(My thanks to Brother Coon)
Feel free to groan (with delight, of course).
Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married Ruth?
A. Ruthless.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury.
David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.
Q. Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A. The area around Jordan. The banks were always overflowing.
Q. Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A. David. He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.
Q. Which Bible character had no parents?
A. Joshua, son of Nun.
Q. Why didn't they play cards on the Ark?
A. Because Noah was standing on the deck. (Groan...)
P.S. Did you know it's a sin for a woman to make coffee?
Yup, it's in the Bible. It says . . . "He-brews"
KEEP SMILING!!!! GOD LOVES YOU BUNCHES AND BUNCHES!!!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
This Blog's Address
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
I chose this blogs address as the above reference. Philippians 2:5-11 is indisputably an amazing passage. Me personally it hits me in so many ways.
A) The apostle Paul exhorts us to take on the same mindset Christ had. This mindset is that of a servant.
Before I go on let me say I never tire of saying this. Jesus was born as the poor people of the day in a place where animals eat and defecate, He was a carpenter (I was a roofer for awhile, carpentry is hard work) and more importantly he died a death reserved for societies worst reprobates. This is Jesus?! King Jesus!, fully man and fully God!! This is how He lived!! Whoa....
He, Jesus, never sought to exalt self. When was the last time you looked beyond yourself to another? I ask myself this alot. Is it hard? Certainly, but if it was good enough for Jesus shouldn't it be good enough for us?
B)He was obedient no matter what it cost Him. Even when it cost Him His life.
I am learning alot about what it means to yield to the Potter and remain clay in His hands. I have learned though personal experience the worst place to be is off the Potter's wheel. Staying on the wheel is costly and at times tough. But its alot better than being off the wheel and eating the crumbs from off the floor. Brother Tony made an excellent observation in this regard. He said that there are those on the wide road looking at us and laughing. He said they are remarking that we have so many "rules" and they have no fun and the women "have" to wear skirts and dresses and we're too "narrow". On the other hand we (the saved/redeemed crowd) are on the narrow road looking back at those on the wide road and saying to ourselves "What in the world was I thinking"??.
Who are we obedient to. If we are obedient to the Lord, then to what length? Don't resort to self-pity its satanic. U-turns are always possible. If we're not obedient to the Lord we need to lay it on the Altar and get our hearts right with God.
If you are on the broad road, I implore you to please click on the Link "What must I do to Be Saved"?.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14
C) Being obedient to God always pays richly.
If its one thing I know, I know that if it stinks being off the Potters wheel (Pro 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.) then its twice as good being on the wheel (Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ). I can't tell you of the numerous blessings God has bestowed upon me as I have yielded to His leading through the Holy Spirit.
Are you willing to be empty of self. The Holy Spirit can't fill a vessel thats already full! Are you ready to obey God no matter the cost? If not don't even consider the blessings till you are.
In summary, lets daily take on the mindset of Christ. Lets be a servant. Lets choose to be obedient to God. Say for example, we go soulwinning and we hit a house thats like Leona Helmsley's house (H U G E and ornate). But, the Lord's leading us here, lets knock anyway. Inside of the house could be someone who desperately needs Christ and has been waiting for you. Finally, that when we choose to be a servant and when we choose to be obedient then prepare to reap the blessings abundantly (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. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:8-9).
I appreciate all comments and even criticism. I am not a bible school grad. and am still learning. Thanks in advance.
Bro Steve
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
I chose this blogs address as the above reference. Philippians 2:5-11 is indisputably an amazing passage. Me personally it hits me in so many ways.
A) The apostle Paul exhorts us to take on the same mindset Christ had. This mindset is that of a servant.
Before I go on let me say I never tire of saying this. Jesus was born as the poor people of the day in a place where animals eat and defecate, He was a carpenter (I was a roofer for awhile, carpentry is hard work) and more importantly he died a death reserved for societies worst reprobates. This is Jesus?! King Jesus!, fully man and fully God!! This is how He lived!! Whoa....
He, Jesus, never sought to exalt self. When was the last time you looked beyond yourself to another? I ask myself this alot. Is it hard? Certainly, but if it was good enough for Jesus shouldn't it be good enough for us?
B)He was obedient no matter what it cost Him. Even when it cost Him His life.
I am learning alot about what it means to yield to the Potter and remain clay in His hands. I have learned though personal experience the worst place to be is off the Potter's wheel. Staying on the wheel is costly and at times tough. But its alot better than being off the wheel and eating the crumbs from off the floor. Brother Tony made an excellent observation in this regard. He said that there are those on the wide road looking at us and laughing. He said they are remarking that we have so many "rules" and they have no fun and the women "have" to wear skirts and dresses and we're too "narrow". On the other hand we (the saved/redeemed crowd) are on the narrow road looking back at those on the wide road and saying to ourselves "What in the world was I thinking"??.
Who are we obedient to. If we are obedient to the Lord, then to what length? Don't resort to self-pity its satanic. U-turns are always possible. If we're not obedient to the Lord we need to lay it on the Altar and get our hearts right with God.
If you are on the broad road, I implore you to please click on the Link "What must I do to Be Saved"?.
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14
C) Being obedient to God always pays richly.
If its one thing I know, I know that if it stinks being off the Potters wheel (Pro 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.) then its twice as good being on the wheel (Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ). I can't tell you of the numerous blessings God has bestowed upon me as I have yielded to His leading through the Holy Spirit.
Are you willing to be empty of self. The Holy Spirit can't fill a vessel thats already full! Are you ready to obey God no matter the cost? If not don't even consider the blessings till you are.
In summary, lets daily take on the mindset of Christ. Lets be a servant. Lets choose to be obedient to God. Say for example, we go soulwinning and we hit a house thats like Leona Helmsley's house (H U G E and ornate). But, the Lord's leading us here, lets knock anyway. Inside of the house could be someone who desperately needs Christ and has been waiting for you. Finally, that when we choose to be a servant and when we choose to be obedient then prepare to reap the blessings abundantly (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. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:8-9).
I appreciate all comments and even criticism. I am not a bible school grad. and am still learning. Thanks in advance.
Bro Steve
Camp Meeting
Went to an old fashioned camp meeting at Grace Baptist not to far away from home. Featured preachers were Bro Josh Bishop from Arkansas, Bro Tony Hutson MTBC, and Bro Randy Dignan BBC Jeff City MO..
Okay it wasn't held in a brush arbor. But, I gotta tell ya the pulpit was absolutely smoking.
Bible Study
Bible Study
Five traits that are found in those who do effective Bible study:
1. They know Jesus Christ personally - I Cor. 2:11-16, Rom. 8:5,7
2. They revere and show respect for the scriptures - Pslm. 119
3. They depend on the Holy Spirit's leading - Pslm. 119:12,18,27,35
4. They make sure their life is clean - I John 1:9
5. They develop a keen hunger to know the Bible - Pslm. 119:77,97
Satan is our enemy in every aspect of living the Christian life. This is bluntly true in the Bible study part of our life. He will keep us from the from the Word if he can. Matt. 13:19 says he will even steal the Word if he is allowed.
The life circumstances we are living through affect what we see from the Word. Our personal differences and quirks can hinder us as well as our educational background (this can either help or hinder).
Experience from discipling men and from my own life has revealed that unconquered sinful habits affect Bible study. If I am making excuses for a habit, I easily read past what the Word says about it. If I am under severe conviction about my habit then that is all I see in the passage, missing the other truths taught in it.
Divine illumination is our most critical need in our Bible study:
1. Christ knew we would need divine help - John 16:13
2. Christ provided divine help - I John 2:20-21
3. Christ does not want us dependent solely on others - I John 2:27
4. Christ will compare scripture with other scripture - I Cor. 2:13-14
Oh, for a greater number of noble believers who will study the scriptures for themselves to make sure their Bible teachers are saying what God really says in His Word! We must challenge believers to be good "Bereans."
(Excerpts taken from Bible Tract Bulletin Vol. 46 Number 2 - Rev. Mark Smith, Director)
Ac 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2 Tim. 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Five traits that are found in those who do effective Bible study:
1. They know Jesus Christ personally - I Cor. 2:11-16, Rom. 8:5,7
2. They revere and show respect for the scriptures - Pslm. 119
3. They depend on the Holy Spirit's leading - Pslm. 119:12,18,27,35
4. They make sure their life is clean - I John 1:9
5. They develop a keen hunger to know the Bible - Pslm. 119:77,97
Satan is our enemy in every aspect of living the Christian life. This is bluntly true in the Bible study part of our life. He will keep us from the from the Word if he can. Matt. 13:19 says he will even steal the Word if he is allowed.
The life circumstances we are living through affect what we see from the Word. Our personal differences and quirks can hinder us as well as our educational background (this can either help or hinder).
Experience from discipling men and from my own life has revealed that unconquered sinful habits affect Bible study. If I am making excuses for a habit, I easily read past what the Word says about it. If I am under severe conviction about my habit then that is all I see in the passage, missing the other truths taught in it.
Divine illumination is our most critical need in our Bible study:
1. Christ knew we would need divine help - John 16:13
2. Christ provided divine help - I John 2:20-21
3. Christ does not want us dependent solely on others - I John 2:27
4. Christ will compare scripture with other scripture - I Cor. 2:13-14
Oh, for a greater number of noble believers who will study the scriptures for themselves to make sure their Bible teachers are saying what God really says in His Word! We must challenge believers to be good "Bereans."
(Excerpts taken from Bible Tract Bulletin Vol. 46 Number 2 - Rev. Mark Smith, Director)
Ac 17:10-11 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
2 Tim. 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Radical?!
Today a gentlemen I worked with quit to go back to school. He was a pretty nice fella. Sure he was Catholic. But, he was still a nice guy. I have been working on this guy to see him saved before he left the company. I failed.
But he left me with this. He said "---- many people here consider your views radical stay a nice guy though".
I have been called many things by many people but never radical. Perhaps my impact has been seen and felt finally by my co workers. On one hand I hope so. I hope that I have lifted up Jesus high enough to were Jesus as it is written will draw all men unto Him. On the other hand I hope that I haven't done a detriment to fundamentalism either.
Paramount to all the above though. I hope I have lifted Jesus high and exalted God above everything. J Frank Norris did a great job of this and despite what others may say I think Brother Jack Schaap still does a good job of this even today.
Are we as fundamentalists radical? Ask yourself "Am I Radical"?
Finally I'll leave with one of my favorite quotes by J Frank Norris:
"I believe in a Supernatural Bible; which tells of a Supernatural Christ who had a Supernatural Birth; Who speaks Supernatural Words; Who performs Supernatural miracles, Who lived a Supernatural life while on earth, Who died a Supernatural death; Who rose in Supernatural power; Who ascended in a Supernatural splendor; Who now intercedes as a Supernatural Priest and Who will one day return in Supernatural glory to establish a Supernatural Kingdom on earth."
ADDENDUM: Please consider the last post in this blog before this one. Jack Schaap/ FBC have done a great deal of harm to fundamentalism and I am sure many lives as well. I sincerely apologize for my statement in regard to Mr. Schaap, I love him in the Lord and wish him well. I just wish the man would repent.
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