <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993087"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cloud 61)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, the people thirsted for the truth that
can only be found in the Scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>J.
M. Cramp, college professor and college president in the 1800s, wrote that because
the populace <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">was “Shocked at the frauds
and crimes which were daily perpetrated, they panted for something better than
Rome proffered [offered].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Gospel of
Christ, as preached by the persecuted sects, satisfied their souls”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="575171163"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 87)</span></w:sdt><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Popes hated anyone who opposed their
authority, but most of all those who insisted the Bible was the only authority
by which a man should live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Cursing was first thought of, because it
was easy, and the Church was expert at it…they said ‘all manner of evil against
them falsely,’ hurled anathemas [permanent condemnation] at their heads, and
called upon the people to ‘hate them with a perfect hatred’”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993089"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 88)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this time, the Popes began issuing
Papal bulls to threaten Christians with eternal separation from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this was not enough, the Popes gathered
armies to go on crusades by promising to those who served in them salvation
from their sins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“The human bloodhounds were at work in all directions”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993090"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 90)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These armies would either wipe out whole
towns, as in the case of the town of Beziers, France. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contingents would harass families; they did
not always care that there might be Roman Catholics among those they
slaughtered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Male or female from the infant
to the elderly, all were mistreated in the most horrific manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John T. Christian, professor of history in
the Baptist Bible Institute, wrote <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Mary
[Bloody Mary] sought to burn all who were opposed to Romanism, Baptists and
Reformers alike”</i> <w:sdt citation="t" id="575171165"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(A History of the Baptists Volume 1 203)</span></w:sdt><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not uncommon for these believers,
while they were yet alive, to have their limbs cut off, stabbed many times, roasted
in a fire like a pig, raped, have private parts cut off, <span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">their entrails torn out, </span>and then
be paraded around the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oftentimes,
the great crime that warranted such treatment was reciting Scripture in their
mother tongue or denying that infant baptism had saving merit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Only
when Rome lacked the power to accomplish its true intention did she countenance
the distribution of the Bible in the vernacular languages, and even then she
attempted to control such distribution and to force the people to read only
those Bibles that contain Catholic notes approved by its hierarchy” </i><w:sdt citation="t" id="43993092"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cloud 44)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the Roman Catholic Church began to lose
power during the Reformation, it changed tactics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rome is now significantly destroying the
foundation from which the Scriptures were translated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">There is a common misconception that the
Reformation finally brought peace among religions; however, true Christians
continued in the “suffering, inflicted, not only by the Papists…but by their
fellow-Protestants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Episcopalians
and Presbyterians of England, the Lutherans of Germany, and the reformed in
Switzerland…agreed in persecuting the Baptists” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993093"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 232)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Reformers fought long and hard to gain
their own religious freedom, but then turned around and persecuted those same
Bible-Believers that Rome had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Reformers
treated these people no better than the Roman Catholic Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Swiss Presbyterians had won freedom for
themselves, but they were determined not to grant it to others” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993094"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 239)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“[John Calvin] was responsible in a large
measure for the demon of hate and fierce hostility which the Baptists of
England had to encounter” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993095"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Christian, A History of the Baptists Volume 1 198)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The leaders of these infant religions were
just as harsh as Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protestants took
away believer’s property, banished naked persons to the wilderness, and many
other horrific punishments, just like Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While popes issued papal bulls of condemnation of Bible-Believers,
Protestant rulers issued laws against them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“These warrants are substantially alike… word for word. Mary, the
Papist, dooming to death the Protestant, and Elizabeth, the Protestant,
ordering the execution of the Baptist” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993096"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Cramp 245)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Baptists had no relief from their
persecutions during or after the Reformation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no peace anywhere they moved in
Europe; for if Rome was not attacking them, Reformists were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This harassment continued even on the
North American continent. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>History books cast
the colonies as a place of religious bliss from the start.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, “As the Puritans settled around the
Pilgrims, they brought their ideas of a state church with them, and they soon
began to harass the Baptists and other non-conformists” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993097"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Stringer 184)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Religious freedom was a major reason for the
emigration to America, yet leaving Europe and starting over completely was not
enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Protestants wanted freedom for
themselves, but not for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Most
colonial governments treated Baptists with hostility or outright persecution” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993099"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Stringer
187)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though it is touted as representative of all
the colonies at the time, Providence, Rhode Island was an anomaly of religious
liberty among the colonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even as late
as “1768, three Baptists were arrested for witnessing in Virginia, and they
continued to preach through the window of the Culpepper County jail” <w:sdt citation="t" id="43993100"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Stringer
188)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These three were eventually let go, but
others were whipped viciously or banished to the wilderness for similar acts of
faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of a law passed in
Massachusetts against Baptists reads, “It is ordered and agreed, that if any
person or persons… shall either openly [condemn] or oppose the baptizing of
infants…every such person or persons shall be sentenced to banishment” (qtd. in
Christian, A History of the Baptists volume 2 54).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was not until after the colonies won the War
for Independence that Baptists finally had relief from their persecutions, but even
then, it was only in the United States of America.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">In the United States of America, we live
a life bathed in freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
forgotten the price that was paid for this freedom and the lack of freedom that
other countries suffer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“During this
century alone, more Christians have been killed for their faith than in all
previous centuries combined” <w:sdt citation="t" id="575171420"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 323)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This persecution has only worsened in the
last one hundred years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The media does not
report on these controversially religious massacres occurring around the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Communists persecuted
Christians, destroyed their churches, imprisoned them, tortured them, and
killed them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the height of
Communism worldwide, an average of 330,000 Christians were killed every year” <w:sdt citation="t" id="5067835"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick
326)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is just in the last 40 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the USSR has been dissolved, there are
still other Communist countries persecuting more than 150,000 Christians a
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In China in 1990, Mother and
daughter were imprisoned for the mother’s beliefs <w:sdt citation="t" id="5067836"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 348-349)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>China does not want the people to have
freedom to worship God as they believe He ought to be worshipped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last year, China has been clamping
down harder on its people by not allowing them free reign of the internet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Additionally, Islamic countries do not want
any other religion but that of Islam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Muslims have even burned their own Koran and blamed it on the Christians
falsely <w:sdt citation="t" id="5067837"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">(Chadwick 365)</span></w:sdt>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is still widespread persecution of
Bible-Believers around the world today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
in America, Christians are told to be tolerant of others’ beliefs, to be
non-judgmental, which is contrary to what the Bible teaches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we don’t have the physical persecution
like that of other countries, we still are looked down upon for our
beliefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We, American Christians, face
the least amount of persecution, but are the most afraid to stand up for the
Bible because we might offend someone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Bible-believing Christians have continuously
been persecuted from the time of Christ until the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Jews were the first to reject the Disciples
and other Christians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While Constantine
is considered the first Christian to rule Rome, he also discriminated against the
Bible-believers; furthermore, he started the “state-church” of the Roman
Catholic Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Rome held sway
over all Europe, she viciously attacked anyone who opposed her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once the Protestant Reformers gained their
own freedom, they began to persecute Bible-Believers just as much as the RCC
even in the colonies of the New World.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Religious
liberty did not exist for Baptists until the United States had gained its
independence, but even then, this freedom is found only in certain countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many have heard of the Inquisition, but have
not been told about any of the other intense persecutions that have happened
for the last two-thousand years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As time
rolls on, the story of the discrimination of Bible-Believers is lost in the
past. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These important, yet often
neglected, accounts must be taught lest history repeats itself, and in ten
years, the Roman Catholic Church regain her glory years, once again leaving no
safe haven for those that oppose her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<w:sdt docparttype="Bibliographies" docpartunique="t" id="48929918" sdtdocpart="t"></w:sdt><br />
<h1 align="center" style="margin: 24pt 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #365f91;"><span style="font-family: Cambria;">Works Cited<o:p></o:p><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><w:sdtpr></w:sdtpr></span></span></span></span></h1>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chadwick, Harold J. <i>The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs</i>.
North Brunswick: Bridge-Logos Publishers, 1997. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Christian, John T. <i>A History of the Baptists
Volume 1</i>. Texarkana: Bogard Press, 1922. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">—. <i>A History of the Baptists Volume 2</i>.
Texarkana: Bogard Press, 1926. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cloud, David. <i>Rome and The Bible</i>. Port Huron:
Way of Life Literature, 2009. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cramp, J. M. <i>Baptist History: From the Foundation
of the Christian Church to the Present Time</i>. London: Baptist Heritage
Publications, 1987. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoBibliography" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.5in;">
<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Stringer, Phil. <i>The Faithful Baptist Witness</i>.
Chicago: Lightning Source, Inc., 2011. Print.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-87521318439840717962013-04-06T20:08:00.001-07:002013-04-06T20:08:49.550-07:00America Is Heading Back to The Practices of Pagan Rome: Homosexuality & Same-Sex Marriage
<br />
<div style="border: 1.5pt double windowtext; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1pt 4pt;">
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">America Is Heading Back To <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 18pt;">The Practices of Pagan Rome!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Homosexuality and
Same-Sex Marriage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">by Pastor David L.
Brown, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="border: currentColor; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">First Baptist Church of
Oak Creek Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="mailto:FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">SameSexMarriage.04072013<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Eric Arthur Blair</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">, better known by his pen name George
Orwell, wrote - “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">In a time of universal
deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act</b>.” It seems our culture is
at this point today. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Dr.
Don Boys writes – “The efforts of the media, academia, Hollywood, and
politicians have accomplished an amazing feat: they have changed the culture in
a generation by being deceptive, disingenuous, and dishonest. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Most people now believe right is now wrong
and wrong is now right.</b> Godly living is considered <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">divisive</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">derisive</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">deranged</b> while perversion is no longer
reprehensible, repugnant, and repulsive, but is thought (by non-thinkers) to be
commendable, courageous, and even cultured!”</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(<a href="http://donboys.cstnews.com/homosexuals-want-special-rights-not-equal-rights">http://donboys.cstnews.com/homosexuals-want-special-rights-not-equal-rights</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">We see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isaish 5:20-21</b> being lived out before our eyes – “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! 21 Woe unto <i>them
that are</i> wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The little word “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">woe</b>” indicates judgment, God’s judgment. Let me ask you two
questions. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you have any doubt in your mind that the hand of judgment is on our country? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Do
you have any doubt <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">why </b>God’s hand of
judgment is on our nation today? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Here is the forthright truth why we are
in the predicament our culture is in today. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We are moving quickly away from an absolute standard of truth</b> in
this nation! As I have often told you, our nations legal system was founded
upon the Judeo-Christian Ethic, that is the principles of Old Testament New
Testament. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">By and large our nation is given over to
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">relativism</b>! Right and wrong are
being decided by “the powers that be” or by majority vote. Or, you make up your
own values! But this is an ever changing standards and bring instability! It
ultimately leads to cultural breakdown, anarchy and chaos. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I want to focus
upon one Key Biblical ethic today and that is Marriage! We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Genesis 1:27-28a</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“So God created man in his <i>own</i> image, in the image of God created he
him; <u>male</u> and <u>female</u> created he them. 28 And God blessed them,
and God said unto them, <u>Be fruitful, and multiply</u>, and replenish the
earth, and subdue it…” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">From the very beginning marriage was
between a man and a woman! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Genesis 2:18-25</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “And the LORD God said, <i><u>It is</u></i><u> not good
that the man should be alone</u>; <u>I will make him an help meet for him</u>.
19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and
every fowl of the air; and brought <i>them</i> unto Adam to see what he would
call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that <i>was</i>
the name thereof. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the
air, and to every beast of the field; <u>but for Adam there was not found an
help meet for him</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall
upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh
instead thereof; 22 And <u>the rib, which the LORD God had taken from <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">man</b>, made he a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">woman</b>, and brought her unto the man</u>. 23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Adam said, This <i>is</i> now bone of my
bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called <u>Woman</u>, because she was
taken out of <u>Man</u>. 24 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Therefore
shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife:
and they shall be one flesh</b>. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his
wife, and were not ashamed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">God made Eve for Adam and brought her to
him. Moses, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul affirm this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><tt><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Moses - Genesis
2:24</span></b></tt><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto
his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><tt><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Christ - Mark
10:7</span></b></tt><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his
wife;”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><tt><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Paul - Ephesians
5:31</span></b></tt><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">
“For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined
unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The Biblical family has always
been, is and will continue to be the backbone of society</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">! When the
family, as biblically defined, is destroyed the culture is doomed. In fact,
this was a key contributing factor in the demise of Rome. The Roman culture had
become morally reprobate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The first-century A.D. catechetical
manual, the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Didache</i></b>, makes refreshingly clear what pagans will have to give
up, in regard to Roman sexuality, once they joined the Church. It begins with
the ominous words – <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“There are two ways: one of life and
one of death—and there is a great difference between the two ways.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The pagan converts are then confronted
with a list of commands. Some of which would have been quite familiar and
reasonable to Romans, such as, “You will not murder” and, “You will not commit
adultery” (although for Romans, abortion wasn’t murder, and a husband having
sex with slaves or prostitutes was not considered adulterous).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But then followed strange commands (at
least to the Romans), “You will not corrupt boys”; “You will not have illicit
sex” (ou porneuseis); “You will not murder offspring by means of abortion [and]
you will not kill one having been born.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Against the norm in Rome, Christians
must reject pedophilia, fornication and homosexuality, abortion, and
infanticide. The list also commands, “You will not make potions” (ou
pharmakeuseis), a prohibition against widespread practices in the Roman Empire
which included potions that stopped conception or caused abortion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I include the prohibitions against
sexual practices heartily affirmed by the Romans alongside prohibitions against
contraception, abortion, and infanticide for a very important reason. <u>Christians
defined the goal of sexuality in terms of the natural ability to procreate</u>.
What was different, again, was not recognizing the obvious need for a man and a
woman to make a child—Stoics argued along the same lines. What was peculiar to
Christianity was removing all other expressions of sexuality from legitimacy
(many Stoic men had male paramours). The Roman elevation of sexual pleasure
above procreation, and hence outside this tightly-defined area of sexual
legitimacy defined by Christianity, led to the desire for contraceptive
potions, abortifacients, and infanticide.”</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">(From: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gay marriage and homosexuality were part of the moral landscape in
Ancient Rome</i> by Benjamin Wiker; June 26, 2012; </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">CatholicWorldReport.com - </span></span><a href="http://www.lifesitenews.com/news/gay-marriage-and-homosexuality-were-part-of-moral-landscape-in-ancient-rome"><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">www.lifesitenews.com/news/gay-marriage-and-homosexuality-were-part-of-moral-landscape-in-ancient-rome</span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our culture is in trouble today. We are
going BACK TO THE PRACTICES OF PAGAN ROME! What is even more alarming is what I
read in an article written by Julaine Appling, Director of Wisconsin Family
Action this week. Below are some of the comments she is hearing from
Christians!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I just don’t think the Bible condemns homosexuality. As
long as two people love each other, I think they should be able to get married.
Same-sex marriage is going to happen. There’s nothing we can do to stop it.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“In
the early days of the Bible, God needed everyone to populate the earth; we
don’t need that anymore. Children just aren’t the issue. Plus the Bible isn’t
meant to be taken literally. So, I see nothing wrong with people of the same
sex who love each other and are committed to each getting married. Who are we
to tell people who they can love?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Well,
even if the government legalizes same-sex marriage—which is pretty much inevitable—so
deal with it, that doesn’t mean pastors will be forced to marry anyone they
don’t want to.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Appling writes, and I fully agree – “Tragically I have
heard all of these and more very recently from people who say they are
Christians—some from people I personally know to be born-again, Bible-believing
saints of God and even from some recent Bible-college graduates.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">She goes on to say, “This commentary is an urgent appeal
to all Christians to <u>get back to the Bible—and not some liberal translation
or paraphrase</u>. Use a version that is considered by conservative scholars to
be a solid word-for-word translation.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Why is she saying that? Because many of the modern
translations are changing words and phraseology that addresses the issue of
sodomy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">While I can excuse biblical illiteracy among the unsaved,
biblical illiteracy is rapidly becoming a serious problem among true believers.
If it isn’t illiteracy among believers, then it is an even more serious
problem—an unwillingness to believe what we read in the Bible and to obey its
clear teachings about what marriage is and God’s clear teaching about men with
men and women with women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Homosexuality is SIN</span></u></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">. So called “same sex marriage” is NOT marriage and
saying so does not make it so! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-background-themecolor: background1; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">In fact, God destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah because of
their sin. We read the account in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis
19:1-29</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Consider what the Apostle Paul said about it in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 1:25-28 & 32</b>. In fact in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">26</b> homosexuality is called “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">vile affections</i></b>” and “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">against
nature</i></b>.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Verse 27</b> says men “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">burned
in their lust</i></b> one toward another” and their acts were “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">unseemly</b>.” In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 28 </b>they do things that are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not convenient</i></b>. The word
used in the Greek means not fit; unbecoming; hence abominable. In point of
fact, because they chose to reject God’s principle of man+woman, verse 18 says
“God gave them over to a reprobate mind,” that is, a depraved mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;">Verse 32</span></b><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"> explains why there is such a push by homosexuals for
same sex marriage. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Romans 1:32</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Who <u>knowing
the judgment of God</u>, that they which commit such things are worthy of
death, not only do the same, but <u>have pleasure in [</u></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">approve of; are pleased with</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">] <u>them that do them</u>.” They know it is perversion.
They this lifestyle is under the judgment of God but they “have pleasure” in it
themselves, they are pleased with others being involved, and rejoice when
others are forced to accept it! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is the spirit of Supreme Court Chief Justice
Robert’s lesbian cousin Jean Podrasky. She says that perversion should be legal
because “society is becoming more accepting of the humanity of same-sex couples
and the simple truth that we deserve to be treated with dignity, respect and
equality under the law.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ohio Republican Senator has recently endorsed same-sex
marriage after his son will “came out of the closet” revealing that he is a
homosexual! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">My Christian friends: Homosexuality is perversion. It is
sin. It is wrong!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same-sex marriage is
perversion, sin and wrong. It has always been sin, and always will be sin no
matter what anyone, any politician, any activist, or any court decides. Why?
Because God says it is sin! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">These sinful perverts want formal acceptability. They
want so to speak “The Good Housekeeping Seal of approval on their evil activities.
Why, because they want their vile affection treated normal. They want to be
accepted, applauded and they want to advocate their lifestyles because they, as
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 1:32</b> says, “take pleasure” in
every single person who they can convince what they are doing is normal,
natural and loving when it is not. As Dr. Boys says, “It is incredible that
homosexuals, with a straight face, can demand respect and recognition for their
dignity.” Homosexuality is debauched, filthy, degenerate and under the judgment
of God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">Shame on any Christian who does not stand against this
vile perversion. We must stand for Biblical truth! I see my more and more who
claim to be Christians caving in to accepting homosexuality and same-sex
marriage under the cover of “love.” When your compromise God’s Word you commit
Treason against Christ!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">If you love the Lord and care about homosexual, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">you will tell him or her the truth</b>.
Homosexuality is SIN. But there is forgiveness in Christ if they will turn from
their sins and turn to Jesus Christ. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1
Corinthians 6:9</b> talks of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">effeminate</i></b>” and “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">asbusers
of themselves with manking,</i></b>” which refer to homosexuals as being able
to be saved and free from their filthy lifestyle. We see that in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 6:11</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And such were some of you: but ye are
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-themecolor: text1;">The most loving thing you can do for a homosexual it to
share the Gospel with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-16093461472572103912013-03-09T18:23:00.001-08:002013-03-09T18:23:45.568-08:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Three Characteristics Christ Expects <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">In Ministers and All Christians<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">Characteristic #1 Faithfulness<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">By Pastor David L. Brown,
Ph.D. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt;">First Baptist Church of
Oak Creek Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 8pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1Corinthians19.03102013</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-themecolor: text1;">Text: </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 4:1-6</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards
of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be
found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged
of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 4 For I know
nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the
Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both
will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the
counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 6<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And these things, brethren, I have in a
figure transferred to myself and <i>to</i> Apollos for your sakes; that ye
might learn in us not to think <i>of men</i> above that which is written, that
no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Cheap Crosses<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I have a two volume
commentary of the New Testament, by Warren Wiersbe, in my office titled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Bible Exposition Commentary: An
Exposition of the New Testament Comprising the Entire “Be” Series.</i> In the
section on Philippians the author tells the story of a missionary attending a
religious festival in Brazil. As he went from booth to booth checking out the
wares he, observed a sign above one booth: "Cheap Crosses." The
missionary thought, that’s what many Christian are looking for today…cheap
crosses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN;">I rather
think that many who profess to know Christ do want a cheap cross and discount
discipleship. We claim the name “Christian” but we do not want to pay the price
required for living for Christ. I am reminded of what our Lord said in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Luke 9:23</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “…If any <i>man</i> will come after me, let him deny
himself, and <u>take up his cross daily, and follow me</u>.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Willing sacrifice is a part of being a
follower of Christ! </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Outline<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 4</b>,
the Apostle Paul points out - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Three
Characteristics That Are To Be Present In Ministers of Christ & All
Christians</b>. He explains each point by using a different picture for each
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">The Characteristic – The Picture<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Faithfulness –
The Steward (vs. 1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Humbleness – The
Spetacle (vs. 7-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Tenderness – The
Father (vs. 14-21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Today’s Focus<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Faithfulness – The Steward</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> (vs. 1-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Let a man so account of us, as of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>ministers</u></b> of Christ, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>stewards</u></b> of the mysteries of God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Ministers of
Christ (v.1a)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:fill></span></v:shape><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">I want to begin
by looking at two words that we find in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse
1</b>. The first is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">ministers</b>. What
comes into your mind when you hear that word? I dare say, unless you already
know what the underlying Greek word is, your thoughts will not even be close to
what the word really means. The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ministers </i></b>is a translation of the
Greek word </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">υπηρετας</span></b><span style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">(huperetas).
It literally means “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">an under-rower</b>.”
That is a slave who rowed on the lower level the huge Roman galleys (ships). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPv7s5y8zkU/UTvuMrmQE4I/AAAAAAAAADU/sBnjQAqgE1U/s1600/Roman+galley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPv7s5y8zkU/UTvuMrmQE4I/AAAAAAAAADU/sBnjQAqgE1U/s320/Roman+galley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">So <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">what I Paul saying</b>? As the preacher, I am not the captain of the
ship (my life or this church)! As a Christian, you are NOT the captain of the
ship (your life for this church)! We are ALL under-rowers of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Captain of our Salvation</b></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> [Hebrews 2:10]</span></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">, Jesus Christ! He is the Head of
the Church (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Colossians 1:18</b>) and is
to be the King of our lives (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans
12:1-2</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">That is exactly what Paul is
saying in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 1</b> – “</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let a man so account of us, as of the <u>ministers</u>
(under-rowers) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>of Christ</u></b>….”
Christ is the one who calls out the orders and we are the ones who put forth
the effort to carry out those orders as we have received them in the Old & New
Testament. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">To serve Christ
is to serve His Word</span></u></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">, which is the
revelation of His will. <u>A servant of Christ then is a servant or galley
slave of the Scripture</u>. His function is to obey the commands of God that
are revealed in His Word! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">This is equally true for all believers, NOT just the
pastor! We are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not </b>captains of our
ship (our life), but galley slaves who are under orders of our Master, Jesus
Christ who bought us! (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians
6:19-20 & 1 Corinthians 7:23</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">A Pastor must first, above all else, be a servant of
Christ</span></u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">. Christ sets the agenda. In
everything he is to be subject to the Chief Shepherd. While pastors are <u>called
to serve men</u>, they are <u>NOT called to be servants of men or men-pleasers</u>
but serve men according to Christ’s directives. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Galatians 1:10 </b>says, “For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I
seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of
Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">All believers are called to
serve others but they do that through the grid of the Scriptures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Let’s move on to the second
word -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Stewards</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> Of The
Mysteries of God (v.1b)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">stewards</b>
is a translation of the Greek word </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">οἰκονόμος </span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">–</span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";">oikonómos</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic";"> which literally means “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">house manager</b>.” </span><u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">A <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">steward</b>
is a servant who manages everything for his master, but who himself owns
nothing</span></u><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">The best
illustration of what a steward does is Joseph of old. He<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a chief steward in Potiphar’s household (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis 39:1-23</b> – key <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">vs. 4-6</b>). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Let’s zero
in on <u>how this stewardship applies today</u>. The church is the “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">household of faith</b>” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Galatians 6:10</b>), and the ministers are
stewards who share God’s wealth with the family. Paul called this spiritual
wealth “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the mysteries of God</b>.” The “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mysteries of God</i>” refer to those things
that were hidden from the understanding of those who lived in the Old
Testament, that is the Gospel message and the teaching of the New Testament
(see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 2:7-10</b>). As
ministers we are entrusted with the Gospel and it is our duty to –<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">1) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Expound It</b> –Preach it and teach it (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Timothy 4:2</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Apply It</b> – Make know the pardon and
forgiveness available to those who will repent and be saved (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 20:20-21</b>) .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">3) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Defend It – </b>Expose the false gospels
and false teaching (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jude 1:3</b>)</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">That
brings us to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>FIRST characteristic
that God expects</u></b> will be present in each Pastor and also each
Christisan - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FAITHFULNESS! </b></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians
4:2</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Moreover it is <u>required</u> in
stewards, that a man be found faithful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">A steward is
expected to act in the interest of the master, not his own interest. A steward
is not always closely supervised, but he is always expected to work diligently.
The key responsibility of the steward is to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">be <i>faithful</i> <i>to</i> <i>his</i> <i>master</i></b>. A steward
may not please the members of the household; he may not even please some of the
other servants; but <u>if he pleases his own master, he is a good steward</u>.
This same idea is expressed in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Romans 14:4</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Who art thou that judgest another
man's servant? <u>to his own master he standeth or falleth</u>. Yea, he shall
be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-themecolor: text1;">Faithfulness is to be the characteristic of not only the
Pastor but also the people, believers. How does your life stack up in that
area? Are you looking for a “cheap cross” and “discount discipleship?” Or are
you taking up your cross daily and following Christ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-74641051811624783142012-10-06T19:18:00.000-07:002012-10-06T19:18:06.457-07:00The Enemies of The Cross of Christ
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 20pt;">The Preaching of The Cross <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Part #3 – The Enemies of The Cross of Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">by Pastor David L.
Brown, Ph.D.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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First
Baptist Church of Oak Creek Wisconsin<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;">Blog – </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;">http://SaltLightTruth.blogspot.com<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;">Twitter – </span></b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><span style="color: blue;">www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown</span></span></b></a><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">1Corinthians 07.10072012<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1
Corinthians 1:18</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the
preaching of the cross</u></b> is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Review<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Last
week we began looking at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Paul’s
Doctrine of the Cross</u></b>. It was so important to him that he mentions it
10 times in his letters. Let’s review what we have covered - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1
Corinthians 1:17</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the
gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the
cross of Christ should be made of none effect</u></b>.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">1
Corinthians 1:18</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “For <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the
preaching of the cross</u></b> is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us
which are saved it is the power of God.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Galatians
5:11</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer
persecution? then is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the offence of
the cross</u></b> ceased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Galatians
6:12</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be
circumcised; only lest they should <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>suffer
persecution for the cross of Christ</u></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Galatians
6:14</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>But God forbid that I should glory, save
in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ</u></b>, by whom the world is crucified
unto me, and I unto the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Ephesians
2:14-16</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle
wall of partition <i>between us;</i> 15<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, <i>even</i> the law of
commandments <i>contained</i> in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain
one new man, <i>so</i> making peace; 16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And that he might <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>reconcile
both unto God in one body by the cross</u></b>, having slain the enmity
thereby:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Philippians
2:6-8 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">“Who,
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But
made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was
made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>he humbled himself, and became obedient
unto death, even the death of the cross</u></b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">TODAY<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are three passages left that round out <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Paul’s
Doctrine of The Cross</u></b> --<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Philippians
3:18</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><u>they are</u></i><u> the enemies of
the cross of Christ</u></b>:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians
1:19-22</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“For it pleased <i>the Father</i> that in him should all fulness dwell;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>20<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>having made peace through
the blood of his cross</u></b>, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by
him, <i>I say,</i> whether <i>they be</i> things in earth, or things in
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>21<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you, that were sometime alienated and
enemies in <i>your</i> mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>22<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and
unreproveable in his sight:”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Colossians
2:13-14</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he
quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>14<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which
was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>nailing it to his cross</u></b>;”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">We will
look at just one of them today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Philippians
3:17-19</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">
“Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have
us for an ensample.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>18<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(For many walk, of whom I have told you
often, and now tell you even weeping, <i>that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>they are</u></b></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> the
enemies of the cross of Christ</u></b>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>19<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whose end <i>is</i>
destruction, whose God <i>is their</i> belly, and <i>whose</i> glory <i>is</i>
in their shame, who mind earthly things.)”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">Paul is giving the Philippian
believers a “heads up!” He is saying, look out! Beware of <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Enemies of The Cross of Christ</i></b>.
The first question is, who are “the enemies of the Cross of Christ?” To be sure
there are enemies of the Cross of Christ outside the church. However, I think
Paul’s primary focus are the enemies that are within the professing church. I
think there are two varieties of enemies of the Cross of Christ WITHIN the
church. <b><u>First</u></b> there are the <b>tares </b>& <b><u>second</u></b>
there are <b>the carnal/worldly Christians</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let’s consider <b><u>the tares</u></b>
first. We must always remember that there are tares planted among the wheat.
The enemy, the Devil, plants them there. And the thing is, the tares look like
wheat (<b>Matthew 13:24 & ff</b>). Paul clearly had firsthand experience
with this problem He talks about being “</span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">in</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> perils among false brethren” </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;">in <b>2 Corinthians 11:26</b>. We have even
experienced that here on several occasions during my 30 plus years of ministry
at this church! Basically, Paul is warning the Philippians of the same thing
our Lord warned about in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Matthew
7:15</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Beware
of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are
ravening wolves.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">In
this passage Paul tries to help them distinguish between sheep and wolves;
between lovers of the Cross of Christ and Enemies of the Cross of Christ. He
does this by pointing to himself - “Brethren, be followers together of me, and
mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Philippians 3:17<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Paul
points to himself as a role model. The Greek word translated “be We followers
together” is</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">συμμιμη</span><span style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">ται</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-bidi-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">–</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic"; mso-themecolor: text1;">summimetai (</span><i><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">soom-mim-ay-tay'</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">).</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">In this
compound word</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">mimetai</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> means to mimic
or be an imitator and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>sum</i></b>
means together with. What Paul is saying by the use of this word is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>as I am a follower of Christ; join with
me in following Him</i></b>. Further, the idea is, </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">imitate me no farther than as I imitate
Christ. He articulates this very specifically in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">1 Corinthians 11:1</span></b><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;"> “Be ye followers of me, even as I
also <i>am</i> of Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">second</b> enemy within the church is
the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>carnal/worldly Christian</u></b>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">The
carnal/worldly Christian is a spiritual adulterer! Being a friend of the world
makes the carnal/worldly Christian the enemy of God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 4:4 </b>attests to that! “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye
not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore
will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” The worldly Christian
brings reproach upon Christ and even causes the name of Christ to be blasphemed
among the unsaved! (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Titus 2:5</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Having
said that, the end of those who Paul is exposing is said to be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">destruction,
</i></b>which is a translation of the Greek word</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "TITUS Cyberbit Basic","serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">απωλεια</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> – </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">apoleia, which can mean loss of wellbeing, such as being
a castaway such as Paul mentions in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1
Corinthians 9:27</b>, or it can also </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">refers to
the state after death wherein exclusion from salvation is a realized fact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">So,
it is wolves in sheep’s clothing and or carnal/worldly Christians that Paul
issues his warning about in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Philippians
3:18-19</b> “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you
even weeping, <i>that they are</i> the enemies of the cross of Christ: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">19</i> Whose end <i>is</i> destruction,
whose God <i>is their</i> belly, and <i>whose</i> glory <i>is</i> in their
shame, who mind earthly things.)” He points out characteristics of “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the enemies of the cross of Christ</u></b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“whose God is
their belly”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“whose glory is
their shame”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“who mind earthly
things.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Let’s
examine them one at a time:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“whose God is
their belly”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">first characteristic </b>of these enemies of the Cross of Christ is
that they are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">self-indulgent </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">live for sensual gratification</b>. Their
focus is on the sensual gratification of their appetites, whether food, drink,
games, or sex. It is all about them! They are not interested in serving others!
They are <u>self-focused</u>. All they care about is themselves and making
provisions for their own gratification. They are “<u>lovers of pleasure</u>
more than lovers of God” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">They make a god their belly,
pleasing their own desires, and all their care is to please those desires and
make provision for them. (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Timothy 3:4</b>).
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">Romans 16:18a</span></b> says, “<u>For they that are such serve not our
Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly</u>….” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Old Dr. Harry Ironside wrote – “Heedless
of their eternal destiny, these enemies of the cross go on in their folly,
indifferent to the admonitions of Scripture, conscience, and the Holy Spirit. They
are also indifferent to the warnings and entreaties of men of God who, like
Paul have chosen the better part and know whereof they speak. Casting all godly
counsel and sound advice to the winds, these flamboyant fools sport on the edge
of a moral precipice, display their heedlessness and folly before everyone,
glory in their shame, and exult in that which should cause them to bow in
penitent grief before redeeming mercy.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">That brings me to the next point…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“whose glory is
their shame”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Ironically these who profess to be
Christians prided themselves in the things they should have been ashamed of. They
brag about things of which they ought to be embarrassed about. They indulge in
modes of living which ought to be utterly embarrassed of. Paul warned the
Galatians believers not to be carnal and, “use not liberty for an occasion to
the flesh.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Galatians 5:13. </b>Jude
warns of false believers in the church who promote, in the name of God’s grace,
living lives of self-indulgent sensual gratification -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For there are certain men crept in unawares,
who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men<u>, turning
the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and
our Lord Jesus Christ</u>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Any way you slice it, these false
believers or carnal believers are the enemies of the cross of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">That brings me to the third and
final characteristic – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Georgia; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Georgia; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">!</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“who mind earthly
things.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The whole
study and attention of these tares and carnal/worldly Christians are taken up
with earthly matters; they are given to the flesh and its lusts; they have no
true spirituality, despite their religious façade. But their lasciviousness and
uncleanness seem to be principally intended. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">As despicable as these people were,
the apostle’s heart was deeply pained on their account. He wept over them!
There are 3 reasons why -<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 3pt 0.4in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">1.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because
they held and taught a false doctrine;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">2.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because
they perverted many by that teaching; and,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.4in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">3.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Because
they themselves were perishing through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.4in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">There
are tares among the wheat in Bible believing churches. There are wolves posing
in sheep’s clothing, even in this church! The devil has planted them here! I am
reminded of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 7:21</b> “Not every
one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but
he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” When these false
Christians stand before the Lord, what will He say? – “And then will I profess
unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 7:23</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">And
what of the carnal believers? They too are the enemies of Christ! At the Bema Seat
judgment, it will be a sad, sad time for them. They will lose all their rewards…but
be saved. (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 3:13-15</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-themecolor: text1;">Are
you the Enemy of The Cross of Christ? Are you a carnal/worldly Christian? Or do
you profess Christ and not possess Him? Either way, repent and get right with
God!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span class="usercontent"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">"He who provides for this life, but takes no care
for eternity, is wise for a moment, but a fool forever!" Tillotson</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-themecolor: text1;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-42874993228601578022012-03-28T13:16:00.000-07:002012-03-28T13:16:55.474-07:00BEWARD OF SWEARING: BE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR WORD - James 5:12<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><strong> </strong><h2 align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">Beware of Swearing: </span>Be Sure To Keep Your Word</h2><strong><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">by Pastor David L. Brown. Ph.D.</span></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><placename w:st="on"><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;">First</span></placename><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org <a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc">www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</a></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span>Facebook –www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span>Email – <a href="mailto:FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</a></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="color: black;">James 45.03252012</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">Text: James 5:12</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">Introduction</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">We continue on with our study of Practical Biblical Principles That Believers Are To Practice In Their Daily Lives. Today’s principle is – Beware of Swearing (taking an oath): Be Sure To Keep Your Word. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">Review</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">One of <u>the key themes of the letter</u> is James’ <u>admonition on the proper use of the tongue</u>.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">First</span></u></i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">, believers are encouraged to listen carefully, <u>think before we speak</u> and not to easily get angry in James 1:19 “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, <u>slow to speak</u>, slow to wrath:”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Second</span></u></i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">, in that same chapter, we read in verse 26 that <u>the person who claims to be “religious” (pious or godly) and yet does not bridle or control his or her tongue is lying to themselves and not godly at all</u>. Their profession of godliness is vain (empty). Hence, control your tongue. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Third</span></u></i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">, in James 3:1-12, James explains the power of the tongue. <u>The tongue has the power to direct, the power to destroy and the power to delight</u>. We are to use our tongues to direct in a godly direction and to delight (encourage).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Fourth</span></u></i><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">, in a recent message focusing on James 5:9 we are <u>exhorted not to grumble</u>! </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">Now we come to today’s admonition relating to the proper use of our tongue.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> Beware of Swearing (taking an oath): Be Sure To Keep Your Word </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">James 5:12 “But above all things, my brethren, <u>swear not</u>, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but <u>let your yea be yea; and <i>your </i>nay, nay</u>; lest ye fall into condemnation.”</span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></strong><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>What “Swearing” Is NOT In This Passage</span></h4><strong><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">In the context of James 5:12, the word swear is not referring to how we commonly use the English word today. When we refer to someone swearing we are talking about using the so-called four-letter words, dirty talk, illicit speech, filthy jokes, talk with double sensual meanings, etc.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">This kind of talk IS certainly wrong. Paul exhorted the Ephesians; “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29. The things mentioned above are certainly corrupt communication. Another applicable verse is Ephesians 5:4 “Neither filthiness, nor <u>foolish talking, nor jesting</u>, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">Further, when we talk about swearing, it is understood to mean, “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” The third Commandment says, “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.” Exodus 20:7<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Deuteronony 5:11; Pslam 139:20). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">I want to explain what taking the Lord’s name in vain means</span></u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">. It means to use God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit’s name in an irreverent, flippant, trifling, disrespectful way. It means to make it common, cheap, and insignificant.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">When you use the Lord’s name like a throw-away word like the utterance of “God!” or “Jesus!” or “Jesus Christ!” you are taking the Lord’s name in vain! When you damn someone or something in God’s name you are taking the Lord’s name in vain! Further, you are taking the Lord’s name in vain when you say, “O my God!” or OMG!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">In fact we are to revere the name of God! His name is Holy. In fact the Jews never even pronounced the name Jehovah, the Covenant name of God. It was a capital crime to use the name of God irreverently in the Old Testament. Leviticus 24:16 says “And he that blasphemeth the name of the LORD, he shall surely be put to death, <i>and </i>all the congregation shall certainly stone him: as well the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when he blasphemeth the name <i>of the LORD, </i>shall be put to death.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">There is a higher name than Jehovah! Turn to Philippians 2:9-11 “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:<i> 10 </i>That at the name of <u>Jesus</u> every knee should bow, of <i>things </i>in heaven, and <i>things </i>in earth, and <i>things </i>under the earth;<i> 11 </i>And <i>that </i>every tongue should confess that <u>Jesus Christ</u> <i>is </i>Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: black;">To use the name of Jesus in a common way is sin of the highest degree! We are to speak of God and Jesus Christ with reverence and respect. We are to delight in His name and honor it.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></strong><h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>What “Swearing” IS In This Passage</span></h4><strong><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">In the context of this passage, “swearing” means making an oath. To “swear” means “to affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God or some other high or holy thing, for the truth of what is affirmed.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Let me try to explain what is going on here. The Devil is the father of lies according to John 8:44. As one preacher said, “Fallen men are basically inveterate (chronic, confirmed) liars.” In Old Testament times, there were no written contracts, so oaths in the name of God served to attest that what the person said was true. It was to call God to witness to the truth of one’s promise and to invoke His judgment if one defaulted on the promise. It was a very serious matter. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I need to note something here. I like what one commentator said: </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">“The Bible does not forbid taking oaths, acknowledging that in a world filled with liars there are times when they are necessary. Certainly it is not wrong to take an oath when testifying in court, being ordained, or getting married.”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">As I will show in a moment, what I believe James is addressing is the use of ungodly oaths that were designed to deceive. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The Bible gives examples of godly men who took oaths, and in fact, God took an oath (Deuteronomy 29, key verse is 12). </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Abraham</span></u><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"> required his servant to take an oath that he would get Isaac a wife from his relatives and not from the Canaanites (Genesis 24:2-4). <u>The two Israelite spies</u> swore an oath to Rahab (Joshua 2:12-20). David swore an oath to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:12-17 & 2 Samuel 21:7).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">In the New Testament Paul takes an oath before God of his truthfulness</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> (2 Corinthians 1:23 & 11:31). </span><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Even an angel swore an oath</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.5pt;"> (Revelation 10:5-6).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">God expects a man who vows a vow/oath to keep his word. However, when a girl lived at home and took an oath, her father could nullify it. A wife’s oath/vow could be nullified by her husband (Numbers 30).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I have said all that to say this: I do not believe that James is laying down a blanket prohibition against all vows/oaths. I believe oaths were and are permitted on serious occasions (like marriage) and only in the name of God. What James is speaking out against is unnecessary and deceitful oaths. The Jews had developed the practice of swearing false, evasive oaths by everything other than the name of Lord. They swore by things other than the Lord for the very purpose of pretending truthfulness while they had no intention of keeping their oath. They knew that an oath in the name of the Lord was the only binding oath. Hence, James says, “But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath…” James 5:12a. </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I believe he very likely had in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who was addressing the Jewish practice of false oaths and said:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: small;">Matthew 23:16-22 “Woe unto you, <i>ye </i>blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!<i> 17 Ye </i>fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?<i> 18 </i>And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.<i> 19 Ye </i>fools and blind: for whether <i>is </i>greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?<i> 20 </i>Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon.<i> 21 </i>And whoso shall swear by the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein.<i> 22 </i>And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon.” (see Matthew 5:33-37, key verse 37). </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">James makes it clear; people of integrity no not need to swear elaborate oaths in an effort to assure others of their truthfulness. And certainly you would not swear an oath to deceive people! Your YES should mean YES and your NO should mean NO! As the Lord said in Matthew 5:37, “for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.” </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Be a person of integrity! Keep your word! </span></span></span></div></strong></span>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-89453951048570230162012-03-16T17:57:00.000-07:002012-03-16T17:57:56.975-07:00Don't Trade In YOur King James Bible!<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div class="MsoTitle" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Don’t Trade In Your King James Bible</span></strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>by Dr. David L. Brown</strong></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><a href="mailto:PastorDavidLBrown@gmail.com">PastorDavidLBrown@gmail.com</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/KJBRC"><span style="color: purple;">www.facebook.com/KJBRC</span></a></span></b></div></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 8pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">Ó</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">September 2011 by David L. Brown <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t Trade In Your King James Bible-C[1]</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hebrews 11:32-40</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">For nearly 2000 years, the Bible has remained the most controversial and contested book of all times. The Dragon, that Old Serpent, which is the Devil, or Satan has hated the Words of God since <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Eden</city></place>. He has sought to corrupt it, compromise it, water it down, obscure it and destroy it. (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis 3:1-7</b>) Satan is still doing that today in the modern Bible versions. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">There was a time when men or women who dared to handle it, possess it, or yes, even read this sacred Book and were found out, it would cost them their very life. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Since the completion of the New Testament canon it can be said that the Bible has become <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the most bloodstained book in all of history</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Men have fought for it and even been burned at the stake for it. Believers have been (and continue to be) imprisoned, beaten, buried alive and killed, just for reading it. One account in Foxes Book of Martyrs tells of a true story of a widow who was brought to trial for teaching her children the Ten Commandments and the Lord’s Prayer in English. But no solid evidence was produced, so at first she was released. However, when the sheriff went to help her down from the platform, he felt something in her sleeve. Reaching in, he pulled out a little scroll containing the Lord’s Prayer and Ten Commandments in English. Immediately she was convicted of heresy and shortly thereafter burned at the stake. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Others, like John Wycliffe, who gave us the first English Bible, have had their bones disinterred, and burned to ashes and have been accursed to damnation and eternal fire by the Roman Catholic Church. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Bible believing Christians have suffered all this and more for daring to share the empowered Words of the Holy Scriptures with a lost and dying world. The baton has been passed to us. We must carry the Light of the Gospel to our friends, and neighbors! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">God Gave Us His Perfect Word(s) </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">In 2008 I took a group of people on a trip to see the important biblical places in the <place w:st="on">Middle East</place>. We arrived at St. Catherine’s Monastery guesthouse in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Sinai</city>, <country-region w:st="on">Egypt</country-region></place> for a late supper. It was already dark. The monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery located at the foot of <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Sinai</placename></place>. This is where the corrupt Greek Manuscript, Sinaiticus, also called </span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">א</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> – Aleph, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">was found in a trash can by a flamboyant antiquity’s dealer named Constantin Von Tischendorf. They claim it is the oldest and best manuscript, neither of which claim is true. What is even more interesting is how liberal scholars hide the public claim of Constantine Simon Simonides, a senior textual scholar, that he had written the manuscript himself in 1839 when he was at </span><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agiou_Panteleimonos_monastery" title="Agiou Panteleimonos monastery"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Panteleimonos monastery</span></a></span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> at <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Athos" title="Mount Athos"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Athos</span></a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. Either way it is a horribly corrupt manuscript. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Now, St. Catherine’s is said to be the oldest, continuously inhabited Christian Monastery in the world. But it certainly was NOT the monastery that interested me! It was <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Sinai</placename></place>! The next morning I stared up at that mountain and tried to picture in my mind what it was like almost 3500 years ago when God met Moses on that mountain top. In about 1280 B.C<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">. the first written communication from God to man</b> came on <place w:st="on">Mount Sinai</place>, etched in stone tablets by the finger of God. “These sacred words from the Ten Commandments have shaped the world and its ethical system for 3,500 years.” </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A Visual History of the English Bible</i> by Donald L. Brake; Baker Books; p. 25). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">My heart is grieved as I see our Nation move from the Solid Rock of the Judeo-Christian ethic (Old Testament-New Testament principles) to the shifting sand of the relativistic ethic of Humanism. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Although Moses destroyed the tablets God had written when he saw the idolatry of the people upon descending from the mountain (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus 32:19</b>), God instructed Moses to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">, “Hew thee two tables of stone like unto the first: and I will write upon <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">these</i> tables the words that were in the first tables, which thou brakest.” (Exodus 34:1). But, in spite of a bad start, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>it is on <place w:st="on">Mount Sinai</place> that God began to communicate with human beings in written form</u></b> using the language that the people knew. God continued His progressive revelation for the next 1500 years until the canon of Scripture was closed with the book of Revelation. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; layout-grid-mode: line;">Let me give you an overview of how God revealed His Word(s) to us. Consider this from William Smith written in the 19<sup>th</sup> century. – “There are at least 36 different authors, who wrote in three continents [<place w:st="on">Europe</place>, Asia & Africa], in many countries, in three languages - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrew</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Aramaic</b> (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genesis 31:47; Jeremiah 10:11; Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:21-26; Daniel 2:4-7:28</b>) and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Greek</b>. The Bible is written from every possible human standpoint. Among the authors were kings, farmers, mechanics, scientific men, lawyers, generals, fishermen, ministers and priests, a tax collector, some poor, some city bred, some country born, thus touching all experiences of men, extending over 1500 years."<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; layout-grid-mode: line;">(Smith's Bible Dictionary; </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; layout-grid-mode: line;">by William Smith; published 1884; p.91)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; layout-grid-mode: line;">As I stared up at the 7,498 foot summit of Jabel Musa </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">my mind took me to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Exodus 19: 16 ff</b>, which gives the account of Moses being on <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Sinai</placename></place> early the morning God visited Moses. There was thunder, lightning, loud trumpets, fire, and smoke. The whole mountain shook. As I looked at <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Sinai</placename></place> I thought, this may have been the place where Moses received the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments written by the finger of God three and one half millenniums earlier. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It was on Mt. Sinai that Moses received <u>the very first written communication</u> from the Lord God Almighty</b>. It was on <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Mt.</placetype> <placename w:st="on">Sinai</placename></place> that the written progressive revelatory journey of God speaking to man began. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Praise God For Our King James Bible, God’s Inerrant Words To All Who Speak English</b>.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">God Inspired His Word(s)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">I believe God inspired His Words! Why because He says so! <b>2 </b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Timothy 3:16</b> “<u>All scripture <i>is </i>given by inspiration of God</u>, and <i>is </i>profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">In fact, I believe in the Verbal, Plenary Inspiration for the 66 books of the Bible. By <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verbal inspiration</b> I mean, every word is inspired. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">By <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">plenary inspiration</b> I mean every book is fully, equally and entirely inspired – from Genesis to Revelation! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">2 Peter 1:21</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake <i>as they were </i>moved by the Holy Ghost.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">God inspired His Word(s) once when the Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost! What they wrote was NOT their own private or personal ideas. But, inspiration would be of no value to us today if God did NOT preserve His Word(s).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">God Preserved His Word(s)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">As a friend of mine put it, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“God gave us His Words by verbal plenary inspiration. God preserved those Words by Verbal plenary preservation. Almighty God promised and performed both events!”</i></b> D.A. Waite</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">God did promise to preserve his Word(s) and I believe He did! </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Matthew 24:35</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Matthew 5:18</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"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."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">There is a bunch of intellectual bible believers, who ignore what the Bible says and who try to hoodwink, dupe and con Christians by saying <u>God only inspired the thoughts of the Bible, not the words</u>! In fact, virtually all the new versions take that approach in their translations! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NO! NO! NO!</b> That is not what Christ said; the FACT IS that not only are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the Words inspired</u></b>, but the letters are inspired. The jots and the tittles are inspired! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 3:4</b> “God forbid: yea, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>let God be true, but every man a liar</u></b>; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Shame on them for promoting something that is A LIE! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 30:5-6</b> My Bible says – “Every word of God <i>is </i>pure: he <i>is </i>a shield unto them that put their trust in him.<i> 6 </i><u>Add thou not unto his words</u>, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">My Bible says in - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deuteronomy 4:1-2</b> “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do <i>them, </i>that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.<i> 2 </i><u>Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you</u>, <u>neither shall ye diminish <i>ought </i>from it</u>, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Don’t ADD and don’t TAKE AWAY! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">So Where Are the Words of God TODAY? </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">HAS</b> providentially preserved His Word, including the very words of Scripture, in the traditional texts of the Bible. </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Our King James Bible preserves by accurate translation, the inerrancy of the Greek Received Text and the Hebrew/Aramaic Masoretic text for English speaking people</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE HAVE THE WORDS OF GOD IN THE KING JAMES BIBLE! They have had it for 400 years! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">You do NOT have the pure words of God in the Modern Versions of the English Bible</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">! They are corrupted!!! They may contain the words of God, but they also contain errors! Allow just one illustration -</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Our King James Bible, the pure Words of God, says in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mark 1:1-3</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;<i> 2 </i><u>As it is written in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">prophets</b></u>, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Malachi 3:1</b>] <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">3 </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” [<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Isaiah 40:3</b>]</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">The new versions say – “It is written in <u>Isaiah</u> the prophet…” and then goes on to quote Malachi and Isaiah! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">That is an error my friends! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Let me cite one more. In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 1:18</b> the King James Bible reads – </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">“No man hath seen God at any time; <u>the only begotten Son</u>, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared <i>him.</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Here is what the NASB says – “</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">No one has seen God at any time; <u>the only begotten God</u> who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained <i>Him</i>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">My God was NOT begotten! He has always existed from the beginning! Now, Jesus was begotten (born) of Mary! Though he was the eternal WORD (John 1:1&14) he took on a human body that he might die for our sins! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Don’t use a paraphrase</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">! They really are not Bibles at all. Don’t use the modern versions; they are based on the corrupt texts that we read about in the New Testament. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">2 Corinthians 2:17</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> “For we are not as <u>many, which corrupt the word of God</u>: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">2 Thessalonians 2:2</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;"> “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor <u>by letter as from us</u>, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Satan’s Design is to Corrupt the Word(s) of God</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">. He tried to do it in the past and he continues to do it today. Our King James Bible is the Word of God for English speaking people today! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt dashed; border-left: windowtext 1pt dashed; border-right: windowtext 1pt dashed; border-top: windowtext 1pt dashed; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Did you know that there are 17 complete verses missing from nearly all the modern versions of the Bible? Here is a list. Check it out for yourself. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Matthew 17:21<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mark 15:28<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Acts 24:7<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Matthew 18:11<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 17:36<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Acts 28:29</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Matthew 23:14<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke 23:17<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>Romans 16:24</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Mark 7:16<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 5:4<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>I John 5:7</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Mark 9:44 & 46<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 8:37<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: dash-small-gap windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">Mark 11:26<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Acts 15:34<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.5pt;">It took 231 years (from Wycliffe to KJB – or 85 years from Tyndale to the KJB) for English speaking people to have the pure word of God. The King James Bible has endured for 400 years! Do not trade in your pure Bible for a corrupt one! </span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-42402414191947688392011-12-16T10:47:00.000-08:002011-12-16T10:47:45.406-08:00Christmas - The Birth of Christ Is The Most Important Day In History<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Christmas</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"></span></span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Christmas is the day that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. No on really knows when he was born, though there is much speculation on the issue. But, December 25<sup>th</sup> is the day most Christians remember his birth. The fact is that even the <i>enemies</i> of Christianity claimed that Christ lived, and that he performed miracles! Early Jewish documents such as the Mishnah and even Josephus, as well as first-century Gentile historians such as Thallus, Serapion, and Tacitus, all testify that the one called Christ lived in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Palestine</city></place> and died under Pontius Pilate. As the British scholar, F. F. Bruce put it, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The historicity of Christ is as [certain]. . . as the historicity of Julius Caesar</i>” (<i>NT Documents</i>, 119).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">My point is this</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">: since Jesus lived, then Jesus was born! The Gospel of Matthew tell us that his birth was shortly <i>before</i> Herod the Great died (Matthew 2:19). Herod's death can be fixed with certainty. Josephus records an eclipse of the moon just before Herod passed on. This occurred on March 12th or 13th in 4 B.C. Josephus also tells us that Herod expired just before Passover. This feast took place on April 11th, in the same year, 4 B.C. From other details supplied by Josephus, we can pinpoint Herod the Great's demise as occurring between March 29th and April 4th in <i>4 B.C.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Likely it sounds strange to suggest that Jesus Christ was born <i>no later</i> than 4 B.C. since B.C. means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">before Christ</b>. But <u>our modern calendar which splits time between B.C. and A.D. was not invented until A.D. 525</u>. At that time, Pope John I asked a monk named Dionysius to prepare a standardized calendar for the western Church. Unfortunately, poor Dionysius missed the <i>real</i> B.C./A.D. division by at least four years!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Matthew tells us that Herod killed <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Bethlehem</city></place>'s babies two years old and under. The earliest Jesus could have been born, therefore, is <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">6</span> B.C. Through a variety of other time indicators, we can be relatively confident that the Messiah was born in either late <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">5</span> or early <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">4</span> B.C.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The birth of Christ is the most important events in human history</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">. So important in fact, that the timeline of history is divided by it - B.C. abbreviated for “Before Christ” and A.D. abbreviated for the two Latin words Anno Domini (meaning in the year of our Lord). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">This was no ordinary birth and it changed human history forever</b>. Even a complete skeptic like H.G. Wells, a professional historian and science fiction writer who made no profession of Christianity, admitted in his Outline of History, “More than 1900 years later, a historian like myself, who doesn’t even call himself a Christian, finds the picture [of history] centering irresistibly around the life and character of this most significant man.…” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The True Celebration of Christmas focuses the birth of Emmanuel (God with us)</b>. You can read about all the related facts surrounding the Savior’s birth in the Gospels of Matthew (1:18-2:11) and Luke (1:26-56, 67-75, 2:4-40). But <u>what was the purpose of Christ’s birth</u>? We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 John 4:14</b> “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son <i>to be </i>the Saviour of the world.” <u>Why do we need a Savior</u>? The birth of Christ was necessary because all people are lost sinners (Romans 3:23). God gave His Son Jesus a body so that so that he could pay for our sins by offering of His own body (Hebrews 10:5 & 10; 1 Peter 2:24; Colossians 2:13-14). If you have never received Jesus Christ as your Savior, do it today! “The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-84500050174598704622011-08-04T10:22:00.000-07:002011-08-04T10:22:46.317-07:00The Obsession With Greenness? We Were Green & Did Not Even Realize It!A friend sent me this the other day. I found it very interesting in light of the obsession with "Greenness" in this current generation! Hmm! We were "green" and did not even realize it! <br />
<br />
This reminded me that my generation was not as irresponsible as everyone today seems to think we were in many ways. I liked the article. <br />
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In the line at the store, the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized to him and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day." The clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment."<br />
<br />
He was right -- our generation didn't have the green thing in its day. Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.<br />
<br />
But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. We walked up stairs, because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks.<br />
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Back then, we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts -- wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. <br />
Back then, we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.<br />
In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.<br />
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When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used a wadded up old newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.<br />
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Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.<br />
<br />
We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water.<br />
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We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.<br />
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People took the streetcar or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service.<br />
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We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.<br />
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But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the green thing back then.Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-82295342712977593142011-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:002011-07-23T19:48:38.466-07:00Have You Been Converted?<div class="Section1"><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 2.25pt double; border-left: windowtext 2.25pt double; border-right: windowtext 2.25pt double; border-top: windowtext 2.25pt double; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 26pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Have You Been Converted?</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Brush Script'; font-size: 72pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D. </span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><placename w:st="on"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">First</span></b></placename><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 2.25pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><a href="http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/">http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/</a></span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"> <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc">www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</a></span></u></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">Email - <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="mailto:FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</a></span></u></span></b></div></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Conversion.07242011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I want to ask you a very important question that has Eternal ramifications. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Have YOU been converted?</u></b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Salvation begins with conversion</u></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">--that turning from doubt, sin, self, Satan, and turning toward God, Christ and righteousness</i>.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Victor Bible Source Book</i>, Stephen D. Swihart, Victor Books, p.116)</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">. Merrill C. Tenney writes, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the process of salvation, it (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conversion</b>) is the first step in the transition from sin to God.”</i> </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Handy Dictionary of the Bible, </i>Merril C. Tenney, Zondervan Publishers, p. 37).</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> The goal of this message is to help you understand the nature of conversion so you can be sure you have been converted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div></div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br clear="all" style="mso-break-type: section-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></u></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">Ö</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">THE NEED & DEFINITION OF CONVERSION<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Christ</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> told people very clearly that they needed to be converted.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Matthew 18:3</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> And said, <span style="color: black;">Verily I say unto you, Except ye be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>converted</u></b>,</span></i></span><span style="color: black; font-family: ' '; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">Peter preached</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt;">,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repent ye therefore, and be <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>converted</u></b>, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; </span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Acts 3:19</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">What is conversion</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">?</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conversion is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner, in which he turns, on the one hand, <u>from sin</u>, and on the other hand, <u>to Christ</u>. The former or negative element in conversion, namely, <u>the turning from sin, we denominate (call) repentance</u></b>. The latter or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">positive element</i> in conversion, namely, <u>the turning to Christ, we denominate <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">faith</b></u>.” (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Systematic Theology</i> by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 829)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Greek word translated <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">converted</b> in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 18:3</b> is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">strafhte<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>(</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">strepho, stref'-o; 4762). It is <u>from the root word that means to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">twist</b></u>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">turn around</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">reverse</b>. The term <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conversion</b> refers to <u>the human response</u> to the Gospel. Strong’s Concordance says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conversion is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner, in which he <u>turns, on one hand, from sin</u>, and <u>on the other hand, to Christ</u></i>.” It is turning <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">from</b> sin, self, Satan, and the world and turning <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">to</b> Christ and His righteousness. “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Conversion requires the commitment of the total personality, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">intellect</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">emotion</b>, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">will</b>. This is how people respond to the message of the gospel, when they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">understand</b> the nature of Christ’s atonement, when they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">feel</b> the guilt of conviction, love of God, and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">surrender</b> their wills to the offer of salvation. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The result of conversion is the changed life</b></i>.” (The King James Study Bible, Nelson, p. 1741)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">Ö</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">THERE ARE TWO ELEMENTS IN CONVERSION:</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">REPENTANCE & FAITH<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">REPENTANCE</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repentance Defined</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Repentance is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner in which he turns from sin. Being essentially a change of mind, it involves a change of view, a change of feeling, and a change in purpose.” </i>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Systematic Theology</i> by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 832)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Biblical Support For Repentance</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">No one can be saved who does not repent</span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> -- </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Bible makes it clear repentance is a part of salvation. We are told that God is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that <u>all should come to repentance</u>"</i> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Peter 3:9</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">û</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repentance was preached by John the Baptist<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>-- Matthew 3:1-2</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of <place w:st="on">Judaea</place>, 2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">û</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repentance</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">was preached by Christ -- Luke 5:32</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>repentance</u></b>.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>And -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luke 13:3&<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">5</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I tell you, Nay: but, except ye <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repent</b>, ye shall all likewise perish.</i> Christ's goal in dealing with men was to bring them to repentance. Christ confronted men with their sinfulness and their need to turn from their sinfulness. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">No one can be saved who does not see themselves as lost sinners</b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">and repent of their sins</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">û</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repentance was preached by the Apostles -- Acts 2:38</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Then Peter said unto them,<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u> Repent</u></b>, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Acts 5:31</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>repentance</u></b> to <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Israel</place></country-region>, and forgiveness of sins.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Acts 20:21</span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>repentance </u></b>toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">There is <u>no Bible example of a person being saved who did not evidence a drastic change in his or her life</u>. Further, the Apostle Paul, reviewing his ministry before King Agrippa, noted that he went about preaching to Jews and Gentiles both "<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that they should <u>repent and turn to God</u>, and do works meet for repentance</i>" <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 26:20</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 1pt; padding-right: 1pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3 Areas Involved In Repentance</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Intellect</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> (our mind) -- Repentance includes an acknowledgment of personal sin or guiltiness before God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 3:8</b> indicates this when it says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bring forth therefore fruits meet</i> (suitable)<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> for repentance.</i> King David of old illustrates this acknowledgment of personal guilt. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 51:3-4</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.</i> Job gives us an Old Testament illustration of one that was truly repentant.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Job 42:6</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.</i> There is no doubt about this man realizing his guiltiness before an Holy God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Emotions </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-- Repentance includes a deep sense of sorrow for the transgression committed against God. This is noted by the Apostle Paul in his letter -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Corinthians 7:10</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.</i> The Greek translated <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">sorrow</b> is </span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">luph (</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">3077. lupe, loo'-pay) which means to cause grief; sadness, grief, grievous, + grudgingly, or heaviness. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Will </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-- Repentance includes the positive determination to change in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">thought</b>, in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">speech</b> and in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">action</b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jeremiah 25:5</b> illustrates this aspect of repentance of will --<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They said, Turn ye again now every one from his evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that the LORD hath given unto you and to your fathers for ever and ever.</i> Again, King David shows his change in will in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 51:10</b> when he says,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.</i></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">FAITH</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Faith Defined</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“Faith is that voluntary change in the mind of the sinner in which he turns to Christ.” </span></i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Systematic Theology</i> by Augustus Hopkins Strong; Judson Press, p. 836). It is important to point out that “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">repentance never saved a soul by its merits</i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">; it lays the needful foundation for the temple of faith in the heart. But all the penitential sorrows of Adam's family would not remove one faint stain of sin. If a man borrowed five thousand dollars, for which he gave security, and squandered it most foolishly, and afterwards, filled with true repentance, he solicited and expected the forgiveness of the debt because he was sorry for it, the spendthrift would only meet with contempt in his application; his sureties would have to pay the money. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Faith alone in the Crucified cleanses from all sin, and</u> <u>repentance is God's instrumentality for leading the sinner to the Lamb of God</u>, the Great Remover of sin</b>” </i>(Cathcart). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">Ø</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <u>The Greek Word & Expanded Meaning</u></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Greek word translated faith is </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">pistewV </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(pistis, pis'-tis; 4102). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>Faith</u></i><u> means that which is believed or that which you are persuaded of</u></b>. The Bible make it clear that it is impossible to please God without it. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 11:6</b> says,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.</i> A companion word, from the same Greek root is the word </span><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt;">pisteuson </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(pisteuo, pist-yoo'-o; 4100) which means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>to trust, have faith in, to be persuaded of a thing or believe</u></b>. This is the word used in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 3:16 </b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever<u> believeth</u> in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.</span></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1pt solid; border-left: windowtext 1pt solid; border-right: windowtext 1pt solid; border-top: windowtext 1pt solid; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 1pt; padding-right: 1pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt;">A Look At The 3 Aspects of Faith</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Intellect </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-- There must be <u>knowledge</u> of the facts of the Gospel and a recognition of the truth of those facts. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 10:17</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. </i>No one can be saved without having the Gospel (the death, burial and resurrection of Christ) communicated to them. They must <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">read it</b> or <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">hear it</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">recognize it as true</b>. (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 10:13-16</b>). But, this <u>intellectual assent</u> as to the historical facts and truth of those facts does not alone yield saving faith. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 2:23-24</b> illustrates this intellectual, non-saving faith --<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Now when he was in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Jerusalem</city></place> at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. 24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men...”</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Nicodemus comes to Christ by night with this kind of faith -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 3:2</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, <u>we know that thou art a teacher come from God</u>: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Tms Rmn'; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Though there must be an intellectual understanding and belief in the facts of the Gospel <u>there must be more than that</u>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Emotion</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> -- There <u>must be an acknowledge</u> (admitting) that Christ alone is the answer to the present need of their sinful soul. I like the way Bancroft puts it -- “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There must be a heart response to Him as my Saviour which springs from the sense of realized need and deep seated desire.” </i>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elemental Theology</i>; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211). The Apostle Paul put it this way -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 10:9-10</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. </i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Note: </b>If there is no recognition of the deep personal need for Christ’s Salvation, there is no salvation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The Will </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-- There must be <u>the consent of your will</u>, a volitional (deliberate) choice for Christ. One writer put it like this -- “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Faith not only recieves the word of Christ, it reaches out and lays hold upon the person of Christ.” </i>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elemental Theology</i>; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt 1.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Davis</place></city> says, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There is a volitional element in faith. There must be a will to believe. Hence<u> faith involves not mere passive acquiescence in the truth, but an active response</u> to the demands of truth. Faith is stepping out on the promises of God.” </i>(<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Elemental Theology</i>; Emery H. Bancroft; p. 211). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 1:12</b> shows the volitional aspect of faith --<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:</i> </span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Biblical faith involves not one or two of the above elements but all of them... your intellect, your emotions and your will!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In conclusion, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">conversion</b> involves <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">repentance </b>and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">faith</b>. In the last analysis repentance and faith are one and the same act. This is seen in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Thess 1:9</b> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Ye turned to God from idols”.</i> Repentance is included in believing. I want you to know that repentance is not faith, nor faith repentance. But repentance is an essential part of faith or belief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“He that believeth...</i>” implies repentance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Repent and be converted...”</i> involves faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, repentance and faith can never be separated as we see in Acts 20:21 --<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ</i></b>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Have you been converted</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">? Have you repented of your sins and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ? </span>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-9329346342914606922011-05-21T18:11:00.000-07:002011-05-21T18:11:58.348-07:00The Rapture Will Come, But In God's Time!<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-left: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-right: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-top: windowtext 1.5pt double; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Rapture Will Come But In God’s Time!</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;">by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><placename w:st="on"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;">First</span></b></placename><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Blog - </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">http://SaltLightTruth.blogspot.com </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Twitter – </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Facebook –</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Email - </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</span></b></div></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">Harold Camping.05222011</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Introduction</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>RAPTURE</u></b> is the next event on God’s prophetic calendar. It is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>imminent</u></b>, which means, it could happen any time. No prophecies have to be fulfilled before the Rapture can take place. <u>I long for the Rapture of Church Age believers</u>. But, it has grieved me to see people make fun of the Rapture and God’s coming judgment on unbelieving people because of the bogus predictions of false prophet Harold Camping. We are seeing </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">2 Peter 3:2-4 </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">come to pass -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:<i> 3 </i>Knowing this first, that <u>there shall come in the last days scoffers,</u> walking after their own lusts,<i> 4 </i>And saying, <u>Where is the promise of his coming</u>? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as <i>they were </i>from the beginning of the creation.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The Rapture WILL happen in God’s timing</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">! Not Harold Campings. God <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">WILL</i></b> judge the Christ rejecters and unbelieving scoffers. We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Jude 1:14-18</b> “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,<i> 15 </i><u>To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard <i>speeches </i>which ungodly sinners have spoken against him</u>.<i> 16 </i>These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling <i>words, </i>having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.<i> 17 </i>But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;<i> 18 </i>How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Definition of Terms</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Before I go any further, I want to define some words, so we are on the “same page” so to speak.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span class="googqs-tidbitgoogqs-tidbit-0googqs-tidbit-hilite"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">By definition The <b>Rapture</b> is the ‘<b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">catching away’</i></b> of Church Age believers in Jesus, as described in <b>1 Thessalonians 4:16-17</b>, thereby fulfilling His promise that the</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> Church was not appointed to wrath (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Thessalonians 5:9-10</b>), and completing the age of the Church. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Lets look at these Scripture passages: </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">1 Thessalonians 4:16-17</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> “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:<i> 17 </i>Then we which are alive <i>and </i>remain shall be <u>caught up</u> together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">1 Thessalonians 5:9-10</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,<i> 10 </i>Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">So, what is the “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Church Age</u></b>” also called the “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Age of Grace</b>,” or as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 3:2</b> calls it, “…<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the dispensation of the grace of God</b>.” John F. Walvoord says, “most expositors agree that the New Testament Church in some sense began on the Day of Pentecost.” Dwight J. Pentecost says, “After the day of Pentecost and until the rapture we find the church which is His body…After the rapture we find no church….” So to clarify then, we believe the Church Age began at Pentecost, in Acts 2, and will conclude with the Rapture of genuine believers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">It certainly is my pray, “even so come Lord Jesus!” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revelation 22:20</b>). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I want the Rapture to come today</b>, and it could, or it may not come for another 100 years. But <u>it WILL come in God’s time</u>. Peter wrote – “The Lord is not slack [slow, tardy, delayed] concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">10</i> But the day of the Lord will come <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">as a thief in the night…</b>” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2 Peter 3:9-10b</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The fact is, that the end time events that begin with the Rapture will come unexpectedly. Paul said in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Thessalonians 5:2</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>as a thief in the night</u></b>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">However, there have <u>always been those who are intent on setting dates for the Rapture of the Lord</u>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">despite of the fact that our Lord clearly says you could not know the date</b>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Matthew 24:36</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> “But of that day and hour knoweth no <i>man, </i>no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Mark 13:32</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> “But of that day and <i>that </i>hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Let me give you several examples of those who will not accept “NO” for an answer, and who think they do an end run around God and figure out the date. I was in <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Battle Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Michigan</state></place> about a week ago. There is an historic cemetery there. <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Battle Creek</place></city> was a haven for the Seventh Day Adventists. James and Ellen White are buried there, the co-founders of that movement. This group was founded as a result of setting dates for the Lord’s return. Let me give you a brief historical sketch. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">A <state w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Vermont</place></state> farmer by the name of <u>William Miller</u> who developed a theory in the 1820′s, based on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Daniel 8:14</b> that Jesus would return to the earth on March 21, 1844. The verse reads – “And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Miller converted the days into years. He assumed the prophecy was given in 457 B.C. then calculated that Jesus would return 2,300 years later, on March 21, 1844. Further, he interpreted the “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">cleansing of the sanctuary</i>” to refer to the purging of the earth by fire at the Second Coming of Jesus!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Miller’s date came and passed without any sign of the Lord’s return. He recalculated and set the new date for October 22, 1844. But, when nothing happened on this second date, most of Miller’s followers became totally disillusioned and abandoned him. The whole experience was dubbed “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Great Disappointment.”</i></b> Miller died in disgrace four years later in 1849.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">But that was not to be the end of the matter. One small group of Miller’s followers in <place w:st="on">New England</place> decided that he had not been wrong after all. Led by a young so-called <u>prophetess</u> named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Ellen G. White</u></b>, they began to teach that on October 22, 1844, Jesus had returned invisibly and had entered the Holy of Holies in Heaven to begin an “investigative judgment” of the works of every person who has ever lived in order to determine their fitness for Heaven. They further taught that the reason Jesus did not return to the earth on the October date was because of the Church’s failure to observe the Jewish Sabbath. Worshipping on Sunday was considered The Mark of The Beast. They asserted that he would soon return Thus they founded what is known today known as The Seventh Day Adventists.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Another group also tried to hold to the 1844 date. It was led by <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Jonas Swendahl</u></b> and was known as the <u>Second Adventists</u>. They believed that 1844 did not mark the date of Jesus' return, but of <u>the beginning of the last generation</u>, which would be 30 years long. Swendahl taught that Jesus would therefore return in 1874.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
One of Swendahl's followers was a former Presbyterian named <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Charles Taze Russell</u></b>. When 1874 came and went, he concluded <u>30 years was not long enough for a generation</u>. So he added 70 years to 1844 and concluded that Jesus would return in 1914. This and other differences led him to split from the Second Adventists and launch <u>Zion's Watchtower</u> and <u>Herald of Christ's Presence</u>. His followers became known as the <u>International Bible Students</u>, and they went about the country with the message, “Millions now living will never die!” Followers were to leave their churches and fellowship together. All churches were considered apostate, but God had provided a new channel for their instruction, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zion's Watchtower Tract Society</i></b>. What began as the International Bible Students has become <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the Jehovah's Witnesses</i></b>. The date of 1914 was changed to 1925, 1941, and 1975. What began as calling Christians out of their churches to prepare for Christ's return has become an anti-Christian cult. I believe we are seeing a rerun of what has happened before. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape alt="" id="il_fi" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 88.7pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-position-horizontal: left; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 85.65pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-170 0 -170 21436 21600 21436 21600 0 -170 0"><imagedata o:href="http://www.cogwriter.com/harold-egbert-camping.jpg" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Harold Camping</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> follows the line of false teachers who think they can out smart God. He was trained as an engineer and he loves numbers. He “plays” with them constantly, giving them meanings that will support his off-the-wall interpretations. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Here are just a few of his hair-brained calculations & teachings</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;"> – </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The Church Age ended on May 21, 1988 and the Tribulation began that day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Between May 21, 1988 and September 6, 1994, the first six years of the Tribulation, almost no one was saved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">On September 6, 1994, God began to pour out His Spirit. This will result in a great end time harvest of souls during the last years of the Tribulation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Since the Tribulation will last 8,400 days or 23 years, dating from May 21, 1988, the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Those left behind will be judged by Jesus for a period of five months, until October 21, 2011, at which time the world will come to an end.<span style="color: black;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Harold Camping teaches that the Holy Spirit is no longer working in the church.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Harold Camping teaches that EVERY church in the world is apostate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">These teachings raise a lot of questions, the most important being, “How did Camping arrive at the date of <u>May 21, 1988</u> as the end of the Church Age?” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">The answer is absolutely bizarre! He begins his explanation by claiming that the first Jubilee Year after the re-establishment of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Israel</place></country-region> in 1948 was 1994. Then he says that because the last part of the Tribulation is identified with a great multitude to be saved (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revelation 7</b>), the last part of the Tribulation must have begun in 1994, since it was the first Jubilee Year since the re-establishment of <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Israel</place></country-region> in 1948. He goes on to explain that because the first part of the Tribulation must be identified with the 2,300 days of Daniel, the Tribulation must have begun 2,300 days earlier, which would place it in 1988. AND, since the Church was established on the Day of Pentecost, the end of the Church Age must have occurred on the day before Pentecost, which in 1988 was May 21.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">Are you confused yet? I certainly am, but there is one more thing I want to share. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How did Camping come up with the date of May 21, 2011 for the Rapture</b>?” Here is the trick the master magician used to come up with the date. He dogmatically claims that since the Tribulation lasts 23 years, the Rapture will occur on May 21, 2011, because that is 23 years after the Tribulation began on May 21, 1988. I can not figure out how he arrived at 23 years for the length of the Tribulation when both Daniel and Revelation make it clear that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the Tribulation will last 7 years</b>. I’m sure his answer is in his writing, or at least his head somewhere, but I can not find it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">To be honest, his writings are so obtuse that are like chasing a skunk in a labyrinth with no way out. This convinces many people that he must be a profound thinker and a genius. He must have received these revelations from God, because they do not make sense to the average person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">I believe Harold Camping is a False Prophet. He is being used as a tool of Satan just like the false teachers of the past. By substituting the false, he is conditioning people to be skeptical of the true teaching of the End Times. As Paul wrote - “…let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings….” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 3:4</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-10030676955734614752011-05-19T10:16:00.000-07:002011-05-19T10:16:52.827-07:00False Prophet Harold Camping<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Modern self-proclaimed prophet Harold Camping, the 89-year-old <place w:st="on"><state w:st="on">California</state></place> radio station has proved once again that is a FALES PROPHET, predicting the rapture of the Church on May 21, 2011 and the destruction of the world (final judgment) on October 21, 2011. Camping predicted the end in 1994. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I remind you of what the Bible says - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 25:13</b> “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.” Also, note <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mark 13:30-32</b> “Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.<i> 31 </i>Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.<i> 32 </i>But of that day and <i>that </i>hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The truth is, the Rapture is imminent (could happen at any time). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 John 3:3</b> says, “…every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His false teaching on the Rapture and the end of the world is not his only problem. He teaches a false salvation and tells his followers that all churches are corrupt and totally ignores <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hebrews 10:25</b> “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some <i>is; </i>but exhorting <i>one another: </i>and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Camping is a false prophet! Steer clear of his false teachings. If you listen to Family Life Radio, beware of his teachings, in fact do not listen to them at all. Deuteronomy 18:22 says, “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that <i>is </i>the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, <i>but </i>the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.” Camping has spoken presumptuously! He his deceived his followers. May their eyes be opened to this man’s lies!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We need to keep on keeping on for the Lord. Two Scriptures come to mind - <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 13:12</b> “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ephesians 5:15-16</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,<i> 16 </i>Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”</span></span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-85402183784738435452011-04-24T07:48:00.000-07:002011-04-24T07:48:03.673-07:00Our Suffering Yet Victorious Savior<div class="MsoTitle" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><strong>Our Suffering Yet Victorious Savior</strong></span></div><div class="MsoTitle" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.</span></div><div class="MsoTitle" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><placename w:st="on"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First</span></placename><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: windowtext; border-left: windowtext; border-right: windowtext; border-top: windowtext; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc<b><span style="color: blue;"></span></b></span></div><div align="right" class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 6pt; font-weight: normal;">Arose2011R.041501042411</span></div><div class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Text: </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><strong>Isaiah 53:5-11</strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Today we remember the most important event in Christianity, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is the day Christ arose victorious from the dead. When Christ revealed himself to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos He said, “I <i>am </i>he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” <b>Revelation 1:18. </b>Hallelujah, we have a Savior who is ALIVE! We have a Savior who making intercession for us today before God (<b>Romans 8:34</b>)! Hallelujah! However, I remind you that before our Lord’s Victorious Resurrection, there was an enormous amount of suffering that he went thru. In this message, we are going to consider <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the sacred symbols associated with our Savior’s suffering </u></b>and then look at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>the symbol of His Victory</u></b>. Again, I remind you that all Christ’s suffering was for us! <b>Isaiah 53:5</b> says, “But he <i>was </i>wounded for our<u> </u>transgressions, <i>he was </i>bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace <i>was </i>upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” </span></div><div align="left" class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><strong><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Scourge</span></strong></div><div class="MsoTitle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 189pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.6pt; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 151.05pt; z-index: 1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-123 0 -123 21501 21600 21501 21600 0 -123 0"><strong><imagedata o:title="scourge2" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></strong></shape><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“But he <i>was </i>wounded for our<u> </u>transgressions… and <u>with his stripes we are healed</u>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Scourging was a common and brutal form of corporal punishment that involved tying the victim to a post or bench and whipping him severely. The number of blows was fixed as we read in <b>Deuteronomy 25:2-3</b> – “And it shall be, if the wicked man <i>be </i>worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down, and to be beaten before his face, according to his fault, by a certain number.<i> 3 </i>Forty stripes he may give him, <i>and </i>not exceed: lest, <i>if </i>he should exceed, and beat him above these with many stripes, then thy brother should seem vile unto thee.” Later, by Rabbinical instruction that was reduced to thirty-nine. Paul says that <u>five time</u> he had received 39 stripes from the Jews (<b>2 Corinthians 11:24</b>). The person being scourged was to receive <u>thirteen stokes on the chest and twenty-six on the back</u>. It was not uncommon for victim died from a scourging. Perhaps you are wondering, why Paul didn’t die. He was whipped five times. The answer is revealed in a study of the Greek words used. The Greek language indicates that there were <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">three levels of whipping</b>. <u>Scourging</u> was the worst. Then there was <u>flogging</u> and finally <u>chastisement</u>. Different whips were used in administering the beatings. The <u>flagrum</u> or scourge used on Christ likely had lead balls and pieces of bone affixed to it, because we know His flesh was mutilated by the beating. <b>Isaiah 50:6</b> prophetically foretold, “<u>I gave my back to the smiters</u>, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why was Jesus Christ bruised and beaten</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">? The Apostle Peter tells us, "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: <u>by whose stripes ye were healed</u>.<i> 25 </i>For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls." <b>1 Peter 2:24-25</b>. Christ had no sins of His own (<b>1 Peter 2:22</b>). He was paying for our sins. The <b>scourge</b> is a symbol of the awfulness of our sin and the terrible price Christ personally paid for our sins (<b>Isaiah 52:14</b>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Crown of Thorns</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1030" style="height: 61.9pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; mso-position-horizontal: left; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 90.25pt; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-180 0 -180 21340 21600 21340 21600 0 -180 0"><imagedata o:title="Crown-of-Thorns" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“And when they had <u>platted [to twine or braid] a crown of thorns, they put <i>it </i>upon his head</u>, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!<i> 30 </i>And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and <u>smote him on the head</u>.” <b>Matthew 27:29-30</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>The Crown of Thorns is a symbol of Christ suffering public humiliation and public rejection</u>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Lord of Glory was despised and rejected of men</b>! Why did he allow it when he could have stopped it! Christ could have called 81,912 angels (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 26:53</b>) and they would have instantly been at His side to stop this! The answer is found in <b>1 Peter 3:18 </b>“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God…” Christ suffered for you and for me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cruel Nails & The Cross</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 96pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 1.1pt; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 2in; z-index: 2;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-92 0 -92 21451 21600 21451 21600 0 -92 0"><imagedata o:title="nails21" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image005.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: <u>they pierced my hands and my feet</u>.” <b>Psalms 22:16</b><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">.</span> “He that is hanged <i>is </i>accursed of God.” <b>Deuteronomy 21:23</b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Jews detested the death of the cross. Roman citizens were exempt from this heinous form of death. This form of death was reserved for the most serious crimes such as treason, desertion in the face of the enemy, piracy, assassination, sedition, etc. The suffering of death by crucifixion was intense, especially in hot climates. Severe local inflammation, coupled with bleeding from the jagged wounds produced traumatic fever, which was aggravated the exposure to the heat of the sun, the strained of the body, and insufferable thirst. The swelling around the rough nails and the torn lacerated tendons and nerves caused excruciating agony. </span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 152.6pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 284pt; margin-top: 5.4pt; mso-position-horizontal: right; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 125.1pt; z-index: 3;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-135 0 -135 21489 21600 21489 21600 0 -135 0"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><imagedata o:title="Nails" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image007.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></span></shape><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The arteries of the head and stomach were supercharged with blood and a terrific throbbing headache ensued. The mind was confused and filled with anxiety and dread. The victim of crucifixion literally died a thousand deaths. Tetanus often appeared and the rigors of the attending convulsions would tear at the wounds and add to the burden of pain, till at last the bodily forces were exhausted and the victim sank into unconsciousness and death. The sufferings were so frightful that “even among the raging passions of war pity was sometimes excited.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But <u>why did Christ endure all of this</u>? There are two passages, one in Galatians and one in Colossians that answer this question –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Galatians 3:13</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed <i>is </i>every one that hangeth on a tree:”<b></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Colossians 2:13-14</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;<i> 14 </i>Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, <u>nailing it to his cross</u>;”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">My friend, these are the sacred symbols of our suffering Savior –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Scourge; The Crown of Thorns; The Cruel Nails; & The Cross<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He suffered all these for you! W. G. Ovens wrote –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wounded for me, wounded for me, </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There on the Cross He was wounded for me;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gone my transgressions, and now I am free,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All because Jesus was wounded for me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There is yet one more important symbol that we must look at. It is <b>the symbol of victory</b>!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Empty Tomb </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 193.8pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0.1pt; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 166.2pt; z-index: 4;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-97 0 -97 21516 21600 21516 21600 0 -97 0"><imagedata o:title="Empty Tomb" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image009.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">“…Why seek ye the living among the dead<u>?<i> </i>He is not here, but is risen</u>: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in <place w:st="on">Galilee</place>,” <b>Luke 24:5-6</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The literal, physical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christianity</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">! The resurrection of Jesus Christ proves that He was the Son of God and that God accepted His sacrifice as payment for the sins of mankind. (See - <b>Romans 1:4</b> says that Christ was “…declared <i>to be </i>the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” <b>1 John 2:2</b> says, “And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for <i>the sins of </i>the whole world.”)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The New Testament church was born out of Peter preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Act 2</b>. Peter preaches it again in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 4</b>, then again in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 10</b>. Stephen preaches the resurrection in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 7</b>. Philip preaches it in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 8</b>. In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Acts 9, 13</b>, and on through <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">28</b>, Paul preaches the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Why is the resurrection so important</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">? It is through the resurrection of Jesus Christ that we are born-again. The same divine power that physically raised Christ from the dead is the power that brings the spiritually dead sinner to spiritual life. <b>1 Peter 1:3</b> says, “Blessed <i>be </i>the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath <u>begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead</u>.” Paul put it this way: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was <u>raised again for our justification</u>. <i>1</i> Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:<i> 2 </i>By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” <b>Romans 4:25-5:2.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, there’s more. Believers will be physically raised from the dead to immortality just as Christ was (<b>1 Corinthians 15:20-23</b>). The unsaved will be raised as well, but to eternal damnation in the <place w:st="on"><placetype w:st="on">Lake</placetype> of <placename w:st="on">Fire</placename></place> (<b>Acts 24:15</b>). The resurrection you will have part in depends on what you have done with Christ. Is Christ your Savior? If not, I urge you to receive Him today!</span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-79785202211576608382011-04-18T08:20:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:20:02.903-07:00Remember The Titanic?<div class="WordSection1"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">REMEMBER THE TITANIC?</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Symbol;">Ó</span></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 1976 & 2008 by David L. Brown</span><span style="font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE TRAGEDY</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">April 15, 1912 was a tragic day in maritime history. April 15, 2008 marks the 96<sup>th</sup> anniversary of this century’s most catastrophic shipping calamity. At 2:40 a.m. the “unsinkable” luxurious White Star Liner, Titanic, pride of the British merchant fleet, plunged to its watery grave becoming a humungous coffin for 1,517 perplexed people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE GREAT DELUSION</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Too many have an errant, even flippant view of God. One crewmember brazenly stated,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“<b><i>Not even God could sink this ship!</i></b>” It was commonly stated that the ship was “<b>unsinkable</b>.” This was the selling point of all the promoters. After all, it was the world’s largest vessel in 1912: 882 ½ feet long, weighing 46,328 tons, with a double bottom of 5 to 6 feet thick to insure added safety.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1026" o:allowoverlap="f" style="height: 108pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 10.45pt; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 108pt; z-index: 251657216;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-193 0 -193 21407 21600 21407 21600 0 -193 0"><imagedata o:title="E.J. Smith" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thirty-two-year veteran E.J. Smith, the Titanic captain, stated, “<i>I cannot imagine any condition that would cause the ship to founder. I cannot imagine any disaster happening to this vessel. Modern shipbuilding has gone beyond that</i>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">People would have harangued anyone as a lunatic who would have said the Titanic would sink on her maiden voyage. It was a known “fact” that the only way possible she would sink would be if both keel plates on her double bottom hull were torn at least half her length.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The odds of that happening were too high to figure! Especially considering there were 30 watertight compartments designed to prevent that from ever happening. Adding to the air of security, or might I say false security, was the presumptuous talk that the 46,328 ton Titanic traveling at 18 knots could slice through anything without sinking.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><h1 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE PEOPLE</span></h1><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Titanic has received worldwide publicity, with the owners, designers, builders, captain, crew and news media proclaiming it as the safest, most luxurious attraction ever. They made it seem as if it were <u>the Eighth Wonder of the World</u> and a first class booking cost like it also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best accommodations were reserved for $4,350, while the less expensive first-class rooms were a mere $2,300. That was a BIG PRICE back then.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 171pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.3pt; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-wrap-edited: f; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 130.5pt; z-index: 251658240;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-124 0 -124 21505 21600 21505 21600 0 -124 0"><imagedata o:title="JJAstorIV" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For that money, you might guess the class of people that were attracted to an expensive “unsinkable” ship offering the plushest transatlantic accommodations in the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The tall, 48-year-old John Jacob Astor IV was probably the most renowned. If not, he was at least the riches, worth some $150 million. His wealth included companies still known today:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Western Union, The Equitable Life Assurance Company, and Mercantile Trust Company. At 48 he took Madeline, his bride of 19, and reserved the best of accommodations on the Titanic as the final leg of a trip from Egypt. He never stepped foot on dry land again after boarding at Southhampton, England although his wife escaped the watery grave and later gave birth to his son, John Jacob Astor V.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Benjamin Guggenheim, age 47, was worth $95 million.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jay Bruce Ismay of International Mercantile Marine Company and White Star Line chairman was on board with his wife and children. He was worth about $40 million and he wanted everyone to know it. His wife was a “display piece” for his wealth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is said that one string of her pearls was worth $250,000.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Among the noted Americans on the Titanic was Major Archibald Butt. He had been military aide to the 25<sup>th</sup> president, Theodore Roosevelt and at the time was returning to Washington from a visit to Italy and specially visiting the Vatican on behalf of President Taft. Butt was serving President Taft as military aide also.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was Isidor Straus, an elderly Bavarian Jew who made his fortune in commerce and banking. He was also a partner with R. H. Macy in New York City’s famous store by the latter name. He was returning from the Rivera. It is said he was worth $50,000,000.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Great men of industry, commerce and finance, as well as a sprinkling of aristocrats of Europe, held prime places on the Titanic. Leading theatrical and motion picture figures, a renowned American publisher, a British journalist, a famous metallurgical engineer, a fashion designer and dozens of other celebrities were aboard. Such great wealth and fashion; the women outstandingly arrayed in the finest Parisian gowns, shimmering with enough jewels to sink a lifeboat. The rich and famous, as well as hundreds of average people like Lawrence Beesley, a London schoolmaster going to visit his brother in America, did not have the slightest inkling of the tragic disaster they would encounter at 41° 46′ N. and 50° 14′W.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">THE PLEASURES AND PROBLEMS</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Amid the swimming pool, Turkish baths, library and reading room, gymnasium, miniature golf course, child’s playroom, tennis courts, restaurants, ballrooms, tailor shops, dress shops and palm-lined courts, people had no time to be interrupted from their amusement. Wallace Hartley and his eight-man orchestra often captivated the attention of the passengers with light waltzes and American Rag Time. An electric camel, horse, 16 pianos and a “hospital equipped with an operating room” testified to the extravagant heights White Star Lines had gone to quench the thirst for pleasure and amusement of the rich. She even published her own magazine enroute – “The Atlantic Daily Bulletin”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The alarming truth is that a fire was burning in number 6 coal bunker when they left Southhampton. In fact there was a near disaster when the Titanic pulled away from port because it displaced such an immense volume of water in such a restricted area that it caused a powerful suction, which combined with an offshore breeze dragged the ship the <b><i>New York</i></b> from her berth, snapped her mooring lines and a collision between the two was missed by just a matter of inches! Adding further to the danger, it was discovered after the Titanic was under way that there were no binoculars in the crow’s nest with which to watch and spot danger more easily.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There was a fourth problem. The accounts that I have found set the number of people, in total, from 2,222 to 2,340. There were 20 lifeboats with a capacity of 58 each. That meant there was room for 1,160 if each boat were filled to capacity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The fifth problem was bad seamanship. Despite all urgent warnings of ice by radio and signal lamp, the Titanic, in hopes of an early arrival in New York harbor, sailed at near top speed of 22 ½ knots, into slushy iceberg infested waters.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On that cloudless, breezeless night of April 14, 1912 with only the stars for light, the Titanic rammed a huge iceberg, which ripped a 300-foot gash into the one side of the “unsinkable” ship. Lady Cosmo Duff Gordon, in her stately room, was awaken by the jolt and was quoted to have said, “It seemed as though somebody had drawn a giant finger along the side of the ship”. Many were so busy the jar went unnoticed.</span></div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By 12:10 a.m., April 15, Thomas Andrews, the Chief designer of the Titanic had informed Captain Smith the ship had incurred some serious damage, but there was no need to alarm the people. The crew was notified and ordered to uncover the lifeboats and distribute life vests. Many refused to put on the vests, saying they didn’t want to ruffle their gowns with those dirty vests! John Jacob Astor was asked where his life vest was and he replied, “I didn’t think I needed it”!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At 12.45 a.m. Captain Smith ordered an S.O.S. flair fired but no assistance would come after many firings. The call was given – “To The Life Boats…women and children first” but people had been brainwashed by the pompous publicity – “Unsinkable”, and the cries for the most part were not taken seriously. The truth is that many lifeboats pulled away with only a dozen or so people in them while the capacity was 58. One story has it that people were chipping off hunks of icebergs and having snowball fights on deck.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At 1:30 a.m. a series of explosions turned the dream cruise into a nightmare. People were shocked into the reality of impending disaster. The stampede was on. A few men were said to have disguised themselves as women in an effort to get in the lifeboats.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There were men on the Titanic that day that could have bought it, but in those last moments they did not have enough money to buy a seat in the lifeboat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some say 705 lived to tell of the terrible tragedy. The British Government said 1,490 people perished. The British Board of Trade said 1,503 and the U.S. Senate Investigating Committee said 1,517. That figure is probably the most accurate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eyewitnesses say that the partings were horrible…children snatched from parents and thrown into lifeboats. Women torn from their husbands by ship stewards and placed screaming into the boats.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One eyewitness said a man was holding his 12-year-old son. Many came and begged him to let the boy loose and put him into the boat. The man tried to push his son away several times but the little boy would not release his grip from his dad.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At 2:40 a.m., April 15, 1912, as the band played the Episcopal Hymn, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Autumn</i>: “All against my soul combined, Hold me up in mighty waters, keep my eyes on things above, Righteousness, divine atonement, peace, and everlasting love”, as the Titanic slipped beneath the icy waters, 1,600 miles from New York City, off the Banks of Newfoundland. It came to rest in 16,500 feet of water.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Those drifting in lifeboats heard the calls of those left struggling in the sea. The Third Officer, Herbert Jolin Pitman testified at the Senatorial inquest, after burying his head in his hands and sobbing – “Sir, you asked about the screams…it was just one long, continuous moan!” some lifeboat groups rowed frantically in an effort to get away from the terrible sound. Some tried singing, some plugged their ears, some just rowed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The “Unsinkable” ship sunk on her maiden voyage, becoming a gigantic gloomy sepulcher for 1,517 people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SPIRITUAL APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1. “<b>Not even God can sink this ship</b>” was a seaman’s rash remark. Men throughout the ages have endeavored to demonstrate their independence from God and even think themselves equal with God Almighty. The sailor’s remark was a flippant one, probably made in jest. Many today feel they are “above” relying on the Lord. The Bible reminds us, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Better it is to be of an humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud.” </i>(Proverbs 16:18-19) I do not believe God sank the Titanic, but I believe He allowed it to happen. We are also reminded, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” </i>(Galatians 6:7-8) Despite the claims of the designers, builders, owners, captain, crew and news media, that the Titanic was unsinkable, in essence claiming, “Lord, we will care for ourselves, we do not need Your protection or help, we are the masters of our own destiny and captains of our fate”, the ship sank. After all these years the incident is a lamentable and catastrophic reminder to the world that we still need God.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2. <b>There is more to life than luxury</b>. The Titanic had the grandest accommodations. There were none better in the world…tennis courts, bars, ballrooms, dining rooms, gambling dens, an elevator and plush cabin accommodations. Those securely resting in the comfort and luxury of the palatial surroundings found too late that the builders had furnished much for self-gratification and enjoyment in life, but little for saving it. There were 20 lifeboats with a capacity of 58 each on the Titanic. There were no crew members assigned to man the lifeboats in an emergency. The lifeboats contained no provisions, no fresh water, and some had no plugs in the water drains. The Bible says, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.”</i> (Matthew 6:33) The age in which we live offers many luxuries to strive for and enjoy. Most get an education, get a job, get married, buy a home, have a family and continue to work, striving to acquire enough earthly things and to be set by the time they retire. Then they die. If there has been no “seeking God” their situation is hopeless for all of eternity. They cannot take a single cent to the grave with them. Are you prepared for eternity?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3. <b>The worthlessness of money in the light of eternity</b>. There were men aboard the Titanic who could have bought her. But in those last sinking moments their entire fortunes were not enough to by a seat in a lifeboat. Remember the words of Mark in his gospel – <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For, what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul:” </i>(Mark 8:36-37)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Friend, if you are without Christ as your personal Saviour, it is like being on the Titanic with no room in the lifeboat. Jesus Christ said, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; No man cometh unto the Father but by me.” </i>(John 14:6) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”</i> (Acts 4:12) “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">He that believeth on Him is not condemned: But he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” </i>(John 3:18) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” </i>(Romans 10:13)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have you ever called on Christ Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sin and come into your life as Saviour? Would you like to? Why not pray this simple prayer of acceptance? “Lord…I know that I am a sinner, and that I deserve to go to Hell, but I now believe that Christ died for me, and now by faith receive Him as my personal Saviour and Lord.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4. <b>The Alternative</b>…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you were to die tonight without Christ, what would be your fate? Remember Third Office Pitman’s testimony relating to the sounds as the Titanic slipped to its watery grave – “Sir, it was just one long, continuous moan!” Hell will be like that… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” </i>(Matthew 13:42) Do not sink in your sin…Repent of your sin and reach out to the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: .25in;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><shape id="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 179.25pt; width: 259.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"><imagedata o:title="image_21" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image010.jpg"></imagedata></shape></span>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-82023579153313356232011-04-17T08:24:00.000-07:002011-04-17T08:24:17.983-07:00Why I Do Not Celebrate Lent<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There are certain special events that are clearly seen in the Bible. Here are several examples. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Palm Sunday</u></b> is a remembrance of the day when Jesus Christ entered into <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Jerusalem</place></city> and the crowds cheered Him as their King. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 12:13</b> “Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed <i>is </i>the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">We also remember the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Crucifixion of Jesus Christ</u></b>. We read in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">John 19:30</b> “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.” We know that Jesus was three days and three nights in the grave. He prophesied this in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 12:40</b> “For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Paul attests the fact that this is exactly what happened (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Corinthians 15:3-4</b>). We will remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ this Friday. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Then there is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Resurrection</u></b>. Resurrection Sunday is next week! To be sure we will be focusing on the glorious event. My heart is warmed by the words of the angel recorded in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mark 16:6</b> “And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: <u>he is risen; he is not here</u>: behold the place where they laid him.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">However there are other <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>non-biblical events</u></b> that we do NOT celebrate, that have their origin in paganism but have been transported into Christianity. What I am referring to is what is called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LENT</i></b>. When I was a child, I went to a church that celebrated Lent. I never really understood why we celebrated it when I was younger. When I started going to the Baptist church they did NOT celebrate the Lenten Season. I want to explain why. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Modern Definition of Lent</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lent is the 40-day period (Sundays excluded) prior to Easter, which the Catholic and most Protestant church observes as a penitential season. It begins on <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ash Wednesday</b> (which can occur any time between February 4 and March 11, depending upon the date of Easter), and it concludes with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Passiontide</b>, the two-week period during which the church's liturgy follows Christ’s activity closely through the final stages of his life on earth. These two weeks are called Passion Week and Holy Week.” The Roman Catholic Church says it was established to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">However, you can search the Scriptures diligently, from Old Testament to New, and you will find no mention of Jews or Christians observing an annual period of 40 days of fasting and abstinence preceding the festival of the Passover or Resurrection Sunday. Yet today much of the Christian world observes a 40 day period called Lent, which precedes the festival of Easter Sunday. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Some have falsely claimed that the celebration of Lent goes back to the time of the Apostles. Believe it or not, <u>Lent was never observed by Christ or His Apostles.</u> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Pagan Origin of Lent</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">But, where did the Catholic Church get Lent? The word actually comes from the Anglo-Saxon <em><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lencten</b></em>, meaning “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">spring</b>,” <span class="googqs-tidbitgoogqs-tidbit-0">which in turn was derived from the Anglo-Saxon</span> word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lenctentid</i> (pronounced LENG-ten-teed), which means the <u>time of lengthening and flowering</u>. The entire spring season was called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lenctentid</i></b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The ancient <span class="yshortcuts">Anglo-Saxons</span> (and other pagans) celebrated the return of spring with rioteous fertility festivals commemorating their goddess of fertility and of springtime, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Eastre</b>. In fact, the word Easter is derived from the Scandinavian <span class="yshortcuts"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ostara</b></span> and the Teutonic <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ostern</b> or Eastre, both pagan goddesses of fertility. The complete month of April was called Eostur-monath with the entire month was dedicated to Eostre. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
The <span class="yshortcuts">pagan religion</span> taught that <u>Eostre was one responsible for changing a bird into a rabbit,</u> this then is how the rabbit became an Easter symbol. Rabbits symbolize the fertility of springtime. It should be noted that the rabbit's capacity of abundant production of young is especially great at this time of year. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
I should also tell you that most ancient races, including the Anglo-Saxons, included spring festivals to celebrate the rebirth life, using the Egg was a symbol of fertility, life and re-birth. This is old Latin proverb catches this idea -- <span class="yshortcuts"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Omne vivum ex ovo</i></b></span>. This means “all life comes from an egg”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Where did the Anglo-Saxons get Lent. We have go back to the ancient Babylonian mystery religion. “The forty days’ abstinence of Lent was directly borrowed from the worshippers of the Babylonian goddess. Among the Pagans this Lent seems to have been an indispensable preliminary to the great annual festival in commemoration of <u>the death and resurrection of Tammuz</u>.” (<em>The Two Babylons</em>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br />
But why did the church at <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Rome</place></city> institute such a pagan holiday? “To pacify the Pagans to nominal Christianity, Rome, pursuing its usual policy, took measures to get the Christian and Pagan festivals amalgamated, and, by a complicated but skillful adjustment of the calendar, it was found no difficult matter, in general, to get Paganism and Christianity—now far sunk in idolatry—in this as in so many other things, to shake hands” (<em>The Two Babylons</em>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Cassianus, the monk of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Marseilles</place></city>, writing in the fifth century A.D. contrasting the primitive New Testament Church with the Roman Church of his day, “that the observance of the forty days had no existence, so long as the perfection of that primitive Church remained inviolate.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Lent was not observed by the first century Church! It was first addressed by the church at <city w:st="on">Rome</city> during the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325, when Emperor Constantine officially recognized that church as the <place w:st="on">Roman Empire</place>’s state religion. Any other form of Christianity that held to doctrines contrary to the Roman church was considered an enemy of the state. <u>In A.D. 360, the Council of <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Laodicea</place></city> officially commanded Lent to be observed</u>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Originally, people did not observe Lent for more than a week. Some kept it for one or two days. Others kept it for 40 consecutive hours, falsely believing that only 40 hours had elapsed between Christ’s death and resurrection. Eventually, it became a 40-day period of fasting or abstaining from certain foods. “The emphasis was not so much on the fasting as on the spiritual renewal that the preparation for Easter demanded. It was simply a period marked by fasting, but not necessarily one in which the faithful fasted every day. However, as time went on, more and more emphasis was laid upon fasting…During the early centuries (from the fifth century on especially) the observance of the fast was very strict. Only one meal a day, toward evening was allowed: flesh meat and fish, and in most places even eggs and dairy products, were absolutely forbidden. Meat was not even allowed on Sundays” (<em>Catholic Encyclopedia</em>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">From the ninth century onward, Lent’s strict rules were relaxed. Greater emphasis was given to performing “penitential works” than to fasting and abstinence. According to the apostolic constitution <em>Poenitemini</em> of Pope Paul IV (Feb. 17, 1966), “abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on all Fridays of the year that do not fall on holy days of obligation, and fasting as well as abstinence is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday” (<em>Catholic Encyclopedia</em>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Today, Lent is used for “fasting from sin and from vice…forsaking sin and sinful ways.” It is a season “for penance, which means sorrow for sin and contrition to God.” However, before giving up personal sins and vices during Lent, the pagans held a wild, “anything goes” celebration to make sure that they got in their share of debaucheries and perversities. </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">All Catholic and some Protestant countries traditionally call the day before Ash Wednesday "<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fat Tuesday</b>" or </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Mardi Gras</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> today. Some call it <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Carnival</b> and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Shrove Tuesday</b>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The Biblical Problems With Lent</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Lent Has Its Roots In Paganism</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">You cannot Christianize Pagan observances. This principle is set out in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deuteronomy<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7:1-5</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ephesians 5:11</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove <i>them.</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">” </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> Lent Is A Man Made Celebration</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Colossians 2:20-23</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,<i> 21 </i>(Touch not; taste not; handle not;<i> 22 </i>Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?<i> 23 </i>Which things have indeed <u>a show of wisdom in will worship</u>, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The Bible Does Not Instruct Penance</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Penance is <span style="color: black;">an act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing. It includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> The Bible Does Call For Repentance and Confession To The Lord</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1 John 1:9</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us <i>our </i>sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Revelation 2:5</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> We Are To Daily Live In A Christ Honoring Way</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Luke 9:23</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “And he said to <i>them </i>all, If any <i>man </i>will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Ephesians 5:15-16</span></b><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,<i> 16 </i>Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Our focus should not be on human tradition, fabrication or speculation, but on the reality of things recorded in the Bible – Palm Sunday and Christ’s triumphal entry into <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Jerusalem</place></city>, His death on the Cross for our sins and His victorious resurrection. Thank you Lord Jesus for what YOU have done for us!</span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-2565634413862236562011-04-02T18:15:00.000-07:002011-04-02T18:15:46.789-07:00The Power of The Tongue - The Power To Direct<div style="border-bottom: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-left: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-right: windowtext 1.5pt double; border-top: windowtext 1.5pt double; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 4pt; padding-right: 4pt; padding-top: 1pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">Be Disciplined In Your Speech </span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b>Part #2 – The Tongue’s Power To Direct</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 9.5pt;">by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><placename w:st="on"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;">First</span></b></placename><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 10.5pt;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.FirstBaptistChurchOC.org www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Blog - </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">http://SaltLightTruth.blogspot.com </span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Twitter – </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Facebook –</span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double windowtext 1.5pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">Email - </span></b><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt;">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</span></b></div></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">James 020.040411</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The focus of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 3:1-12</b> is -- <b>Be Disciplined In Your Speech </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt 0.25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Outline of Our Study On The Tongue</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As we dig into chapter 3 we see that the intention of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>James is to STRESS the importance of controlling our tongues</u></i></b> and being disciplined in our speech. He does this by giving us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">6 Pictures of the Tongue</b> which are divided into <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3 Different Classifications </b>that reveal the <u>three powers of the tongue</u>. The tongue has <strong>1) The Power To Direct, 2) The Power To Destroy & 3 ) The Power To Delight.</strong> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>The message today deals with…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> <u>The Power to Direct </u>vs. 3-4</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James 3:3-4</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.<i> 4 </i>Behold also the ships, which though <i>they be </i>so great, and <i>are </i>driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The tongue may be small but it is very powerful and influential. The uncontrolled tongue is “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">set on fire of Hell</b>.” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 3:6</b>). <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 18:21a </b>says “Death and life <i>are </i>in the power of the tongue….” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Job 19:2</b> says, “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 3:3-4</b> he points out that the tongue has the power to direct and illustrates that by using the horses bridle and the ships rudder. When I say the tongue has the power to direct, I mean that the tongue has the power to affect others lives. The tongue can sway men to violence, or it can move them to the noblest actions. It can instruct the ignorant, encourage the dejected, comfort the sorrowing, and soothe the dying. Or, it can crush the human spirit, destroy reputations, spread distrust and hate, and bring nations to the brink of war.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During World War II there were posters that read <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS!</i></b> But loose lips can offend others and even wreck others lives. That is why <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>it is so important to control your tongue</u></b>! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><stroke joinstyle="miter"></stroke><formulas><f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"></f><f eqn="sum @0 1 0"></f><f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"></f><f eqn="prod @2 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @0 0 1"></f><f eqn="prod @6 1 2"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"></f><f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"></f><f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"></f><f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></f></formulas><path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"></path><lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></lock></shapetype><shape id="_x0000_s1026" style="height: 87.7pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 284pt; margin-top: 12.25pt; mso-position-horizontal: right; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 140.4pt; z-index: -2;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-99 0 -99 21441 21600 21441 21600 0 -99 0"><imagedata o:title="Bit" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image001.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James begins by using the illustration specifically </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: HKBMDD+Times;">the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>bit of a horses bridle</u></b>. It is a relatively small piece of hardware. A typical bit may not weigh more than one pound. Yet, from that small bit, a horseman can control and turn around the one-thousand pound body of the horse. The <u>bit is small but powerful</u> in its effect. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If a horse is to be useful, then it must be under control. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One old preacher said this – “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The bridle bits are not impressive in size, but they can hold a high-spirited horse in check and keep him from running away. If you are old enough, you may have recollections of the horse-and-buggy days. I can recall seeing a horse run away, turn over a buggy, and bring death and destruction to a family. In the same way, the tongue can run away</i>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If a Christian is to be useful to God, he will need to keep his tongue under control. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Matthew Henry</i> says - “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The more quick and lively the tongue is, the more should we thus take care to govern it. Otherwise, as an unruly and ungovernable horse runs away with his rider, or throws him, so an unruly tongue will serve those in like manner who have no command over it</i>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I appreciate what Robert Barnes wrote - “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">A man always has complete government over himself if he has the entire control of his tongue. It is that by which he gives expression to his thoughts and passions; and if that is kept under proper restraint, all the rest of his members are as easily controlled as the horse is by having the control of the bit</i>.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: HKBMDD+Times;">David noted in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Psalms 39:1</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>I will keep my mouth with a bridle</u></b>, while the wicked is before me.” In other words, David said that because he wanted to give the right kind of testimony, he would put a bridle on his mouth. My friend, there are a lot of Christians today who ought to have a bridle put in their mouths. The tongue that is bridled is used of God and accomplished His purposes. The one that is not makes a mess of things.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The next illustration</b> of control that James uses is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">helm</i></b> of a ship. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 3:4</b> says, <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">“</span>Behold also the ships, which though <i>they be </i>so great, and <i>are </i>driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small <u>helm</u>, whithersoever the governor listeth.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><shape id="_x0000_s1027" style="height: 88.3pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: -0.7pt; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: left; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; position: absolute; text-align: left; width: 2in; z-index: -1;" type="#_x0000_t75" wrapcoords="-112 0 -112 21417 21600 21417 21600 0 -112 0"> <imagedata o:title="13th-century rudder" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\David\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtml1\01\clip_image003.jpg"></imagedata><wrap type="tight"></wrap></shape><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The word <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">helm</i></b> is a translation of the Greek word </span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'TITUS Cyberbit Basic'; font-size: 11pt;">πηδάλιον – </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt;">pedalion (</span><i><span style="font-size: 11pt;">pay-dal'-ee-on</span></i><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">) which literally means <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i><u>the blade of an oar</u></i></b>. That is how first century ships were steered. This same word is translated “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i>rudder</i></b>” in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Acts 27:40</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed <i>themselves </i>unto the sea, and loosed the <u>rudder</u> bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The rudder, though it is small, must fight the winds and currents that would drive the ship off its course. The human tongue also must overcome contrary forces. We have an old nature that wants to control us and make us sin. There are circumstances around us that would make us say things we ought not to say. Sin on the inside and pressures on the outside are seeking to get control of the tongue.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Our tongue can really get us into trouble—there is no question about that. Someone has put it in words like this:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 24pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A careless word may kindle strife;<br />
A cruel word may wreck a life.<br />
A bitter word may hate instill;<br />
A brutal word may smite and kill.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt 24pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">A gracious word may smooth the way;<br />
A joyous word may light the day.<br />
A timely word may lessen stress;<br />
A loving word may heal and bless.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: 24pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">—Author unknown</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Both the bit and the rudder must be under the control of a strong hand. The expert horseman keeps the mighty power of his horse under control, and the experienced pilot courageously steers the ship through the storm. When Jesus Christ controls the tongue, then we need not fear saying the wrong things — or even saying the right things in a wrong way! “Death and life are in the power of the tongue,” warned Solomon (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Proverbs 18:21</b>). No wonder David prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my heart to any evil thing” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalm 141:3-4</b>). David knew that <i>the</i> <i>heart</i> is the key to right speech. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 12:34</b>). When Jesus Christ is the Lord of the heart, then He is Lord of the lips too.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Never underestimate the guidance you give by the words you speak or do not speak. Jesus spoke to a woman at a well, and her life and the lives of her neighbors experienced a miraculous change (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">John 4:1-54</span></b>). Peter preached at Pentecost and 3,000 souls came to salvation through faith in Christ (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Act 2:1-47</span></b>).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">On April 21, 1855, Edward Kimball went into a <city w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Boston</place></city> shoe store and led young Dwight L. Moody to Christ. The result: one of history’s greatest evangelists. Thousands came to know Christ as their Savior. The tongue has the power to direct others to the right choices.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 3pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">It would do us all good to read Book of Proverbs frequently, and to note especially the many references to speech. “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Proverbs 15:1</span></b>). “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Proverbs 12:22</span></b>). “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Proverbs 10:19</span></b>). Yes, the tongue is like a bit and a rudder: it has the power to direct. It is of the utmost importance that our tongues direct people in the right way!</span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-58903269014124800232011-03-13T07:55:00.001-07:002011-03-13T07:55:54.458-07:00Dynamic Faith Is The Right Kind of Faith<div style="border-bottom: black 1pt double; border-left: black 1pt double; border-right: black 1pt double; border-top: black 1pt double; mso-border-alt: double black .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding-bottom: 1pt; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 5pt;"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0.05in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double black .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 5.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0.05in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double black .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 5.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">Dead Faith – Demonic Faith – <u>Dynamic Faith</u></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0.05in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double black .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 5.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">by Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.</span><placename w:st="on"><b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">First</span></b></placename><b><span style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-font-width: 105%;"> <placename w:st="on">Baptist</placename> <placetype w:st="on">Church</placetype> of <place w:st="on"><city w:st="on">Oak Creek</city> <state w:st="on">Wisconsin</state></place></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 105%;"></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-alt: double black .75pt; mso-padding-alt: 5.0pt 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"><a href="http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/">http://www.firstbaptistchurchoc.org/</a></span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.25pt;"> <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc">www.sermonaudio.com/fbcoc</a></span></u><br />
Blog - <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://saltlighttruth.blogspot.com/">http://saltlighttruth.blogspot.com/</a></span></u> Twitter – <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown">www.twitter.com/drdavidlbrown</a></span></u></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.3pt;">Facebook –<u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown">www.facebook.com/DrDavid.Brown</a></span></u></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 7.5pt; letter-spacing: 0.2pt;">Email - <u><span style="color: blue;"><a href="mailto:FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com">FirstBaptistChurchOC@gmail.com</a></span></u></span></b></div></div><div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: right;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 8pt;">James 018.031311</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Text: James 2:14-26</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Review </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-width: 105%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith – James 2:14-26</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-font-width: 105%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We have been studying the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3 Kinds of Faith</u></b> which James points out in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-font-width: 105%;">James 2:14-26.</span></b> 1) Dead Faith 2) Demonic Fatih and 3) Dynamic Faith. The first 2 which are counterfeit and the last which is true saving faith. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I have brought to your attention that there are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>two different aspects of justification</u></i></b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First</b>, there is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">justification</i></b> that the Apostle Paul presents -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD</u></b>. In the book of Romans he writes – “Therefore we conclude that <u>a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law</u>.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 3:28</b>. Paul is addressing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">how a man is justified before God</b> and </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">how to </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT,Italic; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'CharterBT,Italic'; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">obtain<i> </i></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">salvation</span></b><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">That brings me to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">second</b> aspect of justification which James is addressing -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>JUSTIFICATION BEFORE MEN</u></b>. James is NOT dealing with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">means </i></b>of salvation, but rather its <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">outcome</i></b>, the evidence that salvation has genuinely occurred! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">James, is addressing <u>justification </u></span><i><u><span style="font-family: CharterBT,Italic; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'CharterBT,Italic';">before man</span></u></i><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">. He is explaining that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>true believers live the Christian life</u></b>. They demonstrate that they ARE saved by their works. He says this in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James 2:18</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and <u>I will show thee my faith by my works</u>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As one commentator put it: “James contrasts living faith with what he…described as dead faith (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">14-20</b>). Saving faith with non-saving faith, productive faith with unproductive faith, godly faith with a kind of faith that is exercised by the demons.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The first kind of faith we looked at was --</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dead Faith (James 2:14-17)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">While it is FAITH ALONE that justifies, the FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES IS NEVER ALONE! True saving faith always brings life, and life produces good works! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Workless</u></b> faith is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>worthless</u></b> faith. Saving faith produces works. As James says, “…</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” (v. 17). Dead faith is counterfeit faith.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Last week we looked at…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Demonic Faith (James 2:18-19)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James 2:18-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.<i> 19 </i>Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We say that demons have faith! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>1) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Demons are Monotheists: They Believe In God </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Demons Believe In The Diety of Christ</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Demons Believe In A Place of Eternal Punishment </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Demons Recognize Jesus Christ As The Judge & They Submit To The Power of His Word!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">But, demonic faith is NOT saving faith! They know that Jesus is all powerful and they know that He will one day judge them and they will be damned to Hell! They tremble in anticipation of that.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">While the man with dead faith is <u>touched in his intellect</u>, the demons believe and even <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tremble</i></b>. They are touched in their emotions. But neither faith saved them. Dead faith will not save.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A person can be enlightened in the mind and even stirred in their heart and yet be LOST! Why? Because true faith involves something more: <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It involves a changed life that can be seen and recognized by others</b>. As <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 18</b> says -- “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In summary, we see that James has introduced two kinds of faith that can never save the sinner: Dead Faith (intellectual faith) and Demonic Faith (which includes the intellect and the emotions). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Our Focus In This Message Is…</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Dynamic Faith (James 2:20-26) </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dynamic faith is the only kind of faith that can save the sinner. It is the only real kind of faith! Dynamic faith has power. It results in a changed life! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James’s Description of True Dynamic Saving Faith </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> It Is Based On The Word of God </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">“Of his own will begat he us with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">the word of truth</b>, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 1:18 </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We <u>receive</u> the Word of God and this saves us. We read this in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 1:21</b> “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and <u>receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls</u></span>.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We are born again by the Word of God! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 10:17</b> says, “So then <u>faith <i>cometh </i>by hearing</u>, and hearing by <u>the word of God</u>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">As you hear about the person and work of Christ and believe that Gospel that Christ died for your sins, was buried and rose again…as you receive Christ as your Savior you are born again! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1 Peter 1:23</b> “<u>Being born again</u>, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, <u>by the word of God</u>, which liveth and abideth for ever.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">True, dynamic, saving faith is based on God’s Word and what is revealed about the Savior, Jesus Christ. True faith must have a proper object! When I was in <country-region w:st="on"><place w:st="on">Haiti</place></country-region>, there were people who had faith in their idols of stone and wood! No matter how much faith they had in them, these deaf and dumb idols could not help them! They reminded me of what <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Psalms 115:4-8 </b>says, “Their idols <i>are </i>silver and gold, the work of men's hands.<i> 5 </i>They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:<i> 6 </i>They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:<i> 7 </i>They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.<i> 8 </i>They that make them are like unto them; <i>so is </i>every one that trusteth in them.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">One writer said this – “‘I believe’ may be the testimony of many sincere people, but the BIG question is, ‘In whom do you believe. What do you believe?’ We are not saved by faith in faith; we are saved by faith in Christ as revealed in His Word.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Saving faith, dynamic faith is based on the God’s Word as recorded in the Bible. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Saving faith involves the whole person</u></b>! Dead faith reaches only the intellect. Demonic faith involves both the mind and the emotions. BUT, here is the difference. Dynamic faith, saving faith involves the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>mind, the emotions and the will</u></b>. The heart desires the truth and the will acts upon that truth! That is the second aspect or dimension of Saving Faith –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> True Saving Faith Leads To Action</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">You know the truth, you believe the truth and you make a choice of your will to act upon the truth! It begins with believing that you are a sinner, and that Christ died for your sins and rose again from the dead. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 10:13</b> “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James is NOT contradicting the doctrine of salvation in any way. He was not dealing with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">means</i></b> of salvation, but rather with the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">outcome</i></b> of salvation, that is showing you ARE saved by your obedience to God’s Word and the fruit of good works. These are the genuine evidence that salvation has occurred. Where there is dynamic faith you will always find good works and obedience to God’s Word. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 2:26</b> says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James illustrates this point by in the lives of two well-know Bible persons: Abraham and Rahab.</span></div>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-39884400024459986752011-03-05T15:18:00.000-08:002011-03-05T15:18:43.572-08:00Be Sure You Have The Right Kind Of Faith<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-width: 105%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-font-width: 105%;">Be Sure You Have The Right Kind of Faith – James 2:14-26</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-font-width: 105%;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In this passage, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 2:14-26</b>, James shows the relationship between faith and works. In my last message we began looking at the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>3 Kinds of Faith</u></b>, the first 2 which are bogus and the last which is true saving faith. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I pointed out to you in that message was that there are <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">two different aspects of justification</i></b>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">First</b>, there is the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">justification</i></b> that the Apostle Paul presents -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD</u></b>. In the book of Romans he writes – “Therefore we conclude that <u>a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law</u>.” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Romans 3:28</b>. Paul is addressing <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">how a man is justified before God</b> and </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">how to </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT,Italic; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'CharterBT,Italic'; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">obtain<i> </i></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">salvation</span></b><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">That brings me to the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">second</b> aspect of justification which James is addressing -- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>JUSTIFICATION BEFORE MEN</u></b>. </span><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">James, in the second chapter of his letter is addressing <u>justification </u></span><i><u><span style="font-family: CharterBT,Italic; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: 'CharterBT,Italic';">before man</span></u></i><span style="font-family: CharterBT; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: CharterBT;">. James was <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">not </b>addressing how to be saved. That is clear because he starts out his letter by saying “my brethren…” (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">James 1:2</b>). He is explaining that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>true believers live the Christian life</u></b>. They demonstrate that they ARE saved by their works. He says this in </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James 2:18</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and <u>I will show thee my faith by my works</u>.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Then we explained the first kind of faith --</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Dead Faith (James 2:14-17)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">While it is FAITH ALONE that justifies, the FAITH THAT JUSTIFIES IS NEVER ALONE! True saving faith always brings life, and life produces good works! <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Workless</u></b> faith is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>worthless</u></b> faith. Saving faith produces works. As James says, “…</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">faith, if it hath not works, is dead.” (v. 17). Dead faith is counterfeit faith.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Today’s Focus</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Demonic Faith (James 2:18-19)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">James 2:18-19</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.<i> 19 </i>Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In today’s study we come to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Demonic Faith</i></b>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">We will look at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 19</b> before we look at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 18</b>. It may come as a real shock to you, but <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">demons have faith</b>! So, let’s look at…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 11pt;">What Do The Demons Believe</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;">? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Demons are Monotheists: They Believe In God</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Demons are neither atheists nor agnostics. They have faith. They believe in the existence of God! In fact, they are monotheistic. They believe in ONE GOD! And the one God they believe in is the Biblical God! We read the daily Jewish affirmation of faith in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Deuteronomy 6:4</b> “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God <i>is </i>one LORD:” To believe in one God is good, as far as it goes, but it does not go far enough! Intellectual belief in almighty God does NOT save a man! The devils go that far and even one step further, they <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>tremble</u></i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The Demons Believe In The Diety of Christ</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Whenever the demons met Christ, they acknowledged that He was the Son of God. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mark 3:11</b> says, “And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, <u>Thou art the Son of God</u>.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The Demons Believe In <street w:st="on"><address w:st="on">A Place</address></street> of Eternal Punishment </span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Luke 8:31</b> we read, “And they [the demons] besought him that he would not command them to go out into the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">deep</b>.” The Greek word translated <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">deep</i></b> is the word </span><b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'TITUS Cyberbit Basic'; font-size: 11pt;">ἄβυσσον</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> abusson (ab'-us-son), meaning the abyss. In Revelation it is translated as “the bottomless pit” which is the abode of the demons (see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Revelation 9:1-2 & 11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1 & 3</b>). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The Scriptures make it clear that Hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels [demons]. We read this in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Matthew 25:41</b> “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In fact, the demons KNOW their end!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> The Demons Recognize Jesus Christ As The Judge & They Submit To The Power of His Word!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Mark 5:1-13</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> “And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.<i> 2 </i>And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit,<i> 3 </i>Who had <i>his </i>dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:<i> 4 </i>Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any <i>man </i>tame him.<i> 5 </i>And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.<i> 6 </i>But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,<i> 7 </i>And cried with a loud voice, and said, <u>What have I to do with thee, Jesus, <i>thou </i>Son of the most high God</u>? I adjure thee by God, that thou <u>torment me not</u>.<i> 8 </i>For he said unto him, Come out of the man, <i>thou </i>unclean spirit.<i> 9 </i>And he asked him, What <i>is </i>thy name? And he answered, saying, My name <i>is </i>Legion: for we are many.<i> 10 </i>And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country.<i> 11 </i>Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding.<i> 12 </i>And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.<i> 13 </i>And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">In a parallel passage, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mattew 8:29</b> we read – “And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? <u>art thou come hither to torment us before the time</u>?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">They know that Jesus is all powerful and they know that He will one day judge them and they even obey them. BUT, they are damned to Hell! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here is the point of all this: The Devils (Demons) believe in God and even <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tremble</i></b>! While the man with dead faith is <u>touched in his intellect</u>, the demons believe and even <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tremble</i></b>. They are touched in their emotions. But neither faith save them. Dead faith will not save. Demonic faith will not save. A person can be enlightened in the mind and even stirred in their heart and yet be LOST! Why? Because true faith involves something more. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It involves a changed life that can be seen and recognized by others</b>. As <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">verse 18</b> says -- “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.”</span></div><br />
The Bible is clear. Works do NOT Save you, BUT Saved people DO good works - <br />
<strong>Ephesians 2:8-10</strong> "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: <i>it is </i>the gift of God:<i> 9 </i>Not of works, lest any man should boast.<i> 10 </i>For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-70464913586282804212011-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:002011-02-08T12:37:33.472-08:007 Reasons Why Believers Should Not Drink AlcoholI have an article on my research web giving 7 Reasons Believers should not drink alcoholic beverages - <a href="http://www.logosresourcepages.org/Believers/drinking.htm">http://www.logosresourcepages.org/Believers/drinking.htm</a><br />
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I received an interesting response that I hope you will take time to read and ponder -<br />
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I read your article this evening about the <u><strong>7 reasons why a Christian should not drink</strong></u>. Thank you for this study, it is very helpful.<br />
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Years ago I struggled with drinking as a young believer and it got me into lots of trouble. Unfortunately, the Baptist church I attended at the time had an extensive young crowd that loved to socialize and go "clubbing." In my heart I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't stop and found no allies among my peers to confide in of the guilt I was feeling for the wrong we were doing. Any comments I got were the classic misunderstandings of Christians with regards to this matter: everything in moderation; Jesus turned water to wine; we have liberty, we're under grace, not law; Paul told Timothy to drink wine, etc, etc. It was so bad, that the preacher's children and their spouses drank; even his son-in-law had a home beer brewing kit and was on the deocinate of the church.<br />
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I finally left that church and have since found a church that does NOT condone drinking, but advocates abstinence, moreover the preaching of the Word of God! I have been alcohol free for 7 years now, praise God!<br />
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While I work in the challenging field of accounting, unfortunately my colleagues and my boss find the way to cope with the stress by hitting the bottle after work. Thankfully, I am strong and do not surcumb to this activity, although it puts me on the outs, because I choose not to participate. Sadly, my boss is a professing Christian whose husband is a former Baptist minister and is now the founder of a major charitable relief organization, so she feels perfectly comfortable flaunting her "liberty." This coupled with her like for gambling and swearing make it difficult to distinguish her as a believer. She has even bragged to coworkers who are blatant heathens that, "she's a cool mom" because she drinks with her kids.<br />
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Please pray with me that I remain strong and can be a positive influence to those around me. And please pray for my boss that God opens her eyes and heart to truth.<br />
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God bless,<br />
Bro ____Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-55411142310307114322011-02-03T15:23:00.000-08:002011-02-03T15:23:53.892-08:00King James Admonition To His Son To Be Sexually PureIt is the 400 Anniversary of the King James Bible, published in 1611. Below is King James I of Scotland & VI of England instructions to His son -- <br />
<blockquote>"Keep your body clean and unpolluted while you give it to your wife whom to only it belongs for how can you justly crave to be joined with a Virgin if your body be polluted? Why should the one half be clean, and the other defiled? And suppose I know, fornication is thought but a veniall sin by the most part of the world, yet remember well what I said to you in my first book regarding conscience, and count <b>every</b> sin a breach of God's law, not according as the vain world esteems of it, but as God judge and maker of the law accounts of the same: hear God commanding by the mouth of Paul to abstain from fornication, declaring that the fornicator shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven, and by the mouth of John reckoning out fornication among other grievous sins that declares the commiters among dogs and swine." </blockquote>Parson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7638100131172207733.post-49194016043883761022010-12-20T10:26:00.000-08:002010-12-20T10:26:24.976-08:00More Than Baby Jesus!I love Christmas, when there is a true focus on what is important. So, what is important? Jesus Christ! I have written an article some time back titled - More Than Baby Jesus! It is wonderful that God sent the Christ child thru the Virgin Mary! However, please do not become myopic and focus on Baby Jesus alone. God coming down in human form was just the beginning of God's redemption plan for mankind. Please take 5 minutes and read this article I have posted at -- www.logosresourcepages.org/Holidays/much_more.htm<br />
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Thank you & my you have a Wonderful Christmas.<br />
Parson BrownParson Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14879933548388181043noreply@blogger.com0