The tip...

I can just picture the restaurant server looking at this receipt and wondering: "Who is this person"?  Perhaps its one of the cast members of "The Big Bang" or maybe a math teacher or one of the millions of very unusal people out there.  Who knows?  There is nothing wrong with being "intelligent", as long as you don't put others down.  Some people who are blessed with an above average mind can be sensible and very reasonable human beings.  Here is an example of this...

WEB: Acts Chapter 13
[4] So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus. [5] When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant. [6] When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar Jesus, [7] who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of understanding. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul, and sought to hear the word of God. [8] But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith. [9] But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, [10] and said, “Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? [11] Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!”

Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. [12] Then the proconsul, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

A procounsul was a "somebody"!  He had real power and authority in the Roman world.  He both heard the teaching and saw the miracle and believed.  He used his intelligence wisely.  Christianity is for the learned as well as the uneducated.  If there is any doubt in your mind, read the book of Romans; its like reading a book about logic.  The tip in the picture is a numerical symbol for 3.14 (rounded), but personally, I prefer to think about a real pie myself (and not a pie-in-the-face, either).  Life should not be over analyzed, just accepted. Humm, isn't that exactly what Sergius Paulus did? 

The Great Divide...

After church I came home and had a nice cup of coffee and as usual turned on the TV to Fox News Sunday.  Much of their content I had heard before until it came to Herman Cain.  If I understood them correctly, the 9-9-9 tax plan has now been changed to 9-0-9.  Which, of course is good news for the middle class (zero percent is better than nine).  So, when I sat down to do today's blog, this picture stood out from the rest because it shows what is really happening in America.  Even when I was young, the old adage: "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer" was true, but NOW, ITS REALLY TRUE!!!  There is an ever shrinking middle class, with more and more and more and more of the population being either very, very poor or excessively rich.  As this progresses, there will be demonstrations and more demonstrations, that will continually become more violent.  Bad NEWS!!  Dangerous NEWS!!  Scary NEWS!!!  However, it does raise a question in my mind: Are the rich in America BETTER than the poor?  Is the divide becoming bigger because the rich are BETTER PEOPLE??  Then I thought of this passage from the New Testament...

WEB: Acts Chapter 10

[34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

The answer to the question if the rich are really better is a resounding NO!!!!  In Christ, all are equal, outside Christ, all are in a very, very, great danger! Oh, there will be a great divide, but it will be in the afterlife, but take heart, we all have a choice of where we will be when we die.  Make the right one, be with God beginning today.  Choose the right side of the great divide and live.

Gary

PS. I will be posting Mark Copeland's executable outlines studies from now on and would appreciate any comments you may wish to make.  The first series will be on "Life and Death".  Hope you enjoy it.

NT Bible Readin 10/30

Oct. 30

2 Thessalonians 2

2Th 2:1 Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to him, we ask you

2Th 2:2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.

2Th 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction,

2Th 2:4 he who opposes and exalts himself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that he sits as God in the temple of God, setting himself up as God.

2Th 2:5 Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things?

2Th 2:6 Now you know what is restraining him, to the end that he may be revealed in his own season.

2Th 2:7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until he is taken out of the way.

2Th 2:8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will kill with the breath of his mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of his coming;

2Th 2:9 even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2Th 2:10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

2Th 2:11 Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;

2Th 2:12 that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2Th 2:13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;

2Th 2:14 to which he called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2Th 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.

2Th 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

2Th 2:17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

Life after Death: Mark Copeland

Mark has consented to my posting his studies from executableoutlines.com.  I hope you enjoy them!!  Please feel free to make any constructive comments you desire.

Gary

Mark A. Copeland

Life After Death
 

What Is The Value Of Such A Study?
INTRODUCTION
1. Mankind has long been fascinated with the subject of life after death
2. Such fascination has given rise to such things as:
a. Interest in the occult
b. Speculation concerning the timing and events surrounding the return of Jesus Christ
3. It has also created much confusion among those who are Christians, who have every reason to look
forward to the future with certainty and great expectation
4. Though the Bible has much to say about what will occur after death and in the future, many have not
studied the Bible carefully on this subject
a. Their knowledge may be limited to what they have heard or seen on religious TV and radio
programs
b. Or their understanding may be based upon a point of view that is taught by their religion's creed,
rather than the Bible itself
5. It is my prayer that this series of lessons on "Life After Death" may help increase our
understanding on what the Bible itself actually teaches on the subject
[In this lesson, I wish to answer the question, "What is the value of such a study?" But first, it may
help to define a couple of terms...]
I. DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. ESCHATOLOGY...
1. The systematic study of that which the Bible has revealed regarding the future is called
"eschatology"
2. The term comes from two words...
a. eschatos - meaning "last things"
b. logos - meaning "word" or "discourse"
3. Therefore, eschatology is a discourse or study about the last things
B. INDIVIDUAL ESCHATOLOGY vs. GENERAL ESCHATOLOGY...
1. The field of "eschatology" can be divided into two general areas
2. Individual eschatology...
a. Pertains to what happens to the individual between death and the final return of Christ
b. Otherwise known as the "intermediate state"
3. General eschatology...
a. Pertains to what will happen when and after Christ's final coming
Life After Death
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Mark A. Copeland
b. This relates to what we might call our "eternal destiny"
4. In this series of lessons, we will consider both fields of eschatology...
a. Beginning with "individual" eschatology
b. Because for much of mankind, their death precedes the coming of Christ
[But what is the value of such a study, besides answering our curiosity? Is such a study really practical?
Consider, then...]
II. THE VALUE OF SUCH A STUDY
A. IT ENCOURAGES US TO SO LIVE THAT THE BLESSINGS WILL BE OURS...
1. The Lord has promised wonderful blessing to those who endure - Ja 1:12
2. It is entirely proper for the believer to seek whatever blessings God has prepared for the
righteous - 1 Pe 3:8-12
B. IT FURNISHES A STIMULUS AND A THEME FOR EVANGELISM...
1. Knowing what lay ahead for sinful mankind motivated Paul to preach - 2 Co 5:10-11
2. It should also motivate sinners to obey - Ac 17:30; Mt 16:24-27
C. IT HELPS ONE TO ANSWER INQUIRERS, AND TO QUIET DECEIVERS...
1. Many are sincerely interested, and we should be able to give them the correct teaching
- 1 Pe 3:15
2. But there are many bent on teaching their false doctrine, and we should be able to refute
them - Ti 1:9-11
D. IT HELPS TO STIMULATE PRAYER...
1. The importance of prayer to the Christian can never be overemphasized - cf. Lk 18:1-8
2. Meditating upon the "end times" can stimulate serious and watchful prayer - 1 Pe 4:7
E. IT CAN STRENGTHEN LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER...
1. Read carefully 1 Pe 4:7-10
2. Increasing our understanding for what awaits the faithful can spur greater devotion and
service to one another (cf. Mt 25:31-46)
3. That service in turn strengthens our love for one another!
F. IT CAN CAUSE MORE GLORY TO BE GIVEN TO GOD...
1. Note carefully Ro 2:4, where we learn the goodness of God leads men to repent
2. The more we learn of God's goodness which He has prepared for those who love and obey
Him, the more we (and others) will repent...resulting in the glory of God - cf. 1 Pe 4:11
G. IT CAN INCREASE INCENTIVE TO BE STEADFAST IN THE FAITH...
1. Consider 1 Pe 5:8-9
2. The more we strengthen the inner conviction...
a. That hell is real
b. That it is Satan's sinister purpose to devour as many people as possible
...the more incentive we will have to remain steadfast in the faith!
Life After Death
4
Mark A. Copeland
CONCLUSION
1. Far from being an impractical subject of study, the truths concerning the "last things" can be of
inestimable value to our present life
2. As John wrote, our hope in the One Who is coming, and what that means for us, can help to
"purify" ourselves - cf. 1 Jn 3:2-3
In our next study, we shall begin looking at individual eschatology by examining different attitudes
held towards death itself...
Life After Death

What a difference a day makes

Two days ago, everything was "normal", then along came yesterday.  An unexpected cold sore woke me up early and by the time the day was through I was taking Night Quill to get over my sudden "cold".  After 12 hours of sleep, I woke up feeling a bit better, but still wishing that obnoxious cold sore would fade away into nothingness.  Hey, you never know what is going to happen...  Which reminds me of the following New Testament passage...

WEB: I Thessalonians Chapter 5
[1] But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. [2] For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. [3] For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. [4] But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. [5] You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, [6] so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. [8] But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. [11] Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

 I know, I did too much underlining.  But These verses stood out to me.  Things change, who knows what tomorrow may bring?  I may have a good day or a bad day; it may be filled with sunshine like the picture or covered in snow (probably not much snow in Florida, though).  BUT, what the day is like, WHATEVER happens, I need to be ready for judgment.  Today, God might just say to HIMSELF, that "I have had ENOUGH".  So, Today, I will reread this passage several times and be mentally ready for ANYTHING!!!  Then, whatever happens, it will be SNOW PROBLEM.

When a word processor is a typewriter...

Just because something is old does NOT mean its bad.  Brains (young or OLD), pencils, slide rules and yes, even a typewriter can be useful.  When you remember a phone number instead of just using speed dial, guess what, you remembered something; your brain actually works.  If you use a piece of paper and a pencil to do math; again, brain in gear.  If the power goes out and you use your handy, dandy slide rule to determine the square root of some number, you have just one more option in life.  When I saw this picture, I thought of yesterday, yes, I mean yesterday!!  October 27th was the very first day I used the Ubuntu 11.10 operating system exclusively.  I still had to do some configuration and getting used to its very simple way of doing things (did I mention that everything is free ???) but I had a GREAT TIME.  Why couldn't Windows have been this simple??????  One of the programs I installed was a simple word processor called "Focus Writer".  Its claim to fame is simplicity in use and focus on just WRITING!!! One thing I especially liked though, was the option to turn on typewriter sounds.  Using it was a trip down memory lane, but better.  Imagine, a typewriter with cut and paste and delete!!!!  Wow!  I fell in love and for a brief period felt 40 years younger!!!!!  Sometimes old things can be the BEST THINGS!!!  Now, consider the follow verse from the book of Jeremiah...

WEB: Jeremiah Chapter 6
[16] Thus says Yahweh, “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, ‘Where is the good way?’ and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ [17] I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, ‘We will not listen!’ [18] Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them. [19] Hear, earth! Behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it. [20] To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.”

Want to know if something is valuable?  Ask the question: Has it endured the test of time?  If the answer is "YES" then its probably worth something; it HAS ENDURED!!!  Which is why diamonds are worth more than marshmallows!!!  Think old people aren't worth anything?  Then just ask them a question about history or maybe even what a SLIDE-RULE IS? Take this principle just a bit farther... Why is a house a better investment than a bicycle?  The house will be worth more than the bicycle in 20, 30 or 40 years.  Going a bit farther even, consider how we view our lives.  If we just live for the moment and take no thought as to how we handle our money or maintain our house or treat our spouse, what do you think is going to happen in a few decades?  Probably something that is less than wonderful!!!  How about the spiritual side of your life?  What is going to happen to you in 50 or 60 years from now.  Don't know?  Find out, read your Bible and know.  You may not like the answer, but you will know and if you know, you CAN CHANGE YOUR DESTINY!!!  How, by believing that what is there is true and doing what it says to do with your life.  At this point, turn to Acts chapter two and read and reread it.  The language is plain and direct, so you need to ask yourself... Have I done what it tells me to do?  Don't be like the people in Jeremiah's time, who heard what to do and didn't do it.  Follow the "old paths" and obey the instructions of Acts chapter two and avoid evil.  Remember, Old CAN BE GOOD, but even better...OLD CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE?  What's next?  That's up to you.  Want more information... quick let me type it out for you on my word processor that is a typewriter.  Boy, am I a geek or what?

When black becomes white

How has society come to this?  We care more for animals than we do for human beings!!!  Think about the past few years; more than once I bet you can remember someone committing murder and getting away with it.  Remember OJ???  Yet, if someone hurts or abuses an animal there is no mercy whatsoever.  Now, don't get me wrong... I do NOT approve of mistreating animals; I love them, especially the baby ones.  But, people are FAR MORE VALUABLE THAN THEM!!!!  Take a few minutes and read these selections from the Bible and suddenly the above sign will begin to take on a new meaning....

WEB: Genesis Chapter 1 

[24] God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;” and it was so. [25] God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good. [26] God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. [28] God blessed them. God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [29] God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food. [30] To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;” and it was so. [31] God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day. WEB: Matthew Chapter 6 [24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. [25] Therefore, I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?

WEB: Isaiah Chapter 29

[16] You turn things upside down! Should

the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say

about him who made it, “He didn’t make me;” or the thing formed say of

him who formed it, “He has no understanding?” WEB: Isaiah Chapter 5 [20] Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!  

WEB: Matthew Chapter 6 [24] “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon. [25] Therefore, I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you of much more value than they?

Human beings are the pinnacle of God's creation.  Animals were made for man, NOT the other way around!!!  God has made everything and decided how things should be, so why, oh why do we want to change things???  When God says "yes", Satan says "No" and its up to us to decide who we want to listen to.  Remember, don't be a fence sitter, you might fall on the side where Satan is and HE will really gobble you up.  Believe it, because its true!!!