Friday Funnies

The Burglar

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an
evening of religious service when she was startled by an
intruder. As she caught the man in the act of robbing her
home of its valuables, she yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38!"

The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. The woman calmly
called he police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the man to take him in, he asked the
burglar, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did
was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar, "I thought she said she
had an AX and two 38's

Have a good day,

Famous Missionaries

How many first names can you supply to
this list of famous missionaries?

Where they were missionaries ?


_________ Judson to _________


_________ Mackay to _________


_________ Moffat to _________


_________ Carey to _________


_________ Taylor to _________


_________ Paton to _________

_________ Martyn to _________


_________ Slessor to _________


_________ Livingstone to _________


_________ Morrison to _________


_________ Donnelson to _________


_________ Wells to _________


_________ Birch to _________


_________ Hughes to _________

Answers are in Comments - JNH

A Bloody Trail

The earth is stained
With Baptist blood
For their faith in God
They firmly stood.

Wherever they went
New churches arose,
In sprite of persecution
From all their foes,

Many lost their lives,
Dying a martyr's death,
But they still stood firm
To the very last breath.

Against the Lord's church,
Hell cannot prevail;
Those are His very words,
Our Lord can never fail.

His church through the ages
Has stood the test of time;
Always pressing forward
To heavenly things sublime.

To carry the gospel message
Throughout all the earth,
Is our Lord's command:
To tell of the new birth.

True Baptists were made
Faster than they were killed;
They breathed the name of Jesus
As their blood was spilled.

A crown of life awaits
All whose life is lost
For the sake Jesus Christ:
He saved to the uttermost.

Mrs. R.L. Pierce

(Note: "Over 50,000,000 Christians died martyr deaths,
mainly because of their rejection of these two errors
[infant baptism and baptismal regeneration] during
the period of the Dark Ages alone, about twelve or thirteen
centuries." J.M. Carroll in the "Trail of Blood", page 21)

"Legalism - the enemy of Grace"

Prepared by Pastor Kevin Burden ~ Carter Creek Baptist Church ~ Greenville, KY

What is Legalism?

Legalism, in Christian theology, is an uncomplimentary term referring to an improper fixation on law or codes of conduct, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigor, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God. The end result of Legalism leads to the view that law, not faith in God's grace, is the principal evidence of redemption. Its opposing error is called antinomianism, which is the view that moral laws are not binding.

Jesus directed some of his harshest words at the Pharisees, the guardians of the ritual law of Judaism. Matthew 23 is just one of the sermons Jesus preached against them. The gravity of Jesus' charge against the Pharisees was that they meticulously followed the ritual laws of Judaism, but their exactitude did not make them more charitable or lead to repentance or inner peace. In fact, it most commonly resulted in arrogance and pride.

Jesus said that "except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20). Jesus led believers to an inward obedience, in which righteous acts stemmed from an inward love of God. Legalism desires to appease divine retribution by pleasing others (instead of God) in order to appear holy in their eyes – obviously a misguided concept.

The error is addressed in the Pauline epistles. Paul had to deal with issues regarding the acceptance of Gentiles into Christianity, and the extent to which Gentile converts were bound by the traditional religious rules of Judaism. Paul generally rejected extension of the purity laws of Judaism to Gentile converts, citing Paul's statements such as that no one should "judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days" (Colossians 2:16).

In Galatians 2:14 Paul accuses Peter of "judaizing", i.e. Legalism. Paul also made bold statements concerning those who practice sin and how they "shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Perhaps we need to meditate on the meaning of Peter’s words in 2 Peter 3:14-18.

“Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.”

Evidently, Paul’s rebuke of Peter accomplished a positive change in his doctrinal approach to holiness.

Legalism is opposed to Grace.

The word "legalism" does not occur in the Bible. It is a term contemporary Christians use to describe a doctrinal position that emphasizes a system of rules and regulations in achieving spiritual growth. Strict literal adherence to those rules and regulations is demanded. Doctrinally, it is a position essentially opposed to grace. Those who hold this position fail to see the real purpose for the Law, which is our "schoolmaster" or "tutor" to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24).

We are instructed to be gracious to one another, "Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations" (Romans 14:1). Many legalistic believers make the mistake of demanding unqualified adherence to their Biblical interpretations and even to their traditions above that of sound Biblical truth. For example, there are those who feel that to be spiritual one must simply avoid tobacco, alcoholic beverages, dancing, movies, slacks on women, etc. As I’ve often heard said, “Don’t smoke, dip, dance or chew or associate with those who do.” The truth is that avoiding these things is no guarantee of spirituality.

To avoid falling into the trap of Legalism, start by listening closely to the words of the apostle John. "For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). Always remember to be loving, gracious, kind and patient toward others and especially your brothers and sisters in Christ. Walk in the light of these scriptures: "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand" (Romans 14:4). "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" (Romans 14:10).

A word of caution is necessary.

While we need to be gracious to one another and tolerant of disagreement over disputable matters, we cannot accept heresy. We are exhorted to contend for the faith, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 1:3). Remember these guidelines, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (1 John 4:1-3).

The Roman Catholic Inquisition advocated burning Baptist at the stake for refusing to submit to Catholic dogma. What’s the significance of mentioning the inquisition? Legalism was the root cause of this Catholic atrocity and legalism will lead well intentioned Christians down a similar path of error if not stopped.

He Died Alone

Rudy died while hunting mountain goats - an avalanche caused his death
- on a mountain of perpetual snows.

The hunter, who was an experienced outdoorsman and an employee of the
Canadian National Railway in British Columbia, set out to climb Dome
Mountain. "In two days' time I shall return," he said. But he never
came back. alone on the mountain he died.

When Ruby's body was found by a six-man search party at the 4,000 foot
level, all that could be seen of it was one black boot protruding
through the snow. He died from head injuries, broken legs, and a
gashed hip.

Many men are like Rudy. They go on train journeys, airplanes, hunting
and fishing trips but never come back. They intend to, but never do.
Loved ones wait through an anxious time, but no voice or foot steps
sounds a joyous return.

Live is uncertain. Because it is, we should be prepared for any
eventuality. One tragic thing or another can happen. God's Word
declares, " Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go
into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get
gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is
your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and
then vanisheth away. James 4:13,14"

"Go to now (don't be so sure), you who say that I shall go on a
fishing or hunting trip and return. What is you life?" As the morning
fog burns off during the day. Your life is quickly gone.

Because it is so, you should above all else, be prepared for eternity.
You can be. You understand, there was another man. He too, died on a
mountain alone. Although He was crucified between two thieves, He was
forsaken by all. His head was pierced by thorns, His hands were torn
by nails, His side was rent by a spear. But His death was not
accidental nor tragic. He willingly died to give you eternal life.
Previous to His death He said, "In three days' time, I shall return."
He did He rose triumphant from the grave. Now you can be sure of
salvation by accepting him as your Lord and Saviour.

If you refuse to heed this salvation appeal, illustrated by the death
of Rudy, this true story will fail to serve its purpose. He could have
died in vain. He shout no mountain goat. His death apparently
accomplished nothing.

On the other hand, if you refuse to heed this salvation appeal, the
Lord Jesus Christ will not have died in vain. Multitudes have already
believed in Him. You will be the loser. Your should will be plunged
into eternity by an avalanche of unbelief. you will have nobody to
blame but yourself. " How shall we escape, if we neglect so great
salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was
confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Hebrews 2:3"

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept Him as your Saviour. Do it
now! He died ALONE for you.

Edited from Old Stories of the Northern BC,

Missions Song For Resurrection Sunday

(Sung to the tune of "When the Roll is Called up Yonder")

STANZA ONE:

Could this be that wondrous morning
When we rise to meet the Lord,
And His glory and His victory we will share?
When we hear that trumpet sounding,
We'll be raptured for the skies,
As the Bride ascends to meet Him in the air!

CHORUS:

When the roll is called up yonder
We'll be filled with awe and wonder
When we see that blood-bought number -
Some from every tribe and nation will be there!

STANZA TWO:

Up from India's blighted cities,
Dusty Africa's heathen gloom,
Is a host that's been redeemed through Jesus' blood!
Those who went to tell the story,
Those who prayed and gave their all -
We will cheer with trophies coming home to God!

STANZA THREE:

Then from China's countless millions
And the islands of the seas
Comes a mighty host - He saved from endless woe!
But - there'll be everlasting partings;
If we fail to count the cost;
And forget to tell the ones who did not know!

STANZA FOUR:

Let us hasten with the message
That our Lord has meant for all,
To the black, the white, the yellow and the brown!
We must bring the lost to Jesus,
And He'll take them safely home -
Precious Jewels to adorn our Savior's crown!

A Soldier In The Army Of God

I am a soldier in the army of my God! The Lord Jesus Christ is my
Commanding Officer! The Holy Bible is my code of conduct! Faith,
prayer and the word are my weapons of warfare! I have been taught by
the Holy Spirit, trained by experience, tried by adversity and tested
by fire!

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity! I will
either retire in this army at the rapture or die in this Army; But I
will not get out, sell out, be talked out, Or pushed out!

I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable! If my God needs me,
I am there! If He needs me in Sunday School, to teach children, work
with the youth, help adults or just sit and learn, He can use me,
because I am there!

I am a soldier! I am not a baby! I do not need to be pampered,
petted, primed up, pumped up, picked up or pepped up!

I am a soldier! No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me,
entice me or lure me!

I am a soldier! I am not a wimp! I am in place, saluting my King,
obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom! No
one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards, candy or give me
handouts!

I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or catered to! I am
committed! I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me
around! I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside! I cannot
lose enough to cause me to quit! When Jesus called me into this army,
I had nothing! If I end up with nothing, I will still come out even!
I will win! My God will supply all my needs!

I am more than a conqueror! I will always triumph! I can do all
things through Christ! Devils cannot defeat me! People cannot
disillusion me! Weather cannot weary me! Sickness cannot stop me!
Battles cannot beat me! Money cannot buy me! Governments cannot
silence me and HELL CANNOT HANDLE ME!

I am a soldier! Even death cannot destroy me! For when my
commander calls me from this battlefield, He will promote me to a
captain and then bring me back to rule this world with Him! I am a
soldier, in the army, and I'm marching, claiming victory! I will not
give up! I will not turn around! I am a soldier, marching heaven
bound!

Here I stand! WILL YOU STAND WITH ME? Guess what?!? If you've
accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, you're already enlisted!

Question is, are you on:

Active Duty: Serving the Lord faithfully, daily, and on duty 24x7.

Reserve Status: Serving only when called upon, or twice a year: Christmas and Easter

Guard Status: Backing up the Active Duty group

or..... AWOL: Absent With Out the Lord THINK ABOUT IT!!!

*Scriptures in my notes are from the Authorized Version
1611 -KJV- and are used by permission of the Author - Eph. 6:17*