For years people have been claiming to see strange lights in the sky or some type of object that streaks through the sky at speeds which seem almost unimaginable. Are you a believer in UFO’s? Do you think you have seen a UFO? Take this “UFO survey” to share your thoughts with others.
Archive for May, 2010
Selective skepticism with the Bible
Monday, May 31st, 2010“You don’t think the Bible is historically accurate, do you?”
“Moses didn’t cross the Red Sea. It was the Reed Sea, only a couple of inches deep.”
“Jesus was a good man, but the Son of God, born of a virgin, resurrected from the dead? Come on!”
“I just can’t buy that Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament.”
“Creation took place in six, literal, 24 hours day? Who believes that?!”
These are some typical questions people ask, and increasingly they are being asked by professed Christians as well as agnostics and atheists. The concept of a truly limitless God doing the incredible in the unfolding of history and His plan of salvation troubles many.
But there seems to be an inconsistency if not a contradiction with many of these doubters. They will aver that they, their family or their friends have had many encounters with the paranormal. They have seen ghosts or UFOs. They have communicated with “the dead” with Ouija boards or séances. They go to palm readers, read Tarot cards and tea leaves, or religiously scour their horoscopes to get a bearing on how to plan their future. They put complete trust in psychics and spiritualism.
They are willing to swallow every fact spouted by humanistic, evolutionary scientists. In fact, a good number of things are simply assumed to be true because of the sources themselves.
Why do these glaring inconsistencies exist? Because some of this deals with the heart and motives, one must be careful in assessing the whys.
However, it is manifest that such a reality prevails. The Bible talks about the mindset that leads one to put faith in the fanciful all while rejecting the reasonable explanation of God and his ways found in scripture. Certainly, we can treat the claims of scripture as fairly as we can a crystal ball or a Himalayan guru.
The pagan mind of the average Roman citizen was susceptible to the mystical and the cultic.
Paul writes,
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures” (Romans 1:18-23).
Ironically, with that worldview as a foundation, immorality of the grossest varieties followed (Romans 1:24-28) as well as unrestrained, chaotic behavior that was violent and destructive (Romans 1:29-31).
Tucked into the middle of this latter list was the fact that such were “haters of God”(30). Could this be a viable factor? People might not articulate their personal philosophy in such pungent terms, but what is the consequence of their belief system? They reject out of hand the idea of the incarnation (literally, “God in the flesh”), a vicarious death (an innocent one dying for the guilty), an objective, normative and authoritative divine revelation (i.e., that the Bible came from God’s work in guiding men to write down his will to guide all people of all time) and such Bible themes as sin, repentance, redemption, a universal judgment, heaven, and hell.
Could it be that mankind is disturbed by the thought of accountability and submission? Would we rather have our fancy tickled by clairvoyance, black magic and Martians than have it all explained by special revelation brought about by an Uncaused Cause who not only set things in motion but takes an active role and shows active concern in our individual lives even today?
I cannot speak for what drives a person to choose the ethereal over the eternal, but I can counter the fanciful with some basic facts of faith.
Our morality, our spirituality, our drive to have standards of right and wrong and our yearning to adore and worship cannot be satisfactorily explained by evolution, synapses of the brain or even inexplicable chance.
In our desire to titillate ourselves with apparitions and interpreting space noise, we have aimed infinitely low. If we will look up and put our trust in the all- powerful, perfect God and live our lives from that perspective, we unlock for ourselves the portal to peace and the pathway to purpose.
In our heart of hearts, we know that belief in God is the better explanation. To that end, may we follow our hearts.
Neal Pollard
Dutch oven deserts – best Dutch oven deserts
Thursday, May 27th, 2010Things that change with time
Thursday, May 27th, 2010Here are some new concerns for the “Boomer generation”:
Then: Long hair
Now: Longing for hair
Then: Acid rock
Now: Acid reflux
Then: Moving to California because it’s cool
Now: Moving to California because it’s warm
Then: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
Now: Trying not to look like Marlon Brando or Elizabeth Taylor
Then: Paar
Now: AARP
Then: Worrying about no one coming to your party
Now: Worrying about no one coming to your funeral
Then: Rolling Stones
Now: Kidney stones
Then: Obsessing over PSATs
Now: Obsessing over PSAs
Then: Passing the driving test
Now: Passing the vision test
Then: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
Now: Children begging you to get their heads shaved
Then: Disco
Now: Costco
Then: Getting out to a new, hip joint
Now: Getting a new hip joint
Most things change with time. We grow old, gain wrinkles and lose hair. People around us move away and die. You may change jobs, and move from city to city every few years. Ever gone back to the place where you grew up to see what it looks like now? Things change. And life can be very unsettling if it is not grounded on something that does not change through the years.
Fortunately we have this assurance: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8).
Even if we become faithless, he remains faithful (2 Tim. 2:13). When all others let us down, his love will still be there for us. You can count on it. What comfort and assurance that gives us! Praise be to God for his unchanging nature!
–Alan Smith
Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010Introduction lesson on the rich man and Lazarus:
1. Prior verses – emphasis on those who “love money” (verse 14).
2. Warning against loving God and mammon (verse 13).
3. This chapter describes one who was “rich” (verse 19).
4. Many refer to this account as a parable, often to deny what is taught.
5. If a parable, it is the only one that specifically names a person (verse 20).
6. Parables have an *explanation* (Lk. 8:11), so what is the explanation for this story?
7. Parables are normally identified as such in Luke:
8. 5:36; 6:39; 8:11; 12:16; 13:6; 14:7; 15:3; 18:1, 9; 19:11; 20:9; 21:29
9. Even if this could be called a parable, parables are always based on truth.
10. Attempts to dismiss this account as an account of what happens after death.
11. Verses 24-25; rich man allegedly represents Antipas or the Jewish nation.
12. Some things in the Bible are certainly figurative – God’s “eyes and hands.”
13. I do not contend that every detail in this story is literal.
14. Verse 22 – is the eternal spirit literally “carried” by “angels”?
15. Verse 23 is likely not literal. Neither is the “tongue” or the “flame” in verse 24.
16. The information about Lazarus and the rich man is not primarily about the afterlife—about wealth.
17. What is taught in this chapter about the after-life is true.
18. This chapter teaches that man continues to exist beyond the grave.
19. People immediately know their relationship with God when they die.
20. 16:19-21 – why not mention rich man’s name?
21. Description of rich man’s clothing. Gen. 41:42; Ex. 28:2-5.
22. No “big sins” associated with this man.
23. Word “beggar” is almost always translated “poor” in the NT.
24. Who took Lazarus to the rich man’s gate?
25. Lazarus’ condition (21-22).
26. Crumbs – our typical definition of this word is wrong.
27. Why take Lazarus to this same place day after day?
28. It seems the rich man ignored Lazarus.
29. Lazarus’ fine character is implied in this account.
Repentance: Understanding Bible repentance
Monday, May 24th, 2010Preaching tips: Tips for preachers
Saturday, May 22nd, 2010THE FAILURE OF THE VIRGINITY PLEDGE
Wednesday, May 19th, 2010CNN and other news agencies are trumpeting the latest findings from Johns Hopkins University concerning nearly 300 teens who took a pledge to abstain from fornication and over 600 who took no such pledge starting in the mid-1990s. These youth have had time to pass through this period of sexual temptation, and researchers found that the rate of fornication between both groups was about the same. Invariably, news outlets are using these findings to suggest the “dangers” of abstinence-only sex education due to the much lower rate of contraception use among “pledgers” than “non-pledgers.”
Ignoring the blatant social agenda possessed by the mainstream media and some in the medical field, it is valid to ask why those who went to the trouble to make this abstinence pledge had the same success (failure?) rate as those not making it? The study’s author, Dr. Janet Rosenbaum, says, “Virginity pledgers are very different than most U.S. teens — they are obviously more conservative, they have more negative views about sexuality and birth control and so, even if they didn’t take a pledge, these would be teenagers who would be very likely to abstain anyhow.” Nearly half of the students studied in this group called themselves “born again Christians.” Another professor at this renowned Maryland university concluded that virginity pledges are “useless.”
I grew up before these pledges were in vogue. Our children have never been associated with any groups that make such ceremonious pledges. I am not opposed to any effort that encourages our young people to stay sexually pure. Yet, whether one signs his or her name to such a pledge or makes an unwritten or internal promise to God about such, there is still the matter of self-control and will-power.
The virginity pledge will not keep a young person from being alone with one for whom they feel strong attraction. The young person must do that.
The virginity pledge will not keep a young person’s thoughts pure. The young person must do that.
The virginity pledge has no conscience or moral bearing. The young person must have that.
The virginity pledge will not offset the natural desires heightened by hormones and maturity. This is the function of the young person, aided by parents and trusted, godly influences among peers and other age groups.
The virginity pledge does not make those of the opposite sex unattractive. It does not relieve peer pressure. It will not govern the actions of others.
Virginity pledges are fine, not faulty. But, they are only good so far as they go. Our young people still need moral guidance from the home that is as objective and unbending as scripture itself on this subject. There can be no rationalizing that fornication is OK if you are in love or if you are dating the person you will be marrying. There can be no buying into the assertion that “everybody is doing it” or that “kids will be kids.” The home environment must remain open, honest and encouraging of discussion, but moral standards must be seen as absolute. God knows that sexual purity before marriage allows one the healthiest path in marital bliss that can be. He wants what is best for His children. Parents, can we expect less than God does?
Neal Pollard
What is the state flower of Montana?
Tuesday, May 18th, 2010Did you know that the bitterroot is the state flower of Montana? It flowers beautifully and was once part of the diet of northern plains Indians. The Shoshone even thought that eating it gave one mystical powers. I have never eaten bitterroot and as such cannot tell you how it tastes or what powers it endows.
The writer of Hebrews speaks of a different kind of “bitter root” and compares certain negative influences to roots that feed plants which are either poisonous or bitter (12:15). He warns about how such bad influence could spread to and harm others. It appears that the writer of this epistle is drawing on Moses’ warning about the harmful influence of the pagan nations upon Israel in Deuteronomy 29:18-19, where we read, “so that there will not be among you a man or woman, or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the Lord our God, to go and serve the gods of those nations; that there will not be among you a root bearing poisonous fruit and wormwood. It shall be when he hears the words of this curse, that he will boast, saying, ‘I have peace though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart in order to destroy the watered land with the dry.’” God says He would not extend forgiveness to those who did such things (Deut. 29:20ff).
Every member of the Lord’s church is one who either helps bring people closer to the Lord or influences them away from Him. Even the uninvolved and inactive do, since their lack of commitment and proper priorities can be a negative pull. Are we feeding off of any bitter roots? Oh, and what sort of roots are we? The good news is that, unlike in the world of etymology, we can change our “properties” and become a source of spiritual nutrition, palatability, and health even if we have heretofore been serving as a “bitter root.”
–Neal Pollard
State flowers: find your state flower in the “list of state flowers” below!
1. Alabama, Camellia (Camellia)
2. Alaska, Forget Me Not (Myosotis alpestris)
3. Arizona, Saguaro Cactus blossom (Carnegiea gigantea)
4. Arkansas, Apple blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
5. California, California Poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)
6. Colorado, Rocky Mountain Columbine (Aquilegia caerules)
7. Connecticut, Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
8. Delaware, Peach blossom (Prunus persica)
9. Florida, Orange blossom (Citrus sinensis)
10. Georgia, Cherokee Rose (Rosa laevigata)
11. Hawaii, Pua Aloalo (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
12. Idaho, Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii)
13. Illinois, Purple Violet (Viola)
14. Indiana, Peony (Paeonia)
15. Iowa, Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa pratincola)
16. Kansas, Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
17. Kentucky, Goldenrod (Solidago altissima)
18. Louisiana, Magnolia (Magnolia)
19. Maine, White pine cone and tassel (Pinus strobus, linnaeus)
20. Maryland, Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
21. Massachusetts, Trailing Arbutus (Epigaea regens
22. Michigan, Apple blossom (Pyrus coronaria)
23. Minnesota, Pink and white lady’s slipper (Cypripedium reginae)
24. Mississippi, Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
25. Missouri, Hawthorn (Crataegus)
26. Montana, Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva)
27. Nebraska, Goldenrod (Soldiago gigantea)
28. Nevada, Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)
29. New Hampshire, Purple lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
30. New Jersey, Violet (Viola sororia)
31. New Mexico, Yucca flower (Yucca glauca)
32. New York, Rose (Rosa)
33. North Carolina, American Dogwood (Cornus florida)
34. North Dakota, Wild Prairie Rose (Rosa arkansana)
35. Ohio, Scarlet Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)
36. Oklahoma, Mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum)
37. Oregon, Oregon Grape (Berberis aquifolium)
38. Pennsylvania, Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latiflolia)
39. Rhode Island, Violet (Viola)
40. South Carolina, Yellow Jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
41. South Dakota, Pasque Flower (Ppulsatilla hirsutissima)
42. Tennessee, Iris (Iridaceae)
43. Texas, Bluebonnet (Lupinus)
44. Utah, Sego lily (Sego Calochortus gunnisonii)
45. Vermont, Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
46. Virginia, American Dogwood (Cornus florida)
47. Washington, Coast Rhododendron (Rhododendron macrophyllum)
48. West Virginia, Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum)
49. Wisconsin, Wood Violet (Viola papilionacea)
50. Wyoming, Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja linariaefolia)
Hanover, Germany unique grave
Friday, May 14th, 2010Up From the Grave In a cemetery in Hanover, Germany, is a grave on which were placed huge slabs of granite and marble cemented together and fastened with heavy steel clasps. It belongs to a woman who did not believe in the resurrection of the dead. Yet strangely, she directed in her will that her grave be made so secure that if there were a resurrection, it could not reach her. On the marker were inscribed these words:
“This burial place must NEVER be opened.”
In time, a seed, covered over by the stones, began to grow. Slowly it pushed its way through the soil and out from beneath them. As the trunk enlarged, the great slabs were gradually shifted so that the steel clasps were wrenched from their sockets… A tiny seed had become a tree that had pushed aside the stones.
The dynamic life force contained in that little seed is a faint reflection of the tremendous power of God’s creative word that someday will call to life the bodies of ALL who are in their graves. Jesus said, “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).
The Divine Guarantee of our OWN resurrection is the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God’s Son. “But now Christ IS risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits [i.e., the first of many to follow] of those who have fallen asleep [died]. For since by man [Adam] came death, by Man [Jesus] also came the resurrection of the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:20-21).
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is an integral part of the Gospel (“Good News”) of salvation through Christ (READ 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The GOOD NEWS is that the righteousness of God is imputed to (or credited to the account) “those of us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up for our offenses, and was raised for our justification” (Romans 3:24-25).
Unbelief CANNOT deter the resurrection. But faith in and obedience to the risen Christ opens the door to blessings that His resurrection guarantees — a glorious new spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:35-58) AND a home in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5).
Robert Lowry proclaimed the power of Jesus’ resurrection in the lyrics of the song, “Up From the Grave He Arose”: “Up from the grave He arose, With a mighty triumph o’er His foes….”
And because of Jesus, WE can share in His victory over sin and death!
Won’t YOU, out of an obedient faith (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10), confess Christ (Romans 10:9-10), and be buried with Him in baptism so that you can be raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3-4)?
– David A. Sargent
The final week of Jesus' life part
Monday, May 10th, 2010The final week of Jesus’ life part 2
1) The God of the Bible is a God of history.
2) God believes that historical information has value and we need to study some history.
a) Wednesday an interesting day in the final week of Jesus’ life.
b) It is interesting because we do not know what Jesus did on this day.
c) For all we know, Jesus could have taken Wednesday as a “day off.”
3) Perhaps Jesus used Wednesday to relax a bit and spend some time in prayer.
4) Jesus may have well needed Wednesday to rest because of what happened on Thursday.
5) It is very possible that the arrival of Thursday Jesus never slept again.
WHEN THURSDAY CAME IT WAS TIME FOR JESUS TO CELEBRATE THE PASSOVER.
a) In Mt. 26:17-19; Mk. 14:12-16; Lk. 22:7-13 Jesus gave His apostles some instructions.
b) He said they should go into the city and they would find a man carrying a pitcher of water.
2) If a man was carrying a pitcher of water, that was a pretty unusual sight.
a) Jesus gave a command and these men obeyed.
b) They also had faith that they would meet this fellow.
c) This is what God requires from people today – heaven instructs and we obey.
3) The man who met the apostles had a room – a room that met the needs of Jesus and the apostles.
a) This room was furnished with all that was needed for the Passover.
b) This fact is also important.
c) When so many people flow into an area, space eventually gets limited.
d) Jesus sent out the apostles to get a room about not long before it was time to east the Passover.
4) The apostles were given a place that was more than adequate for their needs.
5) In fact, Lk. 22:12 says this man gave the apostles a “large” room.
6) There was no miracle involved in the preparation of this room or even in getting the apostles to it.
7) What we find here in this story is an example of God’s providence. 
God works within the laws of natural to help people and fulfill His will.
a) Thursday evening (which was the beginning of Friday) for the Jews, was Passover time.
b) Jesus created an institution at the Passover meal that we remember today.
c) Unlike the Passover meal that was observed annually, the Lord’s Supper is observed weekly.
d) Jesus does not want that remembered once or twice a year.
e) Neither does He want it remembered once a quarter or once a month.
f) Jesus died so we could have forgiveness of sins – we need to remember that ever week.
g) We do this by observing the Lord’s Supper.
h) Lk. 22:24-30 – READ
9) The apostles had a falling out with one another not long before Jesus died.
10) What we see here in Lk. 22 still happens in congregations today.
a) Jesus also announced His betrayal.
b) Satan had “entered” into Judas.
11) Moving from Thursday to Friday we find Jesus coming to the Garden where He prayed three times.
12) Jesus experienced several trials (which we hope to study next week) and was then crucified.
13) He spent about six hours on the cross.
14) On Sunday the tomb was empty.
15) Jesus was raised from the dead and He now reigns in heaven.
A sermon on the word “about”
Thursday, May 6th, 20101) Today we want to think about the word “about” – another preposition.
a) This preposition is found in places such as Mt. 18:6.
b) Jesus said if we cause a “little one to stumble,” it would be better to have a big rock hung “about” our neck.
2) Imagine having a 500 pound rock tied to our body and being pushed off a boat that is way out at sea.
3) That rock would instantly and swiftly drop to the bottom of the sea.
a) Mt. 18:6 reminds us that God will deal in the appropriate way with the wicked.
b) Heb. 10:31 says it is a “fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
c) Heb. 10:27 refers to “fiery indignation” that will “devour” God’s “adversaries.”
d) Mt. 20:20 says the “mother of the sons of Zebedee” came with her sons.
4) Jesus asked a question – verse 22 – READ
a) “Cup” represents something. The word “cup” was a way of describing Jesus’ upcoming death.
5) Jesus went through a very terrible ordeal.
6) What should God do if people spurn the Lord and His death?
7) God has not forgotten what Jesus did. He is still thinking about that as we meet here today.
8) Acts 2:23 says Jesus was delivered up by God’s “foreknowledge.”
9) Before this world was created, heaven knew that Jesus was going to come and die.
10) Heaven also gave the world the “Lord’s Supper” – a tool to remember Jesus’ death.
a) Next on our list of references is Mk. 10:23.
b) Mark says Jesus looked “round about” and made a comment.
11) Verse 19– READ
a) Verse 20 tells us the young man had been obedient in these areas.
b) Jesus said there was only “one thing” this man lacked.
c) This man was not a hypocrite – he was simply being held back by his desire for money.
d) When Jesus told this man to sell what he had, the man was sorrowful. Verse 22 – READ
12) It was after this that Jesus looked “about” and commented on wealth.
13) Jesus said this man “lacked one thing.”
14) His life was really about money—wealth—the things of this earth.
15) As of today, what is our life really “about”?
16) Lk. 10:40 says Martha was “cumbered about” with much serving.
a) Today there is a time and place for domestic responsibilities.
b) If this is the focus of life, what do we have in eternity?
c) Lk. 10:42 says Mary– Martha’s sister – had “chosen the good part.”
d) Mary decided to stay focused on spiritual things for this occasion and Jesus commended her.
e) Since God does not change, He still commends people who stay focused on the spiritual.
17) This choice is not always going to be popular.
18) Acts 2 tells us the majority of people have never been truly interested in doing God’s will.
19) Jesus warned in Mt. 7 that “few” will be saved.
a) We can make our life about Him and heaven – seek the first the kingdom – or make life about us.
b) Some in the first century wanted their lives to be centered on God.
c) These “went about” preaching the word (Acts 8:4).
20) Jesus “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38) and teaching, and this must be the way we live.
21) Some choose to be idle and “go about from house to house” not doing God’s will (1 Tim. 5:13).
22) We are “compassed about” with a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1), so we ought to do what is right.
23) The devil is “walking about” wanting to destroy us (1 Pet. 5:8).
24) What is our life about?
Porky – Who was Porky?
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010His nickname was “Porky.” If I ever knew the origin of his nickname, I forgot it. I learned recently that he “received” the name at birth. A nurse called him “Porky Pine” at birth, and apparently the name “Porky” stuck with him throughout the rest of his life.
I knew him when I was a child and lived in Stanton, Texas, where Porky lived. I remember him being confined to a wheelchair and that his body was contorted and that he spoke differently. I imagine that his appearance was quite striking to me as a child! But I also remember Porky to be a very kind man who greeted me warmly when my friends and I would muster the courage to speak to him. As we got to know him, our greetings were motivated more by love than by courage.
Souval “Porky” Britton passed away on October 11, 2008, at the age of 67. I read about his passing in an article written by a Gospel preacher, Rick Laing, who also knew Porky when he preached in Stanton over a nine-year period. In his article, I was reminded of why Porky was in a wheelchair.
“He was driving too fast. He was 21 and he struck an overpass support, which put him in a coma for 9 months. The nursing staff realized that he had come out of that coma when they realized he was grinning at a joke told in his presence. His once strong and muscular body, however, was weakened and twisted by the wreck and coma, so he was confined to a wheelchair in a local nursing home.”
Rick also wrote of his memory of Porky that matched my memory of him: “His mind was bright, and he spoke slowly, but always so cheerfully with a big grin on his face. … In all the 9 years I knew Porky, he NEVER changed his cheerful attitude. NEVER!”
How could a man with a twisted body confined to a wheelchair maintain such a wonderful attitude? Rick tells us how:
“He always praised God, and thanked God for the wreck that turned his life around.” *
WHAT? He thanked God for the wreck that mangled his body and put him into a coma? Yes! Why?
Because Porky said that it turned his life around (cf. Psalm 119:67). In fact, he turned to God. Based upon his repentance toward God (Acts 17:30-31) and his confession of faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-31), Porky obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-3). My father, Glenn Sargent, with some assistance from some loving brethren, baptized (immersed) Porky’s twisted body into Christ so that his sins could be washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 22:16) and he became a Christian.
His faith in God and the joy of being a child of God were the keys to his cheerful attitude. Porky’s TRAGEDY lead to his VICTORY in Jesus Christ (see Romans 8:28).
God has not promised that life will be free of difficulty…. Jesus said, “In the world you WILL have tribulation” (John 16:33). But, God has promised that we can have victory over sin and death through His Son.
His victory in Jesus changed Porky’s ATTITUDE and his ETERNITY. It can change YOURS, too, IF you will give your life to Jesus.
Won’t YOU?
–David Sargent
The cross of Christ – a sermon on the cross of Christ
Tuesday, May 4th, 20101) In our scripture reading, the first five verses of 1 Cor. 2., Paul said he only wanted to know “Christ and Him crucified.”
a) The gospel – the New Testament – centers around the person of Jesus Christ.
2) Most are familiar with the word Gethsemane.
3) Gethsemane was a word that meant “oil press.”
a) This name almost seems to have been prophetic; Jesus was “pressed” in ways we cannot imagine.
b) In Jn. 18:1-2 we learn that the Lord and His apostles had gone to this place quite often.
4) When we look at the final week of Jesus’ life we see firm determination.
5) Lk. 9:51 says – READ
a) Jesus centered His mind on dying for the sins of man and nothing would deter Him.
b) Do we try to follow this example in our lives?
6) Lk. 9:51 has a message for us.
7) We want to “set our face” towards the prospect of eternal life.
1) On the day we call Monday Jesus was hungry and He saw a fig tree looked like it had figs.
2) Jesus cursed this tree.
a) For a lot of people, this act does not fit in very well with the Jesus they think they now.
b) When valuable items are no longer serviceable, they can be cast away.
c) Man is valuable.
d) If we will not focus and keep our eyes focused on heaven, we will lose our value.
3) Jesus not only destroyed a fig tree on Monday, He cleansed the temple.
a) There were hypocrites in the temple. The house of God had cheats and probably liars.
b) Jesus knew who these men were.
c) God will also deal with hypocrites at the end of time.
d) The pretenders will be separated from those who were truly loyal to God.
4) Leaving Monday, we turn to the events that happened on the Tuesday before Jesus died.
a) Tuesday has been called the “busiest” day of Jesus’ final week.
b) After Jesus cleaned out the temple, people wanted to know where He got His authority.
c) Jesus taught people that authority exists and it comes from one of two places.
d) The things we do come because God has authorized them – this is one possibility.
e) In these cases we not only do things, we must do what God has authorized.
f) If authority does not come from God, it comes from man.
5) The religious actions people engage in are either from “heaven or men.”
6) Those whose religion is governed by the authority of men have chosen human authority over divine authority.
a) Jesus offered many other teachings on this day, including the scathing rebuke in Mt. 23.
b) Mt. 24 – destruction of Jerusalem.
c) Tuesday was also the day He talked about the end of time judgment (Mt. 25).
