Patience and Hope

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.  Romans 15:4

Do you spend time in the scriptures and allow them to teach you?  They are there for our learning, that we may have hope.  But this hope only comes when we study with patience and then receive the comfort that is given to us by God's word.  Many study and learn, but never find comfort or rest.  When you read the word of God do you receive comfort?

Comfort- To strengthen the mind when depressed or enfeebled; to console; to give new vigor to the spirits; to cheer, or relieve from depression, or trouble.

Many today, when depressed or troubled, turn to drugs or alcohol to find comfort and relief of mind, but this only temporary.  

Patience- Perseverance; constancy in labor or exertion.

Are you digging into the scripture? 

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. 

John 5:39

Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.  Proverbs 2:3-5

Do you spend enough time in the scriptures for the Lord to teach and reveal things to you?

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 
John 14:26  

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 

John 16:13

It's only when we read the scriptures and allow them to teach us patience and comfort, that we then receive the hope that is contained therein.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;  Titus 2:13

 

Are You Righteous Before God?

The word of God (Authorized King James Bible) states in Romans 10:1-4,

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. 

My fear is that to many today are trying to establish their own righteousness before God.  Just as Israel had a zeal of God, yet not according to knowledge, so to many that call themselves "christians" have a zeal for the things of God, but not according to God's word!  They have never submitted themselves to the righteousness of God, found in the Lord Jesus Christ.  What are you resting in?  Do you rest in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ or are you trying to justify yourself before God?  Do you make excuses on why you can't understand God's word the King James Bible and need a "easier" bible to read?  Could it be that you have never been born again?  I pray that you seriously consider where you stand with God.

Romans 9:31-33 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Why did not Israel attain to the law of righteousness?  Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.  Are you basing and resting on your good works to bring you into a right relationship with God?  If you are you will never be saved!  The word of God says that:

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight:  for by the law is the knowledge of sin.  Romans 3:20

To many today have a head knowledge of salvation, but there heart and life have never been changed by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ!  Why don't so many today come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ?  Because they fall short, just as Israel does, in that the Lord is a rock of offence and a stumblingstone.  They have never been broken before God!  A stubborn and rebellious people are we as a nation!  We never do anything wrong, always have an excuse, and it is always the fault of somebody else!  Quit trying to justify yourself!  Fall down and get broken before God!

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:  on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if the continue in his goodness:  otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.  Romans 11:22

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.  Isaiah 57:15

 

Are you following the spirit of antichrist?

Below is a video that was sent to me from another Bible Believer and I thought I would post it to my blog. We are in a sad state as Bible Believers today!  Be careful you are not following the spirit of antichrist!  I'm afraid that many of the so called "bible believing crowd" are following the ways of the world and have lost sight of what the word of God says! 

Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. 

1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

Here is some of what the Mormons believe:

We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.  http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith

We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.   http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.  http://mormon.org/articles-of-faith

Jesus

1. "Therefore we know that both the Father and the Son are in form and stature perfect men; each of them possesses a tangible body . . . of flesh and bones," (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 38).
2. "The birth of the Saviour was as natural as are the births of our children; it was the result of natural action. He partook of flesh and blood - was begotten of his Father, as we were of our fathers," (Journal of Discourses, vol. 8, p. 115).
3. "Elohim is literally the Father of the spirit of Jesus Christ and also of the body in which Jesus Christ performed His mission in the flesh ..." (First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, 1916, God the Father, compiled by Gordon Allred, p. 150)

1. The first spirit to be born in heaven was Jesus (Mormon Doctrine, p. 129).
2. The Devil was born as a spirit after Jesus "in the morning of pre-existence," (Mormon Doctrine, p. 192).

1 John 4:3 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. 

Some of the other beliefs of the Mormon Church:

God, becoming a god

1. After you become a good Mormon, you have the potential of becoming a god (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 345-347, 354).
2. "Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them," (DC 132:20).

God, mother goddess

1. There is a mother god (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 443).
2. God is married to his goddess wife and has spirit children (Mormon Doctrine, p. 516)

Devil, the

1. The Devil was born as a spirit after Jesus "in the morning of pre-existence," (Mormon Doctrine, p. 192.)
2. Jesus and Satan are spirit brothers and we were all born as siblings in heaven to them both, (Mormon Doctrine, p. 163.)

Book of Mormon

1. The book of Mormon is more correct than the Bible, (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 461.)

God

1. God used to be a man on another planet (Mormon Doctrine, p. 321; Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, vol. 5, p. 613-614; Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 345; Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, vol. 7, p. 333).
2. "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as mans..." (D&C 130:22).

Salvation

1. "One of the most fallacious doctrines originated by Satan and propounded by man is that man is saved alone by the grace of God; that belief in Jesus Christ alone is all that is needed for salvation," (Miracle of Forgiveness, by Spencer W. Kimball, p. 206).
2. A plan of salvation was needed for the people of earth so Jesus offered a plan to the Father and Satan offered a plan to the father but Jesus' plan was accepted. In effect the Devil wanted to be the Savior of all Mankind and to "deny men their agency and to dethrone god," (Mormon Doctrine, p. 193; Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 8).
3. Jesus' sacrifice was not able to cleanse us from all our sins, (murder and repeated adultery are exceptions), (Journal of Discourses, vol. 3, 1856, p. 247).
4. Good works are necessary for salvation (Articles of Faith, p. 92).
5. There is no salvation without accepting Joseph Smith as a prophet of God (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 188).
6. "The first effect [of the atonement] is to secure to all mankind alike, exemption from the penalty of the fall, thus providing a plan of General Salvation. The second effect is to open a way for Individual Salvation whereby mankind may secure remission of personal sins (Articles of Faith, by James Talmage, p. 78-79).
7. "As these sins are the result of individual acts it is just that forgiveness for them should be conditioned on individual compliance with prescribed requirements -- 'obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel,'" (Articles of Faith, p. 79).
8. "This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts," (LDS Bible Dictionary, p. 697).
9. "We know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do," (2 Nephi 25:23).

The Present Or The Eternal?

The bible says in  Colossians 3:1-3:

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

May the Lord help us to set our sights today on eternity and not on the temporal.  I was reading in a book today and I came across this quote by an Oxford University professor back in the 1800's and here is what he had to say to his students "Beware of having an earthly future."

May we today "Beware of having an earthly future."  

The bible says in 1 John 2:15-17:

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Let us set our sights on the eternal and live for the LORD today!

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18

From The Word Of God...

#1.  The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.  Proverbs 27:7

Do you hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) or are you filling your self with the things and spirit of this world (1 Corinthians 2:12)?

#2.  As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.  Proverbs 27:8

Be careful how much time you spend wandering around on the internet, for you may get caught in a trap.  Stay close to the Lord Jesus Christ and his word and don't wander away from the counsels of God.

#3.  Whoso keepeth the fig tree shall eat the fruit thereof:  so he that waiteth on his master shall be honored.  Proverbs 27:18

Are we waiting on the master or are we demanding and wanting the master to wait on us?  To many of so called "Christians" today demand of God, though they would never say this, and expect God to move at their every whim.  God help us to be a yielded vessel fit for the masters use.

2 Timothy 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

#4.  Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  for you are like unto whited sepluchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleaness.  Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.  Matthew 23:27-28

Are you a hypocrite?  Do you look all beautiful and nice on the outside, yet are filled with dead men's bones on the inside.  Do you hide your iniquities behind your nice christian appearance?  Repent and turn from you wicked ways and be washed in the blood of the Lamb of God.

Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Revelation 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 

What Is Your Desire?

What are you desiring today?  Is it the things of God or the world?

The bible says in Matthew 4:4:

"It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

How important then is God's word?  How much time are you spending in your bible?  The devil tried to get the Lord to satisfy his flesh by tempting him to turn the stones into bread.  What is the devil trying to get you to be satisfied with today?  Trying to be satisfied with anything but the word of God and salvation in the Lord  Jesus Christ will leave you empty, lost and hopeless!

Don't fall prey to the enemies tactics!  You can never be satisfied with anything this world has to offer to you.

Ecclesiastes 1:8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

The world is always putting out a new movie, T.V. show, website, music, beautiful woman or handsome man, magazine, car, and house to try and make you think that you can be satisfied with these things, but it is not so my friend!

Ecclesiastes 4:8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of all his labour; neither is his eye satisfied with riches; neither saith he, For whom do I labour, and bereave my soul of good? This is also vanity, yea, it is a sore travail.

Ecclesiastes 5:10-11 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

No matter how much money you have or will make, it will never satisfy!

Proverbs 27:20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Our desire should be towards God's word and His righteousness!

Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Lords Benefits Towards Us

Psalms 116:12-13 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

Have you taken of the cup of salvation and called upon the Lord to save you from your sins and I'm not talking about the Catholic mass?  All that the mass and Catholic system will do for you is damn your soul to hell.  What I'm talking about is being truly born again through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Can you truly say that you once were lost, but now your found?  Does the Holy Ghost of God live within you and bears witness to the truth contained in the King James Bible (AV1611)?  Does He teach you and bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?

John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 

What we can render to the Lord for all his benefits towards us is a holy and righteous life.  To soak our heart, soul, and mind in the word of God and prayer.  The sad thing though is that most of us only find a little time to spend in the reading of God's word and prayer.  This world has us so busy, that we so often miss God to make the next appointment or to gain an extra 1/2 hour of sleep.  May the Lord help me this coming week to have a closer walk with him!

Are You A Liar?

I know that it has been a few weeks since I have lasted posted, but a lot has been going on.  I wanted to write about somethings that the Lord has put upon my heart this morning.

I was reading in Proverbs and these verses jumped out at me and I believe they are a picture of where we are at as a nation (United States of America).

Proverbs 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

Our Independent Baptist Churches are in a mess and we think the answer is more preacher boys coming out of our Baptist Colleges, more contemporary music to draw the younger crowd, larger and prettier church buildings to attract the lost, and more programs to appease those who are just trying to clean up their lives a little, but don't want anything to do with the truth of God's word.  We run our churches like the world and expect the world to be changed, God help us!

As this verse in Proverbs says "that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good" and this is where we are at as a church and nation.  We are lacking true bible knowledge.  I'm not talking about the facts, dates, or people of the bible, but true Holy Ghost taught knowledge from God's Holy word.

Our churches and nation are quick to hasten with our feet and sin, as the later part of the verse states.  We care more about what is on T.V., the newest fashions, movies and the next big sporting event, then we do about drawing closer to the Lord in these last few days.

Proverbs 19:5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.


Proverbs 19:9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.

Our churches and nation are also filled with liars!  We love to lie and love to be lied too, yet we would never admit this to anyone, sooooo we continue to live a lie!  Yes, we are liars and do not want to know the truth about who we truly are in the light of God's word.  We want the preacher, church, T.V., movies and our leaders to lie to us, so we don't have to FACE the mess that we are in as an individual, home, city, state, and nation!  The word of God says that those who lie will not escape and will shall perish, may the Lord help us get back to what really counts and matters in this life.

Proverbs 19:27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge.

Let us get flee those things that are causing us to err from the words of knowledge and flee to the living God with whom we have to do!

Exodus 19:16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. 

Psalms 95:6 O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

I found these true pictures of the volcano that erupted in Iceland.  I believe that these pictures are what it might have looked like when the Lord meet with the children of Israel on Mt. Sinai.

Are you ready to meet your maker or do you want to continue to believe a lie?

Facebook, Infidelity, and Divorce

FACEBOOK, INFIDELITY, AND DIVORCE 

(Friday Church News Notes, May 25, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)


The following is excerpted from “Making Infidelity Just ‘a Few Clicks Away,’” CBN News, May 24, 2012: 
“More than a third of divorce filings last year included the word ‘Facebook,’ according to a British survey by Divorce Online. Some 80 percent of divorce lawyers also say they’ve seen a rise in cases related to social networking. ‘Affairs happen with a lightning speed on Facebook,’ said K. Jason Krafsky, co-author of the book Facebook and Your Marriage. ‘On Facebook, they happen in just a few clicks.’ Experts add that, even when extramarital affairs develop with no help from Facebook, people often turn to the site to let off steam which can cause suspicion among spouses.”

Memorials of Baptist Martyrs

Maria, of Monjou

     It has been always true, that they who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  So was it with this eminelty pious woman.

     Having, according to the requirement of Scripture, on a profession of faith in Jesus, been baptized, and become a member of the body of Christ, and having for a long time conducted herself with holy consistency in the church and towards society in general, the hatred of the ungodly displayed itself.  The magistrate of Monjou had a great dislike to this poor widow, and at length cast her into prison.  There she lay confined for more than a year; and though she had to pass through many sufferings, she cheerfully bore them.  Constantly did she exhort the pious to walk in love, and abide firmly by the covenant of Jesus Christ.  She was herself always diligent to present her body a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, that her soul might be built up as a spiritual house, well adorned inwardly with the word of God.

     The magistrate, in every possible way, tempted her for three days, but could not induce her to renounce her faith.  She firmly resolved to abide in Christ.  The magistrate entreated her to go to what she considered the erroneous church (Catholic Church); he even promised that if she would do so, he would release her, and give her support for a year.  However, she would not consent to his proposal, but said that she would abide with Christ, and was willing to resign her life for him.  She was therefore condemned to be drowned.

     When she went towards the water, she sang with a cheerful heart, and rejoiced that so happy an hour had arrived.  Thus, like her Lord, she went as a sheep to the slaughter.  She remembered the testimony of Scripture, "They shall kill you, and think they do God service."  Going along the road she said, "I have been the bride of an earthly bridegroom, but today I hope to be the bride of Christ, and with him to inherit his kingdom."

     When they approaced the water, one of the dissemblers said, "O Maria, repent, or it will not be well with you."  They kept her by the side of the water nearly three hours, hoping they might persuade her to recant, and to follow them; but her only reply was, "I abide by my God; proceed in the business for which you are come here.  The corn is in the straw, and it must be threshed.  In like manner the word of God has begun to work, and it must be perfected."  She then partially uncovered herself, and went cheerfully to death, saying, "O heavenly Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit."  She was then driven into the water, where she died, witnessing to the truth of the gospel with her last breath, and greatly encouraging the believers in Christ who witnessed the affecting scene.

Are You Staying Pure For The Lord?

Just a quick question this afternoon.  Are you staying pure for the Lord?  Is your daily walk glorifying God?  The bible says in 1 John 3:1-3

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

PURE- 
         1.  Free from moral defilement; without spot; not sullied or tarnished; incorrupt; undebased by moral    turpitude; holy. 
         2.  Free from guilt; guiltless; innocent.

The world today would have us to be anything but pure!  Is what you are watching, listening to, reading, and thinking on pure? Or do you let your mind and heart meditate on the filthiness of this world.  Do you spend more time watching worldly movies or television shows (if we would just get into the pure word of God we would see that 99.99% of shows on televison are ungodly and do not glorify the Lord Jesus Christ), listening to worldly music (Contemporary "Christian" Music and Southern Gospel included), reading articles that make you depressed, mad, or stir up unrighteous thoughts?

I don't write this as one that would come across holier than thou, but to stir up our your minds and hearts to the things contained in the word of God.

2 Peter 1:12-18 Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.
Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me. Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.

FABLE- 

1. A feigned story or tale, intended to instruct or amuse; a fictitious narration intended to enforce some useful truth or precept.

2. Fiction in general; as, the story is all a fable.

3. An idle story; vicious or vulgar fictions.

I think most televison shows fall into the category of a fable and that most don't enforce the truth or precepts of the word of God.

Most of my Independent Baptist brethren would say that we should just throw the television out the window, but I don't totally agree with this type of mindset.  The television in and of itself is not wrong, it is a tool that can be used for both evil and good.  I know that there are individuals out there who have been convicted and even saved by what they saw and heard from a preacher on televison.  I say these things to stir up your minds and hearts and ask is what you are watching pure?

Here are a few statistics on the televison:

• Estimated number of TV homes: 109.6 million
• In a recent (03.20.05) Time Magazine Poll 53 percent of respondents said that they think the FCC should place stricter controls on broadcast-channel shows depicting sex and violence. 68 percent believe the entertainment industry has lost touch with viewers' moral standards. 66 percent said there is too much violence on open-air TV, 58 percent said too much cursing and 50 percent said there is too much sexual content on TV. 49 percent say FCC regulation should be extended to cover basic cable.
• ABC's Desperate Housewives is the most popular broadcast-network television show with kids aged 9-12 according to Nielsen stats. It airs at 10/9. (Jan. 05)
• According to Nielsen the top TV shows for 12-17 year old girls were: American Idol, The O.C., Will & Grace, and One Tree Hill. The top TV shows for 12-17 year old boys were: The Simpsons, Malcolm, and The O.C.
• On December 10th, 2003, Fox failed to bleep the f-word and the s-word during the Billboard Music Awards.
  # of 2-11 yr olds Watching = Over 1 million
  # of 12-17 yr olds Watching = Over 1 Million
  These two groups comprised more than 20% of the total viewing audience.
• Average time kids spend watching TV each day: 4 Hours
• Children spend more time watching television than in any other activity except sleep. - Huston and Wright, University of Kansas.  "Television and Socialization of Young Children."
• 54% of kids have a TV in their bedroom. - Ibid
• 44% of kids say they watch something different when they're alone than with their parents (25% choose MTV)
• 66% of children (ages 10 to 16) surveyed say that their peers are influenced by TV shows
• 77% say there is too much sex before marriage on television
• 65% say that shows like The Simpsons and Married… With Children encourage kids to disrespect parents.
• Witnessing repeated violent acts can lead to desensitization and a lack of empathy for human suffering
• Television alone is responsible for 10% of youth violence. - Leonard Eron, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Michigan
• According to the American Psychiatric Association, "The debate is over… For the last three decades, the one predominant finding in research on the mass media is that exposure to media portrayals of violence increases aggressive behavior in children."
• A majority of parents say they are "very" concerned about the amount of sex (60%) and violence (53%) their children are exposed to on TV. After being read arguments on both sides of the issue, nearly two-thirds of parents (63%) say they favor new regulations to limit the amount of sex and violence in TV shows during the early evening hours, when children are most likely to be watching (35% are opposed). - Kaiser Family Foundation, 9/23/04.
• Basically, kids with higher exposure to sex on TV were almost twice as likely than kids with lower exposure to initiate sex. - Study Conducted by RAND and published in the September 2004 issue of Pediatrics.
• "In a recent national survey conducted by Nielsen (4/29/04), 78% of American families who had recently been part of the Nielsen 'People Meter' panel wanted more shows 'without profanity or swear words
• "In a national survey by Public Agenda ("Parents feel they're failing to teach values," USA TODAY, 10/30/02), 'about 90% [of parents] say TV programs are getting worse every year because of bad language and adult themes in shows that air from 8 to 10 p.m.'
• Over 1000 studies - including a Surgeon General's special report in 1972 and a National Institute of Mental Health report 10 years later - attest to a causal connection between media violence and aggressive behavior in some children. Studies show that the more "real-life" the violence portrayed, the greater the likelihood that it will be "learned." ^- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement, Volume 95, Number 6 - June 1995
• By age 18, a U.S. youth will have seen 16,000 simulated murders and 200,000 acts of violence. - American Psychiatric Association
• The average youth living in the U.S. watches television 25 hours a week and plays computer games an additional seven hours. - National Institute on Media and the Family, 1998 study
• "Violence is like the nicotine in cigarettes.  The reason why the media has to pump ever more violence into us is because we've built up a tolerance.  In order to get the same high, we need ever-higher levels… The television industry has gained its market share through an addictive and toxic ingredient." - Lt. Col. David Grossman quoted in The Arizona Republic, May 27, 1999 by Tim Madigan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, A18
• "Not every child who watches a lot of violence or plays a lot of violent games will grow up to be violent.  Other forces must converge, as they did recently in Colorado.  But just as every cigarette increases the chance that someday you will get lung cancer, every exposure to violence increases the chances that some day a child will behave more violently than they otherwise would." - Ibid  Attributed to L. Rowell Huesmann of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
• Television reaches children at a younger age and for more time than any other socializing institution except the family. - Ibid
• Research has shown that "mindless" television or video games may idle and impoverish the development of the pre-frontal cortex, or that portion of the brain that is responsible for planning, organizing and sequencing behavior for self-control, moral judgment and attention. - American Academy of Pediatrics - Understanding TV's effects on the developing brain, Jane M. Healy, Ph.D.  (From May 1998 AAP News)
• Children often behave differently after they've been watching violent programs on television.  Children who watched violent shows were more likely to strike out at playmates, argue, disobey authority and were less willing to wait for things that children who watched nonviolent programs. - American Psychological Association, Family and Relationships -Get the Facts: Children and Television Violence
• Television Statistics
  According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). In a 65-year life, that person will have spent 9 years glued to the tube.
   
• CHILDREN

  Approximate number of studies examining TV's effects on children: 4,000

  Number of minutes per week that parents spend in meaningful

  conversation with their children: 3.5

  Number of minutes per week that the average child watches television: 1,680

  Percentage of day care centers that use TV during a typical day: 70

  Percentage of parents who would like to limit their children's TV watching: 73

  Percentage of 4-6 year-olds who, when asked to choose between watching TV

  and spending time with their fathers, preferred television: 54

  Hours per year the average American youth spends in school: 900 hours

  Hours per year the average American youth watches television: 1500

62% say that sex on TV shows and movies influences kids to have sex when they are too young

These statistics were taken from these websites:  http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html#tv_stats
http://www.parentstv.org/ptc/facts/mediafacts.asp

These are just a few statistics that I found on televison viewing.  We wonder as a country why there is so much violence and why we can't control our children.  I think that this country is in trouble, we need to get back to the truth contained in God's holy word. I wasn't planning at the beginning of this post to talk about televison, but I believe this is the direction the Lord wanted me to go, may we all take heed to the truth of the word of God.

Do you hope that the Lord will return today?  If the Lord were to come back today, would you be ashamed at his coming or would you be found about the Father's business?

12 Thoughts From The King James Bible 1611

#1.  Do we desire the tree of life or the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Do you desire the Lord Jesus Christ and his holy word, or the world with all of its wisdom and pride?  Genesis 2:9-18


#2.  From the beginning there has been a division between light and darkness.  The things of God and the things of this world.  Genesis 1:4,6,7,14,18

#3.  We as priests of God are clothed with righteousness and salvation through and in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Psalm 132:9,16; 1 Peter 2:5-9

#4.  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.  Psalm 133:1

#5.  A man shall cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh.  (Not a man with a man, or a woman with a woman!).  Genesis 2:24

#6.  God made man in his image.  Genesis 1:26-27

#7.  The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul.  Genesis 2:7

#8.  Boast not of tomorrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.  Proverbs 27:1

#9.  Open rebuke is better than secret love.  Proverbs 27:5

#10.  Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are decitful.  Proverbs 27:6

#11.  To the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.  Proverbs 27:7

#12.  The eyes of man are never satisfied.  Proverbs 27:20

12 Thoughts From The King James Bible 1611

#1.  Bless the Lord with all your soul and forget not his benefits.  Psalm 103:1-2

#2.  Walk within your house with a perfect heart and set no wicked thing before your eyes.  Psalm 101:2-3

#3.  Remember that the Lord has not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.  Psalm 103:10

#4.  Be glad in the Lord!  Psalm 104:34

#5. Be faithful and show humilitiy during those times that the Lord is trying you, even though it may hurt and it seems like all is lost.  (Read the story of Joseph) Psalm 105:17-19

#6.  We shall come forth as gold, if we stay faithful through the trial.  (For those that are saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb of God)  Job 23:10

#7.  Esteem the words of the Lord more than your necessary food!  Job 23:12

#8.  Remember that without the Lord, your are know better than a worm!  Job 25:6

#9.  The price of wisdom is above rubies!  Job 28:10

#10.  The fear of the Lord is wisdom and to depart from evil is understanding.  Job 28:28

#11.  We have been graven into the palms of the hands of the precious Saviour! (For those that are saved and washed in the blood of the Lamb of God)  Isaiah 49:16

#12.  Continue to pray and ask the Lord to teach us to be able to speak a word in season to those who are weary.  Isaiah 50:4



 

Bee Smarts

BEE SMARTS (Friday Church News Notes, March 2, 2012, www.wayoflife.org, fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143)

     The following is from Creation Moments, August 3, 2011, www.creationmoments.com: “Before we had detailed knowledge of the daily lives of many animals, it was easy for scientists to dismiss signs of animal intelligence as instinct. After all, to the evolutionist, intelligence can only evolve in the highest creatures--like humans. In the last couple of decades, animal intelligence has become a busy field of study. Researchers are learning that animals can be just as intelligent as humans in their own area of specialization In one experiment, researchers moved a supply of sugar water 25 percent further away from a beehive each day. The bees quickly figured out what was going on and started anticipating where the sugar water would be the next day. In another experiment, researchers placed sugar water on a boat that was anchored in the middle of a small lake. When scouts returned to the hive to report their find, other bees refused to go with them, knowing that bees don't find food in the middle of a lake. Scientists have concluded that bees think events through to see if they make sense Creationists know that intelligence did not evolve. It is a gift of the Creator who generously shared what was needed with each creature He created. We also know that intelligence is not what separates us from the animals. Only humans were made for an ongoing, intimate relationship with the Creator. That also means that each of us is responsible before our Maker. God has wisdom, not just intelligence, and He wants to share the wisdom of His forgiving love through Jesus Christ with us!”

Quotes from Lester Roloff

"The world's greatest need is preaching preachers. The Gospel is our emancipation proclamation: let's take it to the slaves of sin."  I wonder what Rick Warren and Joel Osteen say about that? They say, "we try not to be preachy."

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"When the church ought to be leaping, it is limping."

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"The only accreditation God’s people need is Divine accreditation and the only set of rules we need is the Bible!"

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Better a pink bottom than a black soul.

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“People don’t care how much you know. They want to know how much you care.”

 

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"God is the God of the impossible, as well as the God of the possible."

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"The Television is the monster of hell."

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"We need a Bible revival."

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Paul Lemoine and Dr. T.N. Tahmisian on Evolution

"The theory of evolution is impossible. At base, in spite of appearances, no one any longer believes in it...Evolution is a kind of dogma which the priests no longer believe, but which they maintain for their people."

Paul Lemoine, 1878-1940, French Scientist and Chief editor of Encyclopedia Francaise, 1937

Take a look at God's Holy word below and it will show you what evolution produces.  When we choose to throw God out of every area of our life, we will bear the fruit below.  I believe this is the fruit that America is now bearing.  You have to be blind, and you are if you are not saved, to not see what the rejection of God produces.

     And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

     Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, malignity; whispers,

     Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 

     Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:  

     Who knowing the judgment of God, that they whic h commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.     Romans 1:28-32

     For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.  Jeremiah 4:22

SOTTISH, a.

1. Dull; stupid; senseless; doltish; very foolish.

     My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.   Hosea 4:6


"Scientists who go about teaching that evolution is a fact are great con men, and the story they are telling may be the greatest hoax ever.  In explaining evolution we do not have one iota of fact."


Dr. T. N. Tahmisian, Physiologist with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission

Missionary Quote (David Livingstone)

“I will place no value on anything I have or may possess, except in relation to the kingdom of Christ. If anything will advance the interests of that kingdom, it shall be given away or kept only as by giving or keeping of it I shall most promote the glory of Him to whom I owe all my hopes in time and eternity.”

- David Livingstone

Are You Overwhelmed?

Good Evening,

I know that it has been along time since I have last posted.  Needless to say, a lot of changes have occurred in our lives. 

We found out that we can no longer rent our home, so we had to move back in.  Our home is now on the market and we are praying that the Lord would allow us to sell it.  Please continue to pray for us as we wait on the Lord's will for our lives. 

I am the type of person who likes to know why things happen the way they do, but so often in our christian life the Lord does not tell us why, but requires of us only to be faithful and obedient to the orders he has given us.

I felt impressed from the Lord to post this evening a few verses that deal with being overwhelmed and how the Lord is always there to see us through.  Even when it feels as if everything is going backwards, the Lord is always there and will never leave nor forsake us.

The bible says:

When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.  Psalms 142:3


Overwhelmed- To overspread or crush beneath something violent and weighty, that covers or encompasses the whole; To immerse and bear down; in a figurative sense; as, to be overwhelmed with cares, afflictions or business.

There are times in our lives when we are overwhelmed with all that is going on around us and with in our spirit.  Sometimes it feels as thought the dark clouds will never leave nor the battle ever stop, but one thing we can be sure of is that the Lord knows our path and is there with us every step of the way.

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.  Hebrews 13:5


Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.  Deuteronomy 31:6


Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 

For thou hast been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. Isaiah 25:4

I just want to thank everyone for their prayers and support.  May we all stay faithful to the Lord!

God bless you all!

Brother Chris Weltin and Family