Charles e Whisnant, Quotes Made on Facebook

Those who are growing in God's grace will have peace with the Father, peace in circumstances , peace with them self knowing God's forgiveness, and even peace with those around us, but this peace is not of unfeeling that might be gained by ignoring other people's agony.

Growing in Christ grace is often having us more and more groaning in grace Christlike compassion (Luke 7) for those who are in hurtful, sorrow, sadness, lost of relationship, and sinfulness.

God has never m...eant for His children to live in a world that is free of sorrow. We seem to be living in a world that is spoiled in to thinking that we should have every emotion free of sorrow and trouble. It just is not goingto happen.

That is why we reley on God's wonderful grace

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One of our members said Sunday "I was listening to Charles Stanley and he was saying just what you have taught us." Thank of that. If you listen to John MacArthur you might say the same think. Or Charles Price, or David Jeremiah, or Charles Spurgeon or even D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones. Or Spiros Zodhiates, A.T. Robertson, L. Berkhof, R.C. Sproul, J. I. Packer,, Millard, Erickson. But please I don't sound like Jimmy Swaggard or Billy Graham.
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Of course we all have different interests. I post what I am interested in, which might not be necessary what you might be interested in, of course. (other than dogs and grandkids). But I could not call and see all the "friends" on this list either. (But it would certainly be nice). But showing interests in others really is what the Lord calls us to do too.

Going to worship this morning, is more than just showing up, but talking with others and showing interesting in others. Its not all about you. Encourage someone, tell the song leader, Tell the musican they did great and was a blessing, Thank a Deacon or Elder. Say to a Sunday School Teacher you enjoyed their lesson. Maybe you could tell the preacher he brought a good sermon. JUST DON'T WALK OUT OF THE CHURCH
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Was Jesus Christ a Calvinist? Was He Sovereign? Jesus never did anything without a determinate destination and a predeterminated intention and there were no unforeseen events or problems and there was no second plans.

Oh this is my sermon this morning from Luke 7 Jesus Just Happen by Chance To Go To Nain and Raise A Son .

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Remember the "social gospel" preaching?, Well its now "Evangelical (Fundamental) Political Acivism." Yep!

Now Christians want a Christian political agenda! Some feel if they can change the political climate, we can have a better nation! Funny isn't it. Its really misguided Idealists who seem to become, what is the word, enamored in temporal issues at the expense of God's sovereignty.

(I am glad I have the Sovereignty-Calvinist bend on theology in terms of culture, politi...cal, activisism: i.e. I truely believe the Lord is the Authur of History and that He is orchestrating all things according to His will.)

Thus we don't need to spend so much energy to raise light on who would be the best or worst candiadtes for the next election

 

 

What About Panic Attracts From the Secular Viewpoint

 

 

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When God captivates, He does something to make that person's pleasures despicable. He displays Christ's beauty & sin's ugliness. Jim Elliff

 

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Panic attacks are just an overreaction to stress.

Panic attacks and anxiety are the same thing.

Anxiety is more of an umbrella term, which can encompass panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and more.

"Anxiety is more worrying about something bad that could happen in the future, whether it's in the next five minutes or later in the week," he explained. "When [panic] starts affecting their life, when they start worrying about the next panic attack, when they start avoiding situations to prevent them, that's what we would call panic disorder."

You're stuck with the disorder for the rest of your life.
"It's a common misconception that [being diagnosed with panic disorder] means that you'll be on medication for the rest of your life," Warren said. There's a huge stigma when it comes to mental health, which can make sufferers prolong getting help. However, the sooner you do so, the sooner you can control your panic.

Research shows that medications are effective, but so is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy without medications or a combination of both, Warren added. "There's also a myth that there isn't any hope or any effective treatment, which isn't true," he said. Your doctor can help you determine which method works best for you.

It's hard to relate to someone who has panic attacks.

Remember that truck scenario from before? Chances are you can recall a time you've been in a similar situation where you needed to spring into action. Those are versions of panic attacks, . It's just not as easy for some people to write them off.

Warren suggests practicing compassion the next time a loved one goes through the experience. "Listen and let the person tell you about what it is they're experiencing," he said. "Empathize. Think of a time in your own life when you've been terrified of something. It might have been external, but you still remember how terrifying that is."

Panic is a gateway to a more serious mental illness.

Many people believe that being diagnosed with panic disorder or having a panic attack means they're going to develop another serious mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. "Panic disorder is something that's kind of in its own right," he said. If you're still worried, bring up your concerns with a mental health professional, he added.

Deep breaths will calm a panic attack.

 

"We hear all the time that if you're really anxious to take a deep breath -- but with people who have panic attacks ... you put yourself in a hyperventilation state," Warren said. By inhaling deeply, you're releasing extra carbon dioxide. This causes an increase symptoms like dizziness and and numbness, which can make you feel like you're suffocating and lead to more rapid, deep breaths. Focus on more shallow inhalations and exhalations instead.

Loved ones can't help when someone is having a panic attack.
Panic attacks are a personal experience, which means each person who sufferers from one reacts differently than another. Some people may want you to talk them through it, others may want you to distract them, Warren explained. "The point is to try to respond non-judgmentally and get it from their point of view,"

Looking for more ways to help? Check out these supportive phrases (and what phrases you should avoid).

You should avoid what causes the episodes.

It may be the first instinct to avoid whatever is causing you pain, but Warren advises to do quite the opposite. "Once you start avoiding places because you think you might have a panic attack, you start restricting your life," he explained.

Engaging in "safety behaviors," i.e. not going to places that will trigger the attack or even avoiding exciting movies that cause a rush of adrenaline, the sufferer may not learn that there's nothing to fear in the first place, Warren says. The best way to manage them is to employ the CBT techniques or other methods that have been discussed with a professional.

Have a story about mental illness that you'd like to share? Email strongertogether@huffingtonpost.com, or give us a call at (860) 348-3376, and you can record your story in your own words. Please be sure to include your name and phone number.

Need help? In the U.S., call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

We have to remember that the behavior of those who are not born again of the Spirit and have not received a new nature, will and do and can't help it, live according to the flesh, the devil and the world. Its possible at any moment of time that what has been restrained can suddenly exposed into a action. cew

There is a major difference in the worship service, experience watching Shadow Mountain Community Church, with David Jeremiah and watching Grace Community Church in Los Angeles, California with John MacArthur. Two totally different styles of worship. One with the great hymns of the faith and one with praise song, One with topic teaching and one with exposition preaching, one with the idea of the TV audience and the other just as it is in the service.

This amazing, arresting, astonishing, astounding, awe-inspiring, awesome, Word of God that we have to preach each week, why would we want to preach from any other book? Today its Romans 12:16.

When was the last time you encouraged your preacher, who is committed to teaching the Word of God diligently each week?

If your pastor is hardworking to preach the whole counsel of God, to let the subject matter and purpose of the text control that of his sermon and to apply the Bible to your life so that you’re walking in the truth, you are blessed.

Reading the LA Times headlines: "Will the Supreme Court recognize modern marriage, or stick with a version that's now obsolete?" "They will probably settle the issue once and for all by the end of June". Well, we as Christians live not of this world, we are strangers here. Its getting to be more strange every year. First Peter 2 still holds for us as Christians.

 

 

Quotes that I Put on Facebook

The single goal as a pastor/teacher/father/husband/friend in the spiritual realm has been since 1964 to teach the Word of God, and spiritual truths that will bring or make Christians grow up into spiritual maturity and to be all that Jesus wants them to be. Ephesians 4:12-
I had an accidental cell phone call from Cecille Nunnenkamp yesterday. She was our church secretary for a number of years at First Baptist Church in Altoona, KS. And I might say the best one we ever had. We had a good talk and she is doing good living close to Alana. We will take any accidental cell phone calls from friends.

Charity after getting off work last evening and I worked at the office at church, we traveled to Lexington KY to pick up Rob and Illy . We traveled through storm, rain, and a tornado in Maysvile, KY The tornado hit our gas station where we always stop. And stopped in Paris KY where another storm had gone through, and stopped at McDonalds for a Big Mac. Then almost hit a fallen tree that was out in the road. And it rained until we got to Lexington. Then we turned around after seeing Eric and Leslie, and Chad and grandson Trey and traveled in the foggy weather all the way back 133 miles . And we got back at 12:21 a.m.. Now up again and ready to go to work. Thank you Lord for Your protection and my good driving.
The definition of the believer who has been truly born again a what that conversion means can be found where in the book of Romans and First Peter, can you find the verses?
We don't seek to be better Christians, or servants of Christ in order to be approved of God. We can be no more approved of Christ than when we first believed. This is a truth: our need of Christ does not cease with our believing, nor does the nature of our relation to Him ever alter no matter how much we attain or achieve in behavior
At any stage of our earthly growth, there is nothing in us or done by use because of which we are acceptable to God. As a matter of fact we must always be accepted for Christ's sake, or we cannot ever be accepted at all.
One who is going to pastor and preach in a church, he should have a Seminary education, a theological education, and have been called by the Lord, confirmed by the church, and ordained by fellow pastors.

HEAVEN AND HELL AND WITH & WITHOUT A MEDIATOR

Took this Photo on Satursday

HEAVEN AND HELL

In his little book Fear Not!, an examination of death and the afterlife from a Christian perspective, Ligon Duncan writes about the horrors of hell. Having done so, he offers a final reflection on the ultimate difference between heaven and hell. And, though I've read extensively, I do not recall ever hearing someone express it quite like this. These are words that are worthy of some reflection. Though he has already discussed hell, there is one more thing he wishes to say.
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It is a surprising thing to note, because so often we speak of hell as a place where God is not. Let me, however, say something provocative. Hell is eternity in the presence of God without a mediator. Heaven is eternity in the presence of God, with a mediator.

Hell is eternity in the presence of God, being fully conscious of the just, holy, righteous, good, kind, and loving Father's disapproval of your rebellion and wickedness.

Heaven, on the other hand, is dwelling in the conscious awareness of your holy and righteous Father, but doing so through a mediator who died in your place, the One who absorbed the fullness of the penalty of your sin. Heaven is eternity in the presence of God with the One who totally eradicated sin from your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

• 
  
  Hell is eternity in the presence of God without a mediator.


• 
  
  Heaven is eternity in the presence of God with a mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.

JOHN THREE SIXTEEN CONFERENCE REVISITED

Some of our Arminian brethren in the Southern Baptist Convention, led by the ever-colorful Jerry Vines of Jacksonville, have been holding a conference in Woodstock, Georgia, to discuss why they don't approve of Calvinism. Andrew Lindsey (who has far more patience than I) is live-blogging it and posting those notes as a guest-blogger over at Challies.

Never let it be said I am not fair and balance in this 400 year debate between the Arminian brethren and the Calvinest brethren.

THE JOHN 3 16 CONFERENCE HAS ITS CONVENTION IN GEORGIA TO DISCREDIT THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE, OR SOMETIME KNOWN AS CALVINISM. THESE MEN ARE THE BEST THAT THEY HAVE TOO OFTER WHO DO NOT HOLD TO THE POSITION OF THE FIVE POINTS OF THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE.

I DIDN'T GO, WANTED TO GO, BUT SOME WHO WERE THERE HAD LIVE BLOGGING AND POSTED THE MATERIAL IN THEIR BLOGGER.

James White of Alpha and Omega Ministries is currently in London doing the work of an apologist/Evangelist. Ironically enough, he is doing the very things he shouldn’t be doing if he was a hyper-Calvinist as David Allen called him during one of the SBC’s lowest moments, the John 3:16 Conference.

These men, preacher, are really good men. They like to point out the HYPER-CALVINISM position. One person they called Hyper was James White

• "In any case, the hypers detest me, and there is a reason for it! I do everything they detest while upholding the Kingship of God in glorifying Himself in the salvation of His elect. Meanwhile, the synergists of all stripes, including those modern Southern Baptists who refuse to use historical terminology of their position (indeed, who rarely have sufficient “system” in their “systematic theology” so that their views can be identified in any consistent fashion other than “non-Reformed”), will continue to throw the “hyper-Calvinist” moniker around as a scare tactic, hoping, it seems, that their significantly less than compelling argumentation will be enough to keep the promising young minds in their churches from considering Reformed theology. But, alas, just as is the case amongst the Calvary Chapels—when you direct folks to the Bible, you are directing them to the very heart and soul of Reformed theology, the living text itself. So you have to try to overlay it with as much human tradition as you can lest they see with clarity the power and freedom of God that shines from every page! That seems to have been the purpose in this conference in Georgia as well. Give the pastors some kind of argumentation to use—not a full response, not a meaningful exegetical position to espouse, but just enough of a response to deflect interest." Read the rest of James's response here
  
  

The Prince of Preachers has an opinion on what was taught during the John 3:16 Conference. No, I did not receive a special message from C.H. Spurgeon from the third heaven. I did, however, find a quote from him which pretty well expresses his thoughts concerning the tenets of Calvinism, the very tenets that the John 3:16 Conference set out to “biblically” and “theologically” assess and debunk.

Regarding Calvinism, Spurgeon said this:

• "The doctrines of original sin, election, effectual calling, final perseverance, and all those great truths which are called Calvinism—though Calvin was not the author of them, but simply an able writer and preacher upon the subject—are, I believe, the essential doctrines of the Gospel that is in Jesus Christ. Now, I do not ask you whether you believe all this—it is possible you may not; but I believe you will before you enter heaven. I am persuaded, that as God may have washed your hearts, he will wash your brains before you enter heaven. "

Don’t you just love the way Spurgeon has with words and his incredible God-given ability to express things?

CONTENTMENT OR DISSATISFACTION

Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent(J. C. Ryle, "Be Content" 1885)

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

These words are very simple. A little child might easily understand them. They contain no high doctrine; they involve no deep metaphysical question; and yet, as simple as they are--the duty which these words enjoin on us, is of highest practical importance to all Christians.

Like all precious things--it is most uncommon. To practice contentment, is very hard. To talk of contentment in the day of health and prosperity is easy enough; but to be content in the midst of poverty, sickness, trouble, disappointments, and losses--is a state of mind to which very few can attain!The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content.

• The fallen angels had heaven itself to dwell in, and the immediate presence and favor of God--but they were not content.

• Adam and Eve had the garden of Eden to live in, with a free grant of everything in it excepting one tree--but they were not content.

• Ahab had his throne and kingdom, but so long as Naboth's vineyard was not his--he was not content.

• Haman was the chief favorite of the Persian king--but so long as Mordecai sat at the gate--he was not content.

It is just the same everywhere in the present day. Even in 2008. Murmuring, dissatisfaction, discontent with what we have, meet us at every turn.

• To say, with Jacob, "I have enough," seems flatly contrary to the grain of human nature.
• To say, "I want more," seems the mother tongue of every child of Adam.
  

"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with such things as you have, because God has said--Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Paul's direction ought to come with power to all our consciences: "Be content with such things as you have," not with such things as you once used to have--not with such things as you hope to have--but with such things as you now have. With such things, whatever they may be--we are to be content. With such a dwelling, such a family, such health, such income, such work, such circumstances as we now have--we are to be content.

Let me tell you--what you should do, if you would be content.

• You must know your own heart, seek God for your portion,
• take Christ for your Savior,
• and use God's Word for your daily food.

Contentment must be learned at the feet of Jesus Christ. He who has God for his friend, and heaven for his home--can wait for his good things, and be content with little here below.

I took the photo on Maple-Bender Road as we go to Rivers of JoyBaptist Church. Wonderful fall trees. The top photo I took on Scioto Trail Road.

LIFE CAN BE INTERESTING

IT IS CRAZY MAN, ITS OVER, LET HER GO!
WHAT LIVES BEHIND US AND LIES BEFORE US AND

ARE SMALL MATTERS COMPARED TO WHAT LIES RIGHT IN

OUR FACES

ABC, NBC, CNN, FOX, ABC, NPR

Only the Word of God never lies

WINNERS NEVER FLY HIGHER THAN WHEN THEY'RE

BOUNCING UP AND DOWN ON THE EGOS OF THOSE

THEY'VE DEFEATED

VIEW OF THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE

Caner Declares Jihad on Doctrines of Grace

Ergun Caner, head of Liberty Theological Seminary, shocked even the fundamentalist wing of the Southern Baptist Convention last Sunday when he declared jihad against the Doctrines of Grace.While preaching at Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, VA, Caner reportedly said, "We have been soft for too long on these Calvinist infidels. They are, after all, worse than Muslims. We must take the fight straight to their core - straight to the Doctrines of Grace themselves. (You really need to check out "worse than Muslims" on Old Truth. This was back in 2006 Caner is still there today.)

Let us purify our convention of these usurpers."Caner continued his "sermon" by outlining the process by which the SBC will be expunged of the Doctrines of Grace.

"We will follow a simple five-step process:

First, those heroes who oppose the heretical doctrines will gain, by whatever measure is necessary, positions of power and authority in the convention.

Second, we will warn all SBC churches not to hire Calvinists.

Third, we will tell all Calvinists that they have a moral imperative to tell churches if they are, in fact, Calvinists.

Fourth, we will hold many conferences designed to annihilate the Doctrines of Grace.

Fifth, we will frequently toilet-paper Al Mohler's house."At the conclusion of the sermon, Caner was reportedly shot out of a canon, bounced off a trampoline, and landed on the back of a waiting camel. After wrapping a turban on his head, he departed stage left singing

We Shall Overcome.

Several hundred spectators immediately came forward to accept Jesus into their hearts.

IF YOU CAN SAY THIS, YOU KNOW GOD AND HIS GRACE

WHAT TRUTH DID YOU RECEIVE THIS WEEK FROM THE MESSAGES YOU HEARD THAT IS GOING TO SUSTAIN YOU WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED TO GIVE UP?

TODAY WE ARE STILL STANDING THE THE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD, DAILY HE KEEPS US BY HIS POWER AND GRACE.

WHAT IS SUSTAINING GRACE?

ENABLES US TO CONTINUE WHEN WE'RE TEMEPTED TO GIVE UP

We all want what God's grace provides, but we have to get it His way.

We can not focus more on the issue than on God

YOU CAN NEVER JUSTIFY GIVING UP

WHY?

GOD ALWAYS HAS A VALUABLE LESSON FOR US TO LEARN.

GOD DOES NOT PROMISE AN EXPLANATION

GOD IS WORKING SOMETHING GOOD IN YOUR SITUATION.

HOW CAN YOU QUIT

Charles Stanley

1. GRACE RELEASES WITHIN US SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH TO KEEP GOING IN THE MIDST OF PAIN AND SUFFERING.


2. GRACE IGNITES WITHIN US DETERMINATION TO KEEP GOING NO MATTER WHAT. GOD GRACE CONTINUES TO GIVE US NEW SURGES EVERY DAY TO KEEP GOING. NOW FOR OVER FIFTY YEARS.


3. GRACE ECHOES IN OUR SPIRIT THAT GOD IS WITH US TO BE OUR FRIEND AND SUPPORTER.


4. GOD KEEPS POINTING US TO GOD'S GOAL OF TEACHING US.


5. GRACE REMINDS US THAT OUR FATHER ENABLES US TO BECOME STRONGER IN FAITH AND DEEPER IN INTIMANCY.


6. GRACE ASSURES US THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL AND SETS LIMITS ON WHAT WE CAN BEAR.


7. GRACE AWAKENS OUR FAITH WITH CONVICTION THAT GOD WILL TURN OUR TOUGH TIMES FOR SOMETHING GOOD.

He who can truly say this, is a God

(Thomas Brooks, "An Ark for All God's Noahs" 1662)

"The Lord is my portion, says my soul; therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3:24

God is every believer's portion.

Riches are not every believer's portion --but God is every believer's portion.

Liberty and freedom are not every believer's portion--but God is every believer's portion.

Honor and applause are not every believer's portion--but God is every believer's portion.

Prosperity and success are not every believer's portion--but God is every believer's portion.

God is a universal portion. God is a portion that includes all other portions.

God has Himself the good, the sweet, the profit, the pleasure, the delight, the comfort--of all portions.

There is no good in wife, child, father, friend, husband, health, wealth, wit, wisdom, learning, honor --but is all found in God.

There is in God--an immense fullness, an ocean of goodness, and an abundance of all that graciousness, sweetness, and kindness--that is to be found in all other things or creatures.

All the goodnesses of all the creatures, are eminently and perfectly to be enjoyed in God.

The cream, the good, the sweet, the beauty, and the glory f every creature, and of every thing--centers in God.

God is a universal excellency. All the particular excellencies that are scattered up and down among angels, men, and all other creatures--are virtually and transcendently in Him.

He has them all in His own being. All creatures in heaven and earth have but their particular excellencies; but God has in Himself the very quintessence of all excellencies! The creatures have but drops of that sea, that ocean—which is in God. They have but their parts of that power, wisdom, goodness, righteousness, holiness, faithfulness, loveliness, desirableness, sweetness, graciousness, beauty, and glory--which is in God. One has this part, and another has that; one has this particular excellency, and another has that. But the whole of all these parts and excellencies, are to be found in God alone!

There is none but that God, who is the universal good, who can truly say, "All power, all wisdom, all strength, all knowledge, all goodness, all sweetness, all beauty, all glory, all excellency, etc., dwells in Me!" He who can truly say this, is a God; and he who cannot, is no God.

All the excellencies that are scattered up and down in the creatures, are united into one excellency in God. There is a glorious union of all excellencies in God--and only in God.

Now this God, who is such a universal good, and who has all excellencies dwelling in Himself, says to the believer, "I am yours, and all that I have is yours!"Every believer has the whole God wholly; he has all of God for his portion. God is not a believer's portion in a limited sense, nor in a comparative sense--but in an absolute sense. God Himself is theirs. He is wholly theirs. He is always theirs. Our property reaches to all that God is, and to all that God has. He has all--who has the Possessor of all.

To be able to say, "God is mine!" is more than if I were able to say that ten thousand worlds, yes, and as many heavens, are mine! Oh what a spring of joy and comfort should this be to all the saints!

"This God is our God forever and ever!" Ps. 48:14

WE DO NOT SEE OUR OWN SINFULNESS

WE CAN NOT SEE OUR OWN SINFULNESS

John Stott points out this in his notes on Romans 1:18. This is so much the nature of all mankind, those who are not born again, saved, come to Christ by His grace.

They don't see their own self as sinners, and in need of Christ as Savior and guide in daily life.

Romans 1:18 - 3:20. The wrath of God against all humankind.

Nothing keeps people away from Christ more than their inability to see their need of him or their unwillingness to admit it.

As Jesus put it: ‘It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’ (Mk. 2:17). He was defending against the criticism of the Pharisees his policy of fraternizing with ‘tax collectors and “sinners”.

He did not mean by his epigram about the doctor that some people *are* righteous, so that they do not need salvation, but that some people *think* they are.

• In that condition of self-righteousness they will never come to Christ.

For just as we go to the doctor only when we admit that we are ill and cannot cure ourselves, so we will go to Christ only when we admit that we are guilty sinners and cannot save ourselves.

The same principle applies to all our difficulties.

• Deny the problem, and nothing can be done about it;


• Admit the problem, and at once there is the possibility of a solution.

It is significant that the first of the ‘twelve steps’ of Alcoholics Anonymous is ‘We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable.’

To be sure, some people insist with great bravado that they are neither sinful nor guilty, and that they do not need Christ. It would be quite wrong to seek to induce guilty feelings in them artificially. But if sin and guilt are universal (as they are), we cannot leave people alone in their false paradise of supposed innocence.

The most irresponsible action of a doctor would be to acquiesce in a patient’s inaccurate self-diagnosis.

Our Christian duty is rather, through prayer and teaching, to bring people to accept the true diagnosis of their condition in the sight of God. Otherwise, they will never respond to the gospel.

It is this plain and unpopular principle which lies behind Romans 1:18 - 3:20.

Before Paul can show that salvation is equally available to Jews and Gentiles (which he says it is in 1:16), he must prove that they are equally in need of it. So his purpose in this passage is to draw up ‘the indictment that all, Jews and Greeks alike, are under the power of sin’ (Rom.3:9b, REB), so that ‘the whole world may be exposed to God’s judgment’ (Rom. 3:19b, REB).

He does more than bring an accusation; he marshalls the evidence against us, in order to prove our guilt and secure our conviction. All men and women (Jesus being the solitary exception) are sinful, guilty and without excuse before God.

Already they are under his wrath. Already they stand condemned. It is a theme of great solemnity. It is also the necessarily dark background against which the gospel shines brightly, and an indispensable foundation for world evangelization.

The way Paul demonstrates the universality of human sin and guilt is to divide the human race into several sections and to accuse them one by one. In each case his procedure is identical.

• He begins by reminding each group of their knowledge of God and of goodness.


• He then confronts them with the uncomfortable fact that they have not lived up to their knowledge.
• Instead, they have deliberately suppressed it, even contradicted it, by continuing to live in unrighteousness. And therefore they are guilty, inexcusably guilty, before God. Nobody can plead innocence, because nobody can plead ignorance.

1. First (1:18-32), he portrays *depraved Gentile society* in its idolatry, immorality and antisocial behaviour.


2. Secondly, (2:1-16), he addresses *critical moralizers* (whether Gentiles or Jews), who profess high ethical standards and apply them to everybody except themselves.


3. Thirdly, (2:17-3:8), he turns to *self-confident Jews*, who boast of their knowledge of God’s law, but do not obey it.


4. Fourthly, (3:9-20), he encompasses *the whole human race* and concludes that we are all guilty and without excuse before God.

Throughout this long passage, in which the apostle gradually but relentlessly builds his case, he never loses sight of the good news of Christ. Indeed, ‘the righteousness of God’ (that is, as we have seen, his righteous way of ‘righteoussing’ the unrighteous) is the only possible context in which he could dare to expose the squalor of human unrighteousness, In 1:17 he has stated that ‘in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed’. In 3:21 he will repeat his statement almost word for word: ‘But now a ighteousness from God...has been made known.’ It is between these two great affirmations of the revelation of God’s gracious righteousness that Paul sandwiches his terrible exposure of human unrighteousness (1:8 - 3:20).

Scripture offers the only accurate explanations that can be found anywhere about how our race began, where our moral sense originated, why we cannot seem to do what our own consciences tells us is right, and how we can be redeemed from this hopeless situation.
Scripture is not merely the best of several possible explanations. It is the Word of God.

THE LORD IS MY LIGHT AND MY SALVATION; WHOM SHALL I FEAR? THE LORD IS THE STRENGTH OF MY LIFE: OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID? Ps. 27:1.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in His temple." Psa. 27:4


QUOTE:

• "In reference to ministers, many church-members are indifferent as to the personal piety of the preacher; what they want is talent or cleverness. What the man preaches does not matter now; he must draw a crowd, or please the elite, and that is enough. Cleverness is the main thing. One would think they were looking for a conjurer rather than a pastor. Whether he preaches truth or error, the man is held in admiration so long as he can talk glibly, and keep up a reputation as a speaker. If we had truer piety in members and deacons, pretenders would soon take their wares to other markets. Alas! I fear there has been great laxity in the admission of members, and the quality of our churches has become defiled and debased by "the mixed multitude," among whom all manner of evil finds a congenial dwelling-place. Unhappy leader, who has an Achan in his own camp! Better that Demas should forsake us, than that he should abide with us, and import the world into the church."

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Was this just written in 2008? Have you watched CTN , TBN, TCC, DSTR, and a few more channels. Would you believe many people who go to a good Biblical, doctrinal teaching church will listen to these people teach?

• Bishop T.D. Jakes, Paula White, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Rod Parsley, Ernest Leonard, Marilyn Hickey, Peter Popoff, only to name a few who can really draw a crowd with their speech.

Could we say that many church members, or church goers, want excitment and miracles? Could we say many sincere people desire to know the Lord, but are looking for excitement rather than knowledge of the Word. Do they desire to enter into the beauty of the Lord, but not necessarily to enquire into the knowledge of the Lord? Could we say that many sincere people are not looking for the teaching of theology or doctrine of the Word. Could we say that many sincere people really don't seek a holy life, but wealth and happiness?

Could we say that many church goers come into the assembly of even those churches where the preacher is preaching the Word in truth and preaches doctrinally, and they seem to be bored of the message?

Have some of the churches been filled with those who are only seeking to be entertained by the cleverness of the talent they see on the stage? Have we filled some churches with PRETENDERS?

The quote above was by Charles H. Spurgeon in 1856.

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THE PICTURE ABOVE IS A VIEW OF MY BACK YARD WHERE I LIVE.

JESUS, THERE IS NO OTHER NAME, THAT CAN MATCH THE NAME JESUS, OR HIS PERSON. JESUS.

"Yes! He is altogether lovely! This is my Beloved, this my Friend!" Song of Songs 5:16

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Christ is the most beautiful Person, and the most fitting Object for your love. There never was, nor will be found any person so lovely, so beautiful, and so every way deserving of your love as the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a matchless, transcendent, and incomparable beauty and excellency in Him!How passionately are some foolish men in love with the external beauty which they see in some women! They love the exact symmetry of parts, and lovely proportion of the body, the amiable features and lovely mixtures of colors in the face, the beauty of the eyes and features, their graceful motions, and amorous glances. How does this ravish the hearts of some foolish men, although the most beautiful woman in the world is no better than a mixture of clay, dirt, and corruption enclosed in a lovely skin; which sickness will cause to look pale and ashen and death will fully mar and spoil! But the amiableness and beauty of Christ is more transcendent and permanent, and therefore, a more fit object for your love. Christ is all fair without any spot; altogether lovely without any blemish or deformity!

HOW DO YOU SAY YOU BECOME A CHRISTIAN?
WHAT’S RIGHT? WHO’S RIGHT?
CONTROVERSY, HAVE YOU NOTICED, IS PREVALENT, COMMONPLACE

Controversy, fair and balanced points of view?
It’s only on FOX News, the Church doesn’t have it.

I have heard "hate speech" from preachers on the subject of salvation, as well as "hate speech" from preachers on the KJV only folks. I use the term "hate speech" because they have such harsh words for those who hold the position that is not theirs.

There has been no subject that has received such reaction from people as the subject of "HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A CHRISTIAN?"

• One dear saint while I pastored Madison Baptist said, "Pastor, please! I don’t need another heart attack from the discussion of election.". There is no subject that is more rejected from both points of view as to how a person can become a believer in Jesus Christ.


• While pastor/teacher at FBC in Altoona, KS. The topic of election was always the hardest for people to understand.


• When I taught the discipleship class at Bigelow Church for a month, the topic became a very hot issue at the time. And after that class, I spent the next three years on the study of the Doctrine of Grace.
  

What is your point of view on how you become a Christian? What I am saying is, how do you say you became a Christian?

This is the way I became a Christian! This is how I remember how I became a Christian... How has your understanding of becoming a Christian changed since you have been saved? What I understood at seven years old is different now, as to what happened when I was saved..

"Why am I what I am as a Christian? There is only one answer, I have been "highly favored" by the grace of God. I give Him all the glory. "He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (I Corinthians 1:31). Is this your view of salvation? Are you giving the entire glory to God, or are you reserving a little for yourself? Are you saying that it is your belief that saved you? If so you are detracting from the glory of God. The glory is entirely His - "to the praise of the glory of His grace in which he has highly favored us in the beloved."
- Martin Lloyd Jones (from An Exposition of Ephesians)

Justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. This is the article by which the church stands or falls. There is no gospel except that Christ’s substitution in our place whereby God attributed to Him our sin and credited to us His righteousness. Because He endured our judgment, we now walk in His grace as those who are forever pardoned, accepted and adopted as God’s children. There is no basis for our acceptance before God except in Christ’s saving work, not in our flag-waving, church devotion or moral decency. The gospel declares what God has done for us in Christ. It is not about what we can do to reach Him. We reaffirm that justification is by grace alone through faith alone because of Christ alone. In justification Christ’s righteousness is assigned to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect justice. We deny that justification rests on any merit to be found in us, or upon the grounds of an infusion of Christ’s righteousness in us, or that an institution claiming to be a church that denies or condemns sola fide can be recognized as a legitimate church.
- - - Adopted from the Bible, but in part from the Cambridge Declaration

• One said the other day, "I hate that text which says, "Jacob I loved, but Esau have I hated." "Why" said a friend; "what is the difficulty to your mind?" The reply was, "I cannot see why God should hate Esau." "No," said our friend. "I am not at all surprised that God hated Esau, but I am greatly amazed that God loved Jacob."
  
  transmute \trans-MYOOT; tranz-\, transitive verb:
  1. To change from one nature, form, substance, or state into another; to transform.2. To undergo transmutation.

NOT EVERY CHRISTIAN IS ALWAYS HAPPY. NOT EVERY MOUSE HAS SUCH A DAY?

• "Not every Christian is always happy. Perhaps the King of Saints gave you a season of great joy at first because you were a raw recruit and he would not put you into the roughest part of the battle when you had first enlisted. You were a tender plant, and he nursed you in the hot-house till you could stand severe weather. You were a young child, and therefore he wrapped you in furs and clothed you in the softest mantle. But now you have become strong and the case is different. Capuan holidays do not suit Roman soldiers; and they would not agree with Christians. We need clouds and darkness to exercise our faith, to cut off self dependence, and make us put more faith in Christ, and less in evidence, less in experience, less in frames and feelings. The best of God's children I repeat it again for the comfort of those who are suffering depression of spirits have their nights."

-Charles Spurgeon

This is a first for me I usually never post a cat and a mouse. But what a day I have had. This picture came from an e mail from my friend Randy Webb. I hope its okay to post this picture.

Also my sister Ellen has been working on my new website. She loves me. Think of that.

A Few Quotes:

"What a man needs is a brother to draw close, minister to him, and help him mature. He needs somebody to demonstrate to him another way to live, modeling a godly marriage, biblical parenthood, and the love of Christ." Steve Sonderman, Effective Men's Ministry

"We cannot control what others do, but we can be renewed each day in our confidence of God's faithful love and care for us and in his unfailing commitment to meet our needs according to his redemptive plan. "

"You prepare a table (of provisions) before me in the presence of my enemies." - Psalm 23:5

Don Loy Whisnant

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Well this is short tonight, but some good thoughts. A Cat and mouses! Who would have thought -