Who's to Blame?

What comes to mind when you think of “sour grapes?” Some might think of a sharp and hard taste the would be very uncomfortable for a long span of time. In Ezekiel 18:1-4, it says, The word of the Lord came to me again saying, “What do you mean when you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge'? “As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall no longer use this proverb in Israel. “Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die.”

Israel loved to make excuses for their idolatry. They lived according to their own desires and forgot the God of Heaven, Jehovah, for days without number. Every time they would fall away, God would have to bring judgment upon them to return them to His laws.

Like we of today, the children of Israel looked for someone else to blame for their own sin. In their search for self-justification they came up with a really cute and logical proverb that went like this: “The fathers may eat the sour grapes but the children’s teeth will be set on edge.” This meant that whatever the fathers of each successive generation did may not affect them but it would surely affect their children and grandchildren. This was Israel’s way of blaming their forefathers and even God, for the sin that they committed and the judgments they had to face. In using this proverb they absolved themselves from the penalty for their own sin and placed it upon the head of their ancestors.

Aren't we good at placing the blame of our wrong doings on others as well. It's so much easier to let others take the fall so we can keep face. Don't be looking around. Stop it! Look no further than yourself and ask yourself, “Self, why do I put the blame on others rather than accept it myself?” The answer is a no brainer, you want to look good no matter what it might cost others. 

 

John Killinger tells about the manager of a minor league baseball team who was so disgusted with his center fielder’s performance that he ordered him to the dugout and assumed the position himself. The first ball that came into center field took a bad hop and hit the manager in the mouth. The next one was a high fly ball, which he lost in the glare of the sun--until it bounced off his forehead. The third was a hard line drive that he charged with outstretched arms; unfortunately, it flew between is hands and smacked his eye. Furious, he ran back to the dugout, grabbed the center fielder by the uniform, and shouted. ’You idiot! You’ve got center field so messed up that even I can’t do a thing with it! [Don McCullough, Discipleship Journal]

 

No one likes to be wrong about anything and we truly don't have to be if there is a scapegoat at our disposal. Do you like being the scapegoat? Of course not! So why are you looking for one? Be a man or woman about the whole matter and take your just reward for your actions.  Stop looking for "Who's to Blame."

In Christian love,

Enlightened Answer to "What is an Infidel?"

This was sent to my email box and I felt like it was well worth sharing with all my viewers.  The credit is given directly to Rick Mathes, author of this article and well-know leader in prison ministry.

The man who walks with God always 
gets to his destination. If you have a 
pulse you have a purpose. 

The Muslim religion is the fastest 
growing religion per capita in the 
United States, especially in the 
minority races!! 
 
Last month I attended my annual 
training session that's required for 
maintaining my state prison 
security clearance. 

During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers 
representing the Roman Catholic, 
Protestant and Muslim faiths, 
who each explained their beliefs.  
I was particularly interested in 
what the Islamic had to say. 
The Muslim gave a great presentation 
of the basics of Islam, complete 
with a video.  
After the presentations, time was 
provided for questions and answers. 
When it was my turn, I directed 
my question to the Muslim and asked: 
'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, 
but I understand that most Imams and 
clerics of Islam have declared 
a holy jihad [Holy war] against the 
infidels of the world and, that by 
killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven.  If that's the case, can you give me 
the definition of an infidel?'  
There was no disagreement with my 
statements and, without hesitation, 
he replied, 'Non-believers!' 
I responded, 'So, let me make sure 
I have this straight. All followers of 
Allah have been commanded to kill 
everyone who is not of your faith so 
they can have a place in heaven. 
Is that correct?' 
The expression on his face 
changed from one of authority 
and command to that of a 
little boy who had just been 
caught with his hand in the cookie jar.'  
He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have 
a real problem trying to 
imagine The Pope commanding 
all Catholics to kill those of 
your faith or Dr.Stanley ordering 
all Protestants to do the same 
in order to guarantee them 
a place in heaven!' 
The Muslim was speechless! 

I continued, 'I also have a 
problem with being your friend 
when you and your brother clerics 
are telling your followers to 
kill me! Let me ask you a question: 
Would you rather have your Allah, 
who tells you to kill me in 
order for you to go to heaven, 
or my Jesus who tells me to 
love you because I am going 
to heaven and He wants you 
to be there with me?' 

You could have heard a pin 
drop as the Imam hung his 
head in shame. 

Needless to say, the organizers 
and/or promoters of the 
'Diversification' training seminar 
were not happy with my way 
of dealing with the Islamic Imam, 
and exposing the truth 
about the Muslims' beliefs. 

In twenty years there will be 
enough Muslim voters in the 
U.S. to elect the President! 

I think everyone in the U.S. 
should be required to read this, 
but with the ACLU, there is no 
way this will be widely 
publicized, unless each of us 
sends it on! This is your chance 
to make a difference... 

....SEND THIS ON . .

Thoughts to uplift the Heart‏

There are times in life when we wish for words to encourage those we care about, but knowing the outcome, it is only the Lord who has the capacity to lift the heart from the sadness of losing those we love in this life. Life is like a book with many chapters, some happy, some sad, but all necessary to our spiritual growth that evolves over all the years of our life. It makes us, who we are in our daily life! Some think of death as an ending of life, the painful loss of a loved one. I prefer to think of death as just another chapter in the book of life...you might say an epilogue of this life, but not an ending but the beginning of a new chapter yet to be seen, but promised by our Lord to be a joyful retreat of praise and worship....The end of our story is known only to God! May we all look forward to that day with anticipation! God bless!

Respectfully submitted by,

Jan Sherman

Have You Pledged Lately?

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

 

Do you remember the last time you made that pledge? When was it and where were you when you pledged it? Many of us can't remember because it has been that long ago. It is a shame when the things that make sense and have good reason are being eliminated from our society. Who are the culprits and who is letting them get away with it?

When you think about the “Pledge of Allegiance” you can't help but think of freedom, justice and liberty for all. Freedom is something we all enjoy and more so here in the United States of America. Freedom can be defined as unrestricted action. There are no real restrictions because we are free to come and go as we please. We take this for granted most of the time but this freedom is not afforded to most of this world in which we live. We should be forever grateful that our forefathers had a respect and awe for God that they included Him in their decision making. We having been reaping the benefits of what they fought and died for, so we should be very careful what we do with it and what we pass to the next generations.

As Christians we have been made free by Christ. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36) We have been set free from bondage also. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness....But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness and the end, everlasting life. (Rom. 6:18, 22) Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5:1) For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Gal. 5:13)

Does our lives reflect the liberty that has been given to us by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Are we willing to make anew our pledge to Him and this time mean it? We have been playing around with God long enough and if we are not careful we might just end up like Sodom and Gomorrah. It's time that we once again approach the living God on bended knew, giving Him all the praise and glory that is due Him. If we once again, with all seriousness, pledge allegiance to God, then this is what He can do for us. “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14) Doesn't that sound like something we want God to do for our great nation? If so, then we must start making a difference by acting like Christians. Are you willing to make a new pledge of allegiance to God? Let's do it today!

Obeying of the Gospel

This evening we welcomed Brenda Sturgess into God's family.  How did she get added to God's body?  I'm glad you asked.  She first visited our congregation this past Lord's day.  After hearing the message from God's word, she felt as though the lesson was directed towards her.  She filled out a visitor's slip and requested to know more about the Lord's church.  Upon leaving the church building she was asked by the preacher if she would be interested in having a Bible study.  She replied yes and a study was set up for today, Tuesday the 24th of May.

After studying "How One Is Saved by the Gospel Made Simple" by Jerry Weldon, she discovered that what she had done previously was not in accordance with God's inspired word.  When asked if she wanted to be baptized for the right reason and be added to the Lord's church by God Himself, she replied, "Yes, Why put off  till tomorrow what needs to be taken care of today."

Needless to say, we immediately drove to our church building where we took her profession that Jesus is the Son of God and baptized her for the remission of sin in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, according to Acts 2:38.

She is now a member of the Lord's church and no one can remove her from it.  She will now be faithful and obedient to assemble with other believers until Christ returns for His bride, the church.  There was joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repented this evening.  Praise be to God and all glory be His!

Rejoicing!

Carelessness

Benjamin Franklin was wrote, “For want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost, being overtaken and slain by the enemy; and for want of care about a horseshoe nail.” This truly was a small matter from the start, but had severe consequences. Are you about to lose or have you already lost the nail in your possession?

Come, let's take a look at a few examples of what can happen if we are careless with our nail. In Isaiah 47:1 & 8-11 we see that Babylon was destroyed because they were careless in taking care of God's people. God had given them to the Babylonians, but they were very careless with God's goods and they suffered for it. Remember that you are God's! Are you being careful with what is His or careless with your nail?

In the days of Ezekiel the prophet, God chose to destroy Egypt because they too were careless with their nail. They had mistreated God's people and He had had enough. “On that day messengers shall go forth from Me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great anguish shall come upon them, as on the day of Egypt; for indeed it is coming!” (Ezek. 30:8)

Once again we read of God's judgment upon a people because of their carelessness. God is very serious about taking care of what is His. In this example we see the inhabitants of the coast lands of Magog and Magog itself will be destroyed because of their actions against Israel (Ezek. 39:6). Are you taking care of you own nail?

In Zephaniah we read of the judgment against north Assyria, which included the city of Nineveh. They declared, “I am it, and there is none besides me.” (Zeph. 2:15) They nor you can declare, I am it and get away with it. God is a jealous God and will not tolerate carelessness with your obedience to Him. Do you feel you nail coming out?

In Isaiah 32:9 we see where the women of Jerusalem had become complacent. Their complacency had allowed them to become very careless. So careless that their livelihoods would be taken away. Do you have a job today? Do you want one tomorrow? Are you gambling that you do not need God in your life and that you can do everything by yourself. Have you become very careless with the nail God has placed in your hand?

Let's look at one last example found in Acts 18:12-17. You can become careless with your nail when you choose to sit by and do absolutely nothing as did Gallio in the case of Paul. Is God calling you to action and you are choosing sit by idle thinking He does not notice? Remember that God is omnipresent. He sees and knows all. You cannot go unnoticed and He will find you out.

There is yet another nail that needs to be mentioned here. Not just one nail, but three. Jesus Christ was not careless when it came to His nails. He bore each one and He did it for YOU! We are asked to take care of one nail. To make sure it stays obedient and faithful to one God and one Savior. How are you doing with your nail? 

In Christian love! 

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

That's right, this coming Sunday is Easter morning and children will be waking up to baskets filled with candy and stuffed animals. If the truth is know, when you saw the title of this article you couldn't help but sing, “Hopping down the bunny trail.” Some of you might have even finished the song.

This day is many things to many people. For some they will think just about the Easter bunny and getting together with family and friends.  They will hide eggs for the children to find, then have a big feast. This we would refer to as tradition, for most are doing it because this is what they were taught or brought up to do.

For others it is a day to see who can out dress who. Sure the folks will be in worship service of some kind but it won't be to worship a risen Savior. It will be to show off that new outfit they just bought for this one occasion.

All of this might sound rather childish but many of us have participated in such activities in the past and maybe some will today. Traditions are good, but when they interfere with the truth of God's word, then there is a big problem!

Is Easter in the Bible? Some translations have replace the word Passover, in Acts 12:4 with the word Easter. This reference to Easter (wrongfully inserted of course) appears only once in the entire Holy Bible. Yet, with all the carrying on in reference to Easter parades, Easter bunnies, Easter eggs, Easter sunrise services, Easter this and Easter that, one would expect that THE HOLY BIBLE would be replete with Scripture after Scripture mentioning the word 'EASTER'. It's not. If anything should have been spoken of and written about, even celebrated, in connection with The Resurrection of Our Messiah, The LORD Jesus Christ, it should have been the 'PASSOVER'.

What we have to be careful of today is to not mix pagan and heathen customs with The Resurrection of Our LORD Jesus Christ. The best dictionary definition of Easter is found in the root of its meaning from the mythical goddess 'EOSTRE' (also known as Ostara or Ishtar), a goddess of the dawn and spring. Therefore, Easter, and the eggs, and the bunnies, and the sunrise services (worship of the sun and not the SON) are all opposite to the Scriptural and truthful meaning of The Resurrection of The LORD Jesus Christ.

 

As you know, we, in the church, do not celebrate Easter but we do bring to remembrance the suffering of Christ on Calvary's tree for the remission of our sins each and every first day of the week by the taking of the Lord's Supper. Do you have a scriptural understanding of the resurrection or do you go along with the traditions of men. Once again you must make the choice which is correct in the eyes of God. Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19b) He was referring to the taking of the bread and the fruit of the vine. We are complete this morning knowing that what we do each and every week is biblical and is commanded of us by the Lord Himself. Be Blessed!

In His name,

Eddie

Traveling

The world today is very fast paced. If we are not careful, we will get caught up in this rush and miss out on smelling the roses. People travel daily from one destination to the next giving no thought as to where they are really going in life. Most are commuting daily to work and back. Others are taking extravagant vacations to other parts of the world with nothing but pleasure on their minds. There is nothing wrong with travel, especially if you are traveling in the right direction. Let's talk about some of these directions.

In God's word these directions can be referred to as paths. This is nothing more that a walk, a manner of life. There is the path of the wicked, the believers, the righteous and of the Lord. We will begin with the wicked. This path is brought to nothing according to Job 6:18. It becomes dark (Job 24:13) and is crooked (Isa.59:8). It leads to death (Prov. 2:18) and is filled with wickedness (Prov. 1:15, 16). This path doesn't get any better either. It is destructive (Isa. 59:7) and is followed by wicked rulers (Isa. 3:12). One very important fact about this path is that it is made difficult by God (Hos. 2:6).

Now let's take a look at the path of believers. We will see one significant difference between this path and the path of the wicked. First, this path is beset with difficulties (Job 19:8) but is under God's control (Job 13:27). It is hindered by the wicked (Job 30:13) but enriched by the Lord (Ps. 23:3) and upheld by God (Ps. 17:5). The believer's path is provided by light (Ps. 119:105) and is know by God (Ps. 139:3). It is like a shining light (Prov. 4:18), directed by God (Isa. 26:7) and one that is to be pondered (Prov. 4:26). Unlike the wicked path, there is no death at the end (Prov. 12:28). It is sometimes unknown (Isa. 42:16) and sometimes seems crooked (Lam. 3:9) but to be made straight (Heb. 12:13).

It pays to be righteous. This path is taught by fathers (Prov. 4:1, 11). It is kept (Prov. 2:20), it is taught to believers (Ps. 25:4, 5), sought by believers (Ps. 119:35; Isa. 2:3) and it is rejected by unbelievers (Jer. 6:16; 18:15). How sad!

We definitely want to be on the last path, the Lord's. This path is true (Ps. 25:10), smooth (Ps. 27:11), rich (Ps. 65:11), guarded (Prov. 2:8), upright (Prov. 2:13), living (Prov. 2:19) and it is peaceful (Prov. 3:17).

Which path are you traveling today? Hopefully it is the path of the believer, the righteous and of the Lord. If not, then there is no hope for you and your reward will be eternal condemnation unless you repent and turn to the Lord. Remember He stands with arms opened wide to receive us sinners into the fold. Please don't be left out!

Are You Satisfied?

Satisfaction is the outcome of being satisfied. Are we always satisfied with the way circumstances turn out in our lives? Probably not! Why not? Well, we first have to realize what being satisfied means. It means to be gratified in the fullest degree; being free from doubt or uncertainty. When was the last time you truly felt that way? It also means pay in full; make atonement or payment.

When was the last time you were gratified in the fullest degree with anything you tried or accomplished? Many of us hate to admit it, but we all have a bit of perfectionist in our moral fiber. Knowing this makes it very difficult to be completely gratified. When was the last time that you finished a project without doubt or uncertainty that it was completed error free? How many of us would love to get a statement from all our debtors with the words “Paid in Full” written across it.

It's apparent that we will probably never be completely satisfied here on the earth, in our human form, but what about the hereafter? I’m reminded of the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. There was a piece of candy called, “The Never Ending Gobstopper.” What was amazing is that it was a single piece of candy with endless sorts of flavors. It’s as if this single fruit has multiple flavors. The fruit of the Spirit is one specific item with several, continuous qualities. This single fruit of the Spirit is quite dynamic. It has many dimensions to it: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22). The point is that all of these “flavors” remind us of our Savior’s love for us. The Spirit’s work ties us to Jesus and leads us to see we have true satisfaction in him alone.

Are you satisfied today knowing that God sent a Savior to this earth just for you so that ALL your sins could be forgiven? All you have to do is accept His free gift so you can begin to experience what true satisfaction means and feels like. Why wait till the hereafter when you can have it now?  Besides, in the hereafter you just might not be where you want to be!

That's My King!

I just got my recent copy of World Radio, which is a global gospel broadcasting network.  The front page article is so uplifting and inspiring I just had to share it with all of you.  This sermon was preached by the late Dr. S.M. Lockeridge from San Diego, Calif., in Detroit in 1976.  Here's the sermon:

That's My King!

"My King was born King.  The Bible says He's a Seven Way King.  He's the King of the Jews - that's an Ethnic King.  He's the King of Israel - that's a National King.  He's the King of righteousness.  He's the King of the ages.  He's the King of Heaven.  He's the King of glory.  He's the King of kings and He is the Lord of lords.  Now that's my King.

Well, I wonder if you know Him.  Do you know Him?  Don't try to mislead me.  Do you know my King?  David said the Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork.  My King is the only one of whom there are no means of measure that can define His limitless love.  No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of the shore of His supplies.  No barriers can hinder Him from pouring out His blessing.  He's enduringly strong.  He's entirely sincere.  He's eternally steadfast.  He's immortally graceful.  He's imperially powerful.  He's impartially merciful.  That's my King.

He's God's Son.  He's the sinner's Savior.  He's the centerpiece of civilization.  He stands alone in Himself.  He's honest.  He's unique.  He's unparalleled.  He's unprecedented.  He's supreme.  He's pre-eminent.  He's the grandest idea in literature.  He's the highest personality in philosophy.  He's the supreme problem in higher criticism.  He's the fundamental doctrine of historic theology.  He's the carnal necessity of spiritual religion.  That's my King.

He's the miracle of the age.  He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.  He's the only one able to supply all our needs simultaneously.  He supplies strength for the weak.  He's available for the tempted and the tired.  He sympathizes and He saves.  He's the Almighty God who guides and keeps all His people.  He heals the sick.  He cleanses the lepers.  He forgives sinners.  He discharged debtors.  He delivers the captives.  He defends the feeble.  He blesses the young.  He serves the unfortunate.  He regards the aged.  He rewards the diligent and He beautifies the meek.  That's my King.

Do you know Him?  Well, my King is a King of knowledge.  He's the wellspring of wisdom.  He's the doorway of deliverance.  He's the pathway of peace.  He's the roadway of righteousness.  He's the highway of holiness.  He's the gateway of glory.  He's the master of the mighty.  He's the captain of the conquerors.  He's the head of the heroes.  He's the leader of the legislatures.  He's the overseer of the overcomers.  He's the governor of governors.  He's the prince of princes.  He's the King of kings and He's the Lord of lords.  That's my King.

His office is manifold.  His promise is sure.  His light is matchless.  His goodness is limitless.  His mercy is everlasting.  His love never changes.  His Word is enough.  His grace is sufficient.  His reign is righteous.  His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  I wish I could describe Him to you...but He's indescribable.  He's indescribable.  That's my King.

He's incomprehensible.  He's invincible.  He's irresistible.  I'm coming to tell you this, that the heavens of heavens can't contain Him, let alone some man explain Him.  You can't get Him out of your mind.  You can't get Him off or your hands.  You can't outlive Him and you can't live without Him.  The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.  Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.  The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree about Him.  Herod couldn't kill Him.  Death couldn't handle Him and the grave couldn't hold Him.  That's my King.

He always has been and He always will be.  I'm talking about the fact that He had no predecessor and He'll have no successor.  There's nobody before Him and there'll be nobody after Him.  You can't impeach Him and He's not going to resign.  That's my King!  That's my King!

Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory.  Well, all the power belongs to my King.  We're around here talking about black power and white power and green power, but in the end all that matters is God's power.  This is the power.  Yeah.  And the glory.  We try to get prestige and honour and glory for ourselves, but the glory is all His.  Yes.  This is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever and ever and ever and ever.  How long is that?  And ever and ever and ever and ever.  And when you get through with all of the 'forever's', then ... Amen."

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