Beware ... of Gambling

BEWARE THE SEDUCTIVE FANTASY OF GAMBLING


The subject of gambling rarely is addressed within the church, but it must be in view of the popularity and widespread prominence of state lotteries and other increasingly popular forms of gambling.


What is gambling?


* It originated from the Old English word gammon - the basic concept of a game. Gambling is based on sheer chance and randomness - without skill or personal involvement. It's not like normal competition, in which you strive for a prize by producing something better, by accomplishing something sooner, or by doing something more efficiently.


* In the hope of winning something of greater value, a person risks something of value to the forces of chance beyond his or her control or rational expectation.


* It is accompanied by the notion that the longer you engage in It, the better your odds of succeeding. But sheer random chance never changes its odds, because there are no elements you can control to increase your likelihood of winning.


Recent trends of gambling:


* Annually, $1 trillion are spent on legal and illegal gambling.


* More than 10 million Americans are compulsive gamblers - more than the number of alcoholics.


* Gambling is growing rapidly in popularity and acceptability, and has become convenient - at grocery stores and gas stations, off-track betting parlors, and on the Internet.


The church's position on gambling:


* The church has spoken out very little and done virtually nothing in opposition to the presence and influence of gambling. Government, especially on the state level, is an advocate for gambling, and the church needs to take a stand, expose the evils of gambling, and declare how it's really at odds with the principles of Scripture.


Why gambling is wrong:


* Not justified by the casting of lots. In biblical times lots functioned much like dice. They were made of sheep's knuckle bones, and the roll of those bones indicated a certain meaning. When the people had to make an important decision and had difficulty determining God's will, He sovereignty intervened and caused the lots to fall in such a way as to tell His followers what to do. At no time did anyone ever put something of value at risk.


* Denies the reality of God's sovereignty. Chance, the major promise of gambling's outworking, is the fabric of a human imagination that wants to deny the existence of a sovereign God. The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all (Ps. 103:19).


* Builds on irresponsible stewardship. The worst possible stewardship is for someone to throw God's resources away at the altar of a god called chance or luck. It's idolatry of the worst sort. Nothing we have really belongs to us; it belongs to God, and we should use all of it to His glory (Matt. 6:19-20).


* Erodes the biblical work ethic. We are to earn our bread by the sweat of our brows (Gen. 3:19) not from games of chance. The addictive wagering process saps the good that a decent salary can afford.


* Driven by the sin of covetousness. Gambling - and its accompanying greediness - violates the 10th commandment (Ex. 20:17). It assumes that God has not given us what we ought to have and that there is somehow more wealth that will finally make us happy.


* Builds on the exploitation of others. It exploits people who can least afford to be victims and violates the eighth commandment, You shall not steal (Ex. 20:15). For everyone who wins something at gambling, there are millions of losers - people who have been duped by the seductive marketing appeal of gambling and prompted to throw away large sums of money.

Mission Thoughts on Monday - July 30, 2007

OUT IN THE DARKNESS
(Tune: “I Must Tell Jesus”)

Out in the darkness, lost ones are waiting,
Waiting the light, salvation and love.
They do not know that Jesus will save them,
That He’ll receive them home up above.

They can’t tell Jesus all of their trials,
They must endure their burdens alone.
No one has told them of His salvation,
That He had died their sins to atone.

Why do we linger, why do we tarry?
Now is the time to show them the way.
If we delay, they surely will perish.
We must be busy even today.

Chorus:

Oh, we must tell them.
Yes, we must tell them.
We must not let them perish in vain.
Oh, we must tell them.
Yes, we must tell them.
Hell to avoid, and heaven to gain.

CAMP YES - West

Greetings from Point Roberts, Washington.

We have been at Camp YES (Youth Excited about Salvation) since Monday morning. It was quite a drive from Prince George, BC, some 883 kms or 550 miles.

I have not been posting on BP because of being busy at Camp.

Our grandson, Nic enjoys his first time to Camp YES.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Roberts,_Washington

A geopolitical oddity, Point Roberts is a small unincorporated community in Whatcom County, Washington, United States. An exclave of the United States, it sits on the southernmost tip of the Tsawwassen Peninsula, south of Delta, British Columbia, Canada.

Point Roberts can only be reached from the rest of the U.S. by traveling through Canada or crossing Boundary Bay. Other exclaves of this type include the Northwest Angle, Minnesota; Elm Point, Minnesota; and on a larger scale, the state of Alaska.

Friday Funnies - Dead Church?

A paramedic was asked on a local TV talk-show program: "What was your most unusual and challenging Emergency call?"

The paramedic replied, "Recently, we got a call from that big white church at 11th and Walnut. A frantic usher was very concerned that during the sermon an elderly man passed out in a pew and appeared to be dead. The usher could find no pulse and there was no noticeable breathing."

"What was so unusual and demanding about this particular call?" asked the interviewer.

"Well," the paramedic said, "we carried out four guys before we found the one who was dead."

A REAL MYRIAD-PYRAMID

INCREASE IN THE PAST

One early polygamist in Utah now has over 20,000 descendents. Today, many smaller groups still practice polygamy, one being the Kingstons. J.O. Kingston who died in the 1980s had 13 wives. His first wife had six sons and a few daughters and now her descendants alone number over 600 people. This ought to shock you as we hit the reset button to our thinking! 600 from just one of J.O.’s 13 wives! So who can count the myriad proportions of their growth rate?

INCEST IN THE PRESENT

The American potential is for the polygamists to outnumber the LDS church. The DVD, "Lifting the Veil of Polygamy" is really timely. There are many Mormon sects of polygamists besides the Kingstons. One problem with over a hundred kinds of Mormon religions is that they all claim to be the sole standard of truth, so all of the others are considered apostate. Consequently, polygamists tend to marry from within, which becomes a different problem, like a pyramid never founded on the Rock! For example, the Kingstons from about ten years ago entered into their third generation of incest, so the birth defects are rising! And what is their answer to these problems? A man will often charge a wife with her failure to be fully submissive, so its god’s judgment and her own fault that the children are born with problems.

INTENTIONS WITHIN THEIR PLANS

This problem is not going to go away considering the present moral, political state in this country. In fact, the ACLU is throwing their legal weight behind legalizing polygamy. In the LDS thinking, their god is a polygamist. Just one of his many wives gave birth to spirit children to populate this earth. And many men plan to one day populate their own worlds with goddess wives. Under duress from the government, the main LDS church has conveniently surrendered the practice of polygamy, but for how long?

INDIVIDUALS FOR PRAYER

One lady who left polygamy in Manti came to Christ. She has a daughter in her forties, who is one of two wives. It’s a dreadful situation as she recently tried to kill herself for the second time and the polygamists will not tell her mother where she is. Their answer for troubled women is to load them up with drugs, like zombies, so they will not try to run away or take their lives.

Will this wife kill herself?

Will she ever find hope?

Is there a way that we can rescue her?

You pray!

Charlie Carle

charliecarles@yahoo.com

Of Mice and Music

David Merrell performed an experiment to show the effect of the BEAT of different types of music. He assembled three groups of 24 mice (same age and weight). A control group, a rock beat group, and a classical group. He put them in mazes to see how they improved their ability to navigate.

The control group (no music) cut their time from 10 minutes to five.
The classical group improved from 10 minutes to TWO.
The rock beat group went from 10 minutes to THIRTY!!!!

David could not finish this project, he said, "I had to cut my project short because all the hard-rock mice KILLED each other, NONE of the classical mice did that at all." This was the result of the BEAT, unless mice have suddenly evolved the ability to discern the lyrics.

Contemporary "Christian" music has the same characteristics as rock music. The same beat, the same syncopation, the same backbeat, the same dulling repetition. Even if the lyrics are acceptable, the music can be of the devil.

By the way, Lucifer was created with inherent musical instruments. He is the master of music. Don't think that you can't be fooled by him.


=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+=+


Music Is Dividing Churches.- Dr. Hugh Pyle in the 5/2 Sword of the Lord said: "The admission of _beat' music into churches was bound to lead to this. Churches now have two morning services, one still resembling New Testament Christianity with sound Bible exposition and traditional music; the other, a laid-back 'contemporary' gathering with religious entertainment and rock 'n' roll. The driving beat of contemporary music is supposed to make the worldlings lose their distaste for religion and 'turn them on' to God."

Missions Thoughts on Monday - July 16, 07

Praying for Your Missionaries

Their Call and Surrender
to the Missionfield

Their Personal Spiritual Life –
Their Walk With God

Family Life

Victory in their Daily
Battles over the World,
The Flesh and the Devil

Physical Health

Relationships

Fruitful Evangelism

Everyday Stress & Testings

Perseverance

God’s Blessings & Supply
In Every Need

Dead Sea

It has been observed about the two seas in Israel, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is full of life, the Dead Sea has none. How could two seas, fed by a single source - the River Jordan - be so different? His answer: the Sea of Galilee receives water at one end and gives out water at the other. The Dead Sea receives water but does not give, there are no stream outlets, and if you only receive but do not give, you do not live.

Giving

“I looked upon a sea
And lo! ‘twas dead
Although by Herman’s snows
And Jordan fed.

“How came a fate so dire?
The tale’s soon told.
All that it got it kept,
And fast did hold.

“All tributary streams
Found here their grave;
Because this sea received.
But never gave.”

WCBC - The Barnabas Team

We had Chris and Nic of the Barnabas Team from West Coast Baptist College with us for three days. During this short time, the Team was able to knock doors and distributed booklets for Spruceland Baptist Church. The Barnabas Team did our children outreach this year – The Old Fishin Hole. There was one profession of faith in Christ Jesus.

Pastor Andrew Baduria of Berean Baptist Church of Quensel, BC, The Barnabas Team from West Coast Baptist College Bro. Nic Graves and Bro. Chris Cook.




The Barnabas Team hit the streets of Prince George, BC.




Bro. Chris preaching to the youth.



Bro. Nic preaching to the youth.








We were blessed to have these fine young men with us this week. Along with our workers from Spruceland Baptist Church, we had a great time in the Lord and was blessed with one profession of faith in Christ.

Monkey Traps

Monkey trappers in North Africa have a clever method of catching their prey. A number of gourds are filled with nuts and firmly fastened to a branch of a tree. Each has a hole just large enough for the unwary monkey to stick his forepaw into it. When the hungry animal discovers this, he quickly grasps a handful of nuts, but the hole is too small for him to withdraw his clenched fist. And he doesn't have enough sense to open up his hand and let go in order to escape, so he is easily taken captive.


This is a picture of many Christians. The devil with his crafty devices tried to ensnare them. He appeals to the appetites of the flesh which can lead to their spiritual downfall. As long as they hold on to worldly bait, they cannot escape from Satan's trap. But he keeps on urging, "Don't let go! Enjoy the pleasure of your sin just a little bit longer!" So, listening to the tempter's alluring voice, they continue in their evil way.


Dear friend, are you caught up in sinful practices that are destroying your testimony and preventing you from growing in grace? Stop and think it over. Get out of Satan's trap now while you can.


1Corinthians 10:13
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

James 1:13 - 17
Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

My Canadian Passport

Some folks have to wait months, but I believe my Lord Jesus must have smiled upon me. Jesus must have given me 'favour'* with the Passport folks there in Hull. For I received my Canadian Passport in less then a month. Praise the Lord.

*
Exodus 11:3 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

Exodus 12:36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

All About Deeeeers and Dears

My message is to get a DEAR and stick with her. I have had mine for 50 years.

She does not have horns.

I don't have to hunt her, she is always there, especially when I buy a candy bar at Wal-mart.

She cooks my meals and makes my bed, etc., and all on one license.

She packs, and if I fire at her she fires back, never misses.

I take her with me everyplace I go, cuz, I don't like kissin good-bye.

Yep

Larry Clayton

Email from Bro Larry Clayton

The Barrennes of a Busy Life

The Tragedy of Substituting Work for Worship


Satan called a worldwide convention. In the opening address to his evil spirits he said, "We can't keep true Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from having conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience with Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to church, read their Bibles, and have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time so they do not have time to have an intimate fellowship with Christ. This is what I want you to do: Keep them busy in the nonessentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds."


How tragic it is that the devil has been so successful in getting so many believers to overextend themselves today in this world's pursuits to the neglect of fellowship with Christ. In the Song of Solomon 1:6, the writer laments, "they made me the keeper of the vineyards, but my own vineyard have I not kept". While busily engaged in the maintenance of temporal affairs, he has forsaken His first love. Diligent in the cares of life, he has tragically neglected his own soul's nourishment.


Hudson Taylor warns of the danger of allowing the demands of this life to keep us from maintaining the vineyard of our fellowship with Christ.


Our attention is here drawn to a danger which is pre-immently one of this day: the intense activity of our times may lead to zeal in service, to the neglect of personal communion. Such neglect will not only lesson the value of the service, but tend to incapacitate us for the higher service. Let us never forget that what we are is more important than what we do, and that all fruit when not abiding in Christ must be fruit of the flesh and not the Spirit. As wounds when healed often leave a scar, so the sin of neglected communion may be forgiven and yet the effect remain permanently.


The story is told about a spring whose waters had certain medicinal properties so that those who drank from it were helped in the cases of various infirmities. In the course of time, homes sprung up around the spring. Later, a hotel was built, then stores of all kinds. Eventually, a town grew into a city! Years passed. Then there came a day when visiting tourists would ask, "By the way, where is the spring from which this grew?" Dwellers of the city would rub their hands in embarrassment and say, "I am sorry that I cannot tell you, but, somehow, in the midst of all our progress and improvement we lost the spring and no one knows where it is."


Could it be that in the midst of all our ministerial progress we have lost the Spring from Whom it has grown? Is it possible that while we were boasting in our successes of our church growth strategies in the 1970's and 1980's we lost the divine Spring of His glory? Certainly we could not have been so consumed in the work of building our ecclesiastical kingdoms that we were negligent in worshipping the King of Kings? Vance Havner said it right when he warned, "There is nothing that crowds out the quiet hour any more than the very work that draws it's strength from the quiet hour."


I am convinced that it would do many a believer well to stop and evaluate whether he has been too busy for God. In spite of personal experience, giftedness, or past spiritual growth, no saint can weather the storms of this present age without daily withdrawing from this world of noise to get his heart strengthened in the Presence of God. Not even the most apt theologian can overcome the weakness of the flesh without having his soul renewed by Him that is altogether lovely in the secret place of prayer.


As that man of faith, George Mueller, put it, "Let none expect to gain mastery over his inward corruption in any degree, without going in his weakness again and again to the Lord for strength. Nor will prayer with others or conversing with the brethren make up for secret prayer."


May it be our resolve to make it our discipline each day to never entertain the presence of any man until we have met with God. I am persuaded that if worship is neglected we will hinder the work of Christ and trouble our brethren in the ministry. As Oswald Chambers cautioned, "Worshipping God is the great essential of fitness. If you have not been worshipping .... when you get into the work you will not only be useless yourself, but a tremendous hindrance to those who are associated with you." Let us be diligent in our daily meetings with the Master.


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He IS!!!

But without faith it is impossible to please
him: for he that cometh to God must believe
that HE IS
and that he is a rewarder of them
that diligently seek him.

HE Is!!!


He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be... Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone! He was bruised and brought healing! He was pierced and eased pain! He was persecuted and brought freedom! He was dead and brought life!

He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand Him, The armies can't defeat Him, The schools can't explain Him, and The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him, The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him, Hitler couldn't silence Him, The New Age can't replace Him, and Donahue can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, and He is my peace!

He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise, the Power of the powerful, the Ancient of days, the Ruler of rulers, the Leader of leaders, the Overseer of the overcomers, and the Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, never forsake me, never mislead me, never forget me, never overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong!

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me!

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me!

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me!

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this . . . He said it and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!


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Missions Thoughts on Monday - July 9, 07

THE LIVING CHRIST --

Dr. W. R. White, one of God’s great Christian statesmen, told of a brilliant Chinese who came to services being conducted by a missionary. The young man asked for a New Testament and was given one. Later he came to confess Christ and gave this stirring testimony:

"I took the New Testament home with me. I sat down on the floor and read it through before I did anything else. I have read the great writing of Confucius. I wanted to satisfy my hungry heart there. I knocked at the door but no answer came, for Confucius was dead. I read the message of Buddhism seeking that for which my soul so profoundly longed. I knocked at the door of Buddha but no answer came, for Buddha was dead.

I read the Koran, my soul longed to find peace there. I knocked at the door but no answer came for Muhammad was dead. I read the writings of the greatest patriots and religious leaders of the past, I knocked but no answer came.

While reading this New Testament, I found that it claimed its author to be alive. I knocked at that door. I found the living Christ. He came into my soul. Here my hungry heart found peace, a peace for which it has longed."

W.A. Criswell, Christ Is Victor – Judson Press

10 Scriptural Convictions Every Christian Should Practice.

What Is A Conviction? A Conviction is a basic Scriptural principle which we purpose to follow, whatever the cost!


1. The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the final authority for my life.
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:"


2. My purpose in life is to seek God with my whole heart and to build my goals around His priorities. Matthew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."


3. My body is the temple of God and must not be defiled by the lusts of the world.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."


4. My church must teach the fundamental truths of the Bible and reinforce these basic convictions. Matthew 7:15-16 "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"


5. My children and grand children belong to God, and it is my responsibility to teach them Scriptural principles, Godly character, and basic convictions. Deuteronomy 6:6,7 "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."


6. My activities must never weaken the Scriptural convictions of another Christian. Romans 14:13 "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."


7. My marriage is a life-long commitment to God and to my spouse. Matthew 19:6 "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."


8. My money is a trust from God and must be earned and managed according to Scriptural principles. Luke 16:11 "If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?"


9. My words must be in harmony with God's Word, especially when reproving and restoring a Christian brother. Matthew 12:37 "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."


10. My affections must be set on things above, not on things in the earth.
Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."


Adult Bible Class - 07-08-07

WARNING - THIS IS NOT A HOAX

FOR MORE THEN JUST YOUR COMPUTER
This one's for real! Send it to everyone you know!

Alert! This is a notice to inform you of THE CURSE. The most devastating catastrophe known to humanity.

Infection status: You are already infected! The CURSE was downloaded by Adam and Eve and we all are born into it.

Damage: Every component of your life is affected. We have been brought under the wrath of God (Eph. 2:3); made liable to all miseries in this life, to death itself, and even to the pains of hell forever! (Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:41).

Remedy: The only remedy is complete forensic reconfiguration of all component parts. This is called Justification. (Eph. 1:7; 2 Cor. 5:21). This is followed by a radical lifetime software purge called Sanctification. (2 Thess. 3:13; Eph. 4:24). The only means of rescue from the power and results of THE CURSE is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12).

Cost: You cannot purchase this remedy. It is not so simple. The cost is the eternal wrath of God.

Access: You may acquire justification free of charge. The price was already paid on the cross of Christ. But you must humble yourself in repentance and call on the name of the Lord for forgiveness. Many perish maintaining their "dignity" i.e. pride. "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." (Rom. 5:1,2).

For more information and validation, consult the only User's Manual The Holy Bible.

WARNING - THIS IS NOT A HOAX. Please do not disregard this warning. Do not delay! The CURSE impairs logical functions, input and output, processing and communication, linkup with other systems, and corrupts all disks.

The final result will be a total crash. The time of the crash cannot be ascertained, but the fate is worse than mere termination.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of all things, every system, every user... and is your only hope. The good news is that He is available by 24 hour access. No hardware necessary. Simply call out to Him for forgiveness and He will give you His righteousness. Understanding your plight, you have no options: The buttons are not OK or CANCEL. They are REPENT or PERISH. Simply believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.

Friday Funnies - Abbott & Costello Translate Kings

2 Kings 17:4 And the king of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea: for he had sent messengers to
So king of Egypt, and brought no present to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut him up, and bound him in prison.

Abbott: We're in 2 Kings 17:4. Let's go over the story. Hoshea quit paying tribute to the king of Assyria and sent envoys to Egypt. I forget the King of Egypt's name.

Costello: So.

Abbott: Huh?

Costello: So.

Abbott: You're right, it's not important, we'll let it go for now. So, the king of Assyria ...

Costello: So the king of Egypt.

Abbott: I was gonna say the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea.

Costello: That's right.

Abbott: So, the king of Assyria ...

Costello: No, So the king of Egypt.

Abbott: Let me tell the story!

Costello: Well, then, tell it right!

Abbott: Who arrested Hoshea?

Costello: The king of Assyria.

Abbott: Is that so?

Costello: No, that's the king of Egypt.

Abbott: So, the king of Egypt?

Costello: Right.

Abbott: So the king of Egypt arrested Hoshea?

Costello: No, the king of Assyria arrested Hoshea.

Abbott: But you just said the king of Egypt did.

Costello: I didn't say So.

Abbott: Oh, come on! So, the king of Assyria ...

Costello: No, he's the king of Egypt.

Abbott: How do we keep coming back to Egypt?

Costello: You said the king's name.

Abbott: What makes you think I even know his name?

Costello: You said So!

Abbott: I did not!

Costello: I heard you!

Abbott: Let me tell the story!

Costello: Then tell it right!

Baptist Distinctives

Biblical Authority - The Bible is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice. No decree of men or of any council of churches can supersede the Bible (2Tim 3:16,17) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.


Autonomy of the Local Visible Church - The local church is an independent body accountable only to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church. No religious hierarchy outside the local visible church may dictate a church's beliefs or practices (Col 1:18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.


Priesthood of Believers - Every believer today is a priest of God and may enter into His presence directly through our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. No human mediator is needed between God and man (1 Peter 2:5-9) Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:


Two Ordinances - The local visible church practices only two ordinances, Baptism by immersion in water and Lord's Supper, or communion (Mat 28:19,20;) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
1 Cor. 11:23-32) For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.


Individual Soul Liberty - Every individual has the liberty and responsibility to believe as his own conscience dictates, within the framework of the Word of God. No one is forced to assent to any belief against his will. However, this doctrine does not grant a license to sin or to continually oppose the practices of the Church based upon Scripture (Rom. 14:5-12) One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.


Saved Church Membership - Local, visible church membership is restricted to individuals who give believable testimony of a personal faith in Christ and publicly identified themselves with Him in believer's baptism (Acts 2:41-47) Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.


Two Offices - Pastor and Deacon - Only two Biblically mandated offices exist in the Church: Pastor and Deacon. These two offices exist within the local visible church, not as a hierarchy outside of or over the local church (1 Tim 3:1, & 13) This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
- -For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.


Separation of Church and State - God established both the Church and the civil government, and gave each its own distinctive sphere of operation. Neither should control the other (Matt. 22:15-22) Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men. Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not? But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites? Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's. When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way

Men That Hazared Their Lives - The Apostles

Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 15:26

Because of the lapse of time and the differing opinions of historians, it is difficult to ascertain with certainty the facts concerning the martyrdom of the Apostles. The following information, however, has been culled from Fox’s Book of Martyrs, this being one of the most reliable sources available.

The Apostle Matthew suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia, killed by a sword wound.

The Apostle Mark died in Alexandria, Egypt, after being dragged by horses through the streets, left in a dungeon all night, and burned the next day.

The Apostle Luke was hanged on an olive tree in Greece as a result of his tremendous preaching to the lost.

The Apostle John faced martyrdom when he was boiled in a huge basin of boiling oil during a wave of persecution in Rome. However, he was miraculously delivered from death. John was then sentenced to the mines on the prison island of Patmos. He wrote his prophetic Book of Revelation on Patmos. The apostle John was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey. He died as an old man, the only apostle to die peacefully.

The Apostle Peter was crucified upside down on an x-shaped cross, according to church tradition because he told his tormentors that he felt unworthy to die in the same way that Jesus Christ had died.

The Apostle James the Less, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, was thrown over a hundred feet down from the southeast pinnacle of the Temple when he refused to deny his faith in Christ. When they discovered that he survived the fall, his enemies beat James to death with a fuller's club.

The Apostle James the Greater, a son of Zebedee, was a fisherman by trade when Jesus called him to a lifetime of ministry. As a strong leader of the church, James was ultimately beheaded at Jerusalem. (From another source) The Roman officer who guarded James watched amazed as James defended his faith at his trial. Later, the officer walked beside James to the place of execution. Overcome by conviction, he declared his new faith to the judge and knelt beside James to accept beheading as a Christian.

The Apostle Bartholomew, also know as Nathanael, was a missionary to Asia. He witnessed to our Lord in present day Turkey. Bartholomew was martyred for his preaching in Armenia when he was flayed to death by a whip.

The Apostle Andrew was crucified on an x-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.
(From another source) After being whipped severely by seven soldiers they tied his body to the cross with cords to prolong his agony. His followers reported that, when he was led toward the cross, Andrew saluted it in these words: "I have long desired and expected this happy hour. The cross has been consecrated by the body of Christ hanging on it." He continued to preach to his tormentors for two days until he expired.

The Apostle Thomas was stabbed with a spear in India during one of his missionary trips to establish the church in the subcontinent.

The Apostle Jude, the brother of Jesus, was crucified in Edessa when he refused to deny his faith in Christ.

The Apostle Matthias, the apostle chosen to replace the traitor Judas Iscariot, was stoned and then beheaded.

The Apostle Paul was tortured and then beheaded by the evil Emperor Nero at Rome in A.D. 67. Paul endured a lengthy imprisonment which allowed him to write his many epistles to the churches he had formed throughout the Roman Empire. These letters, which taught many of the foundational doctrines of Christianity, form a large portion of the New Testament.

Dying To Self

When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely set at naught, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When your good is evil spoken of, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to- face with waste, folly, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any raiment, any interruption by the will of God.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.

THAT IS DYING TO SELF - Are you dead yet? In these last days, the Spirit would bring us to the cross.

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Missions Thoughts on Monday - July 2, 07

I’LL GIVE MYSELF- Tune: Amazing Grace

Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
-To those who know the Lord,
But what of those who still are bound,
-And do not have His Word.


The many dangers, toils, and snares,
-Through which we daily go,
Are nothing much when they compare,
-With what the heathen know.


Ten thousand years to sing His praise,
-Bright shining as the sun,
While lost men suffer endless days,
-Their torment never done.


Since grace has meant so much to me,
-What would it mean to them?
I’ll give myself, oh, Lord, to thee,
- To bring thy grace to them.



Song picked up somewhere along the trail. jnh


Pray for your missionaries today, and everyday.

Canada Day July 1st 2007

He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,

and from the river unto the ends of the earth.

Psalms 72:8

Now muse of our great God and HIS dominion
as you read the words of O' Canada.

Weir Version

O Canada! Our home and native land. True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! And stand on guard, O Canada, We stand on guard for thee. O Canada, glorious and free, We stand on guard, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee!

Dr. Richardson's Version

O Canada! Our fathers' land of old Thy brow is crown'd with leaves of red and gold. Beneath the shade of the Holy Cross Thy children own their birth No stains thy glorious annals gloss Since valour shield thy hearth. Almighty God! On thee we call Defend our rights, forfend this nation's thrall, Defend our rights, forfend this nation's thrall.

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McCulloch Version

O Canada! in praise of thee we sing; From echoing hills our anthems proudly ring. With fertile plains and mountains grand, With lakes and rivers clear, Eternal beauty, thou dost stand Throughout the changing year. Lord God of Hosts! We now implore Bless our dear land this day and evermore, Bless our dear land this day and evermore.

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Buchan Version

O Canada, our heritage, our love. Thy worth we praise all other lands above. From sea to sea throughout their length, From Pole to borderland, At Britain's side, whate'er betide, Unflinchingly we'll stand. With hearts we sing, "God save the King", Guide then one Empire wide, do we implore, And prosper Canada from shore to shore.

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The whole story at this link:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/goweezer/canada/cananhist.htm