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Table of Contents

What The Bible Says in 52 Penny Pulpit Essays From 2021 1

Msg #2101The Herdsman from Tekoa 1

Msg #2102 Victory Over Suffering 2

Msg #2103 Persecution in America? 3

Msg #2104 www.SufferingWrongfully 4

Msg #2105 Think Right, Read Right, Grow Right 5

Msg #2106 Being Peculiar in 2021 6

Msg #2107 Valentines Love Significance and Security 7

Msg #2108 A Taste of Paradise 8

Msg #2109 Be Christ-Like In Suffering 9

Msg #2110 Hereunto Were Ye Called 10

Msg #2111 The 2021 Husband n Wife Reaction 11

Msg #2112 Eyes and Ears Are Open 12

Msg #2113 Palm Sunday 10th of Abib 13

Msg #2114 Easter's Power 14

Msg #2115 Christians, Arm Yourselves! 15

Msg #2116 Welcome Back 16

Msg #2117 A COVID No Fear Flier 17

Msg #2117a A COVID No Fear Notification 18

Msg #2118 Pastors, Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing. 19

Msg #2119 Rebelling With Humility 20

Msg #2120 Where to Cast Your Cares 21

Msg #2121 Peter's “Who To” and “How To” 22

Msg #2122 How to Combat Social Media n Fake News 23

Msg #2123 A More Sure Word 24

Msg #2124 Know Sin, Know Salvation 25

Msg #2125 The Lies of False Teachers 26

Msg #2126 Indwelt and Talking 27

Msg #2126a Old and Stricken in Years 28

Msg #2127 Absolute Tyranny Revisited 29

Msg #2128 My Sheep Hear My Voice 31

Msg #2129 Villains in Persecution 32

Msg #2130 Use the Open Door 33

Msg #2131 When Government is the False Teacher 34

Msg #2132 The Depraved, Antediluvian, and Rainbow People 35

Msg #2133 The Onslaught of Immorality. 36

Msg #2134 Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness 39

Msg #2135 Know-Grow-Show-Go 40

Msg #2136 An Apostasy Root 41

Msg #2137 Don't Judaize Christianity 42

A Religious Belief Exemption 43

Msg #2138 The Church, A Prophetic Train Wreck 44

Msg #2139 Be Philadelphian 45

Shortening Bread 46

Msg #2140 Understanding Last Things in Last Days 47

Msg #2141 Ministers of Reconciliation 48

Msg #2142 Eating the Little Book 49

Msg #2143 Wilt Thou Not Revive Us Again? 50

Msg #2144 The Upcoming Two Suppers 51

Msg #2145 A Grand Stander Not A Grandstander 52

Msg #2146 The Savor of Life, The Savor of Death 53

Msg #2147 Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation 54

Msg #2148 Dear Genuine Disciple 55

Msg #2149 1st Advent Prophecy 56

Msg #2150 First Advent Angels 57

Msg #2151 First Advent Shepherds n Heralds 58

Msg #2152 Post-Christmas Worship 59

Msg #2201 A Three Day Rant 60

Msg #2202 Worship At Calvary 61

Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Weekly messages preached at Good Samaritan Baptist Church are condensed into devotional essays and sent out as weekly Penny Pulpit Columns for local publications. This collection of messages was preached during 2020. They contain the wisdom of God in 52 essays over multiple topics. Pastor Rice has been at Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY, since September of 1997. Previous, while serving twenty-three years in the USAF, he has been a Sunday School teacher, youth pastor, junior church director, music director, bus captain, associate pastor and father of 3 boys. His practical teaching of God's Word is captured each year in 52 weekly Penny Pulpit publications. Each title shows the year and week number that the message was preached, i.e. Msg#1328 was preached the 28^th week of 2013. This compilation of messages, used with a computer search engine, is an excellent resource for Bible students, preachers, and missionaries. They are available in pdf format at www.GSBaptistChurch.com

Msg #2101The Herdsman from Tekoa

Twice a herdsman from Tekoa interceded to beg the Lord GOD to stop the judgment against his nation (Amos 7). Twice God “repented” (7:3,6) of the destruction he was bringing upon Israel. But he got out a plumb-line so his prophet could see how very crooked the nation had become; His wrath was justified. The plumb-line is on America, she is very corrupt, she is very crooked. In ten years God has twice “repented” of the judgment he was bringing upon America. In 2001 America responded to the 9/11 attacks with anthems of “God Bless America” and in 2016 she responded to eight years of radical leftist globalism and moral ruin with a wave of conservative values and pro-Israel policies. Twice God “repented” of the destruction that he had allowed to begin, and he blessed, and made America great again. But by hook and by crook, with full support and complete collusion with every lying leftist organization, media, and big tech entity, and overwhelming support of Communist China, America “voted” against Make America Great.

Satan wants America global, immoral, anti-Israel, and socialist/communist, as he pushes toward the one world government of the end times. America does not get an Amos, Hosea or Isaiah to warn of her destruction; she has sixty-six books, written by twenty-seven men over 1,592 years, that give the modus-operandi of the LORD God in these instances. The plumb-line is out, the nation is crooked and a basket of “very naughty figs” (Jer 24).

What will the Lord GOD do in 2021? Whoda thunk that America would rot and fall in such a fashion? Now it is high time to preach the gospel to every creature; the time of his appearing is nigh, and we need to be about the Father's business (Rom13:11, Mark 16:15, Luk21:31).

Msg #2102 Victory Over Suffering

Peter was a character. “Open mouth and insert foot” is a cliché that comes to mind. God rebuked him from heaven when he said, “Master,... let us make three tabernacles...”. Jesus rebuked him, “Get thee behind me Satan...” and we know the results of his claim, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” His sword missed by three inches. He did, however, momentarily walk on water.

Christ gave the Apostle Peter a complete makeover before he wrote his epistles. With a mature passion he addresses strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Converted Jews and converted Gentiles are become strangers and pilgrims in this world. Peter assures these believers that they are elect “through sanctification of the Spirit”, elect “unto obedience”, and elect unto “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” Gentiles are corporately “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” God specifically said, “I will call them my people which were not my people” (Rom 9:24-25, Hosea 1:10,2:23). Individuals are not elect for salvation or damnation, and Gentiles were not elect to replace Israel; John Calvin was genius, but wrong on both counts.

Peter writes this impassioned charge to all believers to prepare them for victory over suffering. No matter our background, culture, upbringing or color, we are now strangers, begotten unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Americans are more accustomed to leaning on their rights than they are to leaning on their Saviour. In 2021, when we experience 2Tim 3:12, we can live 1Peter 2:20 and have victory over suffering. We have an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. Don't you wish everyone did? Share Acts 2021 because of John 2021.

Msg #2103 Persecution in America?

Peter writes to persecuted strangers scattered throughout Asia encouraging them, for the glory of God, to take it patiently when they are buffeted for their well doing (1Pet 2:20). I write this Penny Pulpit on our first day under a leftist-socialist regime to remind saints of that encouragement. Peter's two epistles are superbly organized and divinely pointed to answer the question, “How does a Christian thrive under persecution?”

Peter addresses “strangers” who are elect through sanctification unto obedience, to first remember that they have an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away reserved in heaven (1Pet 1:1-5). Then to know that this trial of one's faith is more precious than gold (vr. 6-8). Then to marvel in so great salvation, even more than the prophets of old marveled. Moreover, angels would marvel in it if they could (9-12).

That only captures half of the introduction, and in good literature the body develops every point of the introduction. The Lord God writes good literature, and thus a study of 1^st and 2^nd Peter is loaded with intensity. Half the introduction should make one eager to pick up their King James Bible and read both epistles in one setting before we even start detailing the second half of the introduction.

God has allowed Satan latitude to overturn and overrun the legitimate vote of seventy-four million living people who want America 1^st and America Great. We cannot imagine the persecution leveled against Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia in the 1^st century AD, but because “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” we need to pay attention to Peter's epistles. God says “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, ... fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Isa 51:7).

Msg #2104 www.SufferingWrongfully

The Apostle Peter's discourse on how a believer can suffer wrongfully with patience is most pertinent since the leftist regime has done a hostile takeover of our nation. 2020 brought things that took Christians out of their comfort zone. Peter says while out there we should reflect on our incorruptible inheritance, the gold in the trial, and God's awesome plan of salvation. But Peter tags on how we should watch our Walk, mind our Worship, and attend to God's Word. Let them be the www in our 2021. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end” (1Pet 1:13). The picture of garment parts dangling loose and in the way, causing a stifled and dangerous walk is herein applied to the mind. Entertainment, amusements and hobbies need to be “girded” up. As should “stinking thinking” as I've heard it called.

Look then at Peter's worship of our Redeemer, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things,... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1:18-19). Our Creator is become our Redeemer, worship him. Look too at Peter's reverence for the Word, “For all flesh is as grass, ... But the word of the Lord endureth for ever” (1:24-25). Modernist ecumenicals suppose God was unable to preserve his inerrant Word, and they will tell you what God meant to say in their copyright versions. They made ghastly changes to Peter's two letters as documented in my book, “The 357 Magnum Errors of the Modernist's Critical Texts”¹, that details seventeen changes they made to Apostle Peter's work.

In these last days persecution is not unprecedented. Peter's letters to the persecuted teach how to suffer wrongfully with patience, and a testimony.

Msg #2105 Think Right, Read Right, Grow Right

Forasmuch as you KNOW you are redeemed,... desire the word that you may GROW,... be a peculiar people that you may SHOW,... and follow in his steps to GO (1Pet 1:18, 2:2, 9, 21). Peter didn't rhyme these but he nailed them. A preacher outlined them in the seventies and I've traced them through three Scofield reference Bibles since, but they have traced into far more lives.

In Peter's GROW charge a new convert's growth is captured in a single sentence that begins, “Wherefore laying aside all malice...”, but it centers on a sincere desire for the Word of God (2:1-3). The ecumenicals changed God's Words but a convert is born into salvation, he does not “grow into salvation”! Check your Bible, modernist ecumenicals made diabolical changes to God's wording. A new convert's growth comes from a renewing of the mind, or “girding up the loins of the mind....” (1:13) as in “laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings...” (2:1). And then comes that sincere desire for the sincere milk of the Word, because “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Rom 10:17).

Faith is grown with the “quick and powerful, … able to divide the thoughts and intents... Word of God.” Peter's single sentence closes with a categorical if-so-be-test, so one should make sure their salvation is real, i.e. a salvation that is not just professed, but genuinely possessed. That is good advice for even an old crusty Christian. God will save you till you know it, and change you till you show it. Praise his holy name.

It is not to late to add a resolution for 2021. Be resolved to grow your faith this year as you preach Acts 2021 because of John 2021.

Msg #2106 Being Peculiar in 2021

The Apostle Peter cunningly reminds the persecuted saints, strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappedocia, Asia, and Bithynia, that they are peculiar but precious because our Lord Jesus Christ was peculiar and precious. He likens Christians to lively stones because we are placed in the living stone, the stone that human builders rejected, but God has made the chief corner stone, elect and precious.

“Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation... And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder” (Isa 28:16, Matt 21:44)

We then, as Christians, are to be “lively stones, ... built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, …And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (1Pet 2:5, Eph 2:20) This spiritual house, this holy priesthood, is “to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ” (1Pet 2:5). “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb13:15).

Doubtless you have met people who are peculiar because they think themselves something grand; Christians end up peculiar solely because they are in Christ, and therein are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation. Why? “That ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light... Let your light so shine...” (1Pet 2:9, Matt 5:16).

This week, under a leftist, rebellious, socialist regime in America we have ample opportunity to be a peculiar people. Let's make it for the right reasons and with a Christlike attitude. God Bless.

Msg #2107 Valentines Love Significance and Security

When God asks a man, in body, soul, and spirit, to leave father and mother and to cleave to his new wife for all his love, and all his security, and all his significance, he salutes sharply and says, “Yes Sir.” But when God asks a woman, in body, soul, and spirit, to do the same, she might say, “Say What???” Men are made out of dirt, women are not; consequently, much of this Valentine's Day message, about the importance of showing love, providing security, and giving significance, will be “Amen'd” by wives, and “Oh-me'd” by husbands.

In general married daughters call mom seven days a week; married sons call on an occasional holiday! So all of us need to rehearse some Valentine's Day tips covering the basics of leaving and cleaving. Valentine's Day comes on February 14^th with purpose. Hormones ramp up for spring time, and that comes after woodchucks slip back into hibernation for six weeks, whether they saw shadows or not. The Bible instructs husband and wife to leave mama and cleave to each other for love, security, and significance. Those, incidentally, are the reasons we marry. We call them “soul-mates”, and “significant-others” and we exchange vows for an “until death do us part” security. Love, significance, and security, all have three dimensions of body, soul, and spirit, i.e. for physical security, emotional security and spiritual security. So now then there are nine different areas for leaving and cleaving.

Of course our Lord Jesus Christ is the supreme reality for his love, his giving significance, and his “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee” security. He is the example we are to aspire to in our marriages. Practice all nine dimensions in your marriage. Happy Valentine's Day.

Msg #2108 A Taste of Paradise

For Valentine's Day, we saw the importance of “securing” our “soul-mate”, and making them our “significant-other”; this week let's look at the importance of communicating with them. There are four essentials for following God's commands in marriage and becoming one-flesh in bliss, producing a marriage that is a taste of paradise on earth. Faithfulness is essential, forgiveness, just as essential, communication paramount, and fidelity to each other and to God's Word is the fourth essential. It behooves couples to study and revisit each essential annually, and February is ideally suited for just such a visitation. Communication is the most fun to examine because we all do it so poorly and it links to the other three. Five characteristics of a communication lifeline in good working order are: 1) A sense of freedom to express yourself; 2) A sense of being understood; 3) An absence of win-lose arguments; 4) A reduction in tension; and 5) A sense of being safe and secure in the relationship. Two or more of those characteristics upside down give you a critically impaired lifeline that needs help immediately as increasing distance and silence sets into your marriage. Every marriage needs some improvements in their communications lifeline, and the greatest help often comes when one improves their listening skills. Consider eight ways to do that: 1) "Half is Not Enough"... Give complete attention; 2) "No Interruptions"... Don't interrupt each other! 3) "Repeat, Re-pete"; 4) "Respond with Your Eyes" Real listening involves eye contact; 5) "Don't wait for Commercial Breaks"; 6) "Silence is a NEGATIVE Feedback"; 7) "With a Breakthrough Don't Overwhelm"; and 8) "Give a LOVE Message." When you listen to your partner, you are showing love. It is B-E-S-T to Bless, Edify, Share, and Touch. Happy Valentine's Month.

Msg #2109 Be Christ-Like In Suffering

In military briefings, we'd tell them what we're going to tell, then tell them, then tell them what we'd told them: intro, body, and summary. The Apostle Peter does that expertly on several fronts in his coverage of enduring suffering wrongfully. “Dearly beloved,” he writes, “I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;...” (1Pet 2:11). He had just written, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1:16). In chapter 2 the “why-for” of this holiness is “that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (2:12). There is coming a “day of visitation” for every man. “As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Rom 14:11,cf Isa 45:23, Php 2:10). That visitation will come either at their salvation, or at their judgment. For those who see your good works, pray for the former.

Peter then writes, “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, ...Or unto governors,... that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:...” (1Pet 2:13-15). Peter goes on, “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke... Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. Servants, be subject ... For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us...” (2:16-18, 21).

Everything we, as Christian's go through in 2021, even under a leftist-progressive regime, we are to be Christ-like. Christians were labeled that because they looked like, acted like and RE-acted like Christ. In 2021, if your a “possessing” Christian, not just a “professing” one, be consciously Christ-ian. God bless.

Msg #2110 Hereunto Were Ye Called

“For even hereunto were ye called” (1Pet 2:23a). Peter uses this clause to highlight some things that are expected of a Christian going through the trial of their faith. Allow me to attach it more directly to his arguments: abstain from fleshly lusts,... for even hereunto were ye called; having your conversation honest,... for even hereunto were ye called; submit yourself to every ordinance of man, to kings, or governors,... for even hereunto were ye called; use your liberty as servants of God,... for even hereunto were ye called; Honour all men, Love the brotherhood, Fear God, Honour the king,... for even hereunto were ye called; be subject to your masters,... for even hereunto were ye called!

Recall Peter's theme and insert his clause,... if you are buffeted when ye do well, and suffer for it,... even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us. The point is captured in verse 23, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” It is good to act like Christ, but here Peter asks us to ReAct like Christ.

In 2021 Christians doing what Christians do, will raise the ire of the leftists who now dominate and control our society and run Washington DC. How will you ReAct to their affliction? “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, ... Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (1Thes3:3-4, 2Ti 3:12). Many Christians are ReActing poorly in these days. Remember Peter's charge, and be Christlike in persecution.

Msg #2111 The 2021 Husband n Wife Reaction

Many have presumed that 1Peter 3 is about the Godly Christian home. It does add credence to God's defined roles for husbands and wives, but that is not what it is about. Peter is establishing that strangers and pilgrims, who are to be a peculiar people for their God, should have their conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. (1Peter 2:9, 11, 12). The “Likewise” in verse 1 connects Godly wives to the display of that honest conversation; the “Likewise” of verse 7 connects Godly husbands to it. Even more so these two “Likewises” connect Godly wives and husbands to Christ's example, “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatned not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. (2:22-23).

None of this lessens Peter's correspondence about Godly homes with Godly wives and Godly husbands; indeed it heightens it. We are not just talking about husbands and wives that ACT like Christ, Peter is teaching here that Christians need to REACT like Christ. The second half of chapter 3 assures us that Peter is addressing this theme. Verse 9 states, “Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” In an America stepping into socialism and seeing a Marxist overthrow looming ahead, Christians need to work on their REACTIONS and be Christlike. In 2021 a Christian displaying his rebellious carnal nature does not have much opportunity to fulfill John 2021 and preach Acts 2021. Let your home and marriage show forth Christ with every reaction.

Msg #2112 Eyes and Ears Are Open

The Apostle Peter addresses “strangers and pilgrims” of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who lived in a vile upside down world under the vile Emperor Nero, and tells them to “submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to...” Nero himself, or one of his governors! (1Peter 1:1,2:11,13). And submit yourselves to these vile tyrants as you would “unto them that are sent by the Lord for the punishment of evildoers”, i.e. submit just as you would unto a good and just governor(vr.14). There is a lot in Peter's first letter that needs to sink into believers walking into this first year under a fraudulently elected leftist regime, “For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men”(vr.15). In Upstate New York, from the White House in DC to Albany NY, right down to county officials who board up churches, the ignorance of foolish men is on full display this year. Thankfully God continues through the pen of Peter, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”(3:12-13). Remember Peter's target audience, those strangers and pilgrims, that “chosen generation”, that “peculiar people”, were being thrown to the lions and God says, “Who is he that will harm you?”... “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” In answered prayer our mini-tyrant governor, will soon be gone,... but ignorant and foolish will install another. God's advice for a Christians is still “submit”, and do John 2021 in year 2021.

Msg #2113 Palm Sunday 10^th of Abib

On the 10^th day of the 1^st Hebrew month of the year, called Abib, Hebrews were to separate their passover lamb from the rest of the flock, observe him for three days to assure no spot or blemish, then, on the 14^th day of the month, they were to slay the passover lamb. The next day, the 15^th of the month, was a Sabbath Day no matter what day or the week it was on, it was the 1^st day of the feast of unleavened bread. It was widely known that the Only Begotten Son of God, as our Passover Lamb, died in that selfsame prescribed hour on Passover Day. God paints an elaborate fifteen-hundred year old picture with this passover celebration; it foretells his perfect offering of a perfect Passover Lamb. But few have really traced Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the separation of the lamb from the rest of the flock. That Palm Sunday was indeed the public selection of a perfect lamb that would be the Passover Lamb for all mankind. He was selected on Sunday, the 10^th of Abib. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th of that month, Jesus was daily teaching in the Temple, and found to be without spot or blemish. He was teaching with an authority that scared the chief rulers. On the day before Passover, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, had the last supper, took three to the garden of Gethsemane, and at midnight was betrayed into the hands of those angry rulers. The Bible gives great detail of the “trial” and crucifixion on that Passover Day. “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa 53:5).

Msg #2114 Easter's Power

“I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:... not having mine own righteousness,... but that which is through the faith of Christ,... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection,...” (Phil 3:8-10). I have a close friend who is “enamored” by the incarnation of Christ, but the Bible calls us to no “unreasoning fondness”, only to well reasoned comprehensions. This Easter time we celebrate the power of his resurrection.

Allow me latitude to call this “un-incarnation.” The Son of God became finite, became flesh and dwelt among us, … became the Son of man. But in the resurrection the Son of man, in a victory over death, was quickened and became infinite again. He was glorified with the glory which he had with God before the world was. (John 17:5). That is profound... but what is profounder (if that were made a word) is that the “power of his resurrection” is the power of God in the gospel, i.e. in salvation! The gospel by which ye are saved is that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures...” (1Cor 15:1-3). Ergo, the power of his resurrection is the thing we ought to strive to know... that is the gospel we are to preach. The Apostle Paul said it, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth;...” (Rom 1:16)

Use the POWER; preach the Gospel. “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (1Cor 1:18) Happy Easter.

Msg #2115 Christians, Arm Yourselves!

“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind:...” (1Peter 4:1a). One arms themselves to be prepared for a skirmish of some sort. The Apostle Peter warned Christians that persecution, unjust treatment, and suffering is their calling, and this charge to arm yourselves with the same mind Christ had in his suffering is a key ingredient of that warning. We understand how to arm ourselves physically and can thus understand assembling the mental tools needed to “gird up the loins of your mind” (1:13). This is a jiu-jitsu of mental preparation, a taekwondo of perseverance and self-control, a how did Christ react and how am I to react when this, or that, or the other, show up in this martial battle. In our lifetime our government has called Christ's church non-essential and boarded up church doors! As might be expected, some of us reacted poorly. The Apostle Peter says if we arm ourselves we can cease from sin, no longer live in the flesh, and live the rest of our time in the will of God (4:1-2). The rest of our time might be long and it will surely be a battle. Christians need armed with a “ready mind” (5:2).

After Hezekiah God's remnant in Judah was subjected to fifty-five years of Manasseh! After Josiah, there was twenty-two years of Jehoiakim and Zedekiah! We have endured only three months of leftist, socialist, fraudulent Joe Biden. Christians “arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.... Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind...” (1Peter 4:1-2,1:13).

Msg #2116 Welcome Back

“Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:” (1Peter 4:8a). Peter justly warns that “strangers and pilgrims” going through unjust treatment, persecution, and suffering can start to turn on each other. So he give this “Above all things” consideration. All the forces of hell, and most of forces of the leftist Democrats, have centered on keeping folks locked up, masked up, and terrified for a year. Some have laid out of church for months. They don't need “Christian” ire, they need compassion. Make no mistake believers gathering themselves together for edification is commanded, not suggested, but when a precious saint wants to remedy their lagging church attendance, their fear of what others will say and think can be an overwhelming hindrance. Peter puts forth three helps to touch suffering and troubled saints: fervent charity, hospitality, and ministry, among yourselves, one to another, and one to another as good stewards (4:8,9,10).

Shut-ins have beamed with the manifold grace of God when a fellow member ministered, visited, and brought charity into their shut-in life. In these days saints are recovering from diabolic lies that put them or their families in dire fear. They do not need rebuke, that is our Lord's arena not ours. They do not need ire, that is carnality. They need charity, hospitality, and ministered to. Peter goes on to exhort that we speak only the Word of God, minister only through God's ability, and do it only for God's glory through Jesus Christ (vr11). “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:... Use hospitality one to another ... even so minister the same one to another,... that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ … Amen” (1Pet 4:8-11). Sure, put these four verses in an outline, but more so, put them into practice.

Msg #2117 A COVID No Fear Flier

Your Special Invitation to visit Good Samaritan Baptist Church 54 Main Street in Dresden NY Please join us in person or online.

We are open for worship on Sunday Mornings 11 AM. Face masks are welcome, but not required if you cover your mouth to cough, like your grandmother taught you.

For those not yet ready to meet publicly, please check out our audio recorded services and our video recorded Bible studies at www.GSBaptistChurch.com. Please call Pastor Ed Rice for counsel, a visit, or a prayer request.

Liberal left factions of our government are lying to us and controlling people by fear and intimidation. They use deceiving COVID “science” to herd people around and terrify. They suppose the world will end from carbon dioxide! as they strive to abolish the use of God's natural and abundant fossil fuels. They legislate that choosing gender is a civil-right not an XY chromosome thing. They demonize the police that protect us. They hypothesize evolution and demonize our Creator and his Only Begotten Son.

If you are tired of the lies, come hear the truth. What is truth? Jesus said “I am the TRUTH!” The Holy Bible says,

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind... There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.(2Timothy 1:7, 1John 4:18, Authorized Holy Bible)

If you are a born-again, saved by grace, converted to Christ, Christian you need to be in a Bible believing church with folks of like faith. If you are not, you need to hear the TRUTH we preach.

Msg #2117a A COVID No Fear Notification

Liberal left factions of our government are lying to us and controlling people by fear and intimidation. They use deceiving COVID “science” to herd people around and terrify. They suppose the world will end from carbon-dioxide! as they strive to abolish the use of God's natural and abundant fossil fuels. They legislate that choosing gender is a civil-right not an XY chromosome thing. They demonize the police that protect us. They hypothesize evolution and demonize our Creator and his Only Begotten Son.

The truth is the flu kills more than COVID; carbon-dioxide is natural, we exhale it, global warming is a farce; XY chromosomes do exist; sodomy is abomination; life begins at conception; there is no systemic racism in America; and it don't matter how long you breed beagles you will never get a Clydesdale horse! Nor can cross breeding lizards produce a Bald Eagle.

God could send an algae bloom tomorrow that eliminates fifty years of our carbon emissions. He could send up a single blast of volcanic ash that would lower global temperatures by those three degrees that terrify Al Gore and Joe Biden.

Tired of all the lies? Get into a Bible believing church and hear truth. What is truth? Jesus said “I am the TRUTH!”

Know Christ, No Fear! No Christ, Know Fear! If you are a born-again, saved by grace, converted to Christ, Christian you need to be in a Bible believing church with folks of like faith. If not, you need to lend an ear to the TRUTH of God's Holy Word and be SAVED.

Msg #2118 Pastors, Keep the Main Thing, the Main Thing.

“The elders which are among you I exhort, ... Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof,... not as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock” (1Pet 5:1-3). Peter had just given saints who were persecuted, treated unjustly, and suffering for Christ, an “above all things” exhortation that they “have fervent charity among yourselves” (1Pet 4:8). Here in chapter 5 that concern extends to the pulpit.

People have a carnal nature that causes them to turn on each other during unfair treatment, like the little brother that gets a big cookie, while I get a crumb. Christians are not exempt, and, unfortunately, neither are independent, fundamental pastors. It is emphasized that this selfishness is a carnal nature, not a Godly nature. The Apostle Paul warned the Galatians, “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another” (Gal 5:15). Rural denominational churches were irate because we could intelligently continue worship services, while they had to abide fifty pages of ludicrous denominational COVID commands. God ordained independent, autonomous, local churches, with no denominational controls. But sometimes even independent pastors turn on each other. It has been said that independent Baptists fight like alley-cats, … but they reproduce like them too.

Peter addresses here that pastors need to keep the main thing the main thing. Denominational heads cannot comprehend different responses required for different areas, unfortunately neither do some carnal independent Baptists. Be careful of infighting. Carefully feed the flock, take the oversight, and be an example. Above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves. “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away” (1Pet 5:4).

Msg #2119 Rebelling With Humility

“Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:” (1Pet 5:5-6). A stroll through Peter's letter to the persecuted, unfairly treated, and suffering saints under Roman Emperor Nero, saints that Peter calls “strangers and pilgrims,” a stroll through his letter to them can correct and reprove prideful Christians still shaking their fists and demanding their rights in America.

First let me say that it is appalling how many Americans put on their face mask, fuss over a fictitious carbon footprint, and pretend that Bruce Jenner is a female, as they lay down and roll over like a submissive dog. A socialist regime with Marxist intentions has taken over our country with a fraudulent election and the average American yawns behind a face mask! Christians ought not be doing that; if you have a voice, broadcast TRUTH in every venue available to you, but do it with Christ-likeness.

Peter has already told us to submit to our governors for the Lord's sake (2:13-14), Jesus did; to not turn on each other “but above all things, have fervent charity among yourselves” (4:8), Jesus had it; and now Peter exhorts, “be clothed with humility” (5:5), Jesus was. It is important to keep our reaction to wrong, right, i.e. be Christlike in both action and REACTION.

The first three “Blessed Rs” introducing Jesus' Sermon on the Mount epitomize the humble, they are poor in spirit, mourning, and meek. These describe a more Christlike attitude than my demanding my rights. Christians, more than anybody, ought not call for what they deserve. The fifth “Blessed R” is to the merciful. In 2021 preach Acts 2021 because of John 2021. God bless.

Msg #2120 Where to Cast Your Cares

I care that Trump was fraudulently impeached and censored. I care that corruption, fraud, and deceit elected Joe Biden. I care that Rush is dead and that Hannity spent a week pretending Bruce Jenner was female as he tried to dance with him. I care about the vile and dangerous course of my country. Peter gives direction to strangers and pilgrims living their faith under Emperor Nero, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1Pet 5:6-7). Their focus was not removing Nero from power, nor reforming the Roman corruption that empowered his Godless dictates. They had already been commanded to submit to their governors and above all things have fervent charity among yourselves. Twelve went down to spy on Canaan, ten were bad and two were good. Ten had their focus on the command, two had their focus on the commander. Under the mighty hand of God a soldier can keep his focus right.

Peter also exhorts these mistreated pilgrims to remember who the real enemy is, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour...” (5:8). He then charges them to resist the true adversary by being “steadfast in the faith”, but in the same sentence reminds them they are not alone in this battle; “knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world” (5:9). Remember Elijah's fearful pity party when he forgot the others who stood for truth. Lord may I humble myself under your hand; I cast my care upon you; keep me sober and vigilant against your adversary and strengthen my brethren that are going through these afflictions.

Msg #2121 Peter's “Who To” and “How To”

Six years after the Apostle Peter pens his first epistle to suffering, persecuted, misjudged and mistreated “strangers and pilgrims”, he takes up his pen and writes again, “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me” (2Pet 1:14). Paul and Peter both foresee the upcoming apostasy wherein their lives and the professing church will end. Fight off apostasy. Peter's first sentence keenly addresses the “who to” and the “how to.”

“To them that have obtained like precious faith with us” is the “who to.” A deacon once confided, “I never had a head on collision with God, I just always believed and after I believed more and more, I eventually became a Christian.” And another, “I can't really tell you a time and place that I got saved, I just believed God.”

Don't stone me for saying this, but you are not saved by what you believe; you are not saved by faith; … you are saved by GRACE through faith (Eph 2:8-9). Salvation is a transaction; a new birth has a time, and a place, and a transformation called conversion. (Psalms 19:7, Matt 18: 3, Acts 3:19, 20:21, James 5:19-20). “Are you married?”

“I think so,... I hope so,... I believe so”... No. No. No. There was a time and a place where we exchanged vows, we have witnesses, and she is still with me! Are you saved? Are you of like precious faith with Peter? There was a time and place (Rom 10:9-10,13). Don't make one up, nail one down!

Peter's “how to” for grace and peace multiplied is, “through the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.... All things that pertain unto life and godliness,” come through the knowledge of him! (2Pet 1:2-3).

Msg #2122 How to Combat Social Media n Fake News

How does a Christian combat the pernicious ways of social media and fake news, the right hand of America's leftist regime? False teachers privily bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, but Peter's second epistle is resolute that through the knowledge of God, and Jesus our Lord we have all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2Pet 2:1-3, 1:1-11). Via Noah Webster's 1828 assistance Peter says to add to your “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,” virtue; and to “Strength; that substance or quality of physical bodies, by which they act and produce effects on other bodies” knowledge; And to “ A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact” temperance; and to “Moderation; particularly, habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; Patience; calmness; sedateness; moderation of passion” patience; and to “The suffering of afflictions, pain, toil, calamity, provocation or other evil, with a calm, unruffled temper; ... without murmuring or fretfulness; i.e. The act or quality of waiting long for justice or expected good without discontent” godliness; And to “a careful observance of the laws of God and performance of religious duties, proceeding from love and reverence for the divine character and commands” add brotherly kindness; and to “ Good will; benevolence; that temper or disposition which delights in contributing to the happiness of others” add charity. And the Bible itself defines charity even better than Noah (1Cor 13). Peter goes on to say that “if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Don't lack here, “for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (1:9-10).

Msg #2123 A More Sure Word

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ,...” (2Pet 1:16). At the end of the day, the thing that really matters is what the Lord GOD has had written down for us in an infallible, inerrant, verbally inspired, preserved forever, unrevised record, the Word of God. It's like in BC 1520, when God's perfect and upright servant, Job, said, “Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! (Job 19:23), God took the suggestion and ran with it. “And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehsearse it ... And the priest shall write these curses in a book,... Isaiah, Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:... Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.... So Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon... I John, who also am your brother, ... was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book,...” (Ex 17:14, Nu 5:23, Isa 30:8, Jer 30:2, 51:60, Re 1:9-11) We have, in a book, a more sure word of prophecy; more sure than an eyewitness, more sure than actually seeing God's majesty, more sure than a voice from heaven! (2Pet 1:15-21). Why would anyone use a man made copyright revised version? “Whereunto ye do well that ye take heed...” (1:19)

Msg #2124 Know Sin, Know Salvation

Know sin, Know salvation; No sin, No salvation. The Apostle Paul sites “it is written” for seventeen indictments of sin. He does not cite chapter and verse because the Bible's chapter divisions were made in the 13^th century, and verse divisions were made for printing convenience in the 16^th century. But with a little Bible study we can site chapter and verse for his full seventeen count indictment:

1) That they are all under sin;As it is written, 2) There is none righteous, no, not one: Ps 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

3) There is none that understandeth, 4) There is none that seeketh after God. Ps 14:2 The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God.

5) They are all gone out of the way, Isa 52:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; ...

6) They are together become unprofitable; Job 22:2 Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

7) There is none that doeth good, no, not one. Ps 14:3 They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

8) Their throat is an open sepulchre; 9) With their tongues they have used deceit; Ps 5:9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

10) The poison of asps is under their lips: Ps 140:3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.

11) Whose mouth is full of cursing and …12) Whose mouth is full of bitterness: Ps 10:7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.

13) Their feet are swift to shed blood: Pr 1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

14) Destruction and ...Ps 1:6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

15) Misery are in their ways...Ec 8:6 Because to every purpose there is time and judgment, therefore the misery of man is great upon him.

16) And the way of peace have they not known: Isa 57:20-21 But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

17) There is no fear of God before their eyes. Ps 36:1 The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.

Many professors are not possessors because they never really knew sin. Know sin, Know salvation; No sin, No salvation.

Msg #2125 The Lies of False Teachers

At the close of his life, just before he is killed by Roman Emperor Nero, the Apostle Peter warns about false teachers. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies,...and bring upon themselves swift destruction. ” (2Pet 2:1). In chapter one Peter clarified that the lies and falsehoods are defeated through 1) the knowledge of God, 2) giving all diligence add to your faith... and 3) knowing the more sure word of prophecy, God's Word. Peter brings up the false prophets for our learning. Let's learn. In Numbers 12 Miriam and Aaron rose up against Moses and God judged them. In Numbers 16 Korah did, and God killed him.

False prophets misled Ahab and “Jumping Jehoshaphat”, who jumped into bed with him, said, “Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides, that we might enquire of him?” (1Kings 22:7). That prophet, Micaiah, through a genuine portal into heaven, gives remarkable insight about false prophets. “And there came forth a spirit, ... and said, I will persuade (Ahab), ... I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And (the LORD) said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so” (22:21-22).

That same lying spirit is downright hyperactive in 2021, persuading men that black lives matter more, that Abraham Lincoln was a racist bigot, that borders should be open, that killing babies is a civil right, and even that choosing ones gender is a civil right! You can't make this stuff up, it would be unbelievable! The Christian is warned, “God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie... evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. … But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;... Keep yourselves in the love of God,... have compassion, ...with fear, pulling them out of the fire...” (2Thes 2:11-12, 2Tim 3:13, Jude 1:17-23). Let's be about the Father's business; in 2021 preach Acts 2021 because of John 2021. God bless your efforts for Him.

Msg #2126 Indwelt and Talking

A friend recently shared an intimate prayer practice that changed his Christian walk, work, and witness, and after I looked up each Bible reference and daily worded his prayer in my prayer closet I found similar blessings unfolding in my life. Genuine, born-again, Christians are indwelt and sealed by the Holy Spirit of God, but we don't make it a practice to talk to him nor address his presence and function in our lives.

“Lord I thank you for the Fellowship and Friendship of your Holy Spirit within me. May I be Filled, in excess, with your Spirit today, and emptied of pride, self, and selfishness. Lord make me a disciple that bears much Fruit of the Spirit, to have your love, joy, and peace, to show others longsuffering, gentleness, and goodness and to keep myself in faith, meekness, and temperance. Grant me liberty, that I may live, walk and breath in Freedom, without bondage to the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh nor the pride of life. Allow that out of my belly shall Flow rivers of living waters and that I may be wholly immersed in the Holy Ghost and His Fire. Lord, I live in perilous times with innumerable false teachers, may I stand and Fight with the sword of the Spirit to earnestly contend for the faith, but to never be contentious. Holy Spirit of God that indwells me, help me in this day. Amen.” (Php 2:1, John 15:15, Eph 5:18, John 15:8, Gal 5:22-23, 2Cor 3:17, John 7:38-39, Matt 3:11, Eph 6:16)

Christian when you wake up tomorrow morning, the Holy Ghost will be there with you. It wouldn't hurt to talk to him, and rehearse what you need from him. God bless your walk with him tomorrow.

Msg #2126a Old and Stricken in Years

Today is the first day of my seventieth year on God's green earth. The Psalmist said some things about this my day:“Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come” (Ps 71:18). And again, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” (Ps 37:25).

Some sage advice for you, my grandchild, my loved one, must also come from God's precious and holy scripture. The greatest philosophizer in the world said, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, … Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Eccl 12:1,13-14).

This week I heard a quote from a great, but unregenerate, philosopher, Mark Twain, “The two greatest days of life are when you are born, and when you learn why.” In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, the twelve elders of Israel and the twelve elders and apostles of Christ, reveal Mark Twain's “why” of the latter day, “The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” (Rev 4:10-11).

On this, the first day of my seventieth year, I have worded three prayers for you, first, that you might find the truth in these scriptures and read the entire book for yourself, in an authorized version of course: in English, it alone is “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb 4:12). Second that you might come to a place in your life where you read my twelve volumes of systematic theology and write your own, perhaps not in twelve volumes, but at least in twelve paragraphs. And third, but not finally, that you might read at least four chapters of my Hebrew Journal, and some day read the 176 verses of Psalm 119 in Hebrew, to the praise of His glory.

The Bible says in Joshua 13 “Now Joshua was old and stricken in years; and the LORD said unto him, Thou art old and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet very much land to be possessed.” I write because the Lord has said the same to me. I will spend the autumn of my life proof reading books and remodeling a hundred year old mansion for our retirement home. Please stay in touch, or better yet stop in.

Msg #2127 Absolute Tyranny Revisited

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another,... We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, ...

The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, …

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected;...

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.... (IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.)

In the Bible the Psalmist states: “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD (the USA in previous centuries); and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance (Israel Forever) .... Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD” (Ps 33:12, 144:14).

Msg #2128 My Sheep Hear My Voice

Several truths resonate from Jesus being our shepherd; he said, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.... I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” (John10:11,14,27-28). Three Psalms capture our Lord's shepherding qualities. We know the 23 Psalm. It describes “that great shepherd of the sheep” (Heb13:20). Just before it, the 22^nd Psalm, is “the good shepherd that giveth his life for the sheep” (John10). You cannot have the Great Shepherd until you know the Good Shepherd. The 22^nd Psalm, written 1,000 years before Christ, describes his crucifixion, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? ...” It continues in verse 14 “ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: … 16 the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.... 17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. 18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.”(Psalm22:1,14,16-18).

Then there is the Chief Shepherd that shall appear (1Pet5:4) captured in Psalm 24, “Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in” (vrs 7). There is an order in these Psalms, you cannot have the Shepherd of the 23^rd Psalm until you have the crucified one of Psalm 22, and when you have the 23^rd Psalm Shepherd, you are longing for the Chief Shepherd that shall return in the 24^th Psalm. What an awesome book.

Msg #2129 Villains in Persecution

John G. Butler thinks in alliteration. He draws out of Genesis 37 the Purity, Privileges, Pursuits, and Persecutions of Joseph. He delineates his Validity, Virtue, Vesture, Visions, Vindication and Valor. In the Persecutions of Joseph he details the Villains and the Victims. He shows in his book that the chickens come home to roost for Jacob. Jacob lied about his fathers favorite son, deceived his father, used his brothers coat and a dead kid in his deception; as it unfolded for Joseph. But Butler uncovers a great truth about the villains of persecutions, a truth Americans, in the very throws of a Marxist Communist takeover, need to carefully consider. Reuben, the eldest son, should have stood up and taken charge! He tried to stop the persecutors, but he lacked the Courage, he had already Compromised, and he had no Commitment. Reuben rhymes with Republican. Lets not kill our brother, lets just throw him in this pit, until the next election. “In a little while,” he thought, “I will sneak in and do something about this evil.”

The staunchest unregenerate conservatives that I know are already dancing with Bruce Jenner pretending he is a she! They pretend sodomy is a civil right not an abomination. You cannot bring them to say, “black lives do not matter more than white lives!” They tiptoe around the abortion issue, never calling it murder. They suppose that the Lord Jesus Christ does not control the climate, and fossil fuel use with carbon-footprints should be regulated. They are riddled with compromise, have no courage, and make no commitments. If America is to be saved it will only be because actual Christians, Bible believers holding an Authorized Bible, “kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way” (Psalm 2). Alas, Joseph was sold into slavery.

Msg #2130 Use the Open Door

The tentacles of American-Marxism that now reach from Washington DC and extend into every avenue of our society, originate from the pits of hell. Perilous times indeed, but praise his holy name, “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government” (2Pet 2:9-10). Praise the Lord he will deliver the godly, you can trust him on that, but it is curious to this Baptist Preacher, a retired USAF officer who knows what Marxism is, that that last “chiefly” phrase nails those attempting the overthrow of America.

Although “many shall follow their pernicious ways” and by reason of them “the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” their “judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not” (2:2,3). “For if God spared not the angels that sinned... And spared not the old world, but saved Noah... And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes ... And delivered just Lot... The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly” (2:4-9). While we trust him on that, remember the “patience of the saints” called out in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. “If any man worship the beast and his image,... The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, … Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Rev14:9-10,12). Wait for it, ... but don't sit on your hands. Remember the door that no man shutteth opened in Philadelphia! We have a commission (Matt28:19-20, Mark16:15, Luke24:46-48, John2021, Acts1:8). Lets be about the Father's business; people need the Lord.

Msg #2131 When Government is the False Teacher

False teachers “have forsaken the right way and are gone astray” and are “wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest, … to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever” (2Pet2:15,17). We are warned that they will speak great swelling words of vanity, promise liberty, and deceive many (vr.18-19). Such “pernicious ways” are not only found in charismatic missleaders of the church, they are rampant in society and Godless government! Through the lust of the flesh, and much wantonness” they can deceive even genuine believers (vr.18). Government is ordained by God to promote the good, punish the evil, and protect the innocent, but gone awry and corrupt, ours presently exploits the five longtime vices that bind mankind and cripple “Christians”; www.dg (wine, women, weed, drugs, and gambling). That second “W” has “advanced” to every form of reprobate perversion known to man, and in such a twisted society one can now “smoke-weed” in exotic flavors and suck even more exotic drugs into their lungs via “much wantonness.” There is always a destructive consequence to being gripped in a vice; emphasis is on “destructive”, i.e. “pernicious.”

False teachers and destructive (pernicious) ways are prevalent, persistent, and promoted, even by our government today. Many are gripped in those ways, even those who name the name of Christ; though he came to break our bondage and set us free. Which is why we regularly echo the promise given to Solomon, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2Chron 7:14). America is in dire need of that healing, but it only comes with a turning; a turning called “repentance.”

Msg #2132 The Depraved, Antediluvian, and Rainbow People

Peter writes, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:...” (2Pet3:1) Genesis 6, Psalm 14, and Romans 3 give insight into man's depravity and man has no pure mind, until he has a quickened mind. A quickened soul knows Christ and out of Christ's mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword (Rev1:16, Heb4:12)... it is the Word of God, and men are trifling with that two-edged sword today, but the inerrant, infallible verbally inspired Word is still powerful and irresistible. By their own admission modernist ecumenical translators have no inspired Bible.

We are in the Last Days and the willingly ignorant scoffers are rampant. They deny the creation of the world by the spoken Word of God as recorded in the written Word of God. They deny the world flood wherein God destroyed man because of their depravity. Some “scholars” suppose it was naughty angels that brought the world flood, and some suppose those antediluvians of verse 6 belong in some fictitious gap invented and inserted in Genesis 1. God says what he means and means what he says. It was a six day creation and “every imagination of the thoughts of (man's) heart was only evil continually.”

Some twisted deviants grab up God's rainbow to suppose that he won't judge them; some twisted president has that queer rainbow flag flying at our foreign embassies, but Peter says the scorners are “reserved unto fire (not water) against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (3:7).

The good news is that man does not have to live under that condemnation. Any whosoever could choose eternal life and find no condemnation. Someone needs to tell them... and so we have been commissioned (Matt28:19-20, Mark16:15, Luke24:46-48, John2021, Acts1:8).

Msg #2133 The Onslaught of Immorality.

In light of the onslaught of emails from transfriendly provocateurs I have generated this response:

Nicole Beyers, Ref 7/8/2021 Re Can Good Samaritan Baptist Church help trans customers

Thank you for writing. We at GSBC are sinner friendly, believing that our Lord Jesus Christ can save anyone no matter how deep in sin they are sunk. Consequently we are transgender, non-binary and LGBT&Q friendly. Attached is an open letter that details that friendliness. If you have any further questions please call on us.

Christianity is not a condemning religion, but many have practiced condemnation in its name. Nor is Christianity a condoning religion, while many have pretended that God will condone any sin that His creatures tangle with, because God is love. In the strictest definition 'Christianity' is not a 'religion' at all: it is a relationship, a relationship with God through Christ of the Bible. Please take a moment to read this letter from a Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It will cut through all the hype and denominational garbage of churches and lay out, as plainly as can be stated, what the Bible says about your condition, and your status with your Creator. Don't dismiss this letter lightly.

'Religion' is what man can DO, and 'DO religiously', in order to be well pleasing to, and finally accepted by his Creator. Officially there are over 242 major 'Christian' denominations and 252 opinions of what one must DO. The Bible, however, is explicit: there is only one act, there is only one thing that man can “do”, which will separate them from their Creator for all eternity. That one thing has nothing to do with your sexual orientation or your opinion on homosexuality, it has everything to do with your relationship with the Only Begotten Son of God.

The Bible states emphatically that, “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). Further clarifying that, “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one” (vr. 11-12). 'Sin' is man falling short of God's expectations and commandments. All have sinned. The verse of Hebrew law stating that, “If a man lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination” (Leviticus 20:13). clarifies that, although it may not have made his top ten list, the homosexual act is still, and is emphatically designated as a sin. That law from God was given to the Hebrews to ensure the continuation and sanctification of the Hebrew society; the society God chose to reveal Jehovah God to mankind, the society that provided the Words of God, written down, and the society that provided the promised Seed of Woman, the Messiah (Hebrew), the Christ (Greek). For the perpetuation of that Hebrew society, the penalty for violation of God's law was very strict, very corporal, very swift. The verse of Hebrew law continues, “They shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:13b). In Hebrew society, the death penalty was common for acts of disobedience. There is no provision for the continuation of the Hebrew Laws or its strict and harsh punishments after the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God. But neither is there cause to dismiss or lighten God's definition of sin; in fact, Jesus, the Christ, heightens its definition to say, if you are lusting, you are guilty of adultery, if you are hating without a cause, you are guilty of murder (Matthew 5-7). For Christianity, the whole purpose of the law is to demonstrate that, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). 'All' means 'all'. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6a).

Since all have sinned, then all are guilty, and all are condemned under the law. If you are guilty of violating one commandment, then you are guilty of all (James 2:10). The gospel that Christianity is supposed to preach to every creature is that, “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). The wages of sin is death, and we are already under that condemnation (6:23), but Christ took our place. The Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, was our substitute, and when we believe and accept what he has done for us, we have forgiveness of all sin and he 'quickens' inside of us, an eternal life that shall never perish (John 3:16). With that much background information anyone can get an Authorized King James Bible and read John 3:16-18, 36, 5:24 and Romans 10:9-10, 13 and be saved from their sin the Bible way, which Jesus said was the only way (John 14:6).

You can find an Episcopal Priest, or any other Church Clergy, who will tell you that 'sodomy' is not sin, and God accepts you as you are, no matter how you are living. You can find a Bible thumping crazy man who says homosexuality is the awfullest sin in existence, it is an unpardonable sin, he will say, and God has given you up to uncleanness and vile affections, he will quote (Romans 1:24,26). The Bible reality, however, is that “sodomy”, clearly defined in a dictionary; is “sin”, clearly defined in a dictionary. So is adultery, murder, lying, using God's name in vain, stealing and coveting; and further, every human born into this world is born guilty of sin and condemned under God's law. The good news, called the gospel of Jesus Christ, is that God will save every 'whosoever' that will call on him and ask him to be Lord and Saviour of their soul (John 3:16-18, 36, 5:24, Roman 10:9-10, 13).

To the parents and friends of one tangled in the sin of homosexuality: 1) God can save anybody (Isaiah 59:1). 2) God is not willing that any should perish (2Peter 3:9). 3) The only unpardonable sin is to leave this life without repenting and calling on the Only Begotten Son of God (John 3:16-18). And 4) God hears and answers prayers of his children,... when they become his children (John 14:13). May God bless you for hearing this Bible truth. My prayer is that you will meet the Author of Perfect Peace and call on him to be your Lord and Saviour.

And Further: A notable Independent Baptist Preacher included this information in a message he preached recently:

“These San Francisco Sodomite Choir Lyrics were sung and found online this week, before they were hastily taken down:

“You think we're sinful, you fight against our rights. You say we all lead lives that you cannot respect. But you are just frightened, you think we'll corrupt your kids if our agenda goes unchecked. Funny, just this once, your correct.

“We'll convert your children, happens bit by bit, quietly and suddenly, and you will barely notice it. You can keep them from the disco, warn of San Francisco, make them wear a pleated pant, we don't care! We'll convert your children, we'll make then toll-er-ant.

“Just like you worried, they'll change their group of friends. You won't approve of where they go at night. Oh, and you'll be so disgusted when they start finding things on line; things that you've kept far from there sight... you'll still think your alright...Guess what?

“We'll convert your children, reaching one and all, there is really no escaping it, we'll convert your children, to us they'll surely fall.”

Hey, Hey, wake up! They may try to convert my children, but by God's grace I'm going to tell my children the truth, God did not create Adam and Steve, God created Adam and Eve, male and female created he them, marriage is a man and a woman, that is what God ordained; no matter what is legalized in this nation, that is what marriage is, and that is the stable platform where God intended children to be born and reared in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! Amen, and Amen!

Msg #2134 Longsuffering, Gentleness, Goodness

In a study of Peter's two epistles to date we have seen that saints suffer persecution; Jesus said it would be so, (John 15:18), Paul confirmed it as universal (2Tim3:12), and Peter says, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold … might be found unto praise and honour...”, again “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: ... to the will of God”, and again “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, ... But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, ... ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1Pet 1:7,4:1-2,12-13).

Thus in his second epistle Peter exhorts true believers, “giving all diligence, add to your faith...We have also a more sure word of prophecy; ... holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” and further “there shall be false teachers among you” (2Pet 1:5,19,21,2:1). Because of false teacher's teachings we have clarified from 2Peter 3:1-7 that there is no evolution; no gap in the creation account; all things were created in six days, to include all the hosts of heaven; naughty angels did not cause the world flood (it was the depravity of man, not the depravity of angels); and God says what he means, and mean what he says. Now in verse 8-9 Peter drives home three pungent truths. The Lord does not operate on my time scale, the Lord is not slack concerning his promises, and the Lord is longsuffering. In the last of the last days, in dealing with a Marxist-socialist takeover of my country, I need an extra dose of the Spiritual fruit, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness. Perhaps you do too.

Msg #2135 Know-Grow-Show-Go

God wrote it and Peter closes his contribution with a very pertinent 'Wherefore' and an always significant 'Therefore' (2Pet 3:14,17). A Bible pun says, “When you find a 'wherefore' see what it's there-for.” Peter's 'Wherefore' says, “Beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found #1 in peace, be found #2 without spot, and be found #3 blameless” (vr.14). And it is 'there-for' the fact that all this world, all our physical possessions, all we see here, is going to dissolve and burn! Further, we are 'hasting' toward “the coming day of God” (3:10-13). So, “What manner of persons ought ye to be?” In the last of the last days “children of the light” (cf Luke 16:8, John 12”36, Eph 5:8,1Thes 5:5) ought to #1 have peace, #2 be without spot, and #3 be found blameless.

Peter's 'Therefore' says, “Beware” you will either grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, or you will be led away with error and “fall from your own steadfastness” (2Pet 3:17). Peter starts his first epistle with instruction to Know, Grow, Show, and Go (1Pet 1:18,2:2,9,21). Mark them in your Bible. He starts his second epistle with instruction that grace and peace are multiplied through knowledge of our Lord, which comes from adding to our faith VKTPGK&C (2Pet 1:2,5-7), and “if ye do these things ye shall never fall” (vr.10).

Remember that Peter is writing to strangers scattered throughout PGC&B, “pilgrims” going through real sufferings and persecutions! He writes, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered... arm yourselves with the same mind” (1Pet 4:1). In America, we suffer pressure, not persecution. This week in Afghanistan Christians with a Bible or a Bible-app had their hands and/or heads cut off! Arm yourselves and cease from sin (4:1).

Msg #2136 An Apostasy Root

In Jesus' “prophetic history of the church”² the single “somewhat” our Lord Jesus Christ, who was and is in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, raises against the early church is that they left their first love (Rev 2:1-7). That is tragic. It is a foretold malady of our day. These seven messages in Revelation 2 and 3, apply miraculously to the actual churches called out, to periods of church history unfolding, to every church then till now, and to our individual Christian lives. God writes this awesome Revelation “to show his servants things which must shortly come to pass” (Rev 1:1). Its been retorted, “Rejoice that they 'came to pass' and are not here to stay”, but we are not here to stay either, nor are the material “things” we cling to in this world. The Apostle Peter already told us “seeing thin that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness?” (2Pet 3:11).

The church at Ephesus had work, labour, and patience, they could not bear the evil of their day, they detected and abolished the fake apostles, they did not faint,... but they “left their first love.” At salvation one is overwhelmed with the truth, “Jesus loves me, this I know.” The Puffers sing a song, “Jesus knows me this I love.” When that overwhelming stops, when “things” occupy our days, when circumstances control our thoughts, and we cease being ministers of reconciliation (2Cor 5:19), we are guilty of that ugly sin called out to Ephesus in Revelation 2:4. We need to do what our Lord commands in verse 5, else we plunge into the horrid apostasy described in his other six messages to the churches. It's trending. Jesus said it would.

Msg #2137 Don't Judaize Christianity

The Lord Jesus Christ's first three messages to the churches detail a progression in time (and in the leaven that leavens), from a first church, to a persecuted church, to a married to the world church. His “somewhat against thee” to Ephesus was not trivial, they left their first love and were commanded repent-or-else! But they did hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans which he hated. In his third message, however, Pergamos was holding to that doctrine and he hated that the more. Having priestcraft or having clergy lord over laity is what our Lord was hating here, and he still hates it. Christianity is not to have men in black dresses and backward collars; God hates it. Those who pretend to be clergy should pay attention.

The second of the messages, to the church which would be crushed by ten periods of great persecution, even as crushed myrrh (smyrna) releases its most powerful fragrance, addresses “the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.” (Rev 2:9b). Grant, Ironside's teacher, provides a profound insight to this Judaizing of Christianity, and is worth reading³. Judaism is a “works of the law – but you can never see God's face” type of religion. The verdict is in on that dispensation, the sentence has been past, “There is none righteous, no not one!” Once sentence is past, it is feckless to re argue the trial; keeping the law cannot save. Judaism has an unrent veil between God and man. Christianity has the blood of Christ, the veil rent from the top down (Matt 15:38), and is a “not by works of righteousness which we have done” type of religion. Don't mix Judaism, preistcraft n clergy, works of law n synagogues into Christ's church.

A Religious Belief Exemption

Many are giving “sincerely held” religious belief exemptions a second look, and some are requiring that they be written down. Here is a draft that can get a Christian on the right track.

In that a progressive, liberal left controlled faction or entity of my government has mandated that an inoculation, for a supposed pandemic (such as COVID-19), be administered against my will, against my physical and medical desires, and against my better judgment,

And in that that faction or entity denies that my Lord Jesus Christ is my Creator, my Saviour, and my Sustainer to suppose, via their science-so-called, that all things “evolved” into being, to including this pathogen,

And in that that faction or entity rejects and denies that God Created and finely tunes the human immune system that their mandated inoculation messes with,

And in that that faction or entity denies the clear evidence that a God given, superior, natural immunity may be already acquired,

And in that that faction or entity knows that their mandated inoculation will not completely eliminate the contraction nor spread of the pathogen,

And in that that faction or entity has in the past denied, misconstrued, lied about, and falsified the possibilities and severity of side effects of the inoculation,

And in that that faction or entity has in the past made power-mongering dictates against churches and other conservative entities,

And in that the COVID-19 inoculations are not a normal vaccine made from a weakened strain of the pathogen that your body in turn develops a natural immunity to, but it is some sort of RNA altering cocktail of toxic substances that your body fights off and consequently ends up with some sort of cocktail of un-natural immunities that, in many people, lessens the effect of the COVID-19 virus (there being a myriad of side effects of this type of inoculation, side effects that are just now showing themselves, and will unfold over the next few years),

And in that my Holy Bible commands that as a born-again, converted to Christ, blood bought believer, my body is not my own (nor the property of my government) but the temple of God, ... “your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1Cor. 6:19-20, The Holy Bible),

And in that other, more conservative, government entities are vehemently opposed to the progressive liberal left's mandates of this inoculation,

And in that getting this inoculation should be a personal and voluntary decision based on my medical, personal, and spiritual beliefs and considerations,

I hereby declare my personal, sincerely held, religious belief exempting me from a government or employer's mandated COVID-19 inoculation on religious grounds because such a mandate is against the very nature of freedom of religion articulated in the First Amendment.

Msg #2138 The Church, A Prophetic Train Wreck

In our Lord's prophetic history of the church there is first a phase where she detects false apostles, hates priestcraft-n-clergyism, but leaves her first love. A second, where she refuses incorporating worldly ways, Judaism, and Satan's synagogue, and goes through severe persecutions. A third that dwells where Satan's seat is (wherein Constantine mandates individuals in the Roman Empire to, “Be a Christian or Die”). There, with the world assimilated into the church, the doctrine of Balaam and Priestcraft/Clergyism takes full hold of His church. Grant writes, “All systems in which the Church is made a means of salvation, instead of the company of the saved, is so. When people join churches in order to be saved, these churches become the common receptacle of sinners and saints alike.” [pg63]

A fourth phase then finds “thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants …” (Rev2:20). That Jezebel is not the flagrant disregard of scripture that puts women in pulpits, that's a Laodicean thing of the last days. Jezebel is the “Church Teachings” that override the Holy Bible. It is Mary worship, transubstantiation, indulgences, creeds, catholicness and catholic mass. Protestants took Jezebel right through the Reformation with them, and in the fifth phase the church that Jesus founded “hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (3:1). Jesus laid out a prophetic history of the church that is a train wreck in the works. And so it is fulfilled. We can read the annuls of history and see the parallel. We can comprehend the ending “that thou art neither cold nor hot: … So then because thou art lukewarm, … I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (3:15-16). Be sure you are in a Bible believing church, there are many impostors.

Msg #2139 Be Philadelphian

Jesus' prophetic history of the church is pretty disparaging up to this point. A left first love, a persecution from the synagogue of Satan, doctrines of Balaam and Nicolaitans, and the suffrage for Jezebel leaves a church with “thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead” (Rev.2,3:1). But everything changes, for a moment, in the message to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. There is a minority, a remnant of the church as it were, whom Jesus said, “thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name” (3:8).

“If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small” (Prov.24:10). “Strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.” (Ps.68:28b). Hey Joshua, “Be strong and of a good courage ...” (Deut.31:6, cf. 1Cor.16:13, Eph.6:10, 2Tim.2:1).

Thou hast kept my word … hide it in your heart (Ps.119:11), bountifully (vr.17), in affliction (vr.67), more than the ancients (vr.100), and refraining from evil (vr.101, 168), because that's what genuine believers do (Jhn.17:6)! Philadelphians do not deny his name; they walk in paths of righteousness for his names sake (Ps.23:3). They receive a child (Lu.9:48), Ask-Seek-n-Knock (Jhn.14:14), and fill with the Holy Ghost (vr.26) in his name. Philadelphians keep the word of Christ's patience … “for even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example” … (1Pet.2:21).

Philadelphians hold fast to the five available crowns (Glory&Honor, Heb.2:7; Righteousness, 2Tim.4:8; Life, Ja.1:12, Rev.2:10; Soul-Winners-Rejoicing, 1Thes.2:19; and Pastor's, 1Pet.5:4). They are pre-millennial and pre-tribulational in looking for Christ's coming, i.e. they are kept from the hour, and know that Christ has the Key of David. Be Philadelphian in these last days! Keep his word, don't deny his name, and add to your faith … patience (2Pet.1:5-7).

Shortening Bread

We Love your singing and 12 string skills. There was a Senator Forgothisname from Indiana who played piano and sung silly songs at Hosier Hills Baptist Camp back in the nineteen hundreds. Like, he sang about the seven sons of Sceva to the tune of “Tiger by the Tail”; about Jezebel to the tune of “Your Cheating Heart”; about Absalom to the tune of “Hair”; and about John-the-Baptist's Leather n Locus to the tune of “A Country Song I Don't Recall”. Anyway, he sung a song about Elijah to the little ditty about shortening bread and it always brought joy to Bev and I and smiles when we sung it with my 12 string. The words go:

I think there were a couple more verses but I lost them. We still have fun with this song, and wish I could find that VHS tape that had Senator Forgothisname singing.

Msg #2140 Understanding Last Things in Last Days

We're in the last of the last days and there are three essential concepts to understanding the doctrine of last things. First there is coming a kingdom age where Christ will fulfill the promises made to the nation of Israel. “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins” (Rom.11:26). The disciples with the risen Christ asked, “Wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times …” (Acts.1:6-7). But it will happen!

Secondly know, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass”, … records, “the things which shall be hereafter” (Rev.1:1,19).

And third know the hereafter comes after this dispensation of grace, the church age, closes. “Dispensation” and “stewardship” come from the same Greek word. Jesus gives multiple stewardship parables (Luk.16,19,20 Matt.21,25, Mrk.12), and then Paul uses that same stewardship principle stating, “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God … Which is now revealed … That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (Eph.3:2-6). The church age must end before the dispensation of the fullness of times (Eph.1:10) arrives. And before the King of kings receives his kingdom, the Title-Deed of this world must be opened, and “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” (Rev.5:5). With that understood, study the Revelation. Without it, flounder.

Msg #2141 Ministers of Reconciliation

Alas, after the Lord Jesus Christ comes FOR his church, meets them in the clouds, carries us off to a reward-judgment of works, and his Bride attends his marriage supper of the Lamb, there is a calamity coming to this world that defies our imagination (1Thes.4:16-5:6; 1Cor.3:13; Rev.19:7;Matt.24:21). We are seeing the “tip of the iceburg,” as it were, as our own country plunges into socialism, and embraces a Godless communism; it is nothing less than diabolical. When the Holy Ghost, present now in saints, is withdrawn, and the Lamb that is worthy begins to peel back the seven seals on the title-deed of this world, there begins a judgment of the nations that defies description, but is captured in his.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, spells it out and a Christian needs to be a student of that detail for three primary reasons. First, John 15:15 makes it a test of your intimate friendship with our Lord. If a friend lays out all his plans for the future and all you can say is, “Awe, who cares about that, let's go fishing!” You are not a real friend. Second, it is ennobling to the point that it might be said of you, “But of the times and the season, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you” (1Thes.5:1). For the believer there is comfort in his words.

Third, understanding the things of the future is empowering to the minister of reconciliation. The Apostle Paul says, “Wherefore we labour … 1) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, … 2) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, … 3) For the Love of Christ constraineth us … and (God) hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (2Cor.5:9-11,14,18). Let's be emboldened ministers of reconciliation.

Msg #2142 Eating the Little Book

Just before the seventh angel sounds his trumpet (Rev.11:15), and the title-deed of the world is given over to the “Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David” (5:5), and “Michael and his angels (fight) against the dragon... and his angels” (12:7), the Revelation of Jesus Christ pauses for some “parentheticals” (as they have been called in eschatology). Revelation 10 is a keenly interesting one. No mean angel, most likely Christ himself, “set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth And cried with a loud voice … And when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices” (vr.2-3). John is told, “Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered and write them not” (vr.4). There are things that God's wisdom has purposely kept from us. Bible “know-it-alls” expend great effort trying to teach these “secret things” despite Deuteronomy 29:29. When a know-it-all is encountered, just back away slowly.

Next that angel is instructed to give John a little open book and says, “Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey” (vr.9). The sixty-six books, 1,189 chapters, 31,101 verses of the Holy Bible are all available to be eaten. Get yourself a spoon and fork. Biblical prophecy is precious sweet, but bitter in three ways. Knowing “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2Cor.5:10), and we are not “perfect” as our Father is, and requires, can be a bitter pill to swallow. Knowing family divisions of Luke 12:51-53 is a bitter pill. Knowing the coming terror of the Lord, his wrath that causes our fellow man to “gnaw their tongue in pain, and blaspheme the God of heaven because of their pain and their sores, and not repent of their deeds” (Rev.16:10-11) … just knowing that depravity of man is a bitter pill to swallow! God is good. God is just. The love of Christ constraineth us to persuade men. Let's be about the Fathers business.

Msg #2143 Wilt Thou Not Revive Us Again?

There was something that eclipsed Isaiah's view of the LORD God and when that obstruction was removed he had a revival: a surge and restoration of life and consciousness. Finney defined revival, “a new beginning of obedience to God.” In the last of the last days we pray for revival but often forget God's first ingredient, “If my people, which are called by my name …” What is it that impedes your view of God? Worldliness? Idolatry? Covetousness? An unforgiving spirit? God can remove what eclipses our view of him. There were twenty southern kings, thirteen were evil. Uzziah was good, but “In the year that king Uzziah died”, says Isaiah, “I saw also the LORD …” For revival an individual, a family, a church, a nation needs a removal of what eclipses our view of the LORD God, and then a revelation of his holiness. Isaiah records it for us (Isa.6:1-4), and then said, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts” (Vr.5).

First, I need to see the LORD in a right perspective, with “Nothing between my soul and my Saviour, naught of this world's delusive dream; I have renounced all sinful pleasure, Jesus is mine; there's nothing between.” [Charles A. Tindley] “God, remove what would eclipse my seeing your holiness, so I see the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.” Second, I need to see myself in a right perspective (vr.5-7). Third I need to see the world in a right perspective, and lastly I need a servants heart (vr.8-13). Lord, “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” Ps.85:6. [Outlined by Evangelist Gerald Fielder 10/24/2021]

Msg #2144 The Upcoming Two Suppers

A hundred-and-twenty years ago Henry Ironside penned twenty-two lectures on the Revelation of Jesus Christ and his twentieth, titled “The Two Suppers”, begins:

“WE are to be occupied with two opposite scenes on this occasion; one of which is to take place very shortly in heaven, and the other on earth. Both are called Suppers. The one is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The other is the Great Supper of God. The first is all joy and gladness. The second is a scene of deepest gloom and anguish. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb ushers in the fulness of glory for the heavenly saints. The Great Supper of God concludes the series of judgments that are to fall upon the prophetic earth, and opens the way for the establishment of the long-waited-for kingdom of God.

“When I use the term “the prophetic earth,” I refer to the Roman earth; that is, to that portion of the world which lies within what were once the confines of the Roman Empire, and in addition to this, that part of the world where Babylon will hold sway at the time of the end. As I understand it, the heathen nations that have not yet taken professedly Christian ground will not be included in the scene upon which God’s heaviest judgments will fall, though necessarily all the world will suffer in measure when Christendom and Judaism are visited by the fires of His wrath. “The day of God’s red heavens” will be world-wide, but its intensity will be upon the prophetic earth.

“After the harlot Babylon has passed out of the vision of the apostle, his attention is transferred to heaven, and he tells us ... Rev.19:6-7 …”

It is worth every Bible student's time to finish Ironside's lecture. Found in the Eschatology volume chapter 5 at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/theology God Bless.

Msg #2145 A Grand Stander Not A Grandstander

Eleven months into the hostile takeover by socialists using American Marxism, it behooves Christians to rehearse the Apostle Peter's charge to those facing a similar diabolical onslaught. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pet.1:13). I previously wrote, “The picture of garment parts dangling loose and in the way, causing a stifled and dangerous walk is herein applied to the mind.” Noah Webster's 1828 definition of sober includes, “Not mad or insane; not wild, visionary or heated with passion; having the regular exercise of cool dispassionate reason.” Much of what humans do is solely for the applause of others, but herein Christians are charged to NOT be visionary or heated with passion. That is opposite of our nature. We are charged to keep our hope and our eyes on our Lord Jesus Christ. Believers were called Christians because they acted like, and re-acted like Christ. The Apostle goes on, “As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (vrs.14-16). On into this charge Peter says, “he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin” (4:1). Indeed being locked into this fray can cause us to be the more sober and to be the more holy. A grandstander “performs with an eye to the applause from spectators.” Don't be a grandstander be a grand stander. Let us “hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” He's coming soon.

Msg #2146 The Savor of Life, The Savor of Death

Our sense of smell can detect a sweet smelling savor, but in God's economy a savor is much more than a sensation of smell. Noah Webster in 1828 called a savor “That which renders a thing acceptable, the quality which renders a thing valuable.” In 2Corinthians 2:14-17 the Bible declares that the knowledge of God, manifest in us, is a sweet smelling savor of Christ. It is a savor in them that are saved, and in them that perish. That is, the manifest knowledge of God in you is a characteristic of great value to both the saved and to the lost. The victory over death we have in Christ is manifest in us and that knowledge of eternal life awakens a knowledge of eternal death in a lost person, as it enlivens a knowledge of their eternal life in the saved person. The victory over the world, the flesh, and the Devil, a victory only attained when we are “crucified with Christ” (Gal.2:20), when that is manifest to a lost person it awakens a knowledge of their bondage to sin, but it enlivens the importance of dying daily in the saved person; whether they are new converts or old codgers. Consider those four sentences again and notice anew the importance of manifesting a knowledge of God both in life eternal, and in dying daily. … Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?

Msg #2147 Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nation are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We know that by his divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in their world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end or our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

Msg #2148 Dear Genuine Disciple

While standing among an innumerable multitude of people Jesus teaches his disciples a very personal, very powerful, thirteen point message. It is recorded in Luke 12 and Peter stops Jesus in the middle and askes, “Are talking to me?” (vr.41). Any Bible student loves Jesus' answer, but lets first outline his thirteen points from the beginning.

At this point Peter jumps in with his question, and Jesus answers, “I don't know, Peter, are you a faithful and wise steward?”(vr.41-44)

Anyone who rips this chapter apart to study its pieces separately is in danger of taking scripture completely out of context. These are powerful points made strictly to his genuine disciples. We should all be careful to rightly divide the word of truth, and Luke 12 is a dense-pack of truth for the true disciple of Christ. You gotta love it.

Msg #2149 1^st Advent Prophecy

After a Bible study in a USAF research facility an engineer I worked with was told by his Rabbi that he was not allowed to read Isaiah 53. He never had, we immediately did, and every Christian should. “The Old Testament foreview of the coming of Messiah is in two aspects – that of suffering and rejection (as e.g. in Isa.53), and that of earthly glory and power (as e.g. in Isa.11, Jer.23, Ezek.37). Often these two blend into one passage (e.g. Ps.2). The prophets themselves were often perplexed by this seeming contradiction (as Peter aptly clarified, 1Pet.1:10-11). It was fully solved by fulfillment. [C. I. Scofield] Jesus Christ himself delineated which prophecies pertained to his first Advent, and consequently the study of these scriptures is “ennobling”, as Scofield puts it. The tribe the Messiah would come from, the blessing he would bring, and the immediate task at hand are backtracked through Genesis 49:10, 12:3b, and 3:15. Then 642 years later, after Moses, Mt Sinai (1492BC), Joshua , Judges and King Saul, … David was told Messiah would sit on his throne (2Sam.7:16), and wrote he would be the only Begotten Son of God (Ps.2). Then, 300 years later, Isaiah signed Messiah's virgin birth and assigned him five miraculous names (Isa.7:14, 9:6-7). Thirty two year later Micah tells us where Messiah will be born (Mic.5:2) and Mat.2:18 tells us Jeremiah wrote down the woe caused by Herod's slaughter of the innocents. Mat.2:15 and 23 show we missed Hosea's prophecy that Jesus would come out of Egypt, and Isaiah's prophecy that he would be called a Nazarene. That is the tip of the iceberg, as it were, for first advent prophecies. We learn such scriptures often have a latent and deeper meaning than first appears, and that 2Tim.2:15 is for every believer.

Msg #2150 First Advent Angels

Much has been written about angels, more has been presumed and misunderstood. The Bible has no dissertation on angels but some insight comes in examining the angels around the First Advent of our Lord. Of angels the Bible says, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb.1:14). Before the angel of the Lord heralded to the shepherds, bringing good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people, he was busy in the other preparations. As a “ministering spirit” he appears to a certain priest named Zacharias, and reveals to him that his soon coming son would prepare the way for the soon coming Messiah. That angel answered Zacharias' wavering faith saying, “I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings” (Lk.1:19).

Gabriel then appears “to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary” (1:27). He reveals God's whole plan for his Son, the Messiah, from his birth to his seat on the throne of his father David. After this an angel comes to Joseph in a dream to reveal to him what God was doing, and why before they came together Mary was found with child. Gabriel said to both Mary and then to Joseph his name was to be JESUS (Lu.1:21). To Joseph he revealed that the child was “of the Holy Ghost” and was a fulfillment of, “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel,...” (Mt.1:23). In Christmas celebrations angels only minister in the background, our Lord and Saviour is in the foreground. Merry Christmas.

Msg #2151 First Advent Shepherds n Heralds

Shepherds and sheep play a major role in God's communication to man about the redemption of man. He chose shepherds to be the primary heralds announcing the miraculous birth (Lu.2:17) of the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world (Joh.1:29,36). That Saviour of man (Mat.1:21), our Passover Lamb (1Cor.5:7), was born in God's promised land (Ex.32:13), in Bethlehem (Mic.5:2) in the spring when tens of thousands of lambs were born while shepherds watched their flocks by night (Lu.2:8). The prophet said, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him (our Passover lamb) the iniquity of us all.” (Isa.53:6). And so the Son of God (Mat.14:33), the Messiah (Joh.1:41), being born of a virgin and called Emmanuel (Mt.1:23), as the “seed of woman” (Gen.3:15), became flesh and dwelt among us (Joh.1:14). He was the Good Shepherd that giveth his life for the sheep (Joh.10:11, Ps.22). He is the Great Shepherd that causes “I shall not want” (Heb.13:20, Ps.23). And He is the Chief Shepherd that will soon appear (1Pet.5:4, Ps.24).

One who pastures sheep came to be called a pastor, and Jesus said his congregations need one of those so not to be like sheep which have no shepherd (Num.27:16-17). A good Pastor is to (1) feed sheep, (2) strengthen the flock, (3) bind up the broken, (4) bring again that which was driven away, and (5) seek that which was lost (Ezek.34:2-4, Joh.21:15-17). Do you have a good Pastor? Are you fed and led in paths of righteousness for HIS names sake? Am I, as a pastor, feeding and leading like a shepherd should? Do I muster to God's shepherd-performance five point checklist? In God's economy, sheep and shepherds are a big deal.

Msg #2152 Post-Christmas Worship

“And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary … behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS” (Lu.1:30-31). In December we worship our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ by examining the birth of his forerunner, Gabriel's dealings with Joseph, the manger, swaddling clothes, shepherds, and wise men. Look now at seven things Gabriel announces about our Lord. 1) “Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb … “ Isaiah states, “Behold a virgin shall conceive … “ (Isa.7:14). 2)“Call his name JESUS” Matthew reports, “for he shall save his people from their sin” (Mt.1:21). The name Jesus speaks of his humanity and, by definition of his role as Saviour. 3) “He shall be great, … ” Isaiah reports “his name shall be called … The mighty God, The everlasting Father … ” (Isa.9:6), that is the prince of “great!” 4) “And shall be called the Son of the Highest … ”:The psalmist reports “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee “ (2:7). He introduces himself as such to Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus called himself the “Son of man” eighty-two times, and “Son of God” only forty-six times because, to him being the son of man was the greater wonder. 5) “And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David … ” again the psalmist reports “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion … ” (2:6). 6) “And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever … ” this signifies a united kingdom that had not been united for over 900 years, (now 2,900 years!). 7) “And of his kingdom there shall be no end” Praise his holy name. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Msg #2201 A Three Day Rant

The Holy Bible has 1,189 chapters, 31,101 verses, and if you read it through in 2022 you will average 3 ¼ chapters, 85 ¼ verses, per day and have read Genesis 1-11 before the first Monday sunset. My sweet wife and I did that aloud and, bless her heart, she listened to my “six-day creation” rant after every “it was good … the evening and morning were the X^th day”, my “anti-evolution” rant with every “after his kind” mention, and my “Ps.33:6 - all the hosts of heaven were created VERY GOOD and Lucifer was there!” rant at chapter-1 verse-31! And that was just in the first chapter, this went on for three days.

In 3:15, despite the listed order, the promised Messiah with a bruised heel would stomp Satan's head. On Sunday, reading four chapters we discussed the 2^nd dispensation wherein the first born man became the first first-degree murder. And then there was the half hour dissertation proving that “sons of God” did not produce giants, were not angels, and that it was most certainly Adam, Seth, and his eight offspring present when “the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD.” Further it happens now as it happened in Job 1:6 that “Satan came also among them!” Don't be a misguided Nephilim lover!

There was a rant about the “science-so-called” evolutionist who flatly deny the world flood. They can produce a genetically modified pig that has no Alpha-Gal protein, but they cannot genetically modify a dog into a Clydesdale horse, or a lizard into a bald eagle! Follow the science, indeed! The different languages did not evolve here, and Abram, his dad, and his gggg-grandfather Eber, all went to Noah's funeral. What an interesting three days, wish you coulda been here, … without COVID.

Msg #2202 Worship At Calvary

“Worship” first occurs in the Holy Bible in Genesis 22:5 and involved the sacrificial offering of an only begotten son. Previous the same Hebrew word was used when Abram “bowed<07812> himself to the ground” and then Lot “bowed<07812> himself with his face toward the ground” (Gen.18:2, 19:1), but here Abram purposely sets out to worship saying, “I and the lad will go yonder and worship <07812>, and come again to you” (22:5). Worship involved Faith in God, Obedience to God, Sacrifice, Cost, Fear of God, and a Physical Action. Further notice in this instance that the place of worship was specified and not of Abraham's choosing, it involved the whole family, and it involved, as an integral part, the sacrifice of his only begotten son. It behooves a believer to examine his worship, bow himself to the ground showing his submission and surrender, and be sure he includes these attributes of true worship.

In verse 14 the place of this worship, emphasized in verses 2, 3, and 9. is given the name, “Jehovah-jireh,” meaning “In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.” Indeed it was seen. That place, where Abraham would have sacrificed his only begotten son, and God did sacrifice his only begotten Son, that place where David dropped off the head of his enemy Goliath (1Sam17:54) and God bruised the head of his enemy Satan (Gen.3:15), that mount that eroded off the backside of Mount Moriah and took on the shape of a skull, came to be called Golgotha. There they crucified the King of glory (Matt.27:33, Mrk.15:22, Jn. 19:17). Nineteen-hundred years after it was titled “In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen,” it was seen. Nineteen hundred years after it was seen, we worship there, … at Calvary.

Msg #2203 The Church, God's Camels?

The epic chapter describing how a bride is secured for Isaac, Abraham's only begotten son, mentions camels eighteen times. The curious Bible student would suppose camels might be a significant aspect of the quest for a bride for the Father's Son. Camels are unclean in that they don't chew their cud, but they do have a cloven hoof which cleans itself from the dirt and muck of this world, and is also ideally suited for desert terrain. Its ugly nose can close out sand but suck in the hot desert air. Its beautiful eyelashes filter dust when those huge eyes squint through storms of life. Exaggerated knees are stable in desert sands and made for kneeling. The hump(s) hold a passenger high above the desert floor, and its ability to go for days without water make it ideal for existence in desert wilderness.

The camels that carried the fathers eldest servant across the desert on a quest for a bride for his only begotten son are easily likened to the churches that carry the Holy Ghost into this hostile world on such a quest. The oddities of the camel might be likened to the oddities of the church that thrives in a hostile world. The servant made the camels to kneel at the well where men seek living water. Both the Holy Ghost and the soul winning church are refreshed by willing recipients of So-Great-Salvation, just as Rebekah draws water for the servant and his camels.

Eager to be the bride, without delay Rebekah rides the camels across the desert, quite like the church is to carry the bride of Christ above this vile world. When Isaac announces, “The camels are coming,” the bride lighted off the camel, and unites with the Bridegroom. Chapter close … what an awesome parallel.

Personal Testimony of Pastor Edward Rice. I was saved in 1960 at the age of eight. My father and mother were saved and founding members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Gang Mills New York. In 1958 my dad, Levi O. Rice, an agnostic, was invited by Cecil Palm to be a founding member of that church; both of my parents were born-again-saved two weeks later. My mother, Doris was converted from Roman Catholicism, and became a Christian. She stopped her Roman penance and practiced Bible repentance, stopped praying to Mary and called upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save her. She was thus converted from Roman Catholicism to the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone needs converted from something. Mom and Dad were now born again, and two years later I was saved in revival services with Evangelist Dale and Opel Linbaugh. Opel cut the flannel graph burden of sin off little Christian's back in her Pilgrim's Progress presentation, and I was born-again-saved before it hit the basement floor. In 1995 I retired from the USAF as a systems engineer and became an ordained Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:3).

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A Systematic Theology for the 21st Century - Prolegomena – Bibliology By Dr. Edward Rice 554 pages in paperback: $13.25 There is no Baptist Systematic Theology work in print today, i.e. there is no Systematic Theology work that has the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired word of God as its sole authority. There ought to be. There is a cause. Baptists, by definition, have the inerrant, infallible, inspired Holy Bible as their sole authority for all faith and practice. They should have a systematic theology book that does as well. This is it's first book containing Volume 1 and 2. All 12 Volumes available free via theology or in print via Lulu >

God's Glory, God's Handiwork, and God's Word - The Genesis Account Paperback: $9.00 Prints in 3-5 business days God's inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired word clearly depicts his six-day creation account, his hundred and fifty day world flood account. A believer's faith in that declaration need not be a blind faith. True science, exploring and using Albert Einstein's theories of relativity, can embed these truths into a believers defense of his faith, and put the atheistic evolutionist to shame. This dissertation explores black-holes, algebra's multidimensions, relativity, and the glacier that formed the NYS Finger Lakes, to assemble some tools which ratify God's exacting account of his creation of the universe and flooding of our planet.

The Non-Christian Religions 83 pages in paperback: $9.70 Non-Christian religions are 'cunningly devised fables' and many of them are not even that cunning. They have their roots in a knowledge of the truth which was taken from Noah's kin after the world flood. Man then scattered across our globe after the tower of Babel recorded in Genesis 11. They took with them certain grains of truth. Starting with a premise that the Bible is true and not man-made makes the study of these false religions insightful and intriguing. This is an introductory coverage of Indian Hinduism and its 3 reformations, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism; then Oriental Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism; Zoroastrianism, non-Biblicl Judaism, and finally Islam. All that a Christian needs to know about each of these false religions is presented herein in digest form. A compassionate and eyeopening digest.

Reformed Theology's Reformations Are Not Producing a Biblical Systematic Theology 164 pages in Hardcover: $24.05 Reformed Augustinian Theology is, as its name so aptly captures, a reformation of bad Augustinian Theology that previously framed up the belief system of Roman Catholic Theology. The reformers began the reformation of the Roman Catholic theology and reformations have progressed until a common question is asked “Exactly what is reformed theology?” This work will analyze rate of change for reformation theology.... Is it now circling towards the epicenter of truth, or does it continue in the venue of its mother Church spiraling ever further from the truth? This effort focus and clarifies the position and course of Reformed Augustinian Theology with a clarity never before addressed. More >

Seven Volumes of Penny Pulpit Essays 453 pages in paperback: $19.68 (epub $5) This collection of messages was preached over seven years, in two volumes 2005-12 and 2013-19. They contain the wisdom of God in 364+ essays over multiple topics. Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Weekly messages preached at Good Samaritan Baptist Church are condensed into devotional essays and sent out as weekly Penny Pulpit Columns for local publications. This is an excellent resource for Baptist Pastors and Missionaries. Online at http://wwww.GSBaptistchurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays7vol.pdf

Journaling a Preacher's Pilgrimage to Israel 76 pages in Paperback: $25.50 (B&W $12.40) Travel to Israel for 10 days through this detailed journal of a Baptist Pastor's once in a lifetime educational tour. If you have never visited Israel, do not miss this opportunity to journal through these 10 days. If you plan on visiting Israel, do not go without first taking this 10 day journaling experience. Pastor Ed Rice is a retired USAF Systems Engineer surrendered to be a Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His staunch belief in the preserved accuracy of the inspired Scriptures and his rich background in the history of Bible believing Baptists makes his insights throughout this 10 day tour of Israel pointed and Biblical

The 357 Magnum Errors of Modernist's Critical Texts 141 pages in paperback: $10.66 Now you can see for yourself what the ecumenical modernists have done to the Words of God. In their Greek then modernist English they twisted 357 verses so perversely that 16 were completely eliminated from their bibles. This book illustrates the 357 Scriptures as they were in the original Greek and English, and as they now appear in modernist versions, making it a valuable reference for any Bible student. The words torn out or added to the Nestle Aland Greek text are amply highlighted so knowledge of Greek is not necessary to see the havoc that they purposefully wrought by following the Westcott and Hort text and its Alexandrian texts devised and copied by the apostate, neo-Platonist, gnostic Origen Admantius (185-254 AD). Including a chapter showing Nestle Aland's twisted use of their textual criticism apparatus to eliminate 16 and completely 'gut' 4 verses out of the Holy Bible. Every Christian should be familiar with with what they have done to the Holy Bible and every Pastor must be.

The Biblical Doctrine of Election and Predestination 141 pages in paperback: $18.95 The Author is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh Biblical look at our systematic theology. His Master of Science degree in Engineering enlivens an analytical view of the doctrine of election and predestination. You will be amazed at how much Christian doctrine departs from the Bible and leans on Augustinian Theology and Calvin's Reformed Theology. We need to get back to sound Bible teachings with this doctrine. This treatise will move one in that direction. More >

Job Revisited - The Saviour Sources and Sorrow 42 pages in paperback: $6.00 (Epub $1.99) I set out to write this paper because there were three things I have often seen overlooked in commentary on Job: the Saviour, the Sources and the Sorrow. These have been highlighted in this writing. As I assembled the paper, and researched peoples thoughts on Job I was struck by how little people explore the wonder of God's Word. I trust that the expanded introduction will help the honest Bible student to more fully explore the wonder of this epic Hebrew poem

What the Bible Says, Penny Pulpit Essays of 2005-19 ea 54 pages in paperback: under $10.00ea What the Bible Says in 52 Penny Pulpit Essays by a Rural Pastor with a Royal Message. Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Various topics arranged as they were preached throughout the calendar year.

Dealing With Our Moods And Depressions Biblically Paperback: $10.78 A Constructive Work Book. A Biblical Perspective on Depression and Manic Depression (called Bi-Polar Disorder) Dealing with Life, and Dealing with Others Biblically. More >

Letters to Kassandra Paperback: $8.99 Dear Kassandra, I suppose that all my training and experience as a youth pastor and my education as an engineer and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not of much value if I cannot.communicate the facts of life to my 14 year old grand daughter.... I want to present some facts of life to my teenage granddaughters, Love Grandpa.

Biblical Stewardship and Child Rearing Paperback: $10.66 A parent is given only a short time to raise a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, this book will help.

Dealing With Our Addictions, A Constructive Workbook Paperback: $10.66 A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling. ... I have an addiction. Bible centered counsel on dealing with addictions following... More >

None Dare Call It Wolf 44 pages in paperback: $8.85 A Baptist Preacher captures and raises a malamute pup which teaches some things about the social behavior of wolves, social behavior of dogs and even social behaviors of people. Dogs need to be dominated by their master and people need to be dominated by their Lord. A short story that can bring some joy. More >