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Browsing the blog archives for November, 2008.
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Don’t Be Like Cain

Nov 19, 2008
1 John, Sermons

Cain murdered his brother because his deeds were evil and his brothers were righteous. Cain was from Satan and Abel was from God. We can get a good look at the modern day church when we examine the first two humans born after the garden and here they are:

  1. They were blood brothers
  2. They had the same parents
  3. They both brought sacrifices to God

Now here is where the similarities end.

Able was:

  1. Child of God
  2. True Worshipper of God
  3. Righteous

Cain was:

  1. Child of Satan
  2. False Worshipper of God
  3. Evil

In Today’s world children of the devil masquerade as true believers, they attend religious gatherings and they might even bring offerings but at the end of the day they are children of the devil. That is why outward actions are not valid proof that a man is born of God. What? Outward actions are not valid proof?  Then what is?

Jeff

 
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A Baptist Catechism - A Remedy for SBC Decline

Nov 17, 2008
Church, Confessions of Faith, Encouragement, Leadership

We have been going through Baptists and the Bible in our Flock hour at church and yesterday we looked at Benjamin Keach and all the Lord did through him. I think one of the most important things done through Keach was the creation of the Baptist Catechism (or Keaches Catechism) for personal and family instruction.

Many people are wondering why the SBC is in decline - it is very simple, first of all we don’t read our Bibles, secondly, we sure don’t study our Bibles - as the most prized possession here on Earth - when we do read them and thirdly, we don’t teach them to our families in a way that instructs them in basic Bible doctrine.

Now I know these are generalities and that they do not apply to everyone all the time but it is definitely a great weakness in the SBC because “As the family goes there goes the Church.”

Want a place to stop the decline and move back into growth - restore family worship time and teach the family Bible doctrine again from the dinner table.

Blessings
Jeff

Download it here: a-catechism-by-benjamin-keech

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We Should Love One Another

Nov 13, 2008
1 John, Christian Life, Church, Evangelism, Love, Sermons

” For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.” (1 John 3:11, ESV)

This past Sunday we examined this passage from 1 John 3:11 about loving one another. Some key points we need to understand are:

1. We must define the families before we can identify the siblings:

“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:10, ESV)

” While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12:46-50, ESV)

2. Once we identify the siblings then we are to be reconciled with them and have nothing in the way of our relationship with each other:

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24, ESV)

3. Our love for one another is the key to our evagelism and outreach:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:34-35, ESV)

4. We are to show preference for one another over all other relationships:

“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10, ESV)

This is a good start as we look at  this section of 1 John 3.

Love in Christ
Jeff

 
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John MacArthur Sermons For Free

Nov 7, 2008
Pastors, Preaching, Sermons

Just a note to say that all of John MacArthur’s sermons are now free.

Just go to the Grace To you website: http://www.gty.org/Resources/Sermons/Series and click your fingers sore.

Blessings
Jeff

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Logos for the Mac is Here

Nov 7, 2008
Bible Software, Logos

Logos for the Mac is finally here and as they are putting the final touches on it you can see what it looks like here at http://www.logos.com/mac .

For current Logos users you can migrate to the mac with your current library without having to repurchase any books and in the month of November you can get the mac engine for free (with a $250 purchase).

For more information goto: http://www.macbiblesoftware.com/

Blessings
Jeff

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Now That The Ballots Have Been Counted

Nov 6, 2008
Assurance, Christian Life

Everyone,

I couldn’t have even come close to putting it in words what I was thinking until I read this post from my Pastor at Henderson Hills. His Original Post can be found here: http://www.hhbc.com/now-that-the-ballots-have-been-counted.

Blessings
Jeff

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 - Dennis Newkirk

I’ve heard from a number of Christians in the past 24 hours about yesterday’s election. Some are happy about some things. Many are unhappy, frightened, and even angry. The Lord has brought a number of things to mind this morning following the election. They encouraged me; perhaps they will you as well.

1. View the events of this election through the lens of Scripture.

“1Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are     established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. 3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” (Romans 13:1-4)

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:28-29)
Remember, God’s plans are not always easy to understand. He works toward ultimate goals not immediate solutions. While we may not like or understand the results of this election and the conservative media may frighten us with its doomsday scenarios, the truth is, God is still in charge. I know it sounds simplistic, yet, this truth is at the very heart of our faith. God is Sovereign over all things! He is not pacing in Heaven today wondering what to do next. He is not wringing his hands wondering if the world is about to come to an end. So, what sense does it make for us to do those things? “Why are you in despair my soul…hope in God.” (Psalm 42:1-11)

2. Pray!

“1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

• Pray that the new president will be a bridge builder.
• Pray for the church to give the new president the honor that he deserves.
• Pray for God to protect the nation as we have a new Commander in Chief.
• Pray that the Sovereign God will display his grace and mercy and not give us what we deserve.

3. Stand up!

“I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
(1 Timothy 3:14-15)

• It is past time for the church to stand up for the truth! That means every Christian must stand up personally for the truth. Stand up where? Take a stand for biblical truth at work, school, home, and in your community. Don’t just ride off into the night quietly.

• We need to get up off of our seats and act like the church. At times, that can be uncomfortable, costly, and dangerous. Peter and James found that out when they were told to quit talking about Jesus by their public officials. After a beating, Peter said, in essence, if it comes down to obeying God or the government, I’ll obey God! (Acts 5:29)

4. Pray and speak out for our government to protect the poor and recognize the humanity of unborn children.

5. Pray that our circumstances will give us a greater opportunity to preach the gospel. Sometimes the best opportunities to preach the gospel are in the more stressful situations.

Now that I think about it, all of these truths were true four years ago when the political landscape with the opposite of what it is today! Politics swing back and forth rapidly but Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We can count on Him.

I love being your pastor,

Dennis

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