Friday, August 7, 2009

THE WORD, THE POWER OF GOD

Newsletter 152 August 9, 2009
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You will clearly note the dominance of blue in this study. These are other scripture references to the same words or thoughts in other places than in this verse. They usually appear either as a center column or a note at the foot of the page. They are given in full here because that is how the built in “hovering” is able to give instant access on your computer monitor of a different Bible version for comparison.

The materialistic world of today, and even Christians are not immune to this temptation, may question why we preach the “cross”, and even more so, “the blood of the cross.” They call it foolishness, but it is essential to salvation. It is a part of Christ’s command, “preach the gospel.” (Mark 16:15) He tells us what to preach, and what to do, for the lost. (Mark 16:16) It is our privilege to preach the “Gospel,” the good news, to a world that needs to hear that Christ shed His blood for their sins. He knew from the beginning that this would be the only way to save mankind from sin. The fact that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and arose from the dead, answers the eternal question, “What happens to us when we die?” “What then?” Christians, alone, know the answer to that question and are under command to share that good news with the world. As Christ arose, so shall we.

Libraries, university classrooms, and even newspapers, and scholarly journals are filled with people’s vain attempts to answer that question. But God has answered the questions of origin, purpose, and the future of mankind. He created it, and the “foolish” reject Him, Man thinks he is wise because he can take atoms which God made and bring about the release of that pent-up power in a mighty explosion. What would happen if God were to release all the power of his creation at one time; not just a tiny fragment of His stored energy?

It will all end in a mighty explosion. “God has made foolish the wisdom of this world” (1 Corinthians 1:20).

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 (King James Version)

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ( 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 4:10, Acts 2:47, 1 Corinthians 2:15, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:24)
19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. ( Isaiah 29:14)
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (Job 12:17, Isaiah 19:11, Isaiah 33:18, Matthew 13:22, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 3:19, Romans 1:2, John 12:31, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 11:32, James 4:4)
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (John 12:31, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 11:32, James 4:4, Luke 12:32, Galatians 1:15, Colossians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 4:10, Romans 11:14, James 5:20)
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: (Matthew 12:38)
23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (1 Corinthians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 5:11, Luke 2:34, 1 Peter 3:8, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:25, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 4:10)
24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. (Romans 8:28, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18, Luke 11:49, 1 Corinthians 1:30)
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:18, 1 Corinthians 1:21, 1 Corinthians 1:23, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 13:4)

Christ said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18). When he said Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” He was also saying, I have all power, therefore go teach, I will provide all that you need.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

AUGUST

9th. Sunday – 1 Chronicles 16,17, 1 Corinthians 7:19-40, Psalm 93
10th. Monday – 1 Chronicles 18,19,20, 1 Corinthians 8, Psalm 94:1-11
11th. Tuesday – 1 Chronicles 21,22, 1 Corinthians 9, Psalm 94:12-23
12th. Wednesday – 1 Chronicles 23,24, 1 Corinthians 10:1-17, Proverbs 19:21-29
13th. Thursday – 1 Chronicles 25,26, 1 Corinthians 10:18-33, Psalm 95
14th. Friday – 1 Chronicles 27,28, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalm 96
15th. Saturday – 1 Chronicles 29 - 2 Chronicles 1, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 97
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.“

1 Corinthians 4:6,7
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SOME HELPFUL ADVICE
* Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less foods that are manufactured in plants.

* Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

* Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

* Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

* You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

* Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.

* Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

YOUR TALENTS AND GODLINESS

Newsletter 151 August 2, 2009

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Chapter twelve begins with the words, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1.) We all possess a gene pool which enables us to accomplish some tasks better than others. We call this our talents. Some persons are talented singers, talented in the field of mathematics, talented sportsmen, or perhaps, very extroverted in personality, as examples. We were born with the potential of developing those abilities. From the beginning, God gave us those abilities, because he had different tasks in mind for us to be used in his work.

Jesus used the human body as an example of the church. The body has many different parts, and each has a place in the whole. If any one part malfunctions, the whole suffers. Some seem more important than others, but all are equally needed. It is because of this that he begins the next paragraph, “For I say.”

Romans 12:3-15 King James Version

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. (Romans 1:5, Romans 15:15, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Galatians 2:9, Ephesians 3:7, Romans 11:20, Romans 12:16, 1 Corinthians 7:17, 2 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 4:7, 1 Peter 4:11.)
4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Ephesians 4:4, Ephesians 4:16.)
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (1 Corinthians 10:17, 1 Corinthians 10:33, 1 Corinthians 12:20, 1 Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 4:12, Ephesians 4:25)
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teaches, on teaching;
8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation: he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules, with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. (2 Corinthians 6:6, 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Timothy 5:21)
10 Be kindly affections one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; (John 13:34, 1 Timothy 4:9, Hebrews 13:1, 2 Peter 1:7, Romans 13:7, Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 2:17)
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (Acts 18:25, Acts 20:19)
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; (Romans 5:2, Hebrews 10:32, Hebrews 10:36, Acts 1:14)
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (Romans 15:25, 1 Corinthians 16:15, 2 Corinthians 9:1, Hebrews 6:10, Matthew 25:35, 1 Timothy 3:2)
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, 1 Corinthians 4:12)
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. (Job 30:25, Hebrews 13:3)

Particularly talented persons have no reason to think more highly of ourselves than we ought. God enables us to perform certain tasks, whether we be a cleaner, a greeter, or a minister, we are all bondservants. We have been enabled, and then have been bought with a price. We are “bond servants,” bought with the blood of Christ for a certain work. We have an assignment, just as Christ had a task of which he said, “It is finished” when he had given his life.

Pride, self righteousness, or jealousy have no place in the mind of a true servant of God. “Climbing the ladder of success,” is the way the world operates, not God’s way.

Can we say “Our task is finished.” If so, we can also sincerely say, “Come Lord Jesus.” and he will reply, “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man as his work shall be.” Revelation 22:12.

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

AUGUST

2nd. Sunday – Chronicles 2,3, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31, Psalm 90:1-10
3rd. Monday – Chronicles 4,5, 1 Corinthians 2, Psalm 90:11-17
4th. Tuesday – Chronicles 6, 1 Corinthians 3, Proverbs 19:1-10 5th. Wednesday – Chronicles 7,8, 1 Corinthians 4, Psalm 91:1-8
6th. Thursday – 1 Chronicles 9,10, 1 Corinthians 5, Psalm 91:9-16
7th. Friday – 1 Chronicles 11,12, 1 Corinthians 6, Psalm 92
8th. Saturday – 1 Chronicles 13,14,15, 1 Corinthians 7:1-18, Proverbs 19:11-20
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"For we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.“

Romans 8:28
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Beauty and the Beast...

When Bob found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a woman to enjoy it with. So one evening he went to a singles bar where he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Her natural beauty took his breath away. "I may look like just an ordinary man," he said as he walked up to her, "but in just a week or two my father will die, and I'll inherit 20 million dollars."

Impressed, the woman went home with him that evening.

Three days later, she became his stepmother.

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Saturday, July 25, 2009

THE FLESH CANNOT PLEASE GOD

Newsletter 150 July 26, 2009



Romans 8:1-8 (King James Version)



How would you answer the question? If you died today, would you go to heaven? The answers that you would get back, are an indication that many Christians either do not believe the Bible or they are doubting their Christianity in the first place. The answer is, “Yes, if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, that he is the Son of God, and you have been obedient to his instructions so clearly stated by Peter, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38. That single verse is based on one assumption, that you believe what you have been taught; two commands, repent, and be baptized, and two promises; your sins will be taken away, and you will be given the gift of the Holy Ghost. A few verses further along, another promise is indicated, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved;” (Acts 2:47) more clearly, ”were being” than “should be” saved.



1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 5:16, Romans 8:34, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:2, Romans 8:11, Romans 8:39, Romans 16:3)

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (1 Corinthians 15:45, Romans 8:1, John 8:32, John 8:36, Romans 6:14, Romans 6:18, Romans 7:4)

3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: (Acts 13:39, Hebrews 10:1, Romans 7:18, Hebrews 7:18, Philippians 2:7, Hebrews 2:14, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15)

4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Luke 1:6, Romans 2:26, Galatians 5:16, Galatians 5:25)

5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-21, Galatians 5:22-25)

6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. (Galatians 6:8, Romans 6:21, Romans 8:13)

7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. (James 4:4)

8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.



In the entire first seven chapters of the book Paul has been laying down the facts, therefore this chapter begins with the word “therefore.” This is the result of those facts.



Christianity is positive, not negative. We can know that we are saved. The passage presents the fact that there are only two categories, those who walk the way of the world, and those who walk the way of the Spirit. Just as we know the difference between and apple tree and a lemon tree by the fruit that each bears, the proof of the Christian is in the fruit that he bears. It is a fruit that is sweetened by the presence of the Spirit within him. (Matthew 7:16-17, Matthew 7:20) Specifically the fruit of the Spirit is itemized in Galatians 5:22-23. Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, these are the type of fruit that the presence of the Spirit will assure.



The death of a Christian marks the transition from this world and all that is evil to the reward of a place of perfection ahead.. No wonder Paul expressed his desire to be absent here and present with the Lord! He actually longed to be with God. Nothing negative there.



Christianity is positive. We know our goal and long to reach it.


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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009



JULY



26th. Sunday – Hosea 7,8, Romans 12, Psalm 89:14-18

27th. Monday – Hosea 9,10, Romans 23, Proverbs 18:1-10

28th. Tuesday – Hosea 11,12, Romans 14, Psalm 89:19-29

29th. Wednesday – Hosea 13,14, Romans 15:1-18, Psalm 69:30-37

30th. Thursday – Jonah 1,2, Romans 15:17-33, Psalm 89:38-45
31st. Friday – Jonah 3,4, Romans 16, Proverbs 18:11-24

AUGUST



1st. Saturday – 1 Chronicles 1, 1Corinthians 1:1-17, Psalm 89:46-52



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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE



"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things resent, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“



Romans 8:38-39

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WHICH WAY IS THE RESTROOM?



A rather old fashioned lady, always quite delicate and elegant, especially in her language, was planning a weeks holiday in Sydney with her husband, so she wrote to a particular camping ground and asked for a reservation.

She wanted to make sure that the camping ground was fully equipped, but didn't know quite how to ask about the toilet facilities. She just couldn't bring herself to write the word "toilet" in her letter.

After much thought, she finally came up with the old fashioned term "Bathroom closet" but when she wrote it down, she still thought she was being too forward, so she started all over again, rewrote the letter, and referred to the bathroom closet as the B.C.

"Does the camping ground have it's own B.C." is what she wrote.

Well, the camping ground owner wasn't a bit old fashioned, and he just couldn't figure out what the old lady was talking about, so he showed the letter around a few of the campers and the only thing they could come up with was that B.C. stood for Baptist Church, so he wrote the following reply.

Dear Madam,

I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take the pleasure of informing you that a B.C. is located nine miles north of our camping ground, and is capable of seating 250 people at one time.

I admit that it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of campers go there and many take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive nice and early and stay quite late.

The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that there is a special supper planned there to raise money to buy more seats so that everyone will be able to sit in comfort.

I would like to say that it pains me very much not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely no lack of desire on my part, just that I am so busy most of the time.

As we grow older, it seems to be more of an effort to go, especially in the cold weather. If you decide to come down to our camping ground perhaps I could go with you the first time you go, sit with you and introduce you to all the other folks.

Remember, this is a very friendly community.





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Saturday, July 18, 2009

CHRIST DIED FOR THE UNGODLY

Newsletter 149                                                                     
July 19,2009                             

Romans 5:6-14

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:8, Romans 5:10, Galatians 4:4, Romans 4:25, Romans 8:32, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:2)
7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 3:5, John 3:16, John 15:13, Romans 8:39. Romans 4:25, Romans 5:6, Romans 8:32, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 5:2)
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 3:25, Romans 1:18, 1 Thessalonians 1:10)
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 11:28, 2 Corinthians 5:18, Ephesians 2:3, Colossians 1:21, Romans 8:24, Hebrews 7:25, 1 John 2:1)
11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. (Romans 5:3, Romans 8:23, Romans 9:10, 2 Corinthians 8:19, Romans 5:10, Romans 11:15, 2 Corinthians 5:18)
12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (Genesis 2:12, Genesis 3:6, Genesis 3:19, Romans 5:15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:21, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 15:26, James 1:15, Romans 5:14, Romans 5:19, Romans 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:22)
13 for until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed where there is no law, (Romans 4:15)
14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. (Hosea 8:7, 1 Corinthians 15:45)

And God said, “Let there be.” He “spoke” all things, other than man, into being. The universe, the earth, and all that lives, but when it came to man, He took soil, and “made” man in his own image. This was something very special, something very different. Man had freedom of choice, but with that freedom came also the potential to make wrong decisions. He made man, and of him his partner, Eve to live for ever, but Adam and Eve made the wrong choice when they let Satan plant into their minds a seed of doubt.

That doubt led to sin, and with it the results of sin; pain, sickness, hard labor, and death. Adam and Eve realized as soon as they sinned that everything was changed. They hid from God and covered themselves with leaves. The first sin of doubting God, and disobeying Him led to more from that small beginning to the point that God, started over saving a starting seed through Noah, and destroyed the rest with a mighty flood.

Because He loved mankind, he set into being a plan to save and restore this special being. He love us even when we were in sin. He loves even those rejected by all others. (John 3:16) Even the best of mankind falls short of God’s desires for us, (Romans 5:12) so He sent His own Son Jesus to die for us. (Romans 5:8.) He knew from the beginning that it would require the blood of a perfect sacrifice. (Romans 5:9)

Adam, could do nothing to undo his disobedience, and we can also do nothing ourselves to undo ours, but we can because of His grace toward us, be saved. We are not saved by good works, we are saved through faith and obedience to Jesus. Peter showed the way when he told the sinners who had cried “Crucify Him” only a few days before , saying “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38. It is only through His divine grace, that we can have a new start, “Repent and be baptized.”

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
                                                        

July
19th. Sunday – Amos 1,2, Romans 9:1-17, Proverbs 17:13-20
20th. Monday – Amos 3,4, Romans 8:18-39, Psalm 87
21st. Tuesday – Amos 5,6, Romans 9:1-19. Psalm 88:1-9
22nd. Wednesday – Amos 7,8,9, Romans 9:20-33, Psalm 88:10-18
23rd. Thursday – Hosea 1,2, Romans 10, Proverbs 17:21-28
24th. Friday – Hosea 3,4, Romans 11:1-17, Psalm 89:1-8
25th. Saturday – Hosea 5,6, Romans 11:18-36, Psalm 88:9-13

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                                          representing 70 languages
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”

Romans 6:23
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IF ONLY I HAD A BRAIN

A mid-level executive was so frustrated at being passed over for promotion year after year, that, in frustration, he went to a brain-transplant center in the hope of raising his I.Q. 20 points.

After a battery of physical and psychological tests, the center's director told him that he was an acceptable candidate.

"That's great!" the executive said. "But I understand that this procedure can be really expensive."

"Yes, sir, it can," the director replied. "An ounce of accountant's brain for example, costs one thousand dollars; an ounce of an economist's brain costs two thousand; an ounce of a corporate president's is forty-five thousand. An ounce of a politicians brain is seventy-five thousand dollars."

"Seventy-five thousand dollars for an ounce of a politician's brain? Why on earth is that?"

"Do you have any idea," the director asked, "how many politicians we would have to kill?"
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JUST A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE MILLS HOUSEHOLD

We are settled in our apartment now with the exception of a few misplaced items and window curtains for the huge windows. Fortunately they all have venitian blinds, so that is not an urgent problem, but the largest is a 6’x6’ opening, the other three are somewhat narrower. Our new phone number is 469 298-3507.

Prayer Request: Pray for the sale of our manufactured home as it is expensive to keep it parked in our name, and the lawn cared for.

Bob and Phyllis

                            

Thursday, July 16, 2009

ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT

 
Newsletter 148                                             July 12, 2009
                              
We count the age of a baby from the time and date pf birth, though, in reality, its life began at the time of conception. That life continues and the child is growing long before it is born.

Jesus used this fact in his discussion with Nicodemus in, John 3:3, John 3:5. Baptism is essential, but life begins far before that when the Holy Spirit plants in the mind the first flicker of faith. That faith must grow until the time comes when it brings about action. Faith comes through hearing the Word. The Spirit inspired the word. Without the Word, there can be no saving faith, and there can be no new birth. Because Nicodemus could not understand this simple comparison, Jesus pointed out that this is a Spiritual birth “of water and of the Spirit.” The water is physical, and the Spirit is of God. Both are essential to fulfill the analogy.

Because faith is growing, Philip said to the Ethiopian, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” Acts 8:37, and when the Ethiopian replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:37, Philip knew that he was ready and he baptized him immediately

But, the portion of the text we want to consider more closely is that contained in Romans 3:23. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” This is simply a statement of a fact, but has been an obstacle to many, who want to believe that some sinners are worse than others. Surely, they reason, “I am not a harlot, or a murderer, nor a brazen thief” and they think, perhaps, of someone that they know. They may not be, but they are certainly judgmental. “All have sinned.” No one can be acceptable until they are cleansed by the blood of Jesus, shed for all, but applied only when they repent and are born again.

Romans 3:21-26 (King James Version)

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets (Romans 1:17, Romans 9:30, Acts 10:43, Romans 1:2)
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: (Romans 1:17, Romans 4:5, Acts 3:16, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 2:20, Galatians 3:22, Ephesians 3:12, Romans 4:11, Romans 4:16, Roans 10:4, Romans 10:12, Galatians 3:28, Colossians 3:11)
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:9)
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 4:4, Romans 4:16, Ephesians 2:8, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:4, Hebrews 9:15)
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
The most beautiful word s in the entire text are these, “being justified freely by his grace.” Romans 3:24. Think on these three words, “justified.” That means that we are made totally acceptable, just as if we had never sinned. At what price is this attained? “Freely” Christ paid the price for us, a price that had to be paid, because the wage of sin is death. (Romans 7:23) He died in our place. Why would he do this? Because he loves us. John 3:16-17, That is what “grace” is! It is the unmerited good will of God.
 
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
                                                        
JULY
12th. Sunday – 2 Kings 15,16, Romans 2, Psalm 84:1-7
13th. Monday – 2 Kings 17, Romans 3:1-20, Psalm 84:8-12
14th. Tuesday – 2 Kings 18, Romans 3:21-31 Psalm 85:1-7
15th. Wednesday – 2 Kings 19, 20, Romans 4, Proverbs 17:1-12
16th. Thursday – 2 Kings 21, 22, Romans 5, Psalm 85:8-13
17th. Friday – 2 Kings 23, Romans 6, Psalm 86:1-10
18th. Saturday – 2 Kings 24,25, Romans 7, Psalm 86:11-17
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness ?”
Romans 6:16
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IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR WORK? OPENINGS HERE!!
(Notes from the bulletin board)
SICK DAYS:
We will no longer accept a doctor statement as proof of sickness. If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.

SURGERY:
Operations are now banned. As long as you are an employee here, you need all your organs. You should not consider removing anything. We hired you intact. To have something removed constitutes a breach of employment.

PERSONAL DAYS:
Each employee will receive 104 personal days a year. They are called Saturday and Sunday.

VACATION DAYS:
All employees will take their vacation at the same time every year. The vacation days are as follows: Jan. 1, July 4 & Dec. 25
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JUST A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE MILLS HOUSEHOLD
Greetings,
The serviceman has just left and we are back on line so I can send and receive email again, that address stays the same but our phone number is changed. The new one is 469 298-3507. I am still on Time Warner.
We are both recovering from the effects of the move and Phyllis is still using the walker. and I cleaning, and much of the meal preparation. The house is still not sold as far as we know. I will be contacting the agent with the new number. We had to leave the day bed and its trundle bed, the electronic organ, a gift from a friend, and a few small items that there simply is not room for here. If they do not sell, we will have to call the Salvation Army or something.
Sorry we are late with this week’s mailing.
Bob and Phyllis

Saturday, June 20, 2009

ARE THESE A FAVORED PEOPLE?

Newsletter 145 June 21, 2009

================================================================================ Having the Lord lead us to South Africa in 1953, we lived for many years under their apartheid laws. The dictionary meaning of this Afrikaans word is “separate development.“ Under the circumstances, that root idea made sense. There were eleven different languages, with different cultures, educational levels, traditions, and some of them were traditional enemies. At times it seemed that it was only in the church that there was a genuine movement toward cooperation among them; even there one had to tread warily lest he become branded as favoring certain peoples. Generally speaking the minister of a congregation, worked best if he was ministering to a people of his own background.

That divided nation tried setting up traditional homelands as self governing states within the umbrella of South Africa. This was already a fact to some degree, for example the Zulu nation already had their own king, which they still do today. Lesotho was, and still is, an independent country, of the British Commonwealth, whose citizens are to be found everywhere outside Lesotho, their traditional home. The adjoining nations of Botswana and Swaziland are likewise very tribal in nature. For numerous reasons this plan, was rejected and failed.

Today’s scripture indicates that the same problems have existed for thousands of years. Elsewhere. The Jews looked down on the Samaritans, and divided the entire known world into only two groups; Jews or Gentiles. In South Africa, the dividing factor was the general appearance and complexion, of each person. Sadly sometimes even immediate families were shattered if one child was of a darker complexion or if one was light and could easily “pass as European.”

God sent Peter to teach Cornelius, a Gentile Roman , but it took a vision for him to be willing to go. He discovered that God loves all people.

Acts 10:34-48 (King James Version)

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (Matthew 5:2, 2 Corinthians 19:7, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, Ephesians 6:9, Colossians 3:25, 1 Peter 1:17)
35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:28, Acts 10:2)
36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) (Acts 13:22, Luke 1:79, Luke 2:14, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:17, Matthew 28:18, Acts 2:36, Romans 10:12)
37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38. How God appointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power
; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (Acts 2:22, Acts 4:26, Matthew 4:23, John 3:2)
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: (Luke 24:48, Acts 10:41, Acts 5:30)
40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; (Acts 24)
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. (John 14:19, John 14:22, John 15:27, Luke 24:48, Acts 10:39, Luke 24:43, Acts 1:4)
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. (Acts 1:2, Luke 16:28, Luke 22:22, John 5:22, Acts 17:31, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 3:18, Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12)
44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. (Acts 11:15, Acts 15:8)
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, (Matthew 16:17, Acts 2:4, Acts 19:6)
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (Acts 8:36, Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44, Acts 11:17, Acts 15:6)
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (1 Corinthians 1:14-17, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5)

In Jesus, and in those who are his, we see that the love of God is for the whole of the world, not just a small portion of the “elect.” (John 3:16)

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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009

JUNE

21st. Sunday – 1 Kings 9, 10, Acts 15:1-22, Proverbs 15:8-16
22nd. Monday – 1 Kings 11, Acts 15:23-41, Psalm 77:1-9
23rd. Tuesday – 1 Kings 12, Acts 16:1-18, Psalm 77:10-20
24th. Wednesday – 1 Kings 13, Acts 16:19-40, Psalm 78:1-8
25th. Thursday – 1 Kings 14, 15, Acts 17, Proverbs 15:17-26
26th. Friday – 1 Kings 16, 17, Acts 18, Psalm 78:9-20
27th. Saturday – 1 Kings 18, Acts 19:1-20, Psalm 78:21-30

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

"… they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."

Acts 8:38-39
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JUST A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE MILLS HOUSEHOLD

Prayer requests this week are still for Phyllis. She had another fall last Sunday morning, and is still in much pain. We made an appointment with our own doctor, but she only prescribed more pain killers and an appointment with a therapist once we get settled again.
The house has still not sold.
But, we are still scheduled to move on July 2nd. The packing up is progressing well.
However, we MAY not have web connections to send next week’s reading guide and message on time.

Bob and Phyllis

Sunday, June 7, 2009

SAVED! ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD

Newsletter 142 May 31, 2008

The context of this portion of scripture begins with jOHN 15:18 and carries on to the present portion. What he was saying there is that we must not expect the world, those who do not know the Lord, to understand them or their message. In fact he says they must expect to be hated, just as he was hated. That has been true, and will continue to be true until he comes again, this time to separate and to judge. Since the world hates Him, they will also hate His Father, God, and his servants, Christians. The truth of the Gospel, makes apparent the sin of the world, so how have they responded. They ridicule the truth, deny the Lordship of God, and make up their own gods which will not bring to light their sins.

By the days of Noah, the world had become so filled with sin that God destroyed all of it, with the exception of Noah and those closest to him, his immediate family. The rest were too sinful to salvage. From Noah onwards sin again began to grow, and will continue to do so until God sends His Son Jesus, to separate His own family, judge the lot, and this time totally destroy, not by water but by fire, that which cannot enter into His presence in the new home prepared for them.

No one, but God, knows just when that delicate balance will tilt, but we can certainly see it rocking on the very verge of decision. The time is clearly near! Our own nation, and the whole world, clearly indicatewhere they stand. We praise God for His great grace, else we all would be lost.

John 16:2-15 (King James Version)

2 …., the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. (Acts 22:4,5, 26:9-11, Galatians 113-17, Philippians 3:6, 1 Timothy 1:12-17)
3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.
4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.
5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? (John 13:36, John 14:5)
6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart.
7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 14:16, John 14:26)
8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; (John 15:22, John 15:24)
10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (Acts 3:14, Acts 7:52, Acts 17:31, 1 Peter 3:18, John 16:5)
11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (John 12:31)
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (John 14:17, John 14:26)
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 7:39)
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. (John 17:10)

Praise to the Lord, we are not alone. Our Lord lives! He will return! But, most of all we praise Him that he has sent the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who dwells within us to help and guide us in every decision of life. We do not see Him, for He is Spirit, but all can see the results of his being there. It is the faithful Christians of the world that have preserved its delicate balance all these years, and the message of salvation that mankind needs, to be offered the opportunity to accept before He comes again. Even Noah preached repentance for a hundred years before the flood.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2009
JUNE
31st. May. Sunday - 1 Samuel 30-31. John 21, Psalm 68:28-35
1st. June. Monday – 2 Samuel 1,2, Acts 1, Proverbs 14:1-9
2nd. Tuesday - 2 Samuel 3, Acts 2, Psalm 69:1-12
3rd. Wednesday – 2 Samuel 4, Acts 3, Psalm 69:13-28
4th. Thursday - 2 Samuel 25, Acts 4, Psalm 69:29-38
5th Friday – 2 Samuel 8,9, Acts 5:1-16, Proverbs 14:10-18
6th. Saturday - 2 Samuel 10,11, Acts 5:17-42, Psalm 70
7th Sunday – 2 Samuel 12,13, Acts 8, Psalm 71:1-8
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PRAISE THE LORD!
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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE
"And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever;"
John 14:16
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If I Only Had A...
An elderly patient needed a heart transplant and discussed his options with his doctor.

The doctor said, "We have three possible donors.

The first donor is a young, healthy athlete who died in an automobile accident.

The second donor is a middle-aged businessman who never drank or smoked and who died flying his private jet.

And, the third donor is an attorney who died after practicing law for 30 years.

Which do you want?"

After some careful thought, the patient replied, "I'll take the lawyer's heart."

After a successful transplant, the doctor asked the patient why he had chosen the lawyer's heart.

"It was easy," explained the patient...

"I wanted a heart that hadn't been used."
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