tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55725216438679887552024-02-20T02:25:13.086-08:00Wonderful Words of LifeDr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-10893268435979184792020-02-29T06:22:00.001-08:002020-02-29T06:22:50.868-08:00<h3>
MARCH...2020...WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...MARCHING ON!!</h3>
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I. <u>Introduction</u>: The month of March brings on those subtle variations that allow us to remember the changes of the seasons. We may still have some winter weather here and there, but we begin to see some green grass, softer ground and somethings a series of very windy days. I remember as a young person, my mother buying my siblings and I paper kites with which we flew, with our friends, various kites in an open field. It was amazing how some of my chums got the hang of putting tails on their kites and watching them twist and turn in the wind over the hills of Steubenville, Ohio. The creativity of humanity has been for me a wonderful experience to behold. It speaks to the optimism of the future and its potential for all of us.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Comparison Between <u>Elijah</u> and <u>John the Baptist</u></h3>
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The Prophet Elijah was an important individual in the Old Testament. He was seen by Jewish sages and tradition as appearing before the coming of Messiah. In fact, the Jewish leaders at the time of Jesus taught that the before the Messiah could come, Elijah would appear. After the Transfiguration, in the context of our text, (Matt. 17) the disciples questioned Jesus concerning the coming of Elijah to certify this awaited Messianic figure. Jesus told them that Elijah "had in deed come" as the forerunner of the Messiah in John the Baptist(Matthew 17:10-13). What John significantly did was to prepare and set in place the coming of the Christ in Jesus. In turn, the historic footprint is declared by the Church that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Here are a few comparisons between these two giants of the Old and New Testaments. </h3>
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<u> EVENT</u> <u>ELIJAH</u> <u>JOHN THE BAPTIST</u></h3>
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1. <u>Place of Living</u> <u>Hide by a brook</u> <u> In the Desert</u></h3>
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(I Kings 17:3) (Matt. 3:4)</h3>
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2. <u>Food </u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><u>Ravens fed Him</u> <u>Locust and Wild Honey</u></h3>
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(I Kings 17:6) (Matt. 3:4)</h3>
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3. <u>Message </u> <u>Calamity of Nations </u> <u>Judgement to come</u></h3>
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"call to repentance" "call to repentance" </h3>
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(I Kings 18:39) (Matthew 3:5, Luke 3:12) </h3>
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4. <u>Influence-Multitudes</u> <u>Personality Compelling</u> <u>Different Peoples come to hear</u></h3>
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(I Kings 18) (Matthew 3:5; Luke 3:12-14)</h3>
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5.<u> In the presence of Kings</u> <u>Ahab and Jezebel</u> <u>Herod Antipas and Herodias</u> </h3>
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(I Kings 21:19) (Matthew 14:4) </h3>
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6. <u>Rage of an Evil Women</u> <u>Jezebel</u> <u>Herodias</u></h3>
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( I Kings 29:2) (Matthew 14:5-8)</h3>
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7. <u>The Dark Hour</u> Ref. (I Kings 29:4) (Matthew 11:2)</h3>
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8. <u>Extraordinary End</u> Ref. (II Kings) (Matthew 14:11) </h3>
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9. <u>Loyalty of Disciples</u> II Kings 16:17 (Matthew 14:12) </h3>
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III.<u> DID YOU KNOW</u>? ... You Can Meet With God Daily... An Insight... </h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: One of the great benefits and blessings of the Christian life is coming to God and spending time with Him when there are no emergencies, crises, or distractions. True meditation is <u>Life Meditation</u> day by day. So many contemporary society want to go into a trance or some kind of unworldly state to somehow feel they are connecting with God. This is pagan!! This author believes that the God of the Bible declared and revealed as Jesus Christ can bring genuine mediation into balanced perspectives to our hectic lives. The Holy Spirit will escort you and I into true meditory healing and a sound mind (II Tim.1:7). In the western world, we are too busy, and often neglect this vital exercise to our mental, physical, emotional and spiritual detriment. But please consider and ask yourself, "...how many times do I check my cell phone and fiddle with it every day?" Calls, contacts, texting... all comprise our daily lives with trivia and noise and distract our concentration. How about time with the Creator and the Savior?" He made you...He knows you.</h3>
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Let me suggest a system to help reduce your stress and give you a new perspective. There are many versions of this but let me title this <u>one</u> as: "<u>The Ladder</u> <u>of Prayer and Daily Devotion</u>. Here are the categories:</h3>
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PRAISE, PRESENCE, WAIT, LISTENING TO GOD IN HIS WORD, CONFESSION, THANKS, INTERSESSION (for others), PETITION(for yourself), SINGING, MEDITATION, PRAISE.</h3>
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A. PRAISE- Notice we begin and end with "praise" on our list. I will begin with the first praise category and use it as a templet for the other areas that follow:</h3>
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Here is how we begin with scripture</u>: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving; and into His courts with praise..." (Psalm 100:4) "Let my mouth be filled with your praise..."(Psalm 71:8), "My lips shall praise you...and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips." (Psalm 63:3,5), "I myself will awake early, I will praise you Lord." (Psalm 108:2)</h3>
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Start each day with these and other Psalms that contain the word "PRAISE." You will be surprised at how many Psalms are filled with this word. You will enter your day with a positive attitude to tackle the challenges of the day that we each must face as we walk out the door.</h3>
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B. Another avenue of worship and PRAISE is to read great thoughts of other generations, and if you are a singer, sing the great hymns of the faith that have sustained countless Christian believers. Get an old hymnbook and read the lyrics and if you don't sing just... <u>CONSIDER</u>: <i>"O</i> <i>Worship the King,"</i> <i>"Praise Him, Praise Him," "Holy, Holy, Holy," "O For a</i> <i>Thousand Tongues To Sing", "All Hail the Power of Jesus Name." </i></h3>
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NOW: Look at the categories above and use the same templet with scripture and hymns. It will transform and heal your thinking and growing as a child of God. This is not just for specialized leaders like Ministers, Elders, Deacons etc. This is for the Christian in our daily uses of the currency of Faith, and seeing it change our life experience to please God. </h3>
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>...Sermon: <i><u>Faith That Works</u>...</i></h3>
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<u>Text</u>: John 4:46-54</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: Jesus was in the business of fulfilling the credentials of the Messiah declared in Jewish scripture when he was here on earth. The context of this particular miracle of the official's son, as you read above, Jesus had just come back to Galilee where he had previously turned the water into wine at a wedding feast. After that miracle, his activity and reputation in Jerusalem now followed him back to Galilee by word of mouth. In that Jesus had filled desperate needs of others elsewhere, a belief had propelled this official to intervene for his son. According to his own words, this son was "close to death." To put it simply, in our economy, the dollar is our medium of exchange; but in the Kingdom of Heaven, faith is the medium of exchange. (Matt.9:29; Heb.11:6) In our case, we need not only to possess faith, but also, faith needs to posses us. We need a mighty faith because we have a mighty God.</h3>
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I. THE <u>PROBLEM </u>OF SUPERSTITIOUS FAITH (John 4:46-48)</h3>
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A. This man's faith was based upon signs and wonders;he depended upon his five senses rather than the Word of God in active mode.</h3>
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B. Jesus had performed a miracle at Cana; because of this, many people followed after Him, seeking a miracle rather than seeking the Messiah. (John 2:23-25)</h3>
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C. Jesus performed many signs and wonders, as did the early apostles. The point of these miracles was the we might believe on Jesus; that we would seek a Savior rather than a sign. Acts 2:22; John 20: 30-31; II Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:4; Matt. 12:39.</h3>
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D. What is wrong with seeking a sign?</h3>
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1. It dishonors God. (I John 25:10; John 20:25-31)</h3>
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2. It can be deceiving. (Matt. 24:24; II Thess. 2:9; Rev. 13:13-14)</h3>
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<b> II. THE <u>PROGRESSION</u> OF STRONG FAITH (John 4:49-53)</b></h3>
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<b> A. <u>He Heard the Word of God</u>. (John 4:49-53) Faith is not receiving from God what you want; faith is accepting from God what He gives. Faith is taking God at His Word.</b></h3>
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<b> B. <u>He Believed the Word of God</u>. (John 4:50) Rom. 14:23.</b></h3>
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<b> C. <u>He Obeyed the Word of God</u>. (John 4:50-51) Rom. 16:26; James 2:26</b></h3>
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<b> D. <u>He Rested in the Word of God</u>. (John 4: 51-53) Psalm 37:5-7</b></h3>
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<b> III. THE <u>PROVISION</u> OF SAVING FAITH AND OBEDIENT FAITH (Jn.4:53)</b></h3>
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<b> A. All of the miracles of Jesus point to a greater miracle, which is the new birth brought about after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus for us on this side of the cross. (Luke 19:10; Matthew 9:12) Consider New Testament conversions beyond the four gospels when the new covenant in His blood was commanded to be delivered.(Matt. 28:19f.)</b></h3>
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<u>CONCLUSION</u>: What good are miracles if we never surrender to the Lordship of Christ and obey His salvation in Faith, Repentance, Confession, and Baptism? What good is it to be healed if we eventually die without the resurrection of Jesus? <u>Note</u>: Jesus still performs miracles, but we must never substitute the miracle for the Miracle Worker, Christ himself. There is new life only in Christ. See the examples of conversion in the book of Acts by the authority of the Apostles. Christ is life and He is Light... COME OUT OF THE DARKNESS!!</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>... Words to Live by...</h3>
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1. "No power in society, no hardship in our condition can depress you, keep you down, in knowledge, power, virtue, influence, but by your own consent." (Channing)</h3>
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<b>2. "Spending what should be prudently saved, or saving what should be prudently spent, are both wrong." (Owen Young)</b></h3>
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<b>3. "When we look at the world in a broad, generous, friendly spirit, what wonderful people we find in it. It is not he that searches for praise that finds it." (Ronald Reagan) </b></h3>
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<b>4. "The greatest and noblest pleasure which men can have in this world is to discover new truths; and the next is to shake off old prejudices." (Frederick the Great)</b></h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-9805000199124752862020-01-31T16:55:00.004-08:002020-01-31T16:55:29.110-08:00<h3>
FEBRUARY 2020.........WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE....A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE</h3>
by Dr. Keith J. Wise<br />
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I. <u>INTRODUCTION</u>: February is the month of "Ground Hog Day," "President's Day" along with "Valentines Day." What a contrast of anticipation of the future and a wholesome reflection of the past. In a humorous fashion we think about pulling a "ground-hog" out of its den after hibernation and determining if we are going to have six more weeks of winter, or if Spring is just around the corner. On President's Day we recognized the office of President of the United States. There have been all kinds and types of Presidents in the Oval Office. However, the idea behind this day is to remember that "God guides the heart of the king..." We as Americans have always understood that this country was conceived in an unusual providential fashion. Its leaders, to be effective, must look to God for wisdom and understanding, both of its people and the knowledge that their tenure is temporary. Furthermore, that future generations with judge them in their time. What about Valentine's Day? Where did it start? The tradition tells of a young Christian named Valentine, so one of the variations stories goes, was imprisoned in ancient Rome because of his faith. Longing for his loved ones, he sought a way to let them know of his well-being and affection for them. Within reach outside his cell window grew a cluster of violets. Picking some of them, he pierced the heart-shaped leaves and with these words, "Remember Your Valentine," he sent them off with a friendly dove. On subsequent days he sent more messages that simply said, "I love you." Since that time, it has become a tradition to send cards or flowers or remembrances of love.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Greek word study on "Inheritance"</h3>
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In at least sixteen New Testament references our eternal hope as Christians is described as an "inheritance." The most visual and beautiful of these pictures is found in I Peter 1:3-5. Since all three words begin with the negative "a"in the Greek, is it good to use a devise in English to better understand their emphasis as "uncorruptible," "undefiled," and "unfading." Barnes, the commentator, aptly describes the glory of the inheritance, saying "Here, (on earth) no one can be heir of a large inheritance of gold or houses without danger of sinking into indolence, wickedness or vice; but there the inheritance may be enjoyed forever and the soul continually advance in knowledge, holiness, and active service of God..."</h3>
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Some inheritances disappear through waste or dishonesty before they are claimed, but Peter affirms that this one is reserved for us by God the Father. Not only so, but we are "guarded" so that we shall be able to receive and enjoy it. This is a military term describing a garrison sentried carefully so that no enemy might intrude, and also that none within it might go out.</h3>
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Finally, three prepositions explain fully the way we are garrisoned with the sacred enclosure that insures our inheritance: <u>In</u> the power of God; <u>through</u> our own faith; and <u>unto</u> salvation. In dramatic fashion these three prepositions declare respectively the 1.)<u>means</u> of our security--"the power of God" without which we would have no more chance of obtaining the inheritance than an ancient city would have for safety without a guarded wall; 2.) the <u>method</u> of our protection--"our faith" without which we would in fear or treachery forsake the fortress; and (3) the <u>motive</u> for the guardianship that we might receive the prepared salvation in heaven.</h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon Outline of the Lord's Prayer</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: "God Talk...Vistas of the Lord's Prayer"</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Matthew 6:5-13</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: Have you ever thought about how you address God? If God the Father was so concerned about our lives to save us, then through Christ create a vibrant, loving relationship with us, it must be important in the way we address Him. Jesus in his masterful <u>Sermon on the Mount</u>, (Matthew chapters 5-7), prescribes and invites us to listen in on how we should address God. It reveals dynamic principles that can change us into a new reality of rebirth and life concerning our walk with God. In Luke's rendering of this occasion, the disciples were so impressed with the pattern of Jesus Christ that they beseeched him and and asked, "...Lord, teach us to Pray."(Luke 11: 1ff.) Let us take a minute and consider this as a beginning point of our intimacy with God as we finish the first month of 2020, and begin the second.</h3>
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I. CORRECTIONS OF OUR DIRECTIONS TO OUR "GOD TALK."-Vs. 5-8</h3>
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II. THE AWESOMENESS OF THE PERSON WE ADDRESS- BEYOND US YET 'WITH US.' (Immanuel)- Vs. 9</h3>
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III. PROJECTION IN POSSIBILITIES OF OUR "GOD TALK." "KINGDOM COME", NOW AND NOT YET. Vs. 10 also note Mark 9:1-The Church as kingdom.</h3>
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IV. PROVISION OF OUR "GOD TALK." Vs. 11 "This day.." living in the "NOW." Question: What is your provision need today?</h3>
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V. ILLUMINATING OUR HEARTS WITH A NEW GRACE. Vs. 12, also 14,15)The Father wants nothing to spoil our hearts.</h3>
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VI. OFFENSIVE HELP IN EQUIPPING US FOR OUR BETTER SELVES. (Vs. 13)</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>... Words to Live By...........................................</h3>
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1. "Advice is like snow; the softer it falls the longer it dwells upon, the deeper it sinks into the mind." <u>Samuel Coleridge</u></h3>
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2. "Be Americans. Let East, or West; you are all dependent one on another, and should be one in union. Observe justice and good faith toward all nations; have neither passionate hatreds nor passionate attachments to any; and be independent politically of all. In one word, be a nation; be Americans, and be true to yourselves." <u>George Washington</u>- 1st President of the United States (1732-1799)</h3>
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3. "Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome." <u>Samuel Johnson</u></h3>
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<br />Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-80821839322158516362019-12-30T04:39:00.001-08:002019-12-30T04:39:31.586-08:00<h3>
JANUARY 2020...NEW YEARS EDITION...WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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I.<u> INTRODUCTION</u>: Here we are looking at the New Year of 2020. Thinking about this, time is one of those anomalies that has mystified man from the beginning. The God of the Bible is not controlled or servant of time, as He owns it. Christian Philosophers have been quoted as saying, "God moves in the present, past, and future at the same time." He is in the midst of time and His timing is always right. </h3>
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I would like to divide this introduction into the tree general areas that consist of our human divisions of time and attempt to make sense looking through the lens of God's eternality. Each day and week is divided into YESTERDAY-TODAY-AND TOMORROW. Two of the three of these sections should be kept from our fears and apprehension. The first is <u>Yesterday</u>, with its mistakes and cares, its aches and pains, its faults and blunders. Yesterday has passed forever beyond our control. All the money in the world cannot bring back Yesterday. We cannot undo a single act we preformed; we cannot erase a single word we said; we cannot rectify a single mistake. Yesterday has passed forever beyond recall and we live with its consequences, but we should learn from it that we do not repeat its regretted decisions. Let it go!!</h3>
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The other day we should not worry about is <u>Tomorrow</u>, with its possible adversities, its burdens, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow is also beyond our immediate control as we contemplate its "possibilities". Tomorrow's sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mass of clouds- but it will still rise. And until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, because it is as yet unborn. How we have planned to use it in preparation is vital to its quality and satisfaction in our experience to come. But in reality "tomorrow is tomorrow."</h3>
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This leaves us but one day- <u>Today</u>! We as a human race and as individuals can fight the battles of just one day. Our resources are limited and our faculties waning with time. Yesterday and Tomorrow are futile worries. Let us, therefore, resolve to journey no more than one day at a time as we seek wisdom from God and a loving cultivated spirit. As often quoted by AA, "...today is the first day of the rest of your life..." Happy New Year!!</h3>
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II. <u>WHAT ABOUT THE "Ekklesia" A DEFINITION OF MEANING... DIGGING DEEPER...</u></h3>
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I haven't had a chance to do much exegeses over the last year and hope more can be done in the next year in this blog. The Koine (common) Greek language is the original language of the New Testament. It is precise and direct and rich with meaning and is considered a language preserved by a Lexicon. (see below) </h3>
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Of all the words in the New Testament pregnant with meaning, there is no other as such at the Greek word "ekklesia." It comes from two words: <i>ek</i>, "out of," and <i>klesis</i>, "a calling." It basic meaning is Church.</h3>
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The original linguistic framework of this term, and widely understood by the Roman-Hellenistic culture of the first century, was the Greek city state citizenry usage. When the trumpet was sounded, the "free citizens" assembled to discuss the affairs of state politically (Acts 19:32,39,41). The Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, collects another image of the whole nation gathering (Deut. 4:10, 23:2; Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:12). The gathering of the church community was borrowed from this concept and provided an overall structure. Its concern was the early church gathering to consider its policies, doctrinal issues and body life.</h3>
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In today's world, the concept of the ekklesia in terms of its distinctives is primarily a picture of the church. It is a "gathering" and or "scattering" of the church body itself. It is God's people viewed together as a new and whole community of life at various levels. It worships with the Lord present in a unique way with unique features such as the Lord's Day, or Sunday. (It's singing, prayers, communion, offering and fellowship (<i>koinonia</i>) in its various ways. It also has emphasized a "lifestyle of worship,"outside the regular gathering on Sundays. How does one "live out" the life the ekklesia? Historically, the ekklesia has seen itself "full of, or under the control of the Holy Spirit" in corporate and non-corporate settings. It project Christ in community and into society.</h3>
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Without listing all the plethora of fabulous scriptures that encompass this name of the church, lets return and consider the context of the ekklesia and its setting of the New Testament.</h3>
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<li>A group consisting of "professed and baptized Christians." After and within the book of Acts there was not such individual as an "unbaptized" Christian. See the conversion record in the book of Acts. </li>
<li>Gatherings for worship.</li>
<li>A house congregation or small groups that met in homes in the 1st century.</li>
<li>Most recorded Christians living in large cities. (See Paul's journeys)</li>
<li>Local communities.</li>
<li>A large geographic district, such as Asia or Galatia, than included more than one "gathering."</li>
<li>The whole body of the redeemed throughout the present era. </li>
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The word ekklesia is never used to refer to a building specifically used for worships services in the New Testament. It was always the "people" the "body of Christ." The early Christians did not meet in public buildings at least for the first 120 years of the Christian era. The New Testament portrays the ekklesia as a network of intimate, loving, and serving communities of Christ followers. Primary in their goal was seeking to emulate the Lord himself to the world.</div>
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<u>Sources of Reference</u>: </div>
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G. Abbott-Smith, <i>A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament</i>. (Edinburgh: T.&T. Clark, 1937), 138-39.</div>
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William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, <i>A Greek-English Lexicon of the New</i> <i>Testament and Other Early Christian Literature</i>. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1957), 240-241. </div>
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Lawrence O. Richards, <i>Expository Dictionary of Bible Words.</i> (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1985), 164-167. </div>
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W. E. Vine, <i>Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words</i>, Unabridged Edition. (McLean, Virginia; MacDonald Publishing House), 85-86.<br />
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A New Years Sermon...</h3>
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Title: <u>Carpe Diem: Seize the Day</u>-</h3>
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Scripture Text: Philippians 3: 7-16</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: A number of years ago a movie starring Robin Williams came out called "The Dead Poets Society." One of the phrases that was used repeatedly was the resurrection of a long forgotten Latin phrase, "Carpe Diem." This word simply means, "Seize the Day." As we begin to enter a new year the Apostle Paul in the text above gives us three simple "cheer like" admonitions to help us as we enter 2020. </h3>
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I. <u>FIND YOUR PURPOSE</u>... Why are you here? Your purpose is so important to you and to your life. As I also have noted a number of times that your purpose is enhanced by the "meaning driven life."</h3>
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II. <u>FORGET THE PAST</u>... Including Forgetting the "Bad" and also Forgetting the "Accomplishments." Attempt to learn from both!!</h3>
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III. <u>FACE THE PRESENT</u>... Facing the present is to put our Faith into action each and every day. Trust God, not only for your salvation but your vocation in life. Trust him through the trouble and in the blessings of life. <i>"Humble</i> <i>yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may lif</i>t <i>your up..."</i></h3>
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IV.<u> LOOK UPWARD TO THE FUTURE</u>... Keep a positive attitude as you look to tomorrow. One issue is always before us... Life is always changing...allow God to make those changes in us to procure a more productive future. He is our answer!!</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: A new year stretches out before us. Like a blank sheet of paper, we can write a story of victory or defeat. By trusting God day by day through these simple initiations of <u>Find Your Purpose</u>, <u>Forget the Past</u>..(bad and good) and <u>Face</u> <u>the Present</u>...and <u>Looking Upward to the Future</u>... we can look back with thanksgiving and praise for the grace offered to us and to others in the new year.</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES.</u>.. For the New Year...2020 </h3>
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1. "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." <u>Albert Schweitzer</u></h3>
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2. "If we are going to continue to be proud that we are Americans, there must be no weakening of the code by which we have lived." <u>Dwight D. Eisenhower</u></h3>
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3. "Especially for Americans, so bewitched by our own strength, it's important that we understand our limitations and our weaknesses. We need humility. Through it we can avoid the sin of thinking too highly of ourselves." <u>Reinhold</u> <u>Niebuhr</u>- 20th Century Theologian-</h3>
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4. "All progress is made by men of faith who believe in what is right and, what is more important, actually do what is right in their own private affairs." <u>Thomas</u> <u>Dreier </u></h3>
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5. "Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much are the three pillars of learning." <u>Disraeli </u></h3>
Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-1764849487877043612019-11-30T03:23:00.000-08:002019-11-30T03:23:03.530-08:00<h3>
DECEMBER EDITION...CHRISTMAS TOPICS...2019</h3>
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WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE... by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>INTRODUCTION</u>: For Christians, the month of December centers around the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. By cultural reckoning, most scholarship tells us he was not born in December but probably in the late summer or fall. But amazingly, to commemorate the coming of "Immanuel" or "God with us..."(Isaiah 7:14) has to be one of the greatest phenomena and revelations ever known to the human race, and commands our attention and awe. </h3>
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I would like to center in this introduction, the geographic place of his birth on the planet, or Bethlehem. It has an interesting history and activity. To many, Bethlehem in the best loved spot on the planet. Christians from all over the world still venture there every year to note the birthplace of Jesus. The word "Bethlehem" means "House of Bread." It is not irrelevant that the birth of Jesus was associated with such a name as "bread." He fed the multitudes (Matt.14:13ff., Mark 6:32ff., Luke 9:10ff., John 6:1ff.). This is the only miracle recorded by all four Gospels. He taught His followers to pray, "give us this day our daily bread" (Matt.6:11, Luke 11:3). One of His great claims was "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35). It is the only bread that satisfies the hunger of the human soul (John 6:35). Because all need it, it is the Bread which may be bought "without money and without price." (Isaiah 55:1)</h3>
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When the Emperor Hadrian of the Roman Empire crushed the second Jewish Revolt under Bar Kokhba in A.D. 132, he singled out the centers of Christian and Jewish devotion for complete destruction. Among them were the sites of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, and the town of Bethlehem. He applied a scorched-earth policy to the town of David. His soldiers plowed the ruins into the soil, and planted a grove to the pagan god Adonis. This shows that even before A.D. 132, Bethlehem was a famous place of Christian pilgrimage. The Apostle John takes it for granted that his readers know the story of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. (John 7:41f.). </h3>
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In Jewish writings of the Old Testament, Bethlehem is called "Ephrath" or "Ephratah." In (Micah 5:2), it is an epithet given to it because of its fruitfulness. Some scholars note it as a geographic designation or meaning "in the south" as compared to another "city of Bethlehem" in the north in Zebulun. It is now in ruins and noted only once in the Bible in Joshua 19:10,15. Further references is that it was formerly a stronghold of the Jebusites (II Sam.5:7,9 and I Chron. 11:5,7). Our noted Bethlehem appears in the Old Testament chiefly, but not exclusively, in connection with the house of David. It was Rachel, Jacob's dearly beloved wife, who died in childbirth near Bethlehem. Rachael's tomb is still shown today, a little outside the city where the road to Bethlehem turns off from the main thoroughfare. It was known to be a center of pilgrimage for Jews in Israel until the end of the Monarchical period. The Crusaders of the twelfth century built a domed structure over the "Twelve Stones" put there by Jacob to represent the eventual Twelve Tribes of Israel. Ruth could not foresee that she would find acceptance in Bethlehem. Samuel journeyed to Bethlehem to anoint the youthful David to be the successor of King Saul (I Samuel 16:1ff.). Philistine marauders captured Bethlehem during the turbulent days of the early kingdom, and David was hard pressed by them. The Old Testament expressly states that Bethlehem is to be the birthplace of the Messiah (Micah 5:2). The Jews never questioned this. They never doubted the literal fulfillment of this prophecy or its references by scribes and scholars to Herod in his fruitless search for the infant Jesus. (Matt. 2:6; John 7:42). </h3>
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When Jesus was born, Bethlehem was a sleepy market town. The bustle and confusion of the enrollment soon passed, and it soon returned to its quiet existence. Noted history gives us a bit of irony as we consider that when the city of Rome was later sacked by Alaric and his Visigothic hordes on August 24, A.D. 410, some of its noblest patrician families who had become Christians, fled to Bethlehem, where they found refuge. My friends and readers, remember a portion of the lyrics from "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem;" "...the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." Lets give praise this season as we remember where and when Jesus Christ was born. "Be born in us today..."</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Comparisons of the Genealogies of Matthew and Luke concerning Jesus.</h3>
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Over the years as a professor and minister of the gospel I have had numerous questions in a variety of areas. One of the most interesting query that comes up around the Christmas season is concerning the seeming contradiction between Matthew and Luke's geologies of Jesus. </h3>
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At first glance, the impression is created that both accounts are tracing the family line of Jesus through His earthly father Joseph, in which case we would be faced with an obvious contradiction, because Matthew 1:16 indicates Jacob is Joseph's father, while Luke 3:23 tells us that Heli is the father of Joseph.</h3>
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A plausible solution to this difficulty is to understand that Matthew is indeed giving us Joseph's family line, but Luke is tracing the genealogy of Mary. The reason that Mary is not mentioned in Luke 3 is because she has already been designated the earthly mother of Jesus in several other references. </h3>
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The usual practice of a Jewish genealogy is to give the name of the father, grandfather, etc., of the person in view. Luke follows this pattern, and does not mention the name of Mary, but the name of the legal father. However, Luke is quick to add that Joseph is not, in reality or literally the father of Jesus, since Jesus had been virgin born.(Luke 1:34,35).</h3>
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A literal translation of Luke 3:23 would be, "Jesus, when He began, was about thirty years old, being the son of Joseph, as it was thought, of Heli..." In the wider scope of Hebrew meaning, this does not at all mean that Jesus was the son of Heli, but that Jesus was a descendant, of His mother's side of Heli. The word "son" has this wider meaning from the Hebrew culture. Thus, Luke is tracing the roots of Jesus through his mother, Mary, who was a descendant of Heli, etc. Joseph's name is mentioned, according to the common practice, but he is clearly portrayed as the <i>supposed</i> father of Jesus, and God as the actual father.</h3>
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The purpose of the <u>two</u> genealogies is to demonstrate that Jesus was in a complete and legal sense a descendant of David. Through His foster father, Joseph, He inherited-by law-the royal line, albeit a deposed line according to Jeremiah 22:28-30. More importantly in this comparison, through His mother He was a flesh and blood descendant of King David through David's son Nathan. Thus, in the eyes of Jewish legal law and comparisons, Jesus had the proper credentials of the messiah through of David.</h3>
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>...<u>That Christmas Has a Context in History and Time...</u></h3>
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When we celebrate the Christmas season we may forget it is about the fulfillment and reality of the coming of a Jewish Messiah, Jesus. The Hebrew Scriptures we call the Old Testament is one that declares his coming in more scriptures than we can recount in this short excerpt. But if we look at a little verse in the New Testament in Galatians 4:4 we will see the timing of God in this matter. In says in part "...in the <i>fullness</i> of time, God sent forth His Son, born of a women, born under the law..." This word "fullness" in the original language is "<i>pleroma.</i>" In <u>Vines Expository Dictionary</u> this nuance of the word is defined as "the end of an appointed period."(pg.137) This fullness did not just appear, but was in a calculated cycle of God's providence. Malachi ends the Old Testament with Israel back in the land of promise in the Second Temple period as scholars call it. The 400 years between Malachi and Matthew visibly and collectively pull us to the manger on that dramatic night in which the Angles sang and Shepherds hurried to the stable in Bethlehem. But wait, the world had changed since the days of Malachi. What were the changes in times and space to bring about this accurate visitation from God himself?</h3>
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There were a number of empires that shaped the world of that day and process in remarkable ways by the observation of "preparation" of God's work. Lets look at these and see, at least on the surface, some of the highlights of these empires and their providential impact.</h3>
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A.<u> The Persian Empire</u>- (529-333 B.C.) </h3>
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Palestine remained largely unmolested by war of invasion during the 200 year age of Persian control. Daniel is a significant figure in Babylon when it fell in 539B.C. to the Medo-Persian coalition under Cyrus the Great. Haggai and Zechariah promoted and completed the Second Temple in 515 B.C. in noted fashion. Esther was queen to Xerxes (Ahasuerus) and the Persian who defeated the Greeks on land at Thermopylae but were defeated at sea at Salamis in 480 B.C. Under Artaxerxes the Persian, Ezra returned to the land (458 B.C.) as did Nehemiah (444 B.C.). The "governor" of Malachi 1:8 would be a Persian governor. Therefore, the Persian Empire played a major role in releasing the Jews from their 70 year Babylonian exile. (Jeremiah 25:12; Daniel 9:2). </h3>
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B. <u>The Greek-Macedonian or (Hellenistic Empire</u>)- (333-63 B.C.)</h3>
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Within the course of recorded history, there will appear individuals who are absolutely seminal "change agents" in this divine process. One of these individuals will be Alexander the Great. Some historians call him a "meteor" like figure in his appearance and effect. He becomes as some descriptive sources call him, "the apostle of Hellenism." As one looks at a map of this period and later, a new vision of a world order appears. He left his mark everywhere. By the time of the writing of the New Testament we see terms that echo Alexander the Great's fingerprints. For instance <i>Philippi </i>a city to which the Apostle Paul visited and wrote was named after Alexander's father Phillip. <i>Thessalonica</i> (another city in Macedonia) is named for the half sister of Alexander the Great. The famous city in Egypt, <i>Alexandria</i>, is obviously named after Alexander and includes less notably, about seventy cities in his empire with the same name "Alexandria."</h3>
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Prophetic writers in the Old Testament such as Daniel predicts in visionary fashion, pictures and images as in Daniel 8:20-21 that of a two-horned ram and goat. <i>"The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and large horn between his eyes is the first king</i> [i.e., Alexander the Great]." Concerning the Alexander symbol, Daniel 8:4 stated: <i>"No animal could stand against him...He did as he pleased and became</i> <i>great."</i></h3>
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Furthermore, many contemporary scholars see an unmistakable reference to the reference to his rise and power in Zechariah 9:1-8. In these references it depicts an attack against the Mediterranean coastline and the seemingly unconquerable city of Tyre. This city had withstood a thirteen year siege by the Babylonians and never surrendered, but were conquer by Alexander and his engineers in a "causeway" from the mainland to the island. Another interesting legend was a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:8 when Alexander's forces enter the holy land of Israel and a brilliantly robed Jewish high priest went out to meet him. With such splendor and recognition, Alexander spared Jerusalem and it inhabitants. Zechariah had designated Alexander by <i>"him that passeth by..."</i> (Zechariah 9:8) kjv. </h3>
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C. <u>Hellenistic Kingdoms</u>- (Ptolemies, Seleucid, Maccabeans)</h3>
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With the death of Alexander the Great in 323 B.C. his generals will take over and give their names to some specific geographic areas they will control. The ruling lines of the Ptolemies will have their center in Egypt and their capital in Alexandria, while the ruling line of the Seleucid will be centered in Syria with their capital at Antioch. Lets look at these two offshoots of Alexander's empire and consider their influence. </h3>
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<u>PTOLEMIES</u>-</h3>
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The Jews will be under the control of the Ptolemies from 323 B.C. until 198 B.C. According to some sources the first Ptolemies had 100,000 Jews transported to Egypt. Here they will be centered in Alexandria and eventually will make up half the population of that city. By Roman times Alexandria will be one of the most important and populated cities in the Roman Empire. Under Ptolemy II, Alexandria became very significant for the future of Christianity and the transmission of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The famed library at Alexandria housed more than half of million volumes. It was at Alexandria that the Hebrew Scriptures was translated into Koine Greek. This version of the Hebrew Scriptures translated into Greek from the Hebrew is known as the Septuagint, abbreviated LXX (for the round number of about 70 translators).</h3>
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The Septuagint is so significant because it can be shown to have been the Bible used by Jesus and the apostles and distributed among the synogogues in the Roman Empire. Some sources have indicated that out of the thirty-seven Old Testament quotations credited to Jesus in the gospels, thirty-three are from the Septuagint. About 80 percent of the Old Testament quotations in the New Testament have their origin in the Septuagint. </h3>
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<u>SELEUCIDS-</u></h3>
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<u>P</u>alestine was notoriously a bridge for battles between major powers in recorded history. The dominant Hellenistic Kingdom of the Seleucids of Syria, wrested in 198 B.C. the area of Palestine from the Ptolemies. Antiochus III captured this area of Palestine and began one of the darkest periods of Jewish history. Unlike the Ptolemies, the Seleucids were "radical Hellenist." This meant they had taken the superiority claims of Greek culture and negatively suppressed other peoples with Greek Philosophy, Science and lifestyle. Antiochus III's successor was Antiochus IV also known as Antiochus Epiphanes. He liked this designated name because it meant "illustrious one or divine one." He had a delusional view of himself and power fueled by this radical Hellenistic "theology." His hatred of the Jews was so profound that he has been "Hitler before Hitler." In fact the Jews had a play on this title name. They called him Antiochus "Epimanes" or "crazy one." </h3>
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His anti-Semitic policies were numerous such as making it a capital offense for Jews to own their sacred scriptures, observe the Sabbath or circumcise their male children, etc. His most memorable act was to erect an altar to Jupiter on the altar of burnt offering at temple in Jerusalem. Here a "pig sow," an unclean animal in Jewish law, was sacrificed so that the altar would be desecrated. In a prophetic note here, Daniel centuries before prophesied of this and called it an "abomination of desolation." (Daniel 11:31)</h3>
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<u>MACCABEANS TO INDEPENDENT ISRAEL</u>-</h3>
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This period is a transitional one beginning 167 B.C. Here the tyranny of the Seleucids is clearly displayed. Into a town about 15 or 20 miles from Jerusalem came a Syrian officer to force Jews to do pagan sacrifice. The elderly high priest Mattathias killed the Syrian as well as the renegade Jew who also participated in such a sacrifice. </h3>
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Enter a colorful figure known is some circles as the "Jewish Zorro!" Judas Maccabeus, (meaning the hammer) was a genius in guerrilla warfare. Like Zorro, he would swoop out of the hills and scourge the Seleucids troops. Because of Judas Maccabeus, the Jerusalem Temple was cleansed and rededicated exactly three years to the day of its desecration, on December 25th. Thus, Jews celebrate Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, for eight days.</h3>
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Later, a relative of the Maccabean family John Hyrcanus consolidated and advanced Jewish causes. It is during this era that a rift emerged that eventually resulted in a group of Jews who leaned toward Hellenistic culture and life (ultimately the politically minded Sadducees) and those opposing secularization (the Pharisees). </h3>
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From about 100 B.C. till the coming of Jesus Christ, intrigue erupted regularly in political as well as religious circles. The priesthood vied for control and by 63 B.C., independent Israel had lasted as a weakened state for less than 80 years.</h3>
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<u>THE ROMAN REPUBLIC AND EMPIRE</u>- (63 B.C. onward)</h3>
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The Western Mediterranean had for several centuries seen the rise of an interesting and powerful state call Rome. This small but might city state that had arisen to power through numerous means and was a remarkable player. She had since her wars with Carthage, known as the Punic Wars, been drawn to the East to suppress Hellenistic Kingdoms and deal with the Pirates that threaten her lucrative trade from Egypt and Asia Minor. The Roman Senate sent a powerful general named Pompey to suppress pirates and while there with army, enclosed the Eastern Mediterranean kingdoms including splintered Israelite political and geographic interests. In 63 B.C. Pompey entered Jerusalem (including the Holy of Holies) and in due course put to death 12,000 Jews. Consequently, Palestine came under Rome's aegis. The father of Herod the Great, Antipater, was named a "rex socii or allied king. He was designated by Rome to keep the peace for the Romans as a "puppet" king in the east, as Rome continued to add real estate to her Republic and eventually under the Emperor Augustus for her Empire.</h3>
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It is under the Emperor Augustus that Jesus is born and the political fortunes of Rome were tied to Christ in His passion, His Church, and the future of Christianity. So the trail of Christianity has a providential preparation in three dynamic areas: 1.) <u>Politically</u>- One empire with roads that would carry the gospel to the Mediterranean basin. 2.) <u>Linguistically</u>- the Koine Greek as a universally written and spoken language to spread the good news to a literate population with the Septuagint as a foundation. 3.)<u>Religiously</u>- Pagan gods having disillusioned the gentile populations into stagnation, and the Jews anticipating a Messianic figure to arise as they became obsessed with ceremonial cleanliness, and Jewish feasts that had seemed more meaningless, drew the Mediterranean world into a perfect storm of change that would emerge to eventually bless the world in a message of hope and love. </h3>
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>: <u>Sermon</u>: <i>A NEW PERSPECTIVE AND VISTA OF CHRISTMAS...</i></h3>
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<u>Text</u>: John 1: 1-14</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: So often at this time of year we emphasis the "event" of Christmas and of Jesus coming into the world. There are Shepherds, Angles, Wise Man and Mary with Joseph and their accompanying caste. However, when one takes a look in hindsight through the eyes of the Gospel writers and their Jewish roots, our perspective of the Messiah is in Jesus. We see a totally encompassing experience before the "event" and the subsequent impact and reality for the world after this "event." (read text above...and consider)</h3>
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A. <u>The Origination</u>- <u>John 1:1-2</u> also consider <u>Colossians 1:16</u>; <u>Hebrews 1:1-2</u>.</h3>
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B.<u> The Creation</u>- <u>John 1:3</u>.</h3>
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C. <u>The Preparation</u>- <u>John</u> 1: 6-7.</h3>
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D. <u>The Manifestation</u>- <u>John</u> 1: 4.</h3>
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E. <u>The Regeneration</u>- <u>John</u> 1: 12-13.</h3>
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F. <u>The Incarnation</u>- <u>John</u> 1: 14.</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: When we contemplate the total perspective of Jesus, Immanuel and all the names and significant empowerments given to him by God the Father, we are overwhelmed with the love made manifest at Christmas for the world. (John 3:16)</h3>
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V. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>... Words to Consider at Christmas...</h3>
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1. "There never was found in any age of the world, either philosopher or sect, or law, or discipline, which did so highly exalt the public good as faith, hope, and love." (Roger Bacon)</h3>
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2. "Let no pleasure tempt thee, no profit allure thee, to do anything which thou knowest to be evil; so shall thou always live jollily; for a good conscience is a continual Christmas." (Ben Franklin)</h3>
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3. "He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree." (Billy Graham)</h3>
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4. "The gift without the giver is bare; who gives of himself with his alms feeds three; himself, his hungering neighbor, and me." (James Russell Lowell)</h3>
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5. MERRY CHRISTMAS in any language: <u>English</u>, "Merry Christmas." <u>German</u>, "Froeliche Weinachten." <u> French</u>, "Joyeux Noel." <u>Spanish</u>, "Felices Pasuas." <u>Italian</u>, "Buon Natale." <u>Danish</u>, "Glaedelig Jul." <u>Swedish</u>, "God Jul." <u>Finnish</u>, "Hauskaa Joulua." <u>Dutch</u>, "Hartelijke Kerestgroeten." <u>Portuguese</u>, "Boas Festas," <u>Romanian</u>, "Nosteria Lui Christos Sa Va Kie de Folos." <u>Brazilian</u>, "Boas Festus, Feliz Natal!"</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-42671148818341004292019-10-31T03:36:00.004-07:002019-10-31T03:36:40.443-07:00<h3>
NOVEMBER EDITION...2019...WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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By Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>INTRODUCTION</u>: November is a wonderful month, filled with the continued reminders that harvest has come and the blessings of thanksgiving are upon us. As we begin to see the ebbing of 2019 and the prospects of 2020 we are reminded where our sources of thanksgiving emanate. Long before the modern science of psychology a psychiatry, God the creator of all of us thrust forth the principle of thanksgiving. Giving thanks is truly the sign of a healthy outlook on life. All of us would benefit from doing it more often.</h3>
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Being thankful and thinking about our blessings will flush out the anxiety of daily life. We certainly bring to mind those peoples, places and things that are readily around us. Family, jobs, security etc. all encompass our universe of thankfulness. Furthermore, that simple quiet reflection on our source of thanksgiving comes from God and we acknowledge Him. He has sent His counselor (the Holy Spirit) to administer healing to our minds and hearts. Scripture tells us, <i>"...it is a good thing to give thanks unto God...it is</i> <i>good to give thanks to Him..."</i> (Psalm 92:1). In the New Testament there is the injunction <i>"...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with <u>thanksgiving</u>, present your requests to God"</i>(Phil. 4:6). To be honest, we could go on and on with the numbers of passages that include what I like to call the vitamin of "Thanksgiving" for the heart, mind and soul. I once knew an Elder in a church that I served who lived to be over a hundred years old. He told to begin as a young man to be thankful for "everything" that comes your way in life. Furthermore he added, it will extend the quality and attitude of all you do he so wisely counseled. </h3>
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So today my readers, do not be troubled by the latest news reports, or issues of pressure you are facing daily, but pause and thank God for what He has done. Such questions as "what are you teaching me today in my relationships or how can I make my present situation glorify you?" Overall, this will jettison so many triggers of our modern life through the portal of Thanksgiving.</h3>
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I.<u> DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Practical Application to Personal Problems</h3>
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In his book, <i>The Carpenter and You</i>, Dr. Karl Menninger, a well know psychiatrist from the past from Topeka, Kansas, discusses a number of personal problems. Much of this book has some real insights into problems often brought on by our own conduct with others with whom we deal on a daily basis. In his referenced book, the author cites eleven rules governing our conduct. I believe your will find them practical and meaningful in the coming month of November. </h3>
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1. Be truly interested in the happiness and well-being of every person with whom you work. Attempt to learn the first name of every person with whom you work and interact. </h3>
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2. Control your temper, and even if you don't feel like it, when at all possible, with a good, warm attitude.</h3>
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3. Be slow to condemn but be ready always to praise, to compliment, to show appreciation.</h3>
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4. Ask no more of another person than you are ready to give.</h3>
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5. Be quick to ask forgiveness when you make a mistake. Be quick to forgive another person when he apologizes. </h3>
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6. Ta which Jesus was keeping with his disciples. ke a real interest in the welfare of your company, community and other inner-related communications. He notes, if we do our work well as possible you will inspire others around you.</h3>
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7. Develop the imagination to see significance in your work, no matter how humble it is. Recognize the place of the person or persons who works over you and let him/her know that you recognize that place.</h3>
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8. If a person blows up or is mean or acts badly, don't resent it. Remember, that no man is big enough to hate and every person is really big enough to appreciate.</h3>
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9. Be kind, as much as possible, in every contact with other people. Be gentle.</h3>
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10. Be the kind of person you want the other person to be, then more than likely the business of getting along well and with others will take care of itself.</h3>
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11. Remember in a dispute that a solution is found not by fixing blame but in giving understanding and mutual helpfulness. To get along happily, do not be so eager to find who is right, as what is right. Find that, then act on the basis of it.</h3>
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II. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>???- Interesting Questions and Biblical Answers...</h3>
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1. <u>When and What did Jesus sing</u>? (Answer) "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives." (Mark 14:26). In the margin it has "psalm" in the place of "hymn" in a number of translations. This occasion was the regular Passover supper which Jesus was keeping with his disciples. It was the Jewish custom as the Passover supper unfolded to sing "The Great Hallel" which consisted of Psalms 113 to 118 and 136. The part of this which was sung after the meal was Psalm 115 to 118, or, according to the Jewish school of Shammai, 114 to 118.</h3>
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2. <u>Where was the only library mentioned in the Bible?</u> (Answer) In Ecbatana, Ezra 6:1-2. "Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record..." Marginal references give "books" in place of "rolls," and "Ecbatana" in place of "Achmetha." Evidently the writer was hazy on his geography and thought that Babylon included Media. Ecbatana was the capital of Media. Probably the house of the books was one building int eh group known collectively as he palace. Most scholarship now know that he books were very likely not "rolls" but clay tablets.</h3>
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3. <u>What author gave a copy of his book to an officer and told him to tie a stone to</u> <u>it and throw it into the river</u>? (Answer)- (Jeremiah), Jeremiah 51:59-64 (RV) "... Now Seraiah was chief chamberlain. And Jeremiah wrote in a book all the evil that should come upon Babylon...And Jeremiah said to Seraiah, 'When you come to Babylon, then see that you read these words, ...An it shall be, when you come to the end of your reading of this book, that you should bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates: and you shall say, 'Thus shall Babylon sink,and shall not rise again...' "</h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon for Thanksgiving</h3>
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(In part, a contribution of Mr. John Robinson-Minister's Luncheon Study-(1998)</h3>
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A. <u>Text</u>: Ephesians 5:20; I Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)</h3>
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B. <u>Introduction</u>: The Bible teaches us to give thanks in every circumstance of life. At times this seems hard to do, however it is possible. All of us have much to be thankful for as we express our gratitude to God. By using the letters of the word <u>THANKS</u>, this acrostic will enable us to focus on this great spiritual, physical and emotional vitamin as we move toward the holiday of Thanksgiving.</h3>
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1. <u>T</u>HORNS: </h2>
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A. James 1:2-4 tells us our trials work to bring the best out of us in Christ. </h3>
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B. In trying times, we have God's help, knowing He is all sufficient. </h3>
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C. We know that "all" things will work together for the good. The trying times are just pieces of a picture, without which the picture would not be complete.</h3>
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2. <u>H</u>OME:</h2>
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A. How often have we wanted to make home improvements simply because we want something different?</h3>
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B. How often have we let family members be the source of getting on our nerves? Then do we begin complaining when we become so lonely? </h3>
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C. Be thankful!!</h3>
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1. We have shelter from inclement weather.</h3>
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2. We have privacy and a place to regroup our resources.</h3>
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3. We have loving memories therein, even if only of loved ones now gone.</h3>
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4. We have a "safe haven" form the storms of life and literally outside our door. </h3>
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<ul>
<li><u>A Family Prayer of Thanksgiving</u>: <i>"Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty</i> <i>dishes: it shows we have good food to eat. Thank you for this pile of dirty laundry: it reveals we have nice clothing to wear. I'd like to thank you for these unmade beds: it gives testimony that all were comfortable last night." </i> </li>
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3. <u>A</u>MERICA:</h2>
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A. The miracle of our representative republic known as the United States of America is truly masterful. We can voice our approval or disapproval without the fear of prison or death. Pulpits can still ring with the voices of the prophets and teachings of Jesus, the Son of God. Praise God for our freedoms.</h3>
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B. We live in a land of vast prosperity and conveniences that we forget that most of the world sees our poor and laughs. You can still get an education and find work if you are motivated. Praise God for our prosperity...God shed His Grace on Thee...(America).</h3>
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4. <u>N</u>EARNESS OF GOD: </h2>
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A. We are never alone!! He has come to establish a "relationship" with us. He knows when the sparrow falls and He has number the hairs of our head.</h3>
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B. He knows and understands us. He became like us, so we could become like Him.</h3>
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Consider: Illustration: The Footprints in the Sand Poem-</h3>
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5. <u>K</u>INDNESS AND LOVE SHOWN TO US:</h2>
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A. We often take for granted His mercy and grace to us. When we realized how much God through Christ has done in His kindness, it teaches us to be kind to others. </h3>
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B. How often has someone done a small deed just to help us out? How about your local Church assembly? Simply, the Christian exhibiting love.</h3>
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C. We have the love of our mate, our parents and our children and friends. I know you can think of other like your neighbors and so on.</h3>
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6. <u>S</u>ALVATION:</h2>
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A. The sacrifice of Jesus, the Son of God, for our sins.</h3>
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B. We have freedom from guilt and the eternal consequences of sin.</h3>
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C. We can look forward to our heavenly home prepared for us.</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: In these and many others, let us say THANKS to God and to those around us. We best demonstrate our thankfulness to God as we submit our lives to His will and obey His commands. </h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>: </h2>
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<u>Note</u>: All of the following quotes are from A.W. Tozer.</h3>
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1. <i>Many times we try to rest our faith on texts and promises. True faith can rest only on the character of God. I believe, and I have faith, because I believe in the One in whom my faith is placed.</i> </h3>
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2. <i>Faith wakes at the voice of truth but responds to no other sound.</i></h3>
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3. <i>The great test of faith is if we can wait on God, not push it, and expect immediate results and action.</i></h3>
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4. <i>Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God</i>.</h3>
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5. <i>If you do not know who God is and what God is like, your faith will never mount up</i>. </h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-53898694689918250732019-10-05T04:36:00.001-07:002019-10-05T04:36:37.804-07:00<h3>
OCTOBER EDITION 2019... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</h3>
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by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. <u>INTRODUCTION</u>: In the month of October the leaves are turning and thoughts of Summer are fading. In Michigan and in many parts of the Mid-West and New England, this annual event presents some awesome experiences in what the locals call "leaf peeping." This little phrase is a way to say we appreciate and sometimes become vividly aware the glory of color of the changing scenery around us. I was born and lived in the industrial city of Steubenville, Ohio. My section of town was called Lincoln Heights. Here "baby boomer" children and youth grew-up in safety and discovered the world. My grandmother lived on the other block and it was my custom to walk between 549 Dresden Avenue and 506 Lincoln Boulevard. Often in the Fall I remember seeing any number of trees shed their leaves and provide a series of glorious reviews on sunny days and even on those rainy fall gloomy days. My 5th grade teacher use to say to us, "...the changing of the colors of the leaves, remind us that God's tapestries are beyond words..." I would second that motion and encourage you, no matter where you live to talk walks and see the ever changing world in the month of October.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... Some Interesting Details Concerning the Bible...</h3>
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I believe I ran this series of materials in one of my earlier blogs, but I thought it was interesting and informative and thought you would enjoy reading it again. </h3>
<h3>
The Bible as a library of books, has blessed the world with its message from its Judaeo-Christian roots. It has been loved and cherished in one setting and despised and ridiculed in another. However, it has endured the challenges and perversions of its message for the ages and is still the "best" seller of all volumes.</h3>
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The Bible is spoken of to be the Sword of the Spirit (Eph.6:17). Therefore, one desiring to be a disciple of the Lord should spend time in its study in order to prepare, meditate and share it with others, and when necessary, correct false teaching that is not aligned with its clear historical and theological injunctions (II Tim.2:15; 3:16; II Peter 3:15).</h3>
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The numerous translations of the Bible will have similar statistics that I will be sharing here, but for all intents and purposes, we will digest the King James Version. The (KJV) contains 3,566,480 letters, 773,746 words, 31,102 verses, 1,189 chapters, and 66 books. There are 39 books in the Old Testament, and 27 books in the New. The Bible is composed of writings from about 40 men, writing over a period of some 1600 years; from 1500 B.C. to A.D. 100. It was primarily written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic.</h3>
<h3>
The word "Jehovah" appears 6,855 times; "Lord" 1,853 times; "and" occurs 46,277 times and the words "reverend", "grandmother" and "gnat" appear only one time each. The book of Esther has ten chapters, but the words "Lord" and "God" are not found within it. The shortest chapter in the Bible is also the middle chapter, Psalm 117. The middle verse is Psalm 118:6; the middle book of the Old Testament is Proverbs; and the middle verse in the Old Testament is II Chronicles is 20:13. The shortest verse in the Old Testament is I Chronicles 1:25; and the longest is Esther 8:9. </h3>
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In the New Testament, the middle book is II Thessalonians.; the middle chapter is between Rom.13 and 14; the middle verse is Acts 17:17; the shortest verse is John 11:35 in English, but in I Thess. 5:16 in Greek. The longest verse in the Bible is Esth. 8:9, which is ninety words. The longest word in the Bible is in Isa.8:1; and all the letters in the alphabet are found in Ezra 7:21, except the letter "j". Two chapters in II Kings 19 and Isaiah 37, are almost identical.</h3>
<h3>
The Bible holds the distinction of being the first book printed with movable type, in 1450. The first Bible printed in America was in the native American language, by John Eliot. The King James version was published in 1611. The American Standard version was published in 1901, and the New International version was completed in 1978. Revisions has been made in it and any number of other translations and paraphrases have followed. The Bible was divided into chapters by Cardinal Hugo in 1250. The New Testament was divided into verses by Sir Robert Stephens in 1551. The entire Bible was divided into chapters and verses in the "Geneva Bible" which was translated in 1560. This was also knows as the "Breeches Bible" because it read, "They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves breeches." (Gen. 3:7)</h3>
<h3>
The Red Letter Edition Bible was a product of Louis Klopsch. He was the first editor of the "Christian Herald" magazine. He printed the Red Letter Edition in 1901. He based it from Luke 22:20, "This cup is the new Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." He reasoned that all blood is red, thus Christ's words should be in red, as a constant reminded to the reader.</h3>
<h3>
The Bible has been translated into almost every language and dialect in the world. It is the only book that gives a definitive answer to the question of man's origin, mission and destiny. Above all else, the Bible is a textbook on salvation, and should be seriously examined and studied, then carefully accepted and obeyed, and lastly, it should be religiously taught unto all men. It is to that end that this material has been gathered for your interests and edification. (Note: This material was in part the product of Dr. Hoyt Allen, at the time Evangelist with the KYOWVA Evangelistic Associated of Ironton, Ohio)</h3>
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>??? How Could All the Animals Fit in the Ark?</h3>
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This is one of those surface questions often ask by honest people and some skeptics seeking a few answers concerning the universal flood of Genesis. There are some statistics and logic that answer in practical form this question and others in regards to the capacity and dimensions of the Ark.</h3>
<h3>
John Whitcomb and Henry Morris, in their book, <i>The Genesis Flood,</i> did an exceptionally thorough job of analyzing the data relating to the physical dimensions and carrying capacity of the ark. They noted that the ark would have been 437.5 feet in length, 72.92 feet in width, and 43.75 feet in height (given from 17.5 inches per cubit). </h3>
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The ark had three decks (Gen. 6:16), so the total deck area was approximately 95,700 square feet, and the total volume 1,396,000 cubit feet. The gross tonnage of the ark would have been approximately 13,960 tons, which is comparable to some large, modern day vessels.</h3>
<h3>
The carrying capacity of the ark would, therefore, be equal to 522 standard railroad stock cars, each of which could carry 240 sheep. The ark could have accommodated at least 125,000 sheep. Additionally, Genesis 6:14 tells us that besides having three decks, nests or rooms were constructed to house the animals. Beside all of this, we now know from genetic information that the ark would have been a virtual "gene pool" for future procreation and adaption in a post flood world. A known writer in this field is Frank Lewis Marsh. He has noted that "...over 500 varieties of sweet pea have been developed from a single type pea since the year 1700; and that over 200 distinct varieties of dogs, that are different from each other as the dachshund and the collie, have developed from a very few wild dogs." </h3>
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</h3>
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III.<u> NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon: "Who's That Beside You?"</h3>
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<u>
Text</u>: I Timothy 4:16-18</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: No mater your age or place in life, sooner or later you will need someone to stand beside you and with you. Such was the case of the Apostle Paul who finds himself in Rome having been put on trial with no one to stand with him. Demas, a Christian brother and co-worker had deserted him, Paul said, "having loved this present world," and only Luke had returned. (vs.11) He recounts a man by the name of Alexander the metalworker who had "done him great harm..." (vs.14). So in this circumstance Paul gives us a hint how we can endure and thrive even in the midst of rejection and pain.</h3>
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A. <u>Believe</u>: (have faith)- </h3>
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Edwin McManus, a Christian writer has said: "You and I were not created to believe in nothing." But believing in God is not something done for our own sake. Trusting belief in God enable us to believe in each other. He empowers that perspective. We also need people around us who believe in us. Let's be honest, isn't it great to have people in your life who believe in you? In short definition, we would agree with the 19th century poet Cyprian Norwid who wrote: "...To be what we define as happy we need to have, 1)something to live on ("meaning"), 2) something to live for ("purpose"), 3) something to die for ("destiny")." These are all wrapped up in the drama and tragedy of life. Jesus provides all the above and more...with much more to come.</h3>
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B. <u>Belong</u>: (Community)</h3>
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As a people we are here making the Church one community of faith and love. Only such genuine belonging can fill the void inside each of us. Realize that in this imperfect community here, you will let people down and they will let you down. As much as we would like, no human being will ever love you the way you want to be loved, basically because of our own imperfect perceptions of love and life. (Illust: Fred Rogers of "Mister Rogers" fame, built his whole program on the idea that everyone longs to be loved and longs to know that he or she is lovable. Like it or not, we belong to others at some level.</h3>
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C. <u>Become</u>: (Grow and Mature)</h3>
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If you stop and think bout it, we are one of the few creatures in God's creation that can become "more" than we are from every perspective. Our more noble-self can emerge in the midst of any crisis we face. This can happen both for us and for others. We often hear about frailty and weakness, which is self evident. But when Christ enters the picture a new confidence and new direction emerges. We need the positive challenges of life and friends to help us. Let us look beyond our confines, beyond our restrictions and fears to positive answers and life. As we look to Christ today we are enabled to go beyond yourselves to grow and mature. </h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: (Poem-"I believe...") So Believe, Belong, Become and gain that new perspective.</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>... Words to Live By or Ponder...</h3>
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1. "It is not enough to learn the tricks of the the trade...you must learn the trade." (Ben Franklin)</h3>
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2. "One of the most important lessons that experience teaches is that, on the whole, success depends more upon character than upon either intellect or fortune." (William Edward H. Lecky)</h3>
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3. "The aim of education should be to convert the mind into a living fountain, and not a reservoir. That which is filled by merely pumping in, will be emptied by pumping out..." (John M. Mason)</h3>
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4. "...within man's reasoning he pardons his actions through the court of his mind" (William Locksey)</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-81378749145405883492019-08-31T09:21:00.002-07:002019-08-31T09:21:29.992-07:00<h3>
SEPTEMBER EDITION- 2019 WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. <u>Introduction</u>: We enter the month of September with an air of expectancy. Most schools are now in session and the regular schedules of most families begin again. This reminds me of measured insights on education. What does it mean to be educated? Does education enhance our lives? Is it more than an accumulation of facts or answers on a "smart phone?" These and other questions can be magnified and simplified in ways that are understandable and enlightening. If we have a biblical perspective we see the enhancement of information coupled with the correlation of wisdom. The category of "Wisdom Literature" in the Old Testament (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,), magnify the important qualities of education and practical application into our daily lives.</h3>
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In the early 1960's a concern of the parents of the "baby boomers" were the application of educational principles. Here are some of those items they emphasized then and are still relevant today if we are to raise a generation of truly educated individuals.</h3>
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<ul>
<li>Mastery of the fundamentals in writing, speech, mathematics. These explore the varieties of human thinking of the brain. They open the windows of mental perception. Situational awareness is not new concept.</li>
<li>Goal setting is eventually looking toward selecting a vocation. In other words, how does this education I receive improve me, my life, my community and mankind as a whole? Great buildings are built one stone upon another. An old quote is applicable at this point to say "...to fail to plan is to plan to fail..." </li>
<li>This may sound like a simple principle, but personal hygiene helps us to interact with others around us. People still matter in our education process, and how we present ourselves can make a difference. Bathing, Dental Care and proper nutrition are always emphasized in relation to others. Another generation is re-discovering this today.</li>
<li>Good citizenship is vital if the nation is to prosper. Our nation has been bless by God and informed people are interested in the next generation while improving their own. To remedy flaws we must have educated people at all levels to vote and see the value of the United States of America. Her achievements far exceed her flaws. "One nation under God..."</li>
<li>Historically, the one agency that has built a moral fiber in the community of society has been the Church. We hear the cry today for "Ethics" at every level of business, education, science and even the church itself. This is only accomplished when morally driven individuals considers that higher power that takes account of our actions, thoughts and motives.</li>
<li>Although vocation and education is vital, how we use our "leisure time" can also speak of the "fruits" of our labor. We are not made to work 24/7. We need time to reflect, create, and refresh ourselves in a meaningful fashion so that we might enhance the overall lifestyle of the culture of our society. Our forefathers called this "finding a hobby." What do you do "away" from the job? There will be a life beyond what you did for your livelihood. </li>
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These obviously are not all the principles we could mention. We might say they are a good guidepost to make us all more aware and educated in ourselves and others around us. Consciously treating one another with kindness as we function in our day to day activities will reap benefits. I believe such "self awareness" energizes a true satisfaction in life.<br />
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... Beyond Samuel and Saul to David...<br />
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A. <u>David as King</u>: We have been looking at the drama of the Prophet and Judge Samuel. In the clearest sense, Saul is no longer God's choice for king, Samuel immediately anoints David (I Sam.16:1-13). (see August study) Not only that, the Spirit of the LORD who empowers Saul, now comes upon David and leaves Saul (16:13-14). In a very real sense, David is a "King without a throne": (I Samuel 16-18). David, though unknown publicly as king, begins to carry out his anointed task. We insert a little note here because the story of David and Goliath is a highlight to underline the actions of a Judge, (one who provides a great delivery), and the actions of a king. Yes, David and Goliath is about faith-but faith about Israel's new and unknown king, rather than a little boy who has enough faith to go around killing giants like and Old Testament Jack-in-the-Beanstalk.<br />
David wins this initial victory as a "hidden king" figure, but no one recognizes its full significance. David's continuing success, however, alerts Saul to his true purpose (18:5-8). When David does <u>not</u> die in battle against great odds, Saul tries to directly kill David. Optics are very important here, in that while David is facing a giant, Saul is huddling in his tent. The rest of I Samuel finds Saul chasing David around the wilderness of Judah trying to kill him. It is a time for David to learn security in the midst of vulnerability (Psalm 4:8). Saul becomes increasingly unstable as he tries to fight against the word of judgment through Samuel. Another insight here is that we find David administrating through example, the"dignity of the office" of king with-outright saying so. He does this by not killing or assassinating Saul, although he could have done so on at least two occasions. Assassination would not be introduced by David in his kingship, but would be used by later kings in their conformity to the blindness of power similar to their pagan royalty.<br />
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B. <u>David as the Model King</u>: II Samuel 1-10. With the death of Saul, David is quickly anointed king over Judah. Saul's surviving son reigns over the rest of the tribes, but the real power behind his throne is his general, Abner. David conducts this struggle without animosity. He laments the deaths of Saul and Johnathan (II Samuel 1). He congratulates the men of Jabesh Gilead who rescued Saul's body from further dishonor (2:4-7). He punishes the "news bearers" of Saul who thought David would reward them (II Sam. 4:9-10). The one blot on his record is the death of Abner who was visiting to arrange terms of peace (3:12-37). He was killed by Joab. This was <u>not</u> by David's order. The writer of II Samuel clearly explains that a "Bethlehem Mafia" if you will, surrounds David. Most readers miss it, however, because they don't recognized the names. This material deserves some attention in our story as we put the pieces together.<br />
For instance, who is Zeruiah 2:18? This is the name of David's sister (I Chronicles 2:13-16). The three "sons of Zeruiah" are David's nephews. Joab is one of these. Joab with his brother are a continuing challenge for King David throughout the book. The king often sees them as thorns in his royal side (3:39,16:10,19:22). Joab's murder of Abner incenses David. He calls down a curse on Joab's house and personally mourns the death of Abner. Somehow David is able to avoid major crisis as the rest of Israel recognizes that Abner's death was Joab's personal vendetta that did not involve the king.<br />
After being anointed king over all Israel, (all twelve tribes), David succeeds in various areas against Israel's enemies. He conquers the seemingly secures the Jebusites at Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines, who take their best shot at nipping this rising monarch before he blooms(5:6-25).<br />
David establishes Jerusalem as his capital and moves the ark of the covenant there. His desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord is refused, but he receives a promise that more than compensates for the immediate disappointment. (chapter 7 of II Sam.) Yahweh gives David more military successes(8:1-14,10:1-19), and David does what is "just and right for all his people" (8:15). This includes even the house of Saul and Jonathan, as David seeks to show kindness to their remaining heir(chap. 9).<br />
As David and many other leaders learn in the future, success must be handled with wisdom as does adversity. Next month we will see a side of David that makes him wither because of poor choices and sin before a living and just God.<br />
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>... Surprises and Points of Interest...<br />
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1. <u>F.W. Woolworth</u> founder of the five-and-dime chain, was once hired as a janitor for fifty cents a day by a retail store owner who didn't think Woolworth had enough business sense to wait on customers.<br />
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2. The first time <u>George Gershwin</u> ever played the piano on the stage, he was laughed out of the theater by both the audience and his fellow actors.<br />
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3. <u>Albert Einstein's</u> teachers classified him as a dunce, and even his parents thought him backward.<br />
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4. When <u>Thomas A. Edison</u> was in school, he was always at the end of his class because he could not remember his lessons in the three R's. His teachers called him stupid, and doctors predicted that he would have serious brain trouble.<br />
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon Outline of Faith<br />
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<u>Title</u>: Abraham: <i>When God's Promises Seem Impossible</i><br />
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<u>Text</u>: Genesis 12:1-9<br />
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<u>Introduction</u>: Years ago, Isaiah Moore, a professor of the College of the Scriptures in Louisville, Kentucky decided he would remarry when he was widowed for the fifth time at the age of eighty-nine. Wayne Smith, one of our well known preachers in Lexington, Kentucky asked him why he was marrying again at that age. Professor Moore quipped, "I've always wanted a son." Moore and his new bride even bought a new house near an elementary school. Wayne Smith with his intense sense of humor said to Moore, "Brother Moore, you ought to be the president of the Optimist Club."<br />
God made a bold promise to Abraham in our text: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you..." (Gen.12:2). That promise seemed impossible to believe because Abraham's wife Sarah, never had children and she was approximately sixty-five years of age. There were some great principles of faith Abraham had to learn as we do, since we all travel on this spiritual journey. Lets consider today the lessons of Abraham and instructions for our faith.<br />
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A. <u>Abraham Trusted God's Provision When He Was Called to Move</u>.<br />
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B. <u>Abraham Trusted God's Power When He Was Called to Sacrifice Isaac</u>.<br />
Note: There was an unreasonable command. (Gen.22)<br />
1. Abraham's <u>unconditional</u> obedience- (Hebrews 11:17-19) His mindset.<br />
2. An <u>unexpected</u> provision-(Genesis 22:11-13) Ram in the Thicket...<br />
3. An <u>unequivocal</u> blessing- (Genesis 22:15-18)<br />
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C. <u>Have Faith! God Keeps His Word</u>... Consider the following...<br />
1. God will meet all your needs. (Phil. 4:9)<br />
2. God will help you overcome temptation. (I Cor.10:13)<br />
3. The peace of God will guard you heart and mind. (Phil. 4:6-7)<br />
4. God will reward faithful financial giving. (Malachi 3:10)<br />
5. The earth will endure until Christ returns. (Genesis 8:22)<br />
6. The Christian will be resurrected into a new body. (John 6:4)<br />
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<u>Conclusion</u>: An old quote says, "...if we remain in the "present" and stay in His "presences" our faith will be real and our reward will be great.<br />
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IV. <u>QUOTES OF NOTE</u>... Some random quotes of truth...<br />
1. Something is wrong in the life of any individual who constantly sees wrong in others. (from Daily Thoughts)<br />
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2. So long as you hesitate to undertake the big tasks, you are likely to remain near the bottom of the ladder. (from Above the Crowd)<br />
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3. Quality is not accidental-- it is the result of intelligent effort... (Sunshine Magazine)<br />
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4. A wholesome philosophy: Make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes. (Sunshine Magazine)<br />
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-18187526582393725642019-07-31T05:19:00.000-07:002019-07-31T05:19:01.269-07:00<h3>
AUGUST 2019 Edition: WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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By Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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INTRODUCTION: August is an interesting month. The month August was named after the Emperor Augustus. You remember this gentleman, he was the emperor who was in charge when Jesus was born. He had a colorful history and background which we could not exhaust here, but he is significant. He ordered the census that would span several years in the Roman Empire to determine the per capita potential for taxation. He would have never thought that his edict would send a humble couple from Galilee to Bethlehem for a singular birth. For us, this is a month of completing those last vacation times of sun and surf and the beginnings of garden harvests in the mid-west and other parts of the country. It can be hot and cooler within a weeks time. It also a time to reflect on our blessings and the God that made them possible. Hopefully this blog will inspire you to look up from your busy tasks and distractions and remember that there is a living God who is vitally interested in you and your life and goals. If He knows when the sparrow falls, he is vitally informed about you. We all have an appointment with Him and His desire is that your joy be full. (John 15:11)</h3>
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I. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Study of the Prophet and Judge Samuel</h3>
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We have been looking at the life of Samuel the Prophet and last Judge. We have seen his special and unique birth and calling. He comes at a turning point in the life and history of Israel as we observe a secular approach to the rule of the Judges now being replaced by Kings. As earlier noted,(see June edition), regulations for the king were given by Moses' handbook (Deut. 17:14-20), and Hannah's prayer spoke of Yahweh strengthening his king (I Sam.2:10). <u>Note</u>: Some of these references are prophetic referencing Jesus the Messiah.</h3>
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The people, however, requested a king in a desire for visible security. They have no hope that Samuel's sons will follow as faithful judges (8:1-3), and they don't want to wait until the next invasion for a deliverer to arise.(As we see in the book of Judges). Better to have a permanent king who will fight their battles (8:19-20). Their failure to completely trust Yahweh for safety will mean higher taxes to support a defense complex, a costly central bureaucracy, and a draft to establish a standing army(8:10-18). What a price to pay for a lack of faith! Similar to our modern world, we want the immediate in place of the long term security of God through Christ Jesus.</h3>
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<u>Saul as King</u>: Saul is privately anointed, then publicly proclaimed by the Lord's direction. Similar to other judge figures like him, he is empowered by the Spirit of God to deliver his people from an oppressor ( I Sam 11). This initial victory leads to complete acceptance of Saul as King.</h3>
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Saul initially is a successful King. He defeats Israel's enemies, freeing them from outside oppression (14:47-48). He worships Yahweh, not idols (14:35, 15:31), and expels mediums and spiritists from Israel (28:3). David praises him for having brought economic prosperity as well (II Sam. 1:24). </h3>
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The tragedy of King Saul and his removal as King also referencing his line of successors will be eliminated. I Samuel chapter 13-15 focuses on two particular failures.</h3>
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<li>not following instructions to wait for Samuel to offer a pre-battle sacrifice;</li>
<li>and not carrying out<i> <u>herem</u> </i>(a complete destruction or genocide) of the Amalekites as commanded by the Lord through Samuel. (Note later consequences of not obeying this order in the book of Esther with Haman and his ancestry- Feast of Purim for the Jews)</li>
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Both of these failures show that Saul had a mistaken notion of kingship-one that Yahweh will not bear. The notion: that like other ancient kings, Israel's king would be an absolute monarch-- that his rule would be law was in fact in error. </div>
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No, Israel already has a law given by God, not developed by the king. Also, Yahweh speaks through prophets. That word is higher than the king. Moses specifically warned about the king considering himself above the Law (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). In contrast, like Joshua, the king was to be a student of the Law that he might obey it. He would model obedience before the people. Torah is higher than the King. Prophet is higher than King. Both are Yahweh's instruction. Later we will see the absolute secular view during the period of the Babylonian Captivity when the "Law of the Medes and Persians" once given could not be refuted, only changed by another edited law. (Again, see the book of Esther and the saving of the Jewish people.)</div>
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For Saul's first disobedience to Samuel's instruction, Saul loses the right to pass on the kingship to his sons (13:13-14). At his second failure to carry out orders, he loses his own right to the throne. (15:26). This then, prepared for David who we will study next month.<br />
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II. DID YOU KNOW?...</h3>
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1. Whose horses were swifter than Leopards? <u>Answer</u>: According to Habakkuk 1:6,8 they were the Chaldeans. </div>
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2. Who said every kind of beast and bird had been tamed by man? <u>Answer</u>: James in the book of James- 3:7</div>
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3. To what animal are both Jesus and Satan compared? <u>Answer</u>: The "Lion"- Revelation 5:5 and Revelation 22:16. I Peter asserts that Satan is also a lion. I Peter 5:8<br />
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4. When did God keep dogs from barking? <u>Answer</u>: At the time of the last "plague" of the Egyptians. (see Exodus 11:7)<br />
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5. Who fed dragon meat to animals and birds? <u>Answer</u>: The Lord, Ezekiel 29:5. Also see verses 2,3. Dragon in context was a metaphor for the Pharaoh of Egypt.<br />
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III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A sermon on the 2nd Coming.</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Acts 1:10,11</div>
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<u>Introduction</u>: All who believe the scriptures acknowledge the second coming of Jesus Christ. In our text today we see words of the two angels to the Apostles as he ascended into heaven. This affirms several dimensions of this aspect of Christian teaching through the ages as we believe Christ will return.</div>
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I. <u>The Certainty of Jesus' Second Coming</u>-<br />
A. There are over 300 direct and indirect references to Jesus' coming in the Greek word <i>parousia</i>. This word means "coming" or "presence."<br />
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B. Inspiration affirms: "Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eyes shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen." (Rev. 1:7)<br />
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C. Jame, John, Peter, and Paul explicitly taught Jesus is coming again. (James 5:7, I John 3:2, II Peter 1:16, Phil. 3:20)<br />
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D. Jesus himself said he would return. (John 14:1-3)<br />
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II. <u>The Manner of His Coming</u>-<br />
A. Jesus shall personally return, "this same Jesus" (Acts 1:11)<br />
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B. His return shall be <u>audible</u> (John 5:28, "shall hear"), <u>visible</u> (Rev. 1:7, "every eye shall see him"), and <u>unexpectedly</u> (Matt.25:13, "know neither the day nor the hour...").<br />
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C. Jesus' coming shall be characterized by majesty and grandeur (Matt.25:31, II Thess. 1:1-7)<br />
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III. <u>The Time of Jesus' Return</u>-<br />
A. No man knows when Jesus is returning (Matt. 24:36).<br />
1. The same verse says the angels do not know, only the Father.<br />
2. Furthermore, Jesus (while in the flesh) did not know (Mark 13:32). We<br />
are given general information, however, but we can not know "the day<br />
and hour." (see II Thess. 2:1-12, Rev. 20)<br />
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IV. <u>Prevailing Conditions on Earth When Jesus Returns</u>-<br />
A. The scriptures show indifference will be prevailing when Jesus returns (Matt.24:37-39). As these verse allude, most will be unprepared.<br />
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B. There will also be a false sense of spiritual security experienced by man at Christ's coming. (I Thess. 5:2,3)<br />
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C. Greed, selfishness, and general depravity will be common (II. Tim.3:1-5).<br />
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V. <u>The Purpose of Jesus' Return</u>-<br />
A. Jesus shall raise "all" the dead at His coming, both those who have "done good" and those "that have done evil." (John 5:28,29)<br />
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B. Jesus shall judge all men at his return (Matt.25:31-46). Men shall be judged based on their deeds and God's Word shall be the standard. (Romans 2:6, II Cor. 5:10, John. 12:12:48) The wicked shall be assigned to everlasting punishment and the righteous to life everlasting (Matt.25:46). The righteous living "shall be caught up together with them (dead in Christ-vs.16 in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (I Thess. 4:13-18)<br />
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C. Jesus is not coming to establish some governmental kingdom as we understand it, but a "glorified" kingdom beyond the "kingdom" of the Church established on Pentecost. This kingdom will be "delivered up" to the Father(I Cor.15:24).<br />
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<u>Conclusion</u>: Instead of wild speculation that often is taught by various T.V. Evangelist or denominations, let us prepare ourselves in "righteousness" and holy lives to greet this great august event. (Matt.24:42, I Thess.5:6-9)<br />
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VI. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>...<br />
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1. <u>Influence</u>: "Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means." (Albert Einstein)<br />
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2. <u>Marriage</u>: "A man marries a woman hoping she won't change, but she does. A woman marries a man hoping he will change, but he doesn't." [Laurie Baker, quoted in QUOTE, Vol. 53, pg. 153]<br />
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3. <u>Prayer</u>: "Men are looking for better methods, God is looking for better men." E.M. Bounds, <i>Power Through Prayer</i>.<br />
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4. <u>Character</u>: "Building boys is better than mending men." (Old YMCA Pledge)<br />
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5. <u>Psychological Awareness</u>: "Worry is interest due on trouble before it is due."<br />
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-32444823701350637442019-06-29T05:44:00.001-07:002019-06-29T05:44:17.884-07:00<h3>
JULY EDITION- 2019... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</h3>
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by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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Introduction</u>: This is the month of July 4th in which we celebrate American freedom. It is a strange phenomenon when you think about it. The road and journey of the United States is pretty nearly a one way street. Everyone wants to come here and few wish to leave. Nobody in the vast majority of cases gives up his or her American citizenship. It is still prized in the community of nations. </h3>
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Why is it so? Is it because we simply have more variety and abundance of food? Better homes? Better living conditions? Our land was forged out of hardship and a country of sacrifice. In my humble assessment, I believe it is a simple factor of "freedom." We have not been a perfect country but we have been a people who seek justice for all. It is in most cases, the human rights millions of American have died for. </h3>
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We are at a junction today because many take their civil rights and civic responsibility for granted. We were born in a free country. We think freedom could never end or be lost. This is a myth. If we do not stoke the fires of vigilance as our forefathers have pleaded, we will loose the privileges and goals of freedom. We must work at it. Not some of us. All of us. Not some of the time. All of the time, and reference an Almighty God who has afforded these freedoms.</h3>
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So on this coming Fourth of July 2019, value your citizenship, value your vote, value your fellow Americans as we pull together. Remember, keep it for yourself, for your children and your children's children. Keep your faith and love of country strong, and your belief as you give yourself to civic interest.</h3>
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There is a lot to America, and it's all yours to enjoy and strive for in our lifetimes!</h3>
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I. <u>DIGGING DEEPER... SAMUEL THE PROPHET AND JUDGE.</u>.. </h3>
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The book of Samuel in the Old Testament is a repository of favorite Bible stories: the story of Samuel's birth, the account of the Philistine's trouble when they capture the ark, the heroism and true friendship of Johnathan, and certainly the defeat of Goliath by the "boy" David. Often, however, they have been torn from their context and surroundings. </h3>
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After the Judges we need some type of break in the narrative. With an even dozen or so judges, it is hard to keep the players straight without a scorecard. In Samuel, by contrast, there are only three main participants: Samuel, Saul, and David. There are however, some other lesser players that are added to the mix. Snapshots of prophetic depth that are pregnant with foreshadow and theme.</h3>
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A. <u>The Barren Woman</u>- I Samuel 1-2</h3>
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One of these participants is a barren women, and with her the story opens. Here is a women emotionally in rags. Though her husband loves her, he has taken another wife--no doubt because she has given him children while Hannah has not been able to supply. Her rival mocks her, much as Hagar did Sarah. To put it in a word, Hannah feels "vulnerable."</h3>
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But this is just the kind of case in which God has shown his power in the past. He has produced a whole nation from a barren womb--in fact, from a who succession of them (Gen.11:30, 25:21, 29:31). Hannah's distress leads her to cry to the Lord and dedicate her offspring to exclusive service to him. This response- a model of a response the Lord wanted from the whole nation-leads to the birth of the last Judge and first "noted" Prophet: Samuel. He founds the "School of the Prophets."</h3>
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Hannah's experience and her prayer (2:1-10) exalts the Lord as the one who...</h3>
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<i> ...raises the poor from the dust</i></h3>
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<i> and lifts the needy from the ash heap;</i></h3>
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<i> he seats them with princes</i></h3>
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<i> and has them inherit a throne of honor (2:8)</i>.</h3>
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The unique Lord of Israel encompasses security. He is the Rock of safety. <i>"There is no Rock</i> <i>like our God" (2:2</i>).</h3>
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<u>
Samuel, Prophet and Judge</u>- I Samuel 3-7</h3>
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Samuel is a great Prophet that has many introductions in terms of God's ability and the dismal state of Israel's condition. This is nowhere more obvious than in the very center of Israel's worship of Yahweh- the tabernacle. Under the current priest Eli and his sons, Samuel joins a situation at the Lord's tent which could not be more disgusting. Eli's sons violate the rules of sacrifice to satisfy their own tastes, threaten violence against faithful worshipers, and introduces Canaanite sexual abominations (2:12-17,22-25).</h3>
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In the midst of this loathsome disobedience, God raises his leader from infancy to manhood, marking Samuel's progress against the continuing failure of Eli's sons (2:11, 2:18-21, 2:26, 3:1-21). </h3>
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We are in most part familiar with the story of Samuel sleeping in the tabernacle, hearing the voice of the Lord, and three times rousing Eli to ask what he wanted before finally being told to answer the Lord the next time. It is a dynamic and positive story for children, and a reminder to adults of God's providence and grace on a national level. </h3>
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In further reference, it is not an incidental story, for it cites the beginning of Samuel's prophetic career before Yahweh. The fact that all of Samuel's words come true-remember they must if he is a "true" Prophet- prompted Israel to recognize again that here was a prophet in their midst (3:19-21;cf.3:1).</h3>
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As already noted, Samuel is a Prophet, but he becomes a Judge. The capture of the ark and its history in Philistine territory(chaps. 4-6) show that God does not need Israel to vindicate himself as the true God. Rather, they need him. With Eli and his sons eventual death, deliverance from the Philistines may begin. Samuel in his role as judge achieves one of those mighty deliverances in which Yahweh himself for Israel (chapter 7).</h3>
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But now Samuel's final and most famous task begins to take Israel into its monarchy. Samuel is God's "kingmaker" (chaps. 8-12). Not that Samuel likes the job. He considers the elder's request for a king a personal slap in the face; worse than that, so does Yahweh (8:6-8,12:13-19). Yet the idea of a king in Israel isn't new: Jacob predicted the rising of the king's rising scepter in the tribe of Judah(Gen. 49:10), regulations for the king were given in Moses' handbook (Deut.17:14-20), and Hannah's prayer spoke of Yahweh strengthening his king (I Samuel 2:10). Some or most of this is also prophetic of the Messiah deliverer.</h3>
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The lessons of scripture for the believing community is always a matter of contrast. The people's request for a king was a desire for visible security. They had no hope in Samuel's sons who would potentially follow as faithful judges (8:1-3), unlike those of Eli, and they don't want to wait until the next invasion for a deliverer to arise. Better to have a permanent king who will fight their battles (8:19,20), and appear as the other nations around them. Their failure to completely trust Yahweh for safety will mean higher taxes to support a defense complex, a costly bureaucracy, and a draft to establish a standing army(8:10-18). What a price to pay for such lack of faith!</h3>
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Ironically, this is in itself is not an absolute evil, though these people ask out of evil motives. Yahweh will give them their king, and that first king is Saul (I Sam. 9-11). Saul seeks out the prophet to help him find his father's donkeys, and ends up on the throne.</h3>
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>...</h3>
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There is a strange diet... "The rivers eat away their banks, the tides devour the sand; the morning sun drinks up the mist, the ocean eats the land. Taxes eat up property, and pride eats out the soul, but moths the diet record hold, because they eat a hole." <i>Observations of the Obvious</i></h3>
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Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he is not; and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is.</h3>
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Men usually get somewhere when they develop a brake for the tongue and an accelerator for the brain.</h3>
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Have you ever noticed that the knocker is always outside the door?</h3>
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon Outline of Patriotic Thoughts-</h3>
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Title: <u>The Recovery of America</u></h3>
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Texts: Psalm 72:1-4; Romans 13:1-7; Acts 5:29</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: In a day in which so many are confused about their affiliation to their country, we might look back to look forward to see keys to our identity and commonality. To begin, we might read the lyrics to the <i>The Star Spangled Banner</i> written by Frances Scott Key. If you do any research on the founding of America you will see a profound documentation of the Christian influence on the nation. I believe there are three primary ways we can "recover a healthy vision of America."</h3>
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I. <u>We Pray For the Mighty</u>- Read Psalm 72-</h3>
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II. <u>We Fight For the Lowly</u>- Read Proverbs 31-</h3>
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A. Be a Watchdog-</h3>
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B. Be a Neighbor-</h3>
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C. Be a Mentor-</h3>
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III. <u>We Stand for the Godly</u>- Read Romans 13:1-7</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: As we evaluate these scriptures, we see a whole array of actions we can take individually to transmit positive energy and information to make our nation a nation of truth and compassion. Let us commit ourselves as part of the solution rather than part of the problem.</h3>
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V. <u>NOTABLE QUOTES</u>...THOUGHTS THAT TRANSFORM</h3>
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<i>"The preservation of our way of life depends on men of strong faith, who are advancing spiritual principles, and are working together with understanding, especially with the strength that come through persevering patience."</i> Admiral Chester W. Nimitz</h3>
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"If you spend all your time collecting money for fear of poverty, you are practicing poverty already." Egyptian Proverb</h3>
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"Men show their character in nothing more than in what they think laughable."</h3>
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" Prosperity is only an instrument to be used; not a deity to be worshiped." Reader's Life Quotes</h3>
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"A song in the night is worth two in the day." Albert's quotes</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-52515233305688190712019-05-31T02:12:00.003-07:002019-05-31T02:12:48.670-07:00<h3>
JUNE EDITION... 2019- The Month of Blooming and Growing...</h3>
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By Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>I. Introduction</u>: This is the month of graduation "Open Houses"Father's Day and Flag Day. Why celebrate these symbols of home and country? We live in an era far different than those of our father's and our childhood for those of us who are baby boomers. We remember the sacrifices of our father's and mother's in WWII and Korea. Furthermore, our blood as "baby boomers" in Vietnam and our children's blood in the Middle East. Sacrifices for freedom in America is not a theory but a living reality! We are often troubled by pseudo-facts, false reporting and visions of "division" which melt away with common ground realities. Our families, futures and opportunities for the next generations lie before us. May those who follow find us faithful.</h3>
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Over the history of our country, which is one of the most remarkable phenomena of the world, she stands as an epic example. Let me suggest an acrostic to humbly describe our nation. AMERICA...</h3>
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A... The arena of our beautiful landscapes with wide plains, snow covered mountain peaks and note with nostalgic pride the wikiaups and wigwams of native Americans. Each of our states is as wealthy as some nations in the world. Grace has been shown to us in these natural vistas.</h3>
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M... The majesty and maturity of the broad shoulders of our pioneers; the blood of legal immigrants seeking a better life and adding to this glimmer of swinging axes, a Bible to be read and followed, and a gun to supply food and protection that built a nation.</h3>
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E... The energy of industry that built the nation in the Industrial Revolution and the positive Environmental Movements that seek to keep our land, water and air clean for healthy non-political reasons. Tools of hard working people in mind, body and soul.</h3>
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R... The reaching out of our strong hand to the world in friendship and cooperation toward all who love freedom, justice and peace. We reach not to exploit but engage in enlightenment.</h3>
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I... Represents the individual American whose ingenuity and creativity stands to bless the world. Not a collectivism that has failed to bless national peoples elsewhere, but a shared vision of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Opportunity to become more than we are above ourselves and subject to a loving God who holds us accountable to each other.</h3>
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C... Unleashing the creativity of man in a new freedom, harnessed to the betterment of mankind. America has been the seedbed of new technologies and life. </h3>
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A... Submission to an Almighty God who lives and examples true sacrifice of His Son for us. Yes, "a" man and women on their knees in prayer, symbolizing a nation which recognizes its creator and gives thanks for His blessings. Submitted and committed to something beyond themselves...we voice "gratitude."</h3>
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Yes...my fellow Americans...AMERICA... is a beautiful is word.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... The Fulfillment of the Law of the Old Testament...</h3>
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When one begins a serious study of the whole Bible we are captivated by its triggers and timely prophecies. As we honestly admit, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all the prophesies of the Jewish Scriptures as Messiah. We can not erase or ignore the Messianic hope of the Jewish people as Jesus boldly declares in Luke 24:44 <i>"...Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law</i> <i>of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."</i></h3>
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Ironically, Jesus denied any wish to abolish the Law or the Prophets but predicted their fulfillment (Matt. 5:17-18). Jesus himself brings the Law to fulfillment in a number of ways.</h3>
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First, he fulfills the <u>sacrificial system</u>. The sacrifices ordained by the Law could not take away sins (Heb.10:3), they had a to be continually repeated (Heb.7:27), and were offered by imperfect and finite priests (Heb.7:23-28). They were part of a temporary covenant (8:13), that was a picture of the ultimate fulfillment, but they were unable to bring about forgiveness of sin (9:9-10, 10:1-3). For this reason the book of Hebrews calls the New Covenant a "better" and "superior" covenant (8:6). The first or Mosaic Covenant is made "obsolete" (8:13) and applied only "until the time of the new order" (9:10).</h3>
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Second, <u>Jesus fulfills the righteousness of the Law</u>. Paul declares the whole world guilty before God- the Jew with the Law and the Gentile without it. Some Gentiles were even able to live as righteously as their Jewish neighbors who had God's Law. (Substitute non-Christian and Christian and check out you own neighborhood.) The bottom line on earning righteousness is: <i>"No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin"</i> (Romans 3:20) Paul, however, denies that he is nullifying the Law. He insists the he is upholding or establishing it (3:31). The righteousness of the Law is not established by keeping it for merit before God. That is doomed to failure. The righteousness of the Law is established by receiving the gift of righteousness in obedience of Faith as declared in the New Covenant that Peter declared on Pentecost. (Romans 9:30-31; Acts 2:30 ff; Romans 6:1-14). Christ is the end of the Law (Rom.10:4)- not only because he inaugurated a new covenant to replace it, but because he achieved its righteous standard for all who believed and obeyed it. As it plays out, this is Grace as portrayed visibly in the world. Christ satisfies the righteous demands of the Law. It is in him that we "become the righteousness of God" (II Cor. 5:21).</h3>
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Our focus as Christians is not the keeping of the Law as a merit system, but Jesus Christ himself. Our response is based on gratitude for what God has done in Christ. We love him because he first loved us (I John 4:19). We forgive, because we are forgiven (Ephesians 4:23). We honor God with our bodies because we, like ancient Israel, are bought with a price (I Cor. 6:19-20). </h3>
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Beloved readers, Christ is the center of our lives and loves, the centerpiece of our Peace!! Although muted by this world's selfish aims and goals, his place will be front and center at his return.</h3>
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>???? Answers to Questions and Kings...</h3>
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1. There was king that had his thumbs and great toes cut off for having treated seventy captive kings in a similar manner. Who was he?</h3>
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Answer</u>: His name was Adoni-bezek, (Judges 1:6-7)- Read his story and his end.</h3>
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2. There was a king in the Old Testament who reigned seven days and then cremated himself. Who was he?</h3>
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<u>
Answer</u>: His name was Zimri: You can read his story in I Kings 16:15-18- This occurred during the period of Israelite history of the divided Kingdoms of Judah and Israel. </h3>
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3. There was a king who was very fat. He was so fat that when he was stabbed to death by a left-handed man, an unusual description, he died. Where and when was was such an event?</h3>
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<u>
Answer</u>: You find this in the book of Judges when Eglon, king of Moab, was stabbed by Ehud. (Judges 3:17, 21, 22) One of the most interesting periods in Israelite history is the 300 years period in which God raised up Judges to deliver the children of Israel from various oppressors. Here is an example of one of these Judges in a rather bazaar fashion delivering God's people from an oppressor.</h3>
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... How to Live a Deeper Christian Life...</h3>
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Text</u>: II Peter 1:1-15</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: When we consider living a deeper more meaningful Christian life it comes from a transformation of our position and purpose before God. We all must acknowledge that Christ has taken us from the defeat of and condemnation of sin. He transformed us into a people who share in the victory of our Lord. (I Cor.15)</h3>
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A. The Christian Life Begins with Faith and Obedience. (vs. 1-4)</h3>
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B. The Christian Life Grows in Faith, Love, and Obedience. (vs.5-7)- From "root" to "fruit."</h3>
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1. Goodness-</h3>
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2. Knowledge-</h3>
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3. Temperance- In what areas?</h3>
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a) Our Tongues- Thoughtful language and communication.</h3>
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b) Our Temperament- Our attitude and response to life in general.</h3>
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c) Our Temptations- Equipped with the "whole armor of God."</h3>
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4. Perseverance- (vs.6)- (Patience)</h3>
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5. Godliness- (vs. 6)</h3>
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6. Brotherly Kindness- (vs.7)</h3>
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7. Love- (Agape love)- (vs. 7)</h3>
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C. In Christian Life is God Expected us to Produce Results- (vs.8-10)</h3>
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1. These Qualities- (some translations say "things")</h3>
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2. Spiritual Discernment- To keep us from being led astray. Wisdom as we live.</h3>
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3. Assurance of Our Salvation- This assurance helps us "endure."</h3>
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4. Fruitful Living- As John 15 describes our fruitfulness as Christ is the vine and we are the branches. We remain in Him and He in us to make us fruitful.</h3>
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CONCLUSION: </h3>
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V. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES</u>... Some thoughts for the month...</h3>
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1. "My interest is in the future, because I am going to spend the rest of my life there." Charles Kettering-</h3>
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2. "You're young at any age if you are planning for tomorrow" His Place</h3>
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3. "One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." Dr. Albert Schweitzer</h3>
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4. "Through the ages no nation has had a better friend than the mother who taught her children to pray." "The three great essentials of happiness are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." "The man who removes mountains begins by carrying away small stones." - from <i>Just a Moment</i></h3>
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<h3>
VI. THE MESSAGE IS IN THE LYRICS... Consider this old hymn-</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: Come, Thou Almighty King- </h3>
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<u>Brief Background</u>: This is considered one of the oldest English hymns sung in the late 18th century. It was originally attributed to to Wesley but has since been revised to another English lawyer and orator. My hymnbook notes that it was sung as an "Italian hymn." It can be found in almost any hymnbook and if you read the lyrics they inspire worship and adoration to God in the Trinity. Here I will just share the first verse. Let this soak in and bless you today and in the month of June.</h3>
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vs.1 Come, Thou Almighty King, Help us Thy name to sing, Help us to praise: Father, all glorious, O'er all victorious, Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days.</h3>
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BLESSING!!-</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-61111528997086683362019-04-30T05:44:00.000-07:002019-04-30T05:44:30.675-07:00<h3>
<u>MAY EDITION: 2019</u>... THE MONTH OF REMEMBRANCES...</h3>
<h3>
WONDERFUL WORD OF LIFE...</h3>
<h3>
By Dr. Keith J. Wise...</h3>
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<h3>
I. <u>INTRODUCTION</u>: The month of May is a month we remember Mothers and the Memorials to fallen men and women in service to our country. We hear much drivel today about "boarders do not count" and "we are citizens of the world." But try to say that to those who saw America as a light on a hill, and the example of hope and inspiration to whole generations of people who have preceded us.</h3>
<h3>
Memorial Day is a special day we remember collectively; and, by remembering, we judge ourselves and our values in life. A nation, like individual, is the sum of all the preceding characters that has contributed to it. There is the best and the worst, both made profitable by a just conscience, which recognizes and decides between them. The light of high endeavor never goes out; the torch passes from generation to generation borne safely amid tumult and peace, amid onslaught and reverence. </h3>
<h3>
There is a flag, seen tiny against a field of green and white, which flutters above the bivouac of Arlington National Cemetery. There is a wreath visibly adorning the home of every family whose fathers and mothers lived worthily that the race might be nobly preserved. There is a faith which, enriched by all these lives, is the deathless guerdon of a people who dares not, nor wishes to forget.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Look at Hebrews Chapter 2...some answers-</h3>
<h3>
Overarching our interest are a number of books of the New Testament that confirm Historical and Doctrinal Christianity. One of the most revealing is the book of Hebrews. Chapter 2 of Hebrews has any number of cardinal truths of Christianity that illuminates some powerful meanings and clarifies our understanding of Christ, His resurrection and our benefit from such a sacrifice for humanity.</h3>
<h3>
A. For instance: What are some cardinal truths of the phrase <i>"to what we have heard"</i> in verse 1 of chapter 2? <u>Answer</u>: God created man, man fell from perfection to sin and death in the garden. Furthermore, God was not willing to see man stay in that state of eternal destruction, but provided a means of revealing a restored salvation for man in His time. (See promises in Gen. 3:15) Also look at I Thessalonians 5:23. God sent Jesus Christ in the form of flesh to save the world, and the Church to provide the community of life to support mankind. God sent the Holy Spirit to strengthen, support, and deliver man from the oppression of the evil one. In short, man accepts the free gift of God's grace by faith and obedience through repentance and baptism as prescribed by the models of the early church as the Apostles directed it. (see the book of Acts)</h3>
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B. A "confirmation" process was accomplished to seal such salvation and reconciliation to God. Our writer gives us at least four of these amazing proofs: <i>"signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit</i>."</h3>
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C. Verse three of chapter 2 notes that God's Salvation is "<i>great.</i>" Consider the following reasons why this salvation is <i>"great."</i> This salvation was announced by the Lord, it was confirmed by those who heard him (the Apostles), and it was testified or witnessed by God himself. All of this is found in verse 3. </h3>
<h3>
D. Christ was made "perfect" or complete through His suffering to bring "many sons to glory." Although the Lord Jesus Christ was perfect, our writer re-echos this truth in Hebrews 5:8 when he says, <i>"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered..."</i></h3>
<h3>
E. Question: In what way does Satan have the power of death as noted in <u>verse 14</u> of chapter 2 over humanity? <u>Answer</u>: He does so by his attempt to inflict "double death" by both condemning us in the body(physical death) and the soul(spiritual death.) Death means "separation" in both languages of the Bible. In reality it is the enemies ploy to separate us Physically, Spiritually and Eternally from God. Christ has countered him in checkmate by "justification"(just as if we never sinned and "reconciliation"(perfect renewal of our relationship with God), of the fallen human race. (Romans 5:8-9; Colossians 1:20-22 & Colossians 2:12,13)</h3>
<h3>
F. In chapter 2 of Hebrews Paul, our author of Hebrews, explains again to believing Jews who had accepted Jesus as Messiah but were being persecuted and were in danger of leaving the faith. He illuminates three great truths for us all. 1.) As man, Christ Jesus paid the penalty of sin- (I Peter 2:24), as God he proves the power of God to bring peace to the human heart and restores love to our sinful nature. (John 3:16). Finally, as Christ (the anointed one of God) he is the only one mediator between God and man. (I Tim. 2:5)</h3>
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<h3>
III. <u>DID YOU KNOW?</u> Missed Opportunities... a Reflection.</h3>
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History is filled with examples of people who if they would have had their eyes open, would have seen some great opportunities that they apparently missed. Here are a few: </h3>
<h3>
A Nottingham plumber submitted to the British War Office in 1911, a design for a tank--a then unknown military device. Across the drawing, in red ink, was written the official comment: "This man is mad."</h3>
<h3>
When George Westinghouse had perfected his air-brake, in 1875, he offered it to Commodore Vanderbilt. The railroad magnate returned Westinghouse's letter, with these words scribbled across the bottom. "I have no time to waste on fools."</h3>
<h3>
One day a stranger approached Mark Twain with a request for $500, for which he would sell half interest in his invention. Twain, "bit" several time before, refusing flatly. However, out of courtesy he asked the stranger his name. "Bell," the man replied, as he turned away, "Alexander Graham Bell."</h3>
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<h3>
IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... Remember On Memorial Day... (Sermon)</h3>
<h3>
Introduction: If we look around at this time of year in the month of May and elsewhere, memorials are present to remind us. Examples might be: cemeteries some of which are well kept and others even forgotten on hillsides or in fallen timbers. Signs along the highway symbolized by white wooden crosses to memorialize those killed in traffic accidents. There is a great monument like the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington DC and the one that travels around the United States. I could go on and on with examples but it should not come to our surprise that there are memorials in God's Word. The word "remember" is used over 250 times in the Bible.</h3>
<h3>
Consider: A. The Rainbow- Genesis 9:12-17</h3>
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B. The Name of God- Exodus 3:13-14; John 8:58,59</h3>
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C. The Passover- Exodus 12:13-14; Exodus 13:8-10</h3>
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D. The Twelve Stones from the Jordan River- Josh.4:1-9</h3>
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E. The Sabbath Day for the Jews- Exodus 20:8; Deut. 5:15</h3>
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F. The Woman Who Anointed Jesus- Matt. 26:6-13</h3>
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G. The Lord's Supper on the Lord's Day-Luke 22:15-20;Acts 20:7;</h3>
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I Corinthians 11:23-29</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: Remembrance and Repentance are two words fused together in some remarkable ways. Revelation 2:5 to the Church of Ephesus, the Apostle John will communicate the very words of Jesus with regard to this famous congregation. <i>"<u>Remember</u> therefore from where you have fallen; <u>repent</u> and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place--unless you repent."</i></h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-88964263391424933472019-03-31T05:42:00.000-07:002019-03-31T05:42:33.250-07:00<h3>
APRIL "EASTER" EDITION 2019... The Cross and the Resurrection...</h3>
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by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. INTRODUCTION: We are with great anticipation looking for the coming of Spring this year. Our winter has been harsh and long and the effects of cold freezing and thawing are seen all around us. But as of today at this writing virtually at the end of March in Michigan, I have tulips coming up, buds on my trees just waiting to bust and the scampering of squirrels and birds in my yard. Neighbors who live near me have been tapping their sugar maples while the local radio farm shows are full of information and advise to prepare for spring and summer. Oh, what a change is coming! </h3>
<h3>
Yes, and there is a telegraphed message to us, the peoples of this world, that the death of this world with all of its drudgery will be coming to an end through the victory of Jesus Christ over the grave. This was not done at random or without a price however, and not accomplished without a meaning. Let me reference you back to last years April's edition of my blog. See side bar (April 2018). I have numerous references there to the proofs of Christ and the resurrection. But the resurrection would have had no meaning without the Cross. Let me suggest the lyrics to one of the best old hymns you might sing to increase your appreciation of the cross. <i><u>In the Cross of Christ I Glory</u></i>: "<i>In the Cross of Christ I glory, tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time; all the light of sacred story gathering round its head sublime. When the woes of life o'er take me, hopes deceive and fears annoy, never shall the cross forsake me, Lo! it glows with peace and joy." </i>Another set of lyrics to another hymn also briefly speak; "...<i>Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow..."</i></h3>
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The history of Christianity has been its profound faith displayed in facts. Facts of the cross and the death of the savior on a busy highway or hill outside Jerusalem in the "fullness of time." Noted persons and places from secular history surround all the events of the Bible and especially the birth and death, burial and resurrection of Jesus who is the Christ. As the seasons speak of timing, so salvation through the shed blood of Christ for the sins of the world speak ahead of redemption now and forever until He comes again. As the Apostle Peter reminds his listeners in <u>Acts 3:21</u>, <i>"...He must</i> <i>remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets..." </i>(see Psalm 110). </h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... <u>The Final Week</u>...<u>A Timeline</u></h3>
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Here is a timeline of the final week or holy week as we move to resurrection Sunday and see its power. I want to thank Dr. Bill Patterson and his chart from <i>The Lookout </i>of March 29, 2015. </h3>
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DAY 1, Sunday:</h3>
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<li>Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. He then spent the night in Bethany.</li>
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DAY 2, Monday:<br />
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<li>He walked to Jerusalem. He cursed a fig tree. He cleansed the temple. He walked back to Bethany to spend the night there.</li>
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Day 3, Tuesday:<br />
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<li>He walked back to the temple. Along the way he found the fig tree, now withered.</li>
<li>He pronounced woes on the temple. He taught parables at the temple and answered questions. He spent the night in Bethany.</li>
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Day 4, Wednesday:</div>
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<li>Scholars call this the "silent day" as Jesus stayed in Bethany.</li>
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Day 5, Thursday:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Jesus sent Peter and John to prepare for the Passover. He traveled to Jerusalem. He ate the Last Supper with the Twelve. He washed to disciples' feet; Judas left. He instituted the Lord's Supper. He walked tot he Garden of Gethsemane and prayed. Judas betrayed him; the Sanhedrin arrested him; the disciples fled.</li>
<li>Jesus was taken to the home of the high priest.</li>
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Day 6, Friday:</div>
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<ul>
<li>The first trial was held before Annas (who was father-in-law of Caiaphas and former high priest).</li>
<li>The second (primary) trial and condemnation took place at the residence of Caiaphas, the high priest.</li>
<li>The third trial happened at dawn before the Sanhedrin; Peter denied him a third time; Jesus' condemnation was repeated; guards beat and mocked Jesus; they turned him over to the Romans (who held the authority to execute him).</li>
<li>The fourth trial was held before Pilate, the Roman governor.</li>
<li>The fifth trial took place before Herod. </li>
<li>The sixth trial happened before Pilate; Jesus was flogged; citizens chose Barabbas rather than Jesus; Pilate turned Jesus over tot he soldiers to be crucified; the soldiers mocked him and pressed a crown of thorns onto his head. Judas hung himself.</li>
<li>Jesus and then Simon of Cyrene carried his cross to the "Place of the Skull" where soldiers crucified him around 9:00 a.m.</li>
<li>Darkness descended over the land for three hours.</li>
<li>Jesus gave his seven last statements from the cross.</li>
<li>At 3:00 p.m. he died; the heavy veil in the holy of holies tore from top to bottom; some graves opened and the people rose; a Roman soldier pierced Jesus's side with a spear.</li>
<li>Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea claimed and prepared his body and buried Jesus before sundown.</li>
</ul>
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Day 7, Saturday:</div>
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<ul>
<li>The Jewish leaders requested and Pilate granted guards for his body.</li>
<li>The guards also sealed the stone, covering the mouth of his grave.</li>
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Day 8, Sunday:</div>
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Jesus rose from the dead and made appearances to his followers. <br />
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III. <u>DID YOU KNOW? </u> A note on crucifixion material...</div>
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The documented instances of crucifixions in history have been noted in several cases including those of Jesus. But the Archaeology had never rendered an example until in 1968 when a 'bone box' was discovered in Jerusalem containing the bones of a young child and a young man. The inscription on the box states that the man, Yehohanan (John), had been 'hanged with knees apart'- that meant he was crucified. The right heel bone of the man had a Roman iron nail driven through it. The end of the nail had buckled, making it impossible to remove when the bones were later gathered into the box.<br />
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IV. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... "The Aftermath of the Crucifixion"</h4>
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<u>Text</u>: Matthew 27:55-66</div>
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<u>Introduction</u>: Today we live in a day of mixed messages and sometimes information static. "Fake news" is now in our public lexicon of language. This has obliviously crept into the church and its communication to the world of the crucifixion and resurrection. When we look at the account of Matthew in our text we notice before that the "centurion and those with him" were amazed by the miraculous events of Jesus' death and concluded, "Truly this was the Son of God." The general tenor of the events of the crucifixion was despair. But with the aftermath of such the crucifixion there were <u>three groups</u> people who responded in faith and hope.<br />
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A. The Faithful Women Mourned (vs. 55-56, 61)<br />
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B. A Wealthy Man Pleaded (vs. 57-60).<br />
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C. The Wicked Men Plotted (vs.62-66)<br />
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<u>Conclusion</u>: If you take time to look at these points and the scripture with them, you will find a host of fulfilled prophecy concerning the Messiah. When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming to be baptized, he declare, "...behold, the Lamb of God who will take away the sin of the world." The impact of Good Friday, the shadow of the cross before us, and eventual empty tomb behind us, we come to a new dimension of faith and reality with God. "Whosoever will may come..." is the loving invitation of a loving God through a perfect savior and sacrifice for our sins. Thank you God for your provision.<br />
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V. <u>WORDS OF WISDOM FROM A BOOK OF WISDOM: PROVERBS</u><br />
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1. Proverbs 22:4 "True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life."NLT<br />
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2. Proverbs 22:8 "Those who plant injustice will harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end." NLT<br />
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3. Proverbs 23:12 "Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge." NLT<br />
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4. Proverbs 23:17 "Don't envy sinners, but always continue to fear the LORD." NLT<br />
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5. Proverbs 21:4 "Haughty eyes, a proud heart and evil actions are all sin." NLT<br />
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6. Proverbs 19:3 "People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the LORD." NLT<br />
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7. Proverbs 19:23 "Fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm." NLT<br />
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-1957953149413733642019-02-28T03:14:00.001-08:002019-02-28T03:14:28.843-08:00<h3>
MARCH EDITION- 2019- Wonderful Words of Life...Blog...by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>
Introduction</u>: March is an interesting month. This year on the weekend of the 9th and 10th we will turn our clocks "ahead" one hour. Daylight savings time. Winter here in the mid-west in 2019 has been especially brutal. I think more than a few of us are looking forward to spring. Hope your spiritual calendar is on pace as we daily seek to anticipate Resurrection Sunday April 21st. Keep looking up, it is the only way to go...</h3>
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<u>DIGGING DEEPER... A Continued Look at Matthew...Did He Have An Agenda</u>?</h3>
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The Gospel of Matthew provides an insight into one of the most interesting of the early Apostles and his writing. It appears he was well versed in the Hebrew Scriptures and his gospel is often called a "bridge gospel" from the Old Testament. His agenda appears to be a systematic rereading of the Hebrew Scriptures to demonstrate that Jesus fulfills the Law and the Prophets. Matthew the ultimate Proclaimer and Teacher of God's Kingdom and of God's ways through Christ Jesus the Lord. As we read Matthew we find him providing a litany of Biblical quotes in the most emphatic but Biblical fashion. We see the total of which amounts to some sixty references, with a wide selection of books. These range from Genesis, Deuteronomy, and Psalms, to Hosea, Isaiah,and Jeremiah to mention just a few. We might even note some countless allusions.</h3>
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His favorite quotation formulas are: "...in order to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophets" (or: "by the prophet" Isaiah: 1:22;2:15,23:4:14;8:17;12:17;13:35;21:4;26:56), or "have you not read what David did...have you never read in the scriptures/in the law...?" (12:3,5;21:42). Undeniably, Matthew expects from his readers that they care a lot about understanding Scripture and about understanding Scripture and about making it alive in their community so as to confess its fulfillment in Jesus as the Christ. In short, Matthew is a Christian scribe searching the scriptures and inviting his own community to do the same exercise. In this fashion, Matthew's response to the resurrection in Matthew 28 verses 5 and following are simple, powerful and meaningful: "Do not be afraid..." "Come and See..." "Go and tell..." Beloved, much could be and is told by Matthew in his gospel, but these three directives speak volumes to the Jewish community and to the world, the community we call the Church. </h3>
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<u>DID YOU KNOW</u>???</h3>
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I subscribe to a great little magazine entitled <i>Bible Study Magazine</i> by Logos. It often has some great insights and backgrounds to enhance one's bible study of scholarly information for the scholar or teacher. In the March/April issue 2019 Dr. Craig Evans presents some fairly new bits of information for the teacher or student interested in Archaeology in the Biblical world. He subtitles these as "Recent Discoveries Sharpen Our View of the Ancient World." The golden crown of Archaeology is the acknowledgement of personalities, kings, and geographic places from scripture that are verified in tangible pieces of remains that confirm many such people lived and existed. Dr. Evans lists several that are interesting and I thought I would list some of these in my blog. He noted last year a clay seal(called a <i>bulla</i>) that read "Isaiah the prophet." Two years earlier another seal had been found near this one which reads "Hezekiah." He was the king of Judah and they were contemporaries.(see in books of Isaiah and II Kings) Evans goes on to note portion of an inscription on a limestone column in which was inscribed the name "Jerusalem," fully spelled out in Aramaic as <i>Yerushalayim</i>. This first century B.C. inscription gives the word Jerusalem validity since it rarely has had verification in that geographic area. As we see these pieces unfold through the efforts of dedicated Archaeologist, new light and interest are placed on the world of the Bible.</h3>
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<u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Sermon on "Preparation" from Psalm 141</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Psalm 141</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: As we move into spring, and the chill of winter subsides, we graciously look to the future in preparation. Many of us who were boy scouts remember their standard motto, "Be Prepared." All of us are called on to be prepared physically, mentally and morally for the hazards we all must face in life as we look to our heavenly home. There are some great recommendations from the Psalmist in terms of a preparation as we each know we will face crisis of many kinds like King David the author of Psalm 141. This Psalm is a prayer!</h3>
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A. <u>I Will Turn to God...Firs</u>t. (vss. 1-2)</h3>
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This is the Psalmist David speaking and indicates this should be our first reaction when crisis come. <u>Question</u>: What is your default mode? We all have one when plan "A" doesn't work. Usually our plan A is of our own devices, and as the old hymn says, "the arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own" has been all of our tendencies. The worldly response when crisis comes and events are not working out is to get angry, swear, worry or withdrawal. Let God through Christ Jesus be your every button not just your default response. Illust: Joseph Scriven, an Irish gentleman from Dublin explained his journey to God being his fist and final default. The day before his wedding, his fiance was drowned in a swimming accident and he soon migrated to Canada. Years later, when news came concerning the illness of his mother he scribbled the words to the poem "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."</h3>
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B. <u>I Will Ask God to Post a Guard</u>. (vss. 3-4)</h3>
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How many of us need this prayer as we begin our day? Look at verse 3: <i>"In the morning, O Lord you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait in expectation."</i> Before this it was not that "he" put the guard over his lips, but that "God" put the guard to protect him. He wanted the evening "sacrifices" to be view. vs.2. (these started at 3:00 pm our time.) David also talks about the morning sacrifices in Psalm 5. If you want to study more about this, go to Exodus 29:38-42. These sacrifices took Time, Energy, and were often Costly. In reflection Psalm 141 is a templet for prayer. In reality, our prayer lives become what our hearts speak through our mouths. C.S. Lewis said: "All mortals tend to turn into the things they are pretending to be." Let me pray with MY MOUTH, MY LIPS AND MY HEART!!</h3>
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C. <u>I Will Welcome Criticism or Reproof</u>. (vs.5)</h3>
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Read and note the following Scriptures from Proverbs...very informative and spiritually helpful- Proverbs: 9:9; 15:5; 17:10; 25:12; 27:6- This will help you get your mind around such a directive from David. It comes from a well of resources.</h3>
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D. <u>I Will Let God Judge My Enemies</u>. (vss. 6-7)</h3>
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Since this Psalm is a prayer, let prayer be our only weapon against our enemies.</h3>
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E.<u> I Will Keep My Focus on God</u>. (vss.8-10)</h3>
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Consider the "snares," "traps," and "nets" that others lay before us.</h3>
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<u>CONCLUSION</u>: With a prayer like this from the mind of King David and the inspiration of the the Holy Spirit, let us come to an application for a practical life-style. This Psalm can be a blessing to you and to everyone who will apply these systems of truth.</h3>
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IV. QUOTABLE QUOTES... Something to Think About...</h3>
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1. Here is a story about Hecklers from the life of Benjamin Franklin-</h3>
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With his sagacity and wit, Franklin was a man who thoroughly enjoyed trimming hecklers down to size. During the early days of the American Republic, he spoke many times on the great document, the Constitution of the United States. After one such stirring speech an uncouth fellow rose and boldly walked a few paces toward the platform. "Aw, them words don't mean nothin' a-tall!" he shouted at Franklin. "Where's all that happiness you say it guarantees us?"</h3>
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Franklin smiled benevolently at the questioner, and quickly, blandly, Old Ben replied, "My friend, the Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to <i>pursue </i>happiness. You have to <i>catch</i> it yourself!</h3>
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2. We live in the present, dream of the future, and learn wisdom from the past.</h3>
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3. Strike while the iron is hot because it is little use to hammer cold metal.</h3>
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POEM: A LIGHTHOUSE</h3>
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Let me so live that I may be</h3>
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A lighthouse standing by life's sea.</h3>
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When storm clouds sweep across the skies,</h3>
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Let me light hope in weary eyes.</h3>
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When stars blink out, and wild winds blow,</h3>
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Let me show men the way to go.</h3>
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When faith grows weak, and hope is lost,</h3>
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Lord, let me guide the tempest-tossed.</h3>
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Let me so live that I may be</h3>
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A lighthouse by life's troubled sea. (Anon.)</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-92064670861325706482019-01-31T04:01:00.000-08:002019-01-31T04:01:12.723-08:00<h3>
FEBRUARY EDITION- 2019- Wonderful Words of Life- By Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: I looked at my February blog last year in which I began talking about aspects of this time of year. It is winter, and at the writing of this blog in 2019 we are in the grips of some cold temperatures and a storm this last week of January for February. A number of postings in the popular press sought to try and make us feel better by a little history lesson on the winter storm of of 1978. It was at that time, that the meteorologist were registering the lowest barometric number in the continental United States. Our son Aaron was a year old and the back of our neighbor's garage had blown off. WOW...what a night and day that experience was for a young couple in Northeastern Ohio. </h3>
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That storm and that experience is now a faded memory and we fill our minds with the Springs and Summers and Falls since those eventful days. It is much as this life has been. Jesus told us that <i>"...in this world you will have tribulation, but</i> <i>be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."</i> </h3>
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We have a new world coming with no sorrows or disappointments. Our temporary difficulties here will be substituted with glorious renewal and hope beyond our expectation. Let this February be a month in which you focus on our "blessed hope" even Jesus Christ our Lord. Thank God daily for small aspects of your life and you will have a healthy perspective and hope for the future.</h3>
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II. <u>Remembering Our Presidents</u>...</h3>
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A lot can be said about the qualities and preferences of our Presidents. February is Presidents month and Black History month. The model of the first President George Washington set the course of what some American Historians have called, <i>The Common Bond</i>. It usually goes something like this in its rendering. At Valley Forge in the American Revolution- they pledged their cause of human dignity- a rag-tag army was saved from military disaster. At Philadelphia it was saved from political disaster. More than a century later, at Ford River Rouge project, it was saved from possible economic disaster. This area near Detroit took over ten years to construct, (1917-1928)- It included 93 buildings and housed 120 conveyors over 900 acres. </h3>
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The heroes at Valley Forge were George Washington and his small, frozen band of Continental soldiery. At Philadelphia the heroes were the members of the convention which gave birth to the United States and our revolutionary Constitution. At River Rouge the heroes were Henry Fort and his pioneer assemblers who demonstrated the revolutionary technique of mass production that made the automobile the envy of the world.</h3>
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Each step in the progress of our great American Revolution has brought emancipation to people- more from the participating in and sharing. Said Washington: "I can clearly foresee that nothing but the rooting out of slavery can perpetuate the existence of our nation by consolidating in a common bond of principle." Lighted by these words, the pattern of our unfolding Revolution becomes clear- from the drafty cabins at Valley Forge to the crowded parking lot at River Rouge.</h3>
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The key to our way of life is participation, partnership in human dignity. That is the meaning of freedom-military, political, economic- as we Americans have come to enjoy it. This is the "common bond of principle" we, as free men and women, must consolidate and carry into the future hope based on a living God. </h3>
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III. <u>Digging Deeper</u>...Why Do We Appeal to Fulfilled Prophecy To Document Inspiration?</h3>
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Over the years as a minister and a college professor, I have been asked to prove or present a defence for the scriptures being trustworthy as a reliable feature of faith. The sources have always been out there and have been noted over at least the last century. The Apostle Peter, after testifying that he had seen Jesus Christ in all His glory, said, <i>"And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do</i> <i>well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts..."</i> (II Peter 1:19, NASB). Peter is here seeing to appeal to the position of fulfilled prophecy as a witness to the truth of Scripture.</h3>
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The Bible itself gives the purpose of prophecy, <i>"Remember the former things</i> <i>long past, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not been done..."</i> (Isaiah 46:9,10-NASB). </h3>
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The New Testament spoke of the coming of Jesus Christ, <i>"Which he promised</i> <i>beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures"</i> (Romans 1:1-4, RSV). </h3>
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The testimony of the scriptures is that the purpose of prophecy is to let us know that God exists and the He has a plan for this world. By the foretelling of persons, places and events hundreds of years before their occurrence, the the Bible demonstrates a knowledge of the future that is too specific to be labeled a good guess. By giving examples of fulfilled prophecy, the scriptures give a strong testimony to their own inspiration.</h3>
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A good example of this would be the prophecy of King Cyrus the Persian.(Ish.44:28; 45:1). The prophet Isaiah, writing about 700B.C. prior, predicts Cyrus by name as the king who will say to Jerusalem that it shall be built and that the temple foundation shall be laid. What is truly remarkable about this prophecy is that at the time of Isaiah predicted this event, the city of Jerusalem and the temple were standing. About a hundred years later is when we have the record of King Nebuchadnezzar destroying the city and temple in Jerusalem and the seventy year exile of the southern Kingdom of Judah had officially commenced. (Approx.586B.C.)</h3>
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As we read the story of people, places and events in the seeming hopeless situation of the children of Israel, we know they would be rescued in a remarkable fashion. The last king of Babylon, Belshazzar, finds himself surrounded by a Persian army and the city of Babylon passing into the hands of Cyrus. Just as predicted by Isaiah, one hundred and sixty years after his prophecy, king Cyrus by edict, recorded on the Cyrus Cylinder, allow the Jews to leave Babylon and rebuild the temple. Later, under another Persian King Darius, the Cupbearer Nehemiah would rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.</h3>
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This is a small sliver of the many prophecies that predicted the will of God in the life of Israel in the preparation for the coming of the Messiah Jesus Christ to save the world. If you are a reader of the New Testament there is a marvelous testimony of who Jesus was and is to us. In the fourth chapter of John there is the wonderful story of the women at the well. She has a magnificent encounter with Jesus at Sychar in Samaria. However, it is most telling to us that the Samaritans of that area pleaded with Jesus to stay with them and for two days as he taught them because of the testimony of this women. In fact that two day Bible Study provoked a marvelous response that predicts the awesome expanse of Jesus' kingdom. The Samaritans say in verse 42 "...They (the Samaritans) said to the women, "<i>We no</i> <i>longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world." (NIV)</i></h3>
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<i> </i>Think about this, before the faith of the Apostles, the preaching of Pentecost, these Samaritans who were so despised by the Jewish community declare a Christian message of salvation with Jesus Christ in their presence. Certainly this is not the end of the story, for if you read on in the New Testament in Acts 8 in the first twenty five verses, you read about the great revival of Philip the Evangelist to the Samaritans.</h3>
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IV. <u>Did You Know</u>? Luke is an Accurate Historian.</h3>
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In his Gospel and Acts, Luke names 117 separate living people, 114 towns, provinces, islands, seas and other identifiable places, and 25 policatial, military, social religious events in history. </h3>
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Luke's order of events and location of towns and provinces, his knowledge of Roman administration, censuses and regiments, his naming of national and local officials and of Jewish rituals, law and festivals, are all faultless. </h3>
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Any number of noted historians and scholars with no particular ax to grind, have provided persuasive and noted sources for the historical, meaningful and reliable sources. Often noted as a celebrated scholar, Sir William Ramsay who after long detailed information said: "Christianity did not originate in a lie and we can and must demonstrate this."</h3>
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It comes as a surprise to many that in the first century multitudes of adults were literate. For instance, every Jewish male was expected to be able to read and it was common for civil servants and other to use 'notebooks' for their work. Matthew, Zacchaeus, the centurion, and the estate workers in the parable of Luke 16:6 were each able to read and write. Archaeology has produced marriage and divorce documents, food lists, orders for merchandise, soldier's pay slips, legal documents and graffiti and so on. Moreover, texts were often written in more than one language. The text above the cross was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek (John 19:19-20).</h3>
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The now discredited idea that the New Testament gospels and literature were not written until well into the second century, has been largely rejected. With a PhD in Greco-Roman studies, I can tell you that the culture of the first century in which Jesus appears was sophisticated, educated, and responsive to the Christian message that change its world and ours. We can speak and proclaim with confidence the truth of Christ and the events surrounding his life. We have an enduring message.</h3>
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V. <u>Nuggets of Nourishment</u>... Sermon: <u>Prayer-The Knowledge of His Will</u></h3>
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Text</u>: Colossians 1:9-15</h3>
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Introduction</u>: Paul, like Jesus, was a man of prayer. He was constantly praying for others. (Rom. 1:9; Phil. 1:4; and I Thess. 1:2). He asked the local congregations to pray for him. (Eph.6:19; I Thess. 5:25). He also noted that there were some universal elements of prayer. In short, the passage above presents these elements described as:</h3>
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A. Spiritual <u>Vision</u>: (vs. 9 above)</h3>
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1.)<u>Receiving</u> the truth- "asking God."</h3>
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2.)<u>Realizing</u> the truth- "knowledge" and "spiritual wisdom."</h3>
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3.)<u>Relating</u> the truth- "understanding."</h3>
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B. Spiritual <u>Vitality</u>: (vs.10 above)</h3>
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1.) In the <u>walk</u> ("live a life") of the Christian Life.</h3>
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2.) In the <u>work</u> ("bearing fruit in every good work") of the Christian life.</h3>
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3.) In the <u>wonder</u> ("growing in the knowledge of God") of the Christian life.</h3>
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C. Spiritual <u>Victory</u>: (vs.11-15)</h3>
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1. Its <u>secret</u>-(vs. 11-13) "...giving thanks..." (vs.11-13).</h3>
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2. Its <u>success</u>- (vs.14) "redemption" (vs.14). </h3>
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3. Its <u>source</u>- (vs. 15) Christ- "the image of the invisible God..."</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: A man once confessed he had trouble falling asleep. He asked his Christian friend if he ever had such a problem. He inquired, "Do you count sheep?" No replied the Christian man, "I talk to the Shepherd." So may we each one of us talk to the shepherd of our souls.</h3>
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VI. <u>Quotable Quotes</u>... Some short but profound truths to live by...</h3>
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Some thoughts on Laughter</u>: by Wilfred A. Peterson</h3>
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In the midst of a cold February have you taken any time to just laugh at yourself or read a humorous story? Take a tip from Will Rogers, who observed people with laughter in his eyes and love in his heart and declared: "I never met a man I didn't like." Learn laughter from little children by thinking their thoughts, dreaming their dreams, and by playing their games. Practice the advice of a the psychiatrist who gives his normal patients this prescription: "Don't take yourself too seriously." Remember the old proverb: "A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men." Inject laughter into tense situations to save the day; laughter calms tempers and soothes jangled nerves. Guard yourself against the gloomy outlook by recalling the wise statement of Henry Ward Beecher: "A man without mirth is like a wagon without springs...jolting so disagreeably by every pebble in the road." Most of all, learn to laugh at yourself; meet each day with a sense of humor, and be guided by the words of the poet who wrote: "I laugh, for hath happy place for me. If my bark sink, 'tis to another sea." Laughter is the best medicine for a long and happy life. He who laughs...<i>lasts!</i></h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-21000942824437271572018-12-31T05:41:00.000-08:002018-12-31T05:41:45.979-08:00<h3>
JANUARY 2019 EDITION... HAPPY NEW YEAR... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</h3>
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By Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. <u>INTRODUCTION</u>: According to our calendar we are entering the year 2019. Have you ever wondered how our modern calendar was established to mark out our days, months and years? Historically, Julius Caesar under the Roman calendar revised that calendar in 46B.C. His goal was to fit it to the time elapsing each year, which was exactly 365 days, 5 hour, 48 minutes, and 45.51 seconds. Inasmuch as a year is approximately 365 1/4 days long, Caesar decreed the fractions should be taken care of by adding a day to the calendar every fourth year. There was a slight error in his calculations and the calendar was ten days ahead of astronomical time. By A.D. 1582, Pope Gregory righted the mistake by advising the omission of "Leap Year" at the end of each century, except those divisible by 400. Since then our present calendar has been known as the Gregorian Calendar. </h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER... EXTENDING THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE</u>...</h3>
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The Christmas message is a message of hope for a world that is destined for death and destruction. It speaks of hope and resurrection. These have been the longings of the human heart since the fall of man. Confusioningly, the methods and systems have been blurred by man's clouded reasoning, sin, and ignorant religiosity. God in His infinite wisdom began a gradual and recorded systematic revelation to fulfill His promises to mankind. This would be done at first by Patriarchs, then a special people known as Israel, and finally the Son, the Messiah himself in Christ Jesus. In short, LOVE CAME DOWN AT CHRISTMAS. How does the awe of Christmas continue in the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ?</h3>
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We have been looking at the Gospel of Matthew in retrospect to see just one recorded avenue of this divine methodology. John the Baptist, the forerunner of the Messiah, is preparing the way for a message and method that was prophesied that would change the world. If we read <u>Matthew chapter 1:1-12</u>, we see a challenging message for his hearers and ourselves as we prepare our hearts for the message of Christ. In his context, John lives and preaches in the wilderness, wears clothing made of camel's hair, and eats locusts and wild honey. Yet, and here is the contrast, he is popular: He draws "the people of Jerusalem and all Judea." Furthermore, he manages to attract members from the two major religious parties, the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The people listen to John the Baptist and consequently, they are baptized by his baptism after they have confess their sins. There is undoubtedly something in John's message that makes sense for them and meets their genuine religious need and expectation.</h3>
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John's message is powerful but becomes more specific and incisive. He denounces the dishonesty of the Pharisees and challenges their self-assurance and religious pride about salvation on the sole basis of their Abrahamic ancestry. You would think this would have resulted in a reduction of his crowds. On the contrary, John will not alter and adjust his message for anyone since it comes direct from God. His alternative is to prepare them for a greater capacity through the Word himself, revealed to man as a man as we identify as Jesus. God's love is expanded as the fallow hearts of men are broken open and exposed in that will bring true redemption and life. John the Baptist does not compromise on the demands for repentance, just as he does not compromise on the good news he has come to announce: "The kingdom of heaven has come near." The good news proclaimed by Jesus will be no different, and his demands no less challenging. We must remember, this is the beginnings of the GOOD NEWS!!! Stay tune, there is more to come.</h3>
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If we continue reading in <u>Matthew 3:13-17</u>, God is no less dramatic in his timing after the birth of the Christ than on that night the Shepherds heard and obeyed, and a year or so later when the Wise Men arrived at a house in Bethlehem.(Matt.2:11)</h3>
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Now, John the Baptist has begun preaching repentance and is baptizing a baptism of repentance. Surprisingly, out of the crowd walks a different personality who has never committed any sin and in John's eyes he is unfit to baptize. Our Lord respondingly, in verse 15, will inform John that this is "to fulfill all righteousness." This was Jesus' personal choice, showing his great desire to identify with his own people and to faithfully observe God's covenant. Jesus is the righteous one, the perfect Servant of God, willing to serve God's people as well.</h3>
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This baptism is as dramatic as any event we can read in the four Gospels. The significance of the episode, though, it is delivered by a heavenly vision--- the opening of the heavens and the descent of the Spirit of God---and by a "voice from heaven." The baptism of Jesus, in a sense, turns to a anointment scene: Hereafter, the Spirit of God will rest upon Jesus and lead him in his public ministry. If we accept Jesus as God we see in this scene the three in one of the trinity in one place and at one time acknowledged. </h3>
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Ironically, Jesus came to the Jordan River as one among the crowd, and he now gets out of its waters as the Beloved Son of God, the true Servant in whom God is well pleased. All of these contrasts are for us to see and affirm in our hearts and believe in "the only begotten of the Father."</h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A New Year's Message...(Sermon Outline)</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: <u>New Clothes Befitting the Christian</u>-</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Colossians 3:8-17</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: In a number of churches in Chennai, India, the Christian women in a this vast city, prepared all year to present their children's clothing and publically illustrate their hope for the new year. These clothes are ceremonially taken off and given to the poor of the community and especially families of orphans without parents. Interestingly, the Apostle Paul in the book of Colossians gives a similar picture of putting "on" and "off" clothing as qualities of the Christian life.</h3>
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A. <u>To Live the Christian Life</u>...We must put off the old garments of the old man. (vs. 8)</h3>
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B. <u>To Live the Christian Life.</u>.. We must put on the new man with better garments. (vs. 10)</h3>
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C. <u>To Live the Christian Life we ask</u>, "What do these garments look like?"</h3>
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Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience-(vs.10) </h3>
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D. <u>To Live the Christian Life</u>...We do so by "<u>bolstering</u>" these qualities as we put them on. (vs. 13-17)</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: As Christians, we are to be sensitive to the changes God is bringing to our lives as we seek His daily strength. These "encouragements" tell us to not respond in our flesh, but now we respond in the spirit. Our new garments are now bond together in Love. Here are some lyrics to a chorus we use to sing...</h3>
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(BIND US TOGETHER)- "Bind us together, Lord, bind us together with chords that can not be broken. Bind us together Lord, bind us together Lord bind us together in love."</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTES AND OBSERVATIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR AHEAD</u>...</h3>
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<u>The Clock Continues to Tick</u></h3>
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My grandmother once had an old clock that seemed to constantly continued to tick on the wall. The hands moved. Second, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months faded away into eternity. The sun rises and the sun sets. The season come and the season go. The earth, the home of man, circles the sun and overhead in the heavens the stars look down.</h3>
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And man with his more powerful telescopes search the heavens as more and more stars become visible. Behold, the vastness of outer space lay out before us. Man has landed on the Moon and we send probes to Mars. We feel we are pretty brilliant and self aware. On the earth, man walks on this globe and investigates the seas and continues to learn, analyze and reach certain conclusions. But still as one learned scientist has said, "...the more we learn the more we learn we don't know and the questions continue to grow." Without God we are particles of animated dust. Is this our plight and portion? I think not, we are made in the image of God prepared for greater purposes than we can imagine.</h3>
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From roaming the universe our thoughts come back again to the old clock ticking on the wall, and the wisdom of the ages whispers to us that weight on the scales of life's experiences. All the arts, sciences, and the 'ologies are outweighed by far through a kindly smile, a kindly word, a kindly handclasp, or a kindly wish. Therefore, as time is the stuff of which life consist, may the giver of life give us no more and no less than all the joy and happiness we need for a new year. And as we not only strive for a purpose driven life, but we also seek a meaning driven life in the short time we have in love and sharing in those seconds, minutes, hours, and days. </h3>
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<u>V. QUOTES WITH MEANING</u>...</h3>
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1. Henry Halsey Starrett- "The greatest of all arts is the art of losing ourselves in the service of others."</h3>
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2. Wordsworth- "The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."</h3>
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3. Unknown: "The most utterly lost of all days, is that in which you have not laughed."</h3>
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4. Translated from Latin: <i>"Spare moments are the gold dust of time. Of all the</i> <i>portions of our life, the spare moments are the most fruitful in good or evil."</i></h3>
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<u>POETIC TIME PIECES FOR A NEW YEAR</u>... JUST FOR TODAY...</h3>
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JUST FOR TODAY... I will exercise my soul in three ways:</h3>
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I will do somebody a good deed, and not get found out.</h3>
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I will do something I did not want to do...just for the exercise.</h3>
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And today, if my feelings are hurt, I will not let anyone know but learn.</h3>
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JUST FOR TODAY... I will look as well as I can, talk pleasingly, be courteous, limit my criticism, and try not to improve anyone except myself without being self centered.</h3>
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JUST FOR TODAY... I will have a proactive strategy; I may not follow it exactly but I will have one. Thereby I will be saved from two pests: hurry and indecision.</h3>
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JUST FOR TODAY... I will have a quiet time by myself for meditation. The best book I have found to prime and refresh my mind and spirit will be the Wisdom Literature of the Hebrew Scriptures. (excerpts from Psalms, Proverbs etc.) In this quiet time I will be refreshed by looking at my life and reflecting on the good gifts I have received in people, employment and life in general.</h3>
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JUST FOR TODAY... I will not be afraid; I will cultivate courage and faith in the future because I have a God who goes before me. He allows me to see the beauty in the lives of people around me. I will sow good things in my environment so that as I sow I know I will also reap. As scripture teaches, "...be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good."</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-31520617174664133942018-12-01T05:18:00.002-08:002018-12-01T05:18:47.675-08:00<h3>
DECEMBER EDITION... 2018... by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>INTRODUCTION</u>: The month of December has in our memory always been associated with Christmas. But as one considers the descriptions of the Middle East and especially the area of Israel, it was probably either late in summer or early fall when the angels appear to the shepherds. We can't help but be overwhelmed by the vast preparation that God the Father made for Christ the Son to arrive and complete the plan of redemption for the world. His coming was foretold, announced and almost hurmously revealed as we look more closely at the notice made to the Priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth in Luke chapter one. John the Baptist who would latter say that he would proclaim "...make straight the way of the Lord," was the symbol of prophet Elijah.</h3>
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John the Baptist's coming was nearly as miraculous as that of Jesus as we compare his received announcement of having a child in old age and that of Mary, a virgin, receiving her visitation as a young virgin women. These events of John the Baptist and Jesus our savior can teach us a number of important lessons.</h3>
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A. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus. How may we prepare the way so Jesus the Christ can reach others through us?</h3>
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B. John the Baptist warned some of his listeners to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. What is this fruit and how do we produce it?</h3>
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C. Some of John's Jewish audience mistakenly trusted in their blood relationship with Abraham to save them. Do we ever trust in other devices to save us rather than simple obedience to Christ in his sacrificial death, burial and resurrection?</h3>
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D. John the Baptist used agricultural illustrations to give meaning to great spiritual lessons. He noted the picture of the Lord separating the wheat from the chaff? How do we make sure we are wheat and not chaff? </h3>
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FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: LUKE 1: 5-45 FOR STUDY. (See below)</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... "A census of the entire Roman world."</h3>
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God has always used earthly circumstances to direct his heavenly will and purposes. If we read <u>Luke 2:1-3</u> Caesar Augustus having consolidated the Mediterranean basin after years of civil war, was determined to unite his empire beyond simple military conquest. To to this a census was ordered to determine his population and access. The archaeology now confirms this and many other census' were taken over the years of what has become known as the Pax Romana. </h3>
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Skeptics tend to confuse the ancient calendars with modern ones and sometimes forget to compare apples and oranges. The scriptural notation is 'This was the first census while Quirinius was governor of Syria'(Luke 2:2). We know from Roman archives that in fact, Sentius Saturninus was governor of Syria at the time of the census in 4B.C. when Jesus was born. So how do we reconcile this contradiction? </h3>
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Renowned archaeologist, Sir William Ramsey, discovered that while Sentius Saturninus was governor of Syria at the time of the census in 4B.C.(the majority of scholarship place Jesus' birth between 6-4 B.C.), Quirinius controlled the armies and directed the foreign policy of Syria. There are numerous examples from Roman History of such an arrangement. Quirinius was the senior of the two officials. Thus, both of these statements are true at the same time and not contradictory. Luke makes reference to the already recognized arrangement.</h3>
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A. <u>BACK TO GOD'S PREPARATION</u>: Earlier we discussed the experience of Zacharias and Elisabeth in regards to John the Baptist. Zacharias was a priest (Luke 1:5) in Jerusalem, and Josephus tells us there were more than twenty thousand priests living in Judea "in the days of Herod the king." These priest were a mixed lot by the time we get to the New Testament record. Any number were like those whom Malachi denounced as degrading the Temple services of the day(Mal.2:1ff.). On the other hand, we are told after the resurrection that "a great number of the priests were obedient to the faith." (Acts 6:7) As we can see on several occasions in scripture, God raises up good people in the worst of times.</h3>
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We are thus introduced to the priest Zacharias. He had been careful to observe the law regarding the marriage of priests (Lev. 21:7ff.). He had married the devout daughter of a priest. She was a descendant of Aaron. She was named Elisabeth after the wife of Aaron.(Luke 1:5, Exodus 6:23). Their home was an example of domestic harmony. Their personal lives were beyond reproach. Everything they did brought glory to their Creator. Yet they were childless.</h3>
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As Zacharias was performing the ritual before the Holy of Holies of burning incense, suddenly there stood before him was no mortal man, but and angel of the Lord (Luke 1:11). He was on the "right side of the altar." This would place him between the altar and the golden candlestick. On the left side of the altar was the Table of Shewbread (Ex.40:22). The angel identified himself as Gabriel.(Luke 1:19).</h3>
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In the presence of the supernatural, Zacharias "feared and trembled" (Luke 1:12). The angel used the lovely phrase which was to become almost the theme song of the gospels, "Fear not." Then he informed Zacharias that his prayer was heard. Did I miss something...what prayer? As we read on we know he and Elisabeth had prayed for children, but instead of responding to the angel in faith he produced a grinding excuse of pathetic dimensions. He said, "I am an old man, and my wife is well stricken in years" (Luke 1:18). He expressed almost a reluctant hopelessness attending this experience. Had he forgotten about Abraham and Sara?</h3>
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The offering of incense was symbolic of prayer (Revelation 5:8, Malachi 1:11). The people worshipping in the courts of the Temple were praying while the sweet-smelling smoke was rising from the altar within. The leader chanted the age-old prayer, "May the God of mercy enter the sanctuary, and be pleased to accept the sacrifice of His people." The response of the congregation was, "Blessed be the name of the glory of the Kingdom of God forever."</h3>
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When the priest re-entered the courtyard from the Holy Place, he dismissed the people with the traditional Benediction. "The Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace" (Numbers 6:24ff. KJV)</h3>
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On this occasion, the people grew restive waiting for Zacharias. It was not merely that they wanted his blessing so that they could go home. It was contrary to all precedent for a priest to prolong his stay in the Holy Place. They did not know what kept him (Luke 1:21).</h3>
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When he finally appeared before the assembly, he was unable to pronounce the Benediction. He stood before them silent. He had to dismiss them with signs. They went away understanding that "he had seen a vision" (Luke 1:22).</h3>
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Zacharias returned to his wife in the Judean hills. The name of the city is not mentioned. Several oral traditions exist concerning the days and weeks before the "visitation of Mary" to the house of Elisabeth. (Luke 1:39-55) In due time, John the Baptist was born. On the occasion of his circumcision, the speech of his father Zacharias was restored. "Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit," and sang the glorious song known as the <i>Benedictus</i> (Luke 1:67ff).</h3>
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In a footnote of interest, the biblical record now has Zacharias fading from the scene. However, several of the early Church Fathers, including Origen, identify him with the Zacharias who is mentioned in Matthew 23:35. They further allege that this brutal murder was the work of Herod. If that is so, then Herod the Great murdered Zacharias, and Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, murdered John the Baptist, son of Zacharias. (Matthew 14:1ff.).</h3>
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<u>III. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... "When Jesus Came..."Angels" (Sermon)</h3>
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Text: Luke 2:13-15</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: The Bible has much to say about Angels. In this episode of the Angel announcements to the Shepherds, we see a distinction between "An Angel of the Lord" and a "multitude of the heavenly hosts." (vs. 9 and verse 13) At first glance we do notice that dramatic difference in English. However, in the Old Testament "the angel of the Lord" appears several times and in several special places. He appeared to <u>Hagar</u> (Gen.16:7ff.); to <u>Moses at Horeb</u> (Ex.3:2); to <u>David</u> at the threshing-floor of Araunah (I Chron. 21:6ff.); to <u>Balaam</u> (Num. 22:22); to <u>Gideon</u> to lead Israel to victory (Judges 6:11ff.); to the <u>mother of Samson</u> (Judges 13:3ff.) to answer <u>Hezekiah's prayer</u> for deliverance from the hand of Sennacherib(II Kings 19:35); finally to<u> Zechariah the father of John the Baptist</u> (1:10-11ff.). If you think about the Christmas story and the announcement of the Angel to the Shepherds, it is anything but a "Silent Night" as a popular hymn so sentimentally like to refrain.</h3>
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I. <u>It was not silent in Bethlehem</u>- (Luke 2:7) The hope of the ages was born. The Jewish view of <i>Shalom</i>, encompassed the community. There would have people outside the door, even if Mary and Joseph were alone. </h3>
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II. <u>It was not silent in the Judean hills</u>- (Luke 2:8-12, 16-20) The news and command of the angle suddenly "changed the plans of the shepherds." They were going to see "this thing which had come to pass."</h3>
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III. <u>It was not silent in the realms of Heaven</u>- (Luke 2:13,14) Joining the Angel of the Lord was "a multitude or company of heavenly host praising God and saying, 'glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of whom his favor rests." </h3>
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IV. <u>It could not have been silent in Hell</u>- (Genesis 3:13-15)- The promise made in the beginning with the fall of man was now coming to bear it's eternal fruit. The "seed of women" was born and would "crush" the serpent's head. The enemy knew his time was short. The "Lord Immanuel" was born. The promise of peace by the prince of peace was coming to fruition. We now so sing adoringly "...Oh, come to us, abide with us our Lord Immanuel."</h3>
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Conclusion:</h3>
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<u>IV QUOTES AND QUIPS FOR CHRISTMAS....</u></h3>
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<i>OH COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL</i>... The origin of the world's most widely known Christmas carol was hidden as a mystery until the early decades of the 20th century. From the discovery of a manuscript by an English vicar, it now appears that the words were composed and set to music by a John Francis Wade in 1744. </h3>
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It is truly an international carol. Wade, an Englishman living in France, wrote the words in Latin. It was later known as the Portuguese Hymn. This may be because it was early used in the chapel of the Portuguese London embassy.</h3>
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The song has been translated into 120 languages. Although more than forty English translations have been made, the best known today was done by Frederick Oakeley in 1852. The majestic melody captured the imagination of Americans, and has seen service as a tune in other than Christmas settings. Sung to the words of "How Firm a Foundation," it was a favorite of such national leaders as Theodore Roosevelt and Robert E. Lee.</h3>
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Word-pictures are painted so clearly by the song that children dearly enjoy singing it. Many learned the Latin words, too, which begin "Adeste fideles..." as this melody expresses the triumphant message of the incarnation. </h3>
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JUST THINKING... (A Quote by Daniel Webster)- "If we work upon marble, it will perish. If we work upon brass, time will efface it. If we rear temples, they will crumble into dust. But if we work upon man's immortal souls, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God and love of their fellow men, we engrave them on those tablets something which no time can efface, and which will brighten and brighten through all eternity."</h3>
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<u>A PERSONAL NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER...</u></h3>
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As we end the year of 2018 and look to 2019 I want to thank everyone who reads and appreciates my efforts of enriching your lives. Ministers who use the sermons and quotes, scholars who "fact check" me, thank you. For the common, yet splendid reader who just appreciates positive and meaningful enrichment. </h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-16449879825305102812018-10-31T01:55:00.002-07:002018-12-17T05:27:29.702-08:00<h3>
NOVEMBER EDITION... 2018</h3>
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<u>I. INTRODUCTION</u>: What a great month, November. Of all the months so many people love to enjoy, it seems by November people begin to slow down and appreciate what they have received. It has also been a time do a bit of reflecting. America has in its tradition a focus of Thanksgiving as a holiday. Think about this my friends and readers. Here is a holiday that commemorates no hero, celebrates not battlefield, support no lobby that is behind it; no group or sect or party claims it. Yet, Christmas cannot dim it nor July 4th steal its glory. And all America loves it with quiet and intense affection that is reserved for it no other day of the year.</h3>
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What makes Thanksgiving different? What makes it beloved? What makes it real?</h3>
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Perhaps the answer is simple: Thanksgiving is an affirmation. It is our heart's testimony to a deeply held conviction-- the conviction that these things we call free and decent and American did not just happen to us. We did not get them because we were wiser, or more clever, or even luckier but another gracious hand was involved. </h3>
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This conviction is the sum of many beliefs and experiences. The belief in the dignity of every human being. The belief in a real right and wrong. The belief in decency and honesty and integrity. The belief in a responsibility, under God, to our fellow-man, wherever he/she may be. For these beliefs, and the American way of life, Thanksgiving and the day we celebrate these realities is our joyous affirmation to a kind Providence for His blessings and guidance.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER... "A WELL WATERED DESERT</u>?"</h3>
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Abraham's cattlemen and those of his nephew Lot were carrying on a feud among themselves. Abraham, the man of faith, said to Lot,the man who lived by sight, "The whole land is before you. Take what you want and I will occupy what you do not want." The Scriptures states: "Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah" (Gen.13:9,10).</h3>
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The environment has definitely changed. Today the Jordan Valley is 1291 feet below sea level, the lowers place on earth. The temperature sometimes reaches 130 degrees in the middle of the day. Why all the contrast from an earlier period? We in twenty-first century have become well away of environmental changes. This should come as no surprise to us. There is an answer for the skeptic.</h3>
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The discoveries of the archaeologists show that the Jordan Valley was well populated in the time of Abraham and Lot. (Approx. 2500-2000B.C.) A mound discovered at the south end of the sea of Galilee (Khirbet Kenak) shows the presence of a large city existing at the time when Lot "beheld the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered." Potsherds indicate that the city was occupied about the period mentioned above.</h3>
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William F. Albright and Melvin Grove Kyle did archaeological work in the Jordan Valley in 1924. Their archaeological investigations "have proven that the most prosperous period of history of this was in the early Bronze Age (3000-2000B.C.) and that the density of its occupation gradually declined until it reached the lowest point in the early Iron II Age." (1) Nelson Glueck's exploration in the Jordan area before and after 1940 showed that this area had been densely populated. "He discovered more than seventy ancient sites,many of them founded more that 5,000 years ago...Thus the archaeological discoveries have shown that no one who knows the facts can set aside as inaccurate the Biblical record of Lot's choice of the Jordan area." (2) It is evident that Lot chose the part of Canaan popular with most people went there to live. Like so many carnal Christians of our time, he was "following the crowd."</h3>
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The Word of God shows how a "well watered" plain can soon vanish. "Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not just after evil things, as they also lusted." (I Cor. 10:6). "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matt. 16:25). We could go on and one and quote such passages as: I Tim. 3:3; I John 2:15-17. These are for our instruction.</h3>
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Lot looked on the well watered plains of Jordan and walked by sight. His paradise was destroyed. Abraham lived by faith and obtained a city with foundations. We have choices to make as well. Let Abraham be our example.</h3>
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1.William F. Albright, <i>The Archaeology of Palestine and the Bible</i> (New York: Fleming H. Revell Co. 1933), p. 134.</h3>
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2. Joseph P. Free, <i>Archaeology and the Bible History</i> (Wheaton: Van Kampen Press, 1952), p. 56.</h3>
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II. <u>DID YOU KNOW</u>!!!</h3>
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"The U.S. standard railroad gauge (distance between rails) is four feet, eight-and-one-half inches. Why such an odd number? Because that's the way they built them in England and American Railroads were built by British expatriates. Why did the English adopt that particular gauge? Because the people who built the pre-railroad tramways used that gauge. They in turn were locked into that gauge because the people who built tramways used the same standards and tools they had used for building wagons, which were set on a gauge of four feet, eight-and -one-half inches. Why were wagons built to that scale? Because with any other size, the wheels did not fit the old wheel ruts on the roads. So, who built these old rutted roads? The first long-distance highways in Europe were built by Imperial Rome for the benefit of their legions. The roads have been in use ever since. The ruts were first made by Roman war chariots. Four feet, eight-and-one-half inches with the width of a chariot needed to be able to accommodate the rear ends of two war horses. Maybe "that's the way it's always been." Think about this as you think about good traditions built on a perfect God and transient man. Many of man's changes are often needed and in need of constant change. But God knows when His changes are needed through love and grace. </h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... A Thanksgiving Outline Sermon</h3>
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Title: The Road to Thanksgiving: What a Child can Teach Us...</h3>
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Text: Psalm 131 and Psalm 75:1</h3>
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Introduction: There is great joy in the simple and profound aspects of scripture. Psalm 131 is one of the "Pilgrim Psalms" also known to many readers as "The Psalms of Ascent."(Psalms 120-134) This means they were Psalms sung as the Jewish pilgrims made their way up the mountain paths toward the city of Jerusalem and its festivals. Their purpose was to prepare the heart for worship as hymns and choruses do today in Christian worship today. This Psalm(131) has great lessons for us as children learning more about ourselves and about God.</h3>
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A. <u>Humility</u>- vs. 1- Humility is a strange quality. You do not know when you are truly humble. If you feel and say and tout humility, then in short your are not humble but proud and the direct opposite of humility. Our culture does not prize humility and in fact gives it low value. Remember the bumper sticker so noted a few years ago..."The one dies with the most toys wins." A wise friend of mine use to respond to this quaint phrase above by saying, "So what? Dead people do not play with toys." A healthy step on the road to Thanksgiving is "Humility." Consider the words of the Apostle Peter I Peter 5:6.</h3>
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B. <u>Simplicity</u>- vs. 2- When a child is born, they soon seeks nourishment from their mother's breast. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner all come from the same place. Her milk and comfort will place a cranky crying child back to sleep. (consider EL Shaddai in language definition) "Shad" is the Hebrew word for "breast." The baby doesn't seek a food bar with a variety of options, but seeks nourishment and comfort from one place. So it is with our souls, nothing can satisfy our souls like God in all realms of our existence. The mother's milk will eventually dry up but God's nourishment through His Word will never quit giving us all we need for health and strength and meaning in our lives. Jesus told the tempter in the wilderness "...man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God..." </h3>
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C. <u>Integrity</u>- vs. 3 The advice in this third verse is genius. We are to put our hope or "confidence" in the Lord. As a child grows it seeks out the mother's advice and wisdom. It puts confidence in her responses to the questions of life for a young mind. As the child sits on the mother's lap or at her feet a "confidence" or "hope" is generated. He or she seek to be "near." A wise child of wise parents will wean their child/children off of the world's pablum, and on to the word of life in scripture. This "confidence" we speak of will pay dividends for the future in the life of the child. A true epiphany occurs. When troubles come into life, being "Near Him" is the answer. When joys abound, it is being "Near Him" that really satisfies. This is what integrity is all about as our lives show forth peace and hope for the future. We decide in daily life through these God given instruments that "life is about decisions!"</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: Consider then this great short but profound Psalm. Earlier we read in Psalm 75:1 "...We thank you, O God! We give thanks because you are near." (NLT) Remember, God loves you and seeks you daily.</h3>
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IV.<u> WORDS OF WISDOM CONCERNING "GRATITUDE</u>."</h3>
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Here is a group of wisdom words brought by W. Waldemar Th.D.(1900-1960)</h3>
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<u>What if</u>?</h3>
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1. What if nobody cared to call us friends in those plastic years of youthfulness!</h3>
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2. What if nobody cared when we return at nightfall, worn and frayed by the strain of daily toil!</h3>
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3. What if nobody cared when thieving years robbed us of youth, health, substance, and security!</h3>
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4. What if nobody cared when we slip out into the silence of eternity!</h3>
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5. What if nobody cared to enfold our loved ones in comforting arms when we have made the twilight voyage!</h3>
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However, because we do care, let us "do unto others as we would that others do unto us." You see, Thanksgiving always blesses others while Apathy leaves us void of virtue.</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-1807082014491456512018-09-29T03:35:00.001-07:002018-09-29T03:35:15.100-07:00<h3>
OCTOBER EDITION...2018...WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</h3>
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BY Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. <u>INTRODUCTION</u>: The month of October is a month of preparation for winter in most of the midwest of the United States. Here, people are cleaning up their yards and putting away the summer lawn furniture, cleaning up dying gardens and conditioning the tools for next Spring. We have as a society over the decades selected certain days of the month as special days. In my blog a year ago I listed about a dozen or so special days in the month that we as a people celebrate. This year I would like to note just one important date of celebration, and that is Columbus Day.</h3>
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Columbus was Italian by nationality and explored for Queen Isabella of Spain. His main directive was to search out a totally new yet in most part, uncharted waters and lands. It would be much like our first flight to the moon. It was not always clear as he traveled where he was going, but he persevered with his primitive instruments as he reached the Western Hemisphere. As many of you know, he traveled with three ships, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Although he traveled for the Queen, many in the shipping industry of his day laugh as such a venture. However, I always remember a quote from my 6th grade teacher Mrs. Huestis, "If Columbus had tuned back, no one could have blamed him, but no one would have remembered him!" His discovery of a new world, with new people and new dimensions changed the course of world history for both good and bad. Furthermore, it gave birth to redefining the concept of "NEW" in the minds of many Europeans, while providing a rich history beyond Europe and giving people, yet unborn, opportunity. So in this month of October we can celebrate Columbus Day on October 12 of our calendars in a way that celebrates the spirit of adventure and discovery.</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... The hand of God concerning King Cyrus of Persia...</h3>
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The days of old Babylon were over as the Meads and Persians entered the city with little to no resistance and captured by King Cyrus, a splendid wealthy city of antiquity. Within the captured populations that Cyrus inherited were the Children of Israel or the Jews. They had been in exile seventy years and by God's providence would again be displayed as king Cyrus the Great directed a proclamation, a release of these captive people along with any number of captive peoples of the Babylonians. The Bible records in three separate locations this momentous event: <u>II Chronicles 36:23; Ezra 1:2-4 and Ezra 6:2-5</u>. </h3>
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Secular history and archaeology have since confirmed this event by finding in 1879, a clay cylinder about 9 inches long known as the Cyrus Cylinder. You can search this on your computer and see pictures. Written in Akkadian Cuneiform, it is today a national treasure of the country of Iran and is on display in replica at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Furthermore, it has been translated into all the official languages of the UN. Part of the inscription reads: <i>'I returned them unharmed to their cells, in the</i> <i>sanctuaries that make them happy. May all the gods that I returned to their sanctuaries...ask for a long life for me, and mention my good deeds...' </i>Although the Jews are not mentioned by name, they are suggested by being a captured people and noted in their sacred history to preserve them as a people.</h3>
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II. <u>A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FROM THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW</u>- </h3>
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Matthew is the first gospel in our Bibles of the New Testament. It connects the last book of the Jewish Scriptures of Malachi to a revelation of the God's Son in Jesus Christ our Lord. In fact it proclaims Him as the fulfillment of prophecy and the King. In verses 1 to 18 of chapter one, we begin reading in a strange way the introduction to a book containing a family tree of genealogies. In part it reads, <i>"...An account of the</i> <i>genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham..."</i> </h3>
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Matthew has a strong cycle of Jewish roots and backgrounds and convincingly displays the list of some biblical heroes and figures from the Jewish Scriptures. We call this the Old Testament, (42 generations), but also with the opening lines gives textual pride to the place of David and Abraham. Verse 1, quoted above, has a lot to do with a new heavenly revealed theology of Christ the King as the Word that became flesh. In his conclusion, Matthew sums up some eighteen centuries of history in three equal rounds of fourteen generations: 1.) From Abraham to David, from 2.) David to the deportation to Babylon and 3.) from the deportation to Jesus Christ. Ironically, how can fourteen generations account for such unbalanced periods of time, from approximately 1750-1000 B.C., from 1000-598 B.C. and from 598-6B.C.? Seeing it another way, fourteen is two times seven the perfect number. Consequently, perfected fullness multiplied by two. It is in truth, another way of representing Jesus' coming as the fulfilment of history.</h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>- A Sermon for Righteous Affirmative Living-</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: <u>Affirmative Living in the Life of Joseph</u></h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Genesis 37:12-28</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: Do you have a dream? You need one. Our dreams, hopes and aspirations drive us to fulfillment. They display a powerful image of what life can be and often we have let people, circumstances and life in general degrade or destroy our dreams. It is my personal opinion that even after age sixty you should have a dream and still be used of God in your Christian life.</h3>
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Joseph was called, derisively, the "dreamer." Some of his dreams were prophetic and some if not for any other reason were interesting. Joseph dreamed of using his considerable talents to do great things for God and his family. He remained faithful from the family business, to the house of Potiphar in Egypt and from the pit to the palace to be only second in honor to the Pharaoh. What his brothers meant for death God used for life in his time frame and in eternity. In other words, Joseph's dreams enabled him to live affirmatively. How do we live affirmatively and what does it mean? </h3>
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A. <u>Affirmative living means recognizing the presence of God in your life</u>.</h3>
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1. Whatever happened to Joseph never caused him to give up on God. In fact, everything that happened to him seemed to only draw him closer to God.</h3>
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2. Do you notice the presence of God in your life? As a Christian, the Holy Spirit is a testator to your position in Him. With the many distractions we endure in our daily schedules, quiet time and focusing on God will help us recognize and realize how He wants to work in us. I believe God has a plan for your life and mine and having a dream to trust in His will can accomplish this for us. One of the distractions we can face can be the past. The past has two elements of destruction in distraction: <u>Guilt</u>- over what we have done in remorse as sinners, and the <u>Hurt and Pain</u>- what others have done to us. Joseph kept his focus on God so at least as we have recorded, these two powerful distractions did not control him.</h3>
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B. <u>Affirmative living means making the best of bad situations</u>. </h3>
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1. Joseph was hated and sold into slavery. He was unjustly accused and placed into prison. Though forgotten, it is never recorded he lost hope.</h3>
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2. But whatever happened to Joseph, he kept on making the best of his circumstances. He was sold into slavery only to become the head servant in the house of Potiphar. Enticed by Potiphar's wife, he was unjustly accused and thrown in prison. Here he interpreted the dreams of the Butler and the Baker and eventually interpreted the colossal dream of the Pharaoh which saved Egypt, Israel(Jacob and his family), and that part of the world from famine. </h3>
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3. Are you faced with what may appear as surmountable difficulties and challenges? If you are, dream again. Look up and let the living God provide a fresh look at your circumstances.</h3>
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C.<u> Affirmative living means maintaining your principles even when inconvenient</u>.</h3>
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1. Joseph had to face deceptive brothers, corrupt officials, unjust circumstances and an alien culture. He could have made all kinds of excuses and given in at any point, but he did not do so. He was willing to do what was right and in the will of God ignoring the consequences. </h3>
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2. Have you been mistreated and in unfair circumstances? Dream again and trust God...He is still the answer to every aspect of your life.</h3>
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D.<u> Affirmative living means recognizing God is in final control</u>.</h3>
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1. When Joseph was finally reunited with his brothers, he said to them, <i>"What</i> <i>you did to me you meant for bad, but God used it for good."</i> Joseph recognized that God can "turn around" any situation and make it right and whole. Remember only God can make such dramatic changes <i>"...all things work together for our</i> <i>good."</i></h3>
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2. Have you wondered if God has deserted you? Have to had doubts if your life has any purpose at all? Stop and dream again that God is good and that he will provide the path to the future. I have a formula that if you look at Joseph, Moses, David and even our Lord Jesus Christ we see the following.</h3>
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a) HEARING... Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.</h3>
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b) TRUSTING... Trust what God has said, we have examples in scripture.</h3>
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c) OBEYING... The Lord will never lead you wrong. He is always right!!</h3>
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<u>CONCLUSION</u>: Can you dream again? Yes... He will give you what you need. He has provided all the tools to see beyond your circumstances and life in general. Jesus said, "Ask, Seek, and Knock." Beloved He is the way, the truth, and life for all of us.</h3>
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IV. <u>QUOTABLE QUOTES FROM AMERICAN PHILOSOPHY</u></h3>
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1. <u>Oliver Wendell Holmes</u>: "Great things in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are going."</h3>
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2. <u>Henry David Thoreau</u>: "I had three chairs in my house- one for solitude,two for friends, and three for society."</h3>
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3. <u>Thomas Jefferson</u>: "The wise know too well their own weakness to assume infallibility; and he who knows most, knows how little he knows." </h3>
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4. <u>Woodrow Wilson</u>: "Character is a by-product; it is produced in the great manufacture of daily duty."</h3>
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5. <u>Horace Mann</u>: "Habit is a cable; we weave a thread of it each day, and at last we cannot break it."</h3>
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V.<u> JUST A THOUGHT HERE AND THERE THAT CAN INSPIRE...</u></h3>
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1. <u>Our Potential</u>: "A plain bar of iron is worth about $5.00. This same bar of iron when made into horseshoes is worth $10.50. If made into sewing needles it is worth $4,285. If turned into balance wheels for watches it becomes worth $250,000. " This illustrates in another sense the worth of you. Many times your value is what you do with yourself with the help of God. </h3>
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2. The current of time carries us on inevitably to our destiny. No single moment can be relived exactly except in memory, and then only vaguely.</h3>
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3. He who has energy to root out vice, should go a step farther and plant virtue in its place.</h3>
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4. Blessed is the man who is too busy to worry in the day-time and too tired to lie awake at night.</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-37545584556458001702018-09-01T09:46:00.000-07:002018-09-01T09:46:41.045-07:001-14<h3>
SEPTEMBER EDITION- 2018- WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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<b>By Dr. Keith J. Wise</b></div>
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Introduction</u>: We meet the month of September as a real period of beauty in a new and wonderful way. The trees in the midwest are beginning to turn their glorious colors and the temperatures are coming down to comfortable levels. The Native Americans or Indigenous populations of America had names for all the months and their moons. September was for many of them named "The Moon When the Calves Grow Hair." In scripture, God gave Noah and his family a promise after the flood found in Genesis 8:22 <i>"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest,cold</i> <i>and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease."</i></h3>
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<u>Here are few historical dates of importance in September</u>: (1st) Beginning of WW II (1939), (2nd) Japan Surrendered (1945), (3rd this year) Labor Day, (10th) Admiral Perry defeated British fleet on Lake Erie (1813), (17th) Constitution of the United States signed (1787), (23rd) First day of Autumn or Autumn Equinox. <u>Also</u>: <u>Birthstone</u>- Sapphire, <u>Flower</u>- Morning Glory.</h3>
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September is a great time to get you and your family back to church and regular worship. The vacations are usually done and a mark of a committed Christian is wanting to please the Lord. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us with these words. <i>"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another- and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)</i> </h3>
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I. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... A Lesson on Judgement from Joshua and Beyond-</h3>
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Under Joshua's leadership the Israelites set up the tabernacle at Shiloh (Joshua 18:1) and until the time of the Judges it remained the central place of worship and the locality of the yearly festivals (Judges 21:19). It was kept under the charge of Eli the priest. The Philistines defeated the Israelites there and captured the ark, keeping it in their possession for some time (I Sam.4). Later it was returned, but not to Shiloh. The ark was first taken to Beth-shemesh (I Sam.6:12) and then to Kirjath-jearim (I Sam.7:1). Later, in the time of David, it was brought to Jerusalem. The family of Eli was later found at Nob (I Sam.22:11) but never at Shiloh. Why was the ark not returned to its place in Shiloh?</h3>
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It is likely the Philistines destroyed the city when they fought against Israel, and thus there was no place in Shiloh for the Israelites to bring the ark. It is evident the city was destroyed before the time of Jeremiah because the prophet, declaring God's message, said, "But go ye now into my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel...Then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth" kjv (See Jer.7:12-14 and 16:6-9).</h3>
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The Arab village at Seilun, located not far from Shechem (Jud. 21:19), has been identified as the ancient city of Shiloh. It was partially excavated between the years 1926-29 by a Danish archaeological expedition under the direction of Hans Kjaer. It was discovered that the city of Shiloh was inhabited and flourished in the 12th and 11th centuries B.C., and was destroyed in about 1050B.C. After this period it was deserted for several centuries. "The pottery indicates no settlement at Shiloh from about 1050B.C. until about 300B.C., although the possibility of an unimportant town at the site cannot be ruled out. (1) </h3>
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Archaeology not only confirms the biblical record that the city was destroyed, but points out another item of interest not contained in scripture: "The potsherds reveal no evidence that there was ever a Canaanite settlement at Shiloh. The Hebrews appear to have founded the settlement after the conquest of Palestine." (2) Thus, they evidently built the city as a place to put the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant dedicated exclusively to Yahweh. There was no city there before that time.</h3>
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Although the Bible does not record every detail in the historical record, what it does record is true and dependable. "The archaeological discoveries at Shiloh are all the more significant because scholars holding the critical view frequently assert in the past that the story of the tabernacle at Shiloh was a late fiction...However, what the Danish excavations revealed was that Shiloh was at the height of its prosperity in the period of the judges, as indicated in the Bible, and that it was destroyed by a fire in the days of Eli and Samuel (c.1050B.C.), it was evident that the skeptical attitude toward the historicity of these events was "sheer nonsense."(3) The excavations at Shiloh confirm and supplement the biblical record. The declarations of Scripture lead us to declare that God has spoken the truth. Therefore, we are to believe what God has said. As the prophet Amos said, "...seek the Lord and live..." The discoveries of the archaeologists confirm, and add weight to declare that God's Word is trustworthy. As we trust and search the Word of God, more of it will be understood and none of it will become contradictory. </h3>
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1. Charles Fl Pfeiffer (ed.), <i>The Biblical World</i> (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1966), p. 523.</h3>
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2. George A. Barton, <i>Archaeology and the Bible</i> (Philadelphia: American Sunday-School Union, 1937), p.128.</h3>
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3. Joseph P. Free, <i>Archaeology and Bible History</i> (Wheaton: Van Kampen Press,1952),p.149. </h3>
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II.<u> NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>- <span style="color: #444444;"><u>Sermon</u></span>: <i>GOD IS STILL SEEKING...</i></h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Matthew 22: 1-14</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: In the year 1973 the then President of Great Lakes Christian College John Hasty, tells the story of being in Chicago for an Educators Conference. He recorded his impressions of activities in the City Hall Square in his college paper.</h3>
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In one edge of the square a crowd passed out handbills, chanting, "Impeach Nixon Now!!" On another corner a group of Arab and Palestinian sympathizers were chanting against the American involvement in the Arab-Israeli War. Still louder in the middle of the square, a young women declared she was going to bare her breasts in protest of sexism in America at noon sharp. A team of policewomen abruptly stopped her show and escorted her into a waiting patrol car.</h3>
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While watching all this activity, Mr. Hasty became aware of some music coming from the spire of the Temple Church. The carillon was playing its noontime concert. Above the din of the activity in the square the music tune of "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross" filled this world of confusion.</h3>
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There amidst all the hate, sensuality, conflict and wantonness was the Christian message of salvation. However, no one was listening. The Wedding Feast of our text today suggests a similar theme: The feast was prepared, the messages sent out, but no one was listening. As verse 5 says: "But they paid no attention and went off...one to his field, another to his business." Not listening to God can have dire consequences. </h3>
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Today, we need to consider some aspects of God's invitation to us who are Christian and a world in desperate need of repair, restoration and hope.</h3>
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I. <u>God Invites Us To A Celebration</u>- The kingdom of heaven resounds with the music of festival. When we recall the pictures of rejoicing of the lost being found; we see the shepherd who found the lost sheep, the women who recovered her lost coin, or the father whose prodigal son returned home to receive a ring, a robe and the feast of the "fatten calf." The impulse here is to "throw a party." </h3>
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Even more than today, weddings in Jesus time were an occasion of celebration. Fathers saved for years to provide hospitality for as many guest as possible in the small communities that dotted Israel. Such said Jesus was to be the atmosphere of God's Kingdom. In our parable the invitee was not just anyone but the king!! The recipients however were too busy with their lives of immediate gain, and were not willing to forsake their selfish pursuits for an eternal festival. (Lesson: Short Term vs. Long Term thinking and investment is important.)</h3>
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II. <u>God's Invitation Is To A Social Occasion</u>- The parable reflects the fact that our Christian faith is "not" a solitary experience. The Kingdom of Heaven is an uncomfortable place for those who want to express faith "alone." God's fellowship goes contrary to the old gospel song "On the Jericho Road." "...On the Jericho Road there's room for just two: No more or no less, just Jesus and you." (Acts 2:42) (Lesson: This is not a command to come but an INVITATION to ATTEND!!)</h3>
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<u>Just a thought</u>: The king in the parable has the right to "command" his subjects to come to the wedding feast but he does not and only invites. He prefers the company of those who want to be with him in fellowship.</h3>
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<u>APPLICATION:</u></h3>
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I. <u>Our King's Message Is An Invitation</u>- He invited Israel through the Law and the Prophets to prepare for the festival through His Son as he now invites the world.</h3>
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II. <u>God Allows Us To Accept Or Refuse As With The Invitation to Israel- </u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>In our parable Jesus tells us the initial guests refused. Some were openly hostile, as throughout the history of Israel records and they rejected the King's invitation and murdered the messengers. (vs. 5) We see here a case of simply being "indifferent." They were busy with their own interests and themselves in their daily life. Likewise today our culture worships at the altar of "self" indifferent to the invitation of God. </h3>
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To this unbelievable rejection of the King's Invitation, he sent his armies and destroyed such thankless subjects. (vs.6) In application the city of Jerusalem was destroyed twice in its history: Once under the Babylonians and later under the Romans. Indifference, selfishness and thanklessness can bring destruction. But we lean a third lesson.</h3>
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III. <u>God Will Continue Seeking Until He Finds Suitable Guests-</u><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span>In our parable it is instructive that the whether we accept the invitation or not, the party will go on. God and His eternal purposes will be fulfilled in his eternal wisdom and perfect completion. There are the cynics, rebels and haters of God; but they can not thwart the King(God's purposes). Remember, in chapter 21, the King sends is own son to inspect the vineyard and the "tenants" kill the son. God has paid a price of the "right" of invitation beyond our selfish schedules and lives!!</h3>
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<u>Lesson</u>: When the time came for the wedding feast, the King sent out His servants to invite the "good and bad" or now symbolic of the Gentiles and the world to this feast with his invitation. Under normal circumstances the upper classes and middle classes in Israel were given a "wedding garment" to wear at the dinner or feast. Here it was a requirement in our parable. To not wear it was akin to "rejecting" the King's invitation. We must attend the feast on the <u>King's terms</u>. As the King observed the crowd he notice an obnoxious guest who was <u>not</u> clothed in the King's wedding garment. This guest had no response to the King's question: <i>"Friend...how did you get in here without wedding clothes?"</i></h3>
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<u>Short Talking Points</u>: <u>The Question of "Worthiness" or "Unworthiness</u>."</h3>
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1. What made the first guest unworthy? <u>Answer</u>: Only their refusal to accept the King's invitation.</h3>
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2. What made the "obnoxious" guest unworthy? <u>Answer</u>: He did not come to the feast through the King's channels or obedience by not wearing the King's wedding clothing.</h3>
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3. What made the all the other guest "Worthy?"- <u>Answer</u>: They simple accepted the invitation of the King and his channels of obedience. Later in the New Testament this is called "...putting on Christ."</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: The invitation to the great feast is open 24/7 and as Christians we must obey the channels of obedience directed by the King. Look in the New Testament and see the plan of salvation: Faith, Repentance, Confession, Baptism in water for the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit all will sustain us in our journey to bear fruit and growth in Christ to the great Supper of the Lamb that is coming. By Faith we know the King is Coming and table has already been set for the whole world. (Amen)</h3>
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III. QUOTABLES FOR YOUR DAY...</h3>
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1. A noted writer of the 1950's and 60's was Ruth Smeltzer from Denver, Colorado. Some of her quotes were called "Smeltzerisms." Here are a few.</h3>
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a. "The unlovable child needs love most."</h3>
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b. "Kindness is not enough. The Bible says, "loving kindness."</h3>
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c. "If you are too busy to be kind, you are too busy."</h3>
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2. Peter Marshall, one of the most celebrated Chaplins of the U.S. Senate left us with a great number of sermons and prayers from his tenure in this position. From one of his noted prayers comes this excerpt: "Give us clear vision, that we may know where to stand and what to stand for- because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."</h3>
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3. <u>A mental health tip</u>: "Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strength. It does not enable us to escape the evil; it makes us unfit to cope with it when it comes. God promises that "as thy days, so shall thy strength be." (Deut. 33:25) Also consider I Peter 5:6-7.</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-66842456128435110392018-07-31T03:37:00.002-07:002018-07-31T03:37:47.156-07:00<h3>
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August Edition- 2018</u>- Wonderful Words of Life- by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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INTRODUCTION</u>: August is before us and most of the summer has been filled with vacations, family reunions and just some weekend getaways. Most families in the month of August begin thinking of preparation for school. As you may have noticed, most of the box stores are already putting out notebooks, pens, and varieties of school supplies. College age students are planning with their parents for some type of orientation, if they are freshman, and if they are seasoned in collegiate life know their line of courses for another year. Which brings me to some political comments and observations. As a nation have you ever considered our greatest asset? In my humble opinion our true strength cannot be found in the weapons of war or in our great arsenal of technological advances; instead, it lies deep in our convictions and dedication to our American ideals.</h3>
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Freedom's greatest enemies are indifference of spirit, weakness of will, and compromise of principles. This is the stern lesson of history from ancient to modern civilizations. The greatest achievement and glory of a free people is to transmit their freedoms to their children. A free people never give up their liberties, they lose them through spiritual apathy and material reverence.</h3>
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Our greatest asset is the youth of America and whoever wins the youth, wins the future of America. Our ancestors understood this and made it a part of their daily dialogue. Teach your children the truths which have made this nation great and you will have done much to combat the viruses of foreign "isms" that would make us lethargic and forget the functional ideas of America.</h3>
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BOOK REVIEW</u>: <u>Gospel Reset: Salvation made Relevant</u>. Ken Ham</h3>
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This is a new book by Ken Ham who in his travels and work is president, CEO, and founder of Answers in Genesis-US. He is the driving force of the highly-acclaimed Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. As a biblical apologist he has had the opportunity to see the changing culture of America over the last several decades. The basic premise of the book is explained by Ham on the book jacket in his written explanation: "The gospel message hasn't changed, but the way in which it needs to be presented in a secularized culture does need to change. It's time for a Gospel Reset!"</h3>
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In his theory of biblical preaching and communication he proceeds with a logical and biblical framework. Hamm attempts to explain how we as a culture and society have changed. His theory is that we were once a people driven by general biblical knowledge and a social lexicon that knew the language of definitions such as God, Sin, Death, Savior. He parallels this with the biblical example of the first gospel sermon after the resurrection of Jesus by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2) He illustrates this by the response of the Jewish people who were informed by Jewish tradition and Jewish ideas of blood sacrifice, messiah, Jehovah and other names of God. These were the accepted words of redemption, consolation and hope in the minds of his Jewish listeners. He acknowledges this example to an informed audience, thus three thousand responses to the gospel in Acts 2. In short, they understood what Peter was saying to them. Ham will then compare and express this is how American and Western culture have communicated up until the last fifty years. There were the great revivals of Billy Graham preaching from the Bible and the responses, often at the local church level, where churches were either growing or influencing the surrounding culture of a post World War II society. A similar language of words and ideas were expressed.</h3>
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He then compares and illustrates the biblical preaching of another Apostle, the Apostle Paul. He circles the outline of Acts 17 which enunciates a different approach to the scholars and philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens than that of Peter in Jerusalem. As a culture immersed in the teaching of "idols and evolution" Paul points to the beginning of God in creation and built from the foundation up. The Apostle Paul uses a different model when speaking to Greeks who exhibited no or very little references to the God of Israel. However, Paul knew and understood that unless there is an abandonment of a "man" informed society to a "God" informed society, the cycle of destruction and disillusionment would continue. Paul makes clear to his Greek audience in Athens that God, the creator, has in his time, sent a new revelation in the form of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, he has appointed a day, "into which he will judge the world by that man..." For us, Ham will note, we must do as Paul did, by getting people to think a different way with a Biblical world view of God. This new uniformity is one way and one destiny because of "God's revelation in Christ Jesus" . He points out that our secularized culture in America has moved off of its formerly Biblical foundation of operative words. In Paul's format to the pagan Greeks, he proclaims a living God, the defilement of sin, and the consequences of death and the only viable option as a resurrected savior in Jesus Christ.</h3>
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Ham will speak commentary on our shifting culture which has become unintelligible from a biblical perspective to our society at large. Ham notes that Christians must approach our neo-pagan culture which now asks: "Which God? What sin? Why Death? and Why a Savior?" We must now restore the old values that bring about purity and understanding in our dialogue with our neo-pagan neighbors and media, much as the Apostle Paul did in his sermon on Mars Hill. Ham also partially blames the church for its blurring of focus and abandonment of biblical values over the last decades. He calls for revival and a fresh approach to explaining the preaching of the gospel. As always in his discussion, he iterates the tone that the gospel and the message of Christ is still relevant to our age and to our culture and I would note "multicultural" in its scope. We who are Bible believing Christians must never abandon the Great Commission to the world by the Word of the Lord Jesus himself. Let us get reinvigorated by the word of God and begin a new messaging of God through intelligent discourse and compassional service. Peter's words, some thirty or so years after Pentecost rings true in I Peter 3:15<i> "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks</i> <i>you to give a reason for the hope that you have..."(NIV)</i></h3>
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I.<u> FAITH JOURNEY FOR AUGUST...GIVING IT TO GOD</u></h3>
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In the chaotic world in which we live, our focus is often clouded by any host of distractions. One of the tools I used while ministering in the local church was for the individual Christian to think about scripture in a slow, meditative fashion. As the month of August will soon be upon us, I would like for you as readers of this blog to take a week by week "faith walk" through these scriptures a week at a time. Meditating on these scriptures for the week will be the source of therapy, healing, insight and energizing of your vision as a Christian. I will use a couple of different translations to help you in this "journey."</h3>
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A. Week 1: <i>Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do</i> <i>not see.</i> (Hebrews 11:1) (NIV)</h3>
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B. Week 2: <i>With God's power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine</i>. (Ephesians 3:20) (New Century Version)</h3>
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C. Week 3: Then Jesus told him <i>"You believe because you have seen me. Blessed</i> <i>are those who haven't seen me and believe anyway."</i> (John 20:29) (NLT)</h3>
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D. Week 4: <i>Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own</i> <i>understanding.</i> (Proverbs 3:5) (NIV)</h3>
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II. QUOTES FROM THE BOATS...</h3>
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Mark Twain as a riverboat captain use to collect sayings from that culture along the Mississippi River. Here are a few and an extra from Samuel Johnson.</h3>
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A. "Live only for today and you ruin tomorrow."</h3>
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B. "Teach the young people how to think, not what to think."</h3>
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C. "All progress means change, but all change is not progress."</h3>
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D. "In today's exchange of goods of all kinds, we know that price of everything and the value of nothing." </h3>
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E. "What we hope ever to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence."(Samuel Johnson)</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-11129241015311620062018-06-30T04:37:00.001-07:002018-08-22T05:51:46.046-07:00<h3>
JULY EDITION...2018... WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE</h3>
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Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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Introduction</u>: July is a time of beginnings of some lazy days, days of outside fun and remembering how we got our county and its freedom. Many are getting various kids of harvest from the family garden and we are continuing to pray for our nation as we consider the birth of a great destiny. We will say something about it as we go through this edition of Wonderful Words of Life.</h3>
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DIGGING DEEPER... Last of the Campbell Debates- Campbell-Rice Debate</h3>
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This last of the celebrated debates of Campbell come in the years of 1842-43. To properly understand the context of all these debates we must once again recall their subject matter and their place. In the Walker debate Campbell argued as a Baptist. Against McCalla he also argued as a Baptist. Against Owen he championed Christianity against infidelity. In the Purcell debate he argued as a Protestant challenging the "antichrist" of Catholicism as he called it. Finally, he debates Rice as a champion of this movement to restore New Testament Christianity. </h3>
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This debate is interesting in that it is the most documented debate in the arsenal of debates of Campbell. The debates covers such subjects as baptism, the Holy Spirit, and creeds. As we already noted in these debates; in a broad sense neither contestant came away with a clear-cut victory. The Presbyterians began losing large numbers of adherents to the then named "Campbellites" after the publication of the debate and Campbell's earlier reputation. Later, Campbell picked up the rights and published this debate on a broader scale. </h3>
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In an interesting turn of events of this debate, the Presbyterians approached Campbell during a Kentucky trip in 1842. They knew his background was Presbyterian and admired some of his thinking and processes. Campbell justly assumed their motives and began correspondence with a C.H. Brown of Richmond, Kentucky. Campbell desired to debate John C. Young, President of Center College in Richmond. However, the Presbyterians after receiving a rejection from Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge of Center College, rolled out N.L. Rice, a Presbyterian minister from Paris, Kentucky. The Presbyterians regarded this young minister having been a graduate of Princeton Seminary in 1829.</h3>
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Campbell traveled to Lexington, Kentucky in August of 1843 to complete the details of the debate. The debate's propositions were as follows.</h3>
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1. The immersion in water of a proper subject, into the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, is the one, only apostolic or christian <sic> baptism.</h3>
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2. The infant of a believing parent is a scriptural subject of baptism.(Rice affirms)</h3>
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3. Christian baptism is for the remission of sins.</h3>
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4. Baptism is to be administered only by a bishop or ordained presbyter. (Rice affirms)</h3>
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5. Human creeds, as bonds of union and communion, are necessarily heretical and schismatical. </h3>
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The debate begin in the building of Lexington's Main Street Christian Church on September 15, 1843. Edward Sawyer in his work "Campbell-Rice Debate," Encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell Movement (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2004), p. 145 reports that Christians of the Restoration Movement outnumbered the Presbyterians five to one at this point in time in Kentucky. </h3>
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The debate opened with the discussion of the mode of baptism. Campbell referenced the Council of Ravenna in 1311 and gives the impression that the Roman Church up to this point immersed as its primary mode of baptism. Campbell sited this counsel but it was by this time in the Roman Church that any number of modes were being using in Europe among their Diocese: Sprinkling, Pouring, Immersion. Rice responded with the old Zwinglian arguments that the mode meant nothing only repentance. Calvinistic teaching had been that baptism was an outward sign of in inward grace already taken place. Campbell's drive force were the examples of New Testament conversion. Biblical examples would be used in the Restoration Model of Christian Baptism in water "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38)</h3>
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This debate ended with some clarity for the Christians of the Restoration Movement and continued losses for the Presbyterians. However, the debate is so well documented that my simple blog will not carry all the discussion. Later Campbell's friend Barton W. Stone continued to discuss the issues of the work of the Holy Spirit, the Lord's return, and other subjects that clarified and simplified the debates of the past. </h3>
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DID YOU KNOW... The Hittites Did Get Around</h3>
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Moses said, "The Hittites...dwell in the mountains" (Numb.13:29). The writer of Chronicles reported, "...so brought they out horses for all the kings of the Hittites" (2 Chron. 1:17). When the Syrians attacked Samaria the Lord made them to hear the noise of chariots and horses and they said, "Look, the king of Israel has hired the Hittite and Egyptian kings to attack us!" (II Kings 7:6). Joshua refers to "all the land of the Hittites" as some of the boundary lines of the promise (Josh. 1:4). These are about four of the forty or so references to this nation many early critics used to say were mythological people. However, within the last hundred years all these views have been rejected by modern, scientific Archaeology.</h3>
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One example of this was Hugh Winckler who went to Boghazkoi in central Turkey and there examined what had been the capital of the ancient Hittite empire. He found over 10,000 clay tablets, among them was a military treaty made between the Hittites and the Egyptians about 1300B.C. In 1911 the British museum began excavations in the city of Carchemish, and important center of the ancient Hittite empire. Near an old palace gate the archaeologists discovered a statue made of black stone. It represented a Hittite god sitting upon lions. The Hittite royal family is shown on a wall panbel as they go forth to meet a victorious Hittite army. The armies of the Hittites and the Egyptians are represented in Scripture ina somewhat equal way (2 Kings 7:6-7). Asn empire the Hittites conquered the land of Canaan but from and early dat it is evident that local tribes settled in various places.</h3>
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It is known from the archaeological discoveries that the army of the Hittite empire had become powerful through the development of new weapon, the light, horse-drawn chariot. Thus a famous battle between the Hittites and Egyptians was inevitable. In 1286 B.C. at Kadesh, Ammonite capital in central Syria, the battle took place. The Hittites concealed themselves from the Egyptians scouts and with their chariots they attacked the Egyptians in a surprise raid. Had help not come to the Egyptians, they would have been destroyed. Such were the influence and power of the Hittites. Today, we know they extended over the western Mediterranean in settlements as well as in modern day Turkey through an established traditional kingdom state. Thus, when we hear of Abraham dealing with Hittites, it is not out of historical context. </h3>
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We must remember, although the Bible is not primarily a history book, when it speaks historically it will eventually be found correct. It is somewhat difficult for modern trained skeptics to embrace such profound truths. However, be not dismayed the word of God will endure forever.</h3>
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NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... The Need for an American Revival...</h3>
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A number of years ago, Joe Wright who was to open a new session of the Kansas Senate shocked and informed that distinguished gathering with the following stirring prayer. It has since been copied and used around the world.</h3>
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"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know your Word says, 'Woe on those who call evil good and good evil' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and have inverted our values. We confess that:</h3>
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We have ridiculed the absolute truth of your Word and called it pluralism. We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism. We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyles. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionist and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it political savvy. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pronography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. </h3>
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Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by you to govern this great state. Grant them the wisdom to rule, and may their decisions direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the name of your Son, the Living Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen."</h3>
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HOW TO BE A HERO IN AMERICA... A JULY 4th THOUGHT</h3>
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When now deceased Astronaut John Glenn of Ohio was a boy in New Concord, Ohio, he was inspired to become a pilot by the daring flyers who raced, barnstormed, and stuntmen at the Bendix Air Races in Cleveland. One of the nation's pioneer pilots was a particular hero of Glenn's-- Roscoe Turner. Turner who in later years got in touch with Glenn in Washington wrote down eight requisites for heroism. Consider these:</h3>
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1. Vision and Foresight.</h3>
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2. Courage.</h3>
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3. Self-confidence.</h3>
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4. Believe in God.</h3>
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5. Willingness to make any sacrifice, including life.</h3>
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6. Honesty with yourself and others.</h3>
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7. Letting nothing interfere with the objective.</h3>
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8. Living each day as though it were the last.</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-30011071553557039512018-05-31T06:45:00.001-07:002018-05-31T06:45:40.771-07:00<h3>
JUNE EDITION---2018--- WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</h3>
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INTRODUCTION</u>: Ahh the month of June. What a month as it seems most of the days are sunny and bright. The new plantings in gardens of flower and vegetables are basking in their new found homes as they daily seek their ripening of fruit. For us, as we mark time the months which cover many noted events for special groups and causes, June exemplifies herself. However, two days stand out as important to the celebrated calendar. One of these days would be Fathers Day and the other Flag Day. We will say a little more about these days as we progress and give some highlighted quotes and influence that have been noted in our society. </h3>
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I. <u>CONTINUING OUR DISCUSSION</u>... A Look at the Campbell-Purcell Debate-</h3>
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It is often hard for us, in our modern mode of life, to imagine frontier America before the Civil War. Much of the continent of the United States was not yet settled or explored by white Europeans or Americans. There were settled areas of communities, but their prosperity would eventually depend on their location. Besides this, new identities, different than in Europe began to express themselves. The Industrial Revolution was in its infancy in America and noted models of education and assimilation of immigrants was about to go from slow to hyper. Northern and Southern Europeans responded to the oppression in their native countries in other growing numbers as they moved to the United States. </h3>
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Still further, there were the dynamics of education and forms of written communication such as newspapers. How were these teaming populations going to be educated in the language and customs of America? At this juncture, on the Ohio River was one of the most dynamic cities on the frontier. Cincinnati,Ohio which was part of the great state of Ohio, became a state in 1803. Furthermore, it was becoming a center of the pork industry. People were coming at various rates to settle or move on to the west. Several meetings of the education leaders of Cincinnati and the west both religious and secular were involved in looking to the future. In October of 1836 there was such a considered meeting held at the College of Teachers, an education society, which had only been founded in 1831. </h3>
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On the evening of October 3, 1836 a number of educated leaders from the frontier colleges or universities were invited to envision how the education structure would look in future years on the frontier. We know from the minutes of this meeting that Alexander Campbell attended and opened the meeting with prayer. Following this an education pioneer Dr. Joshua L. Wilson spoke first concerning universal free education and the use of the Bible as a text book. When he finished, noted Catholic Bishop Purcell, later Archbishop, attacked Wilson's idea about using the Bible as a textbook. This rather hotly debated topic continue to engage the group as Campbell included his comments and ideas in the discussion. As a well known speaker and debater, Campbell later on October 5, lectured on the topic of a "Moral Culture." In his presentation, Campbell included and identified such ideas as "freedom of thought" which he said were partially the result of the Protestant Reformation. Bishop Purcell, as he did with Dr. Wilson, objected and said that the Reformation, from his Catholic perspective, was the cause of all the world's dissension and infidelity. Campbell responded directly and told Bishop Purcell that this should not be the platform for such a discussion, but if this topic were to be examined he would meet Bishop Purcell anywhere else to continue in this line of reasoning.</h3>
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On October 10, Campbell defended his position in an address at the Sycamore Street Church which at this point identified itself as of a Disciples origin. Campbell in debate style gave Purcell an opportunity to respond. Bishop Purcell asked for time to gather his thoughts and he then returned to next night to speak. He commenced to launching into a tirade against Luther and the Protestant Reformation. He said the that Luther was the devil incarnate and enslaved to his own lusts. It was said he used such strong language that the ladies in the audience blished. Campbell then responded with a challenge to a debate. At this point Purcell declined for reasons of health. </h3>
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Fifty-seven citizen wrote Campbell begging him to expose the Catholic absurdity. He agreed to debate and returned to Bethany, Virginia (now West Virginia). A little historic context would be good to note at this juncture. There was a national discussion relating to papal power in the American state. This was primarily agitated in large part to the advent of immigration on a large scale following the close of the Napoleonic was of 1815. A strong anti-catholic sentiment existed in the country. In more recent history of American media, it was like the question asked of John F. Kennedy's allegiance in his run for President in 1960. </h3>
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Campbell returned to Cincinnati in January of 1837. Purcell had since learned he was given permission to debate by the Diocese. One of the complications of the debate was the healthy of Campbell. Purcell was thirty six at the time and Campbell was in his late forties. In his winter trip from Bethany Campbell found the Ohio frozen and river traffic was halted included passengers. Remember, this is not the Ohio River we see today monitored by the Corps of Engineers with free flowing waters. He took a longer overland route and caught cold in the process, remaining ill through most of the debate. After arriving in Cincinnati Campbell met with Purcell and agreed to the propositions and rules of the debate. </h3>
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The debate began at 9:30a.m. on January 13, 1837 and there were seven points of discussion which because of time and space I will not list but please see my sources below. Both men were valiant debaters, it took Campbell several days to clear his voice over a fever because of his cold. Sources of Campbell's arguments were challenged and at the end Campbell made some excellent responses to the validity of the Protestant Reformation. However, most commentators then and now believe Campbell lost he debate. Purcell was a young rising Prelete in the Roman Catholic Church and known for his excellent scholarship. He became Archbishop in 1850. Most of the reformers in the audience felt Campbell won the debate and his points were for generations considered classic material for anti-catholic debate. There had been an agreement to split the proceeds of the debate and by 1838, Campbell's share amounted to $800.00 at six cents a copy. I modern concepts, the printed debate did well. </h3>
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<u>Note</u>: See sources for further details and discussion: Michael W. Hines, <i>History of</i> <i>the American Restoration Movement (2nd Ed.)</i>. (Cincinnati- Christian Restoration Association-2016) pg. 107-112.</h3>
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Eva Jean Wrather, <i>Alexander Campbell: Adventure in Freedom, a Literary</i> <i>Biography</i>. (Edited by D.Duane Cummins). (Fort Worth: A project of TCU Press and the Disciples of Christ Historical Society 2009) pgs. 68-78)</h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>... History is a Living, Changing Reality but True...</h3>
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Much of history as it is collected and analyzed will be further interpreted and raised to new heights of scrutiny, or simply appreciated by the interpreters. Sometimes cynical quotes and disruptive ideas are displayed. Voltaire said, "...History is little else than a picture of human crimes and misfortunes." Henry Ford said rather tritely, "...History is more or less bunk." History is both a art and a science, but the people discovered in its annals, or displayed in one discipline, may be rejected in another discipline until proper scholarship or evidence is tested. Such is the empire of Assyria. Its rulers have in most part been chronicled and noted for our consideration. The last ruler of the Assyrians was King Ashurbanipal.(669-626B.C.) He was more of a scholar and artist than what we might call a conqueror. He once boasted, "I read the beautiful clay tablets from Sumer and the obscure Akkadian writing which is hard to master. I had joy in the reading of the inscriptions on stone from the time before the flood." Ashurbanipal created a large library by gathering texts from royal archives and religious centers in the Ancient Near East. In Ezra 4:10 he is called the "great and noble Asnapper."</h3>
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In 1852-53 Hormuzd Rassam discovered the remains of Ashurbanipal's library in the ruins of ancient Nineveh. From 1853 to 1876 about 22,000 religious literary and scientific texts were discovered. The tablets were taken to the British Museum where they were studied and deciphered. Some of the fragments reported an ancient Babylonian legend of creation with some similarities to the creation record in the book of Genesis. Many of these accounts both Assyrian and later Babylonian follow the same simple creation sequence: primeval chaos, coming of light, creation of the firmament, appearance of dry land, creation of sun, moon, stars, creation of man, and the Deity resting.</h3>
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The Biblical account of the creation story is inspiring and uplifting in its account. Creation in the Bible is an act of an omnipotent God seeking to display His creation. There is evolution within the species, but a unique separation of various classes and species. Here are a few scriptures that give a spontaneous act of sequentialism in creation. <i>"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and</i> <i>all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathered the waters of the sea together as a heap: he laid up the depth in storehouses. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast."</i>(Psalm 33:6,7,9) <i>"For by him were all</i> <i>things created...he is before all things, and by him all things consist" (Col. 1:16,17). </i> <i>You are worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power: for you have created all things, and for your pleasure they and were created." (Rev.4:11)</i></h3>
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III. <u>NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT</u>... "Thanks Dad"... A Sermon for Father's Day...<br /> </h3>
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Text: Ephesians 6:1-4</h3>
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Introduction</u>: June is the month in which many churches and a groups celebrate Father's Day. Culturally, there are a lot of mixed signals when it comes to nodes the roles of Fathers. One small boy was once asked on a sidewalk interview to compare Mother's Day and Father's Day. He said, "...Father's Day and Mother's Day are just the same expect on Father's Day you don't spend so much on the gift." Paul gives us some insight on Fathers, remembering he is speaking to a pagan culture that is given a new ethos through the conversion of Christianity. We simply want to say "Thanks Dad" for your sacrifice and love.</h3>
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A. <u>Thanks for Material Possessions</u>... Most responsible fathers wish to provide for their families. Paul will stress in another New Testament book by addressing Fathers in a pagan culture the following inspired advice..."If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." I Timothy 5:8. He wants the Christian fathers in the family to understand that even the pagan unbelievers provided for their families. They as Christian fathers should do much more by example.</h3>
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Even if your earthly fathers were not Christians but were good providers, thank God for their provision "materially."</h3>
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B. <u>Thanks for Faithful Instruction</u>- If we will listen and remember we could often be instructed in the right areas of life. I remember my father giving me the following instruction, "Keith, pay attention to what you are doing..." My father is deceased, but I can still remember even as an adult his advise when I returned home to visit with my family. He was still giving instruction. Periodically, he would see that I was learning something and doing it correctly. He then would encourage me by a positive gesture or word. I believe this kept my brother and I from getting exasperated. I have raised two sons and a daughter and have to ask myself on a number of occasions "ARE YOU A COACH OR A CRITIC?"</h3>
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C. <u>Thanks for the Godly Illustrations</u>- My father did not get serious about his Christian walk until he experienced a "brain aneurysm." After this his questions were less critical about Christianity and the Church. He started asking questions to get some answers only God could give him. I had people in my local congregation that were great role models. People like Howard Taylor is one I could think off the bat. He was an Elder and leader in a direct but quiet way. He help us young men grow. Ministers like Alva Sizemore and Rod Huron likewise in their families exhibited true Christian strength and love. They were not conformed to this world but were transformed examples.</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: I found this advice from an old paper called <i>North American Union</i> <i>News</i>. I rescued it while helping to clear out some material from my grandmother's home. This short column was entitled: A FATHER'S ADVICE- A father, seeing his son about to go out into the world, gave him the following rules, without which, he said, the young man could not hope to succeed: </h3>
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Tell the truth-falsehoods are hard to remember.</h3>
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Shine the heels of your shoes as well as the toes.</h3>
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Don't lend money to your friends-you will lose both.</h3>
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Don't watch the clock; it will keep on going-you do the same.</h3>
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You do not need clean cuffs every day, but you need a clean conscience all the time.</h3>
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Don't borrow money unless you positively have the wherewithal to pay it back; then you don't need it.</h3>
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IV. A THOUGHT ON THE FLAG: On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the design for the flag. Less than two months later an ensign was raised from the southwest bastion of Fort Stanwix. The Continental Congress' resolution read: "Resolved: That the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Many a young man and women have defended the United States of America since this declaration. Many stars have been added since 1777 and innumerable stories of heroism and sacrifice have recorded. All races, creeds and beliefs have set below her colors. However, freedom is not free and many, would today, minimize her significance or criticise her accomplishments. The noble experiment of the United States of American have in its history freed more people than all civilizations in the World. God Bless America!!! </h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-53659155882052733862018-04-30T03:21:00.002-07:002018-04-30T03:21:26.387-07:00<h3>
MAY EDITION (2018) <i>WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE...</i></h3>
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Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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<u>MAY...THE MONTH OF LIFE...HONORING SACRIFICE...</u></h3>
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The month of May as I noted last year is the month of two important holidays; Mother's Day and Memorial Day. There have been other celebrations added over the years in May, but these are the two most importance of note. If you think about it, these two holidays are days in which we as a people honor sacrifice. On the one, Mother's Day, we note the sacrifices of our mothers. How many of us could give testimony of "going the second mile" with us and for us as our mothers. I reflect often on the special person that sacrificed to give me and my brother and two sisters a good life in Steubenville, Ohio. The other special day we recognize is Memorial Day. This day is set aside to recognize the true sacrifice of our military men and women who gave their all for our nation and its freedoms. Let us rejoice and remember these special days and people that enrich us for their sacrifices.</h3>
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I. INTRODUCTION: We have over the last several months been dealing with the history of denominations or religious movements. Specifically, we have been examining the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ and their early origins. We have talked about Thomas and Alexander Campbell and more noted the debates that were documented in American Ecclesiastical history. We have looked at the Walker and McCullah Debates and now we turn to a fateful and somewhat interesting debate in a new arena of social politics and economics. </h3>
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In the early decades of the 19th century, the American continent was becoming a laboratory of social and religious experimentation from Europe. With the rise of the Industrial Revolution, new ideas of worker production were noted. One concept known as the "Factory System," comprised new innovations of workers and capital and expansion of wealth had become a hot topic of interest. Long before Karl Marx, there were utopian theories of how production could be carried out in new environments of human existence and broader populations. Early on, pioneers of this focus in Europe like Charles Fourier (1772-1837) who disliked the factory system, and was noted as a "utopian socialist." Numbers of Fourier Societies existed in early 19th century America. One of the disciples of Fourier was Robert Owen. He was a skeptic(Atheist or Agnostic) and socialist who owned and operated a number of successful textile mills in New Lanark, Scotland.</h3>
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Owen came to the United States in 1824 to use the American Industrial environment as a laboratory for his utopian ideas. He is noted for establishing a community in New Harmony, Indiana. He traveled and became a popular voice of his philosophy establishing at least sixteen Owenite communities throughout America. He tended to see himself as a purveyor of superior European elite attitudes to this newly birth nation. Through a series of contacts he had planned to debate, as was the platform of education and entertainment of the day, with a Dr. Underhill on the subject of socialism and Christianity in 1828. However, through a series of events too detailed to recount here, he and Alexander Campbell were eventually connected for a public debate. Owen stopped by Bethany, Virginia(now West Virginia) to meet Alexander Campbell on his way back to England. Ironically, the two men seemed to hit it off immediately. Eventually, the two men arranged to meet in Cincinnati in April 13-21 1829 for an eight day debate which was much touted in the press. The debate was to be held at a large Methodist church which seated 1,200 members and could accommodate such a large crowd . Owen stood and simply listed "twelve" supposed truths of atheism and socialism and restated them over and over throughout the debate. Finally, he yielded the floor to Campbell who spent twelve hours explaining the rationale of Christianity. This debate may well be on of the best illustrations of Christian evidences available for its day. During the debate, the two men often ate dinner together between debate sessions. They treated each other as gentlemen and again, brought Alexander Campbell into national prominence. The evaluation by the press was interesting as Owen simply introduced his own social and anthropological views, while Campbell used evidence and history to substantiate his position concerning Christianity. One writer, J.J. Haley overstate Campbell's effect as he (Campbell) "saved the Mississippi Valley" from communism. Papers of the day regarded Alexander Campbell as "the defender of the faith..." As time went on, many of the experimental socialist communities in America established by Owen went into disrepair and are now tourist attractions. </h3>
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II. <u>DIGGING DEEPER</u>...A LOOK AT KING HEZEKIAH-KING OF JUDAH</h3>
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As we look at the history of Israel in the pages of the Old Testament, the kingdom of Saul, David and Solomon who each ruled for forty years divided after the death of Solomon. Here we observe two distinct kingdoms and recognizable states. First we see the Kingdom of Israel; the collection of ten of the northern tribes that rejected the family of David in Jerusalem. The second kingdom will be the Kingdom of Judah. This kingdom will comprise the two tribes of Benjamin and Judah and most importantly for the Jewish people, the city of Jerusalem with the temple. Each of these kingdom will have its own dynasty and line of kings that will rule their respective areas. </h3>
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By the time we get to King Hezekiah, it has been 300 years since King David. In the sixth year of Hezekiah's rule, the norther Kingdom of Israel is taken into captivity by the Assyrians. In integrated a policy of the "transmigration of populations" (moving one conquered population into the territory of another conquered population). In Israel's case, they moved other people from the Middle East into the space of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Please note, not all the Jews were taken out of this geographic area, for we have record of a remnant that still was drawn to the temple worship of Jehovah in Jerusalem. By New Testament times, these other semitic peoples and the remnants of the Jewish diasporic experience will produce what is noted as the Samaritans. </h3>
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As we look at King Hezekiah's life it is recorded in the books of II Kings, II Chronicles, and Isaiah. A number of Bible chronologies see Hezekiah ruling either from 715-687B.C. or 725-697B.C. Just for context, and interesting fact is that Ahaz, King of Judah and father of Hezekiah, paid tribute to the Assyrians at different times as did Hezekiah. You can see a carved picture of Hezekiah paying tribute to the King of Assyria at the British Museum in London.</h3>
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Hezekiah is considered one of the best and Godly kings of the southern Kingdom of Judah. He is associated in his rule as a good king like David (II Kings 18:3). He removed the pillars and poles that were symbols of fertility idolatry. He went as far as breaking into pieces, the bronze snake that Moses had made in the desert for the Children of Israel to find respite from the bite of the invading serpents (Numbers 21:4-9). By the time of Hezekiah and the rampant idolatry, the Jews of the southern kingdom were "worshipping" this bronze object as a talisman (II Kings 18:4). To breaking this mystical connection with Moses, King Hezekiah now called it just <i>Nehustan</i>, meaning "just a piece of bronze." </h3>
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Some other remarkable actions taken by Hezekiah in this national revival of the spiritual life of the Kingdom of Judah we see: </h3>
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1. He reopened and cleansed the temple.</h3>
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2. He celebrated a national Passover Feast.</h3>
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3. He countered and through submission to Jehovah, sent away the Assyrian invasion under Sennacherib's Assyrian forces. </h3>
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4. His life was extended 15 years.</h3>
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5. He, however entertained visitors from Babylon that will cause Isaiah to chasten him for such bravado. </h3>
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Hezekiah was so successful in his spiritual relationship with God that it says, "...in everything he (Hezekiah) undertook in the service of God's temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered." (II Chronicles 31:21) Also consider II Chronicles 32:25 and II Kings 20:1-11). </h3>
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III. DID YOU KNOW?... THE FAMILY IS WONDERFUL AND NEEDED</h3>
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The idea of a family was in the mind of God from the beginning. He wanted mankind to realize how important this category of human relationships were to build and feed our souls and lives. So if it is so important, what is it all about?</h3>
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1. <u>Family is about Relationships</u>- In the beginning God concluded, "It is not good for the man to be alone"(Gen. 2:18) The man and women were commanded to "leave your mother and father, cleave unto you wife or husband, and they will become one flesh." You see it is about relationships. The measure of a family is not in the cost of the home in which they live or the neighborhood in which they reside or the things with which they decorate their house. The measure of a family is in the strength and warmth of their relationships. We learn this lesson from Isaac and Rebekah and Esau and Jacob. </h3>
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2. <u>Making those Relationships Work is Often Difficult</u>- Only in fairy tales do we read, "...and they lived happily ever after." In reality, when we marry we spend a lifetime working out our relationships with two naturally selfish people to begin to become one. Peter Drucker in one of his books on management, suggested four basic requirements for effective human relationships: C<u>ommunication</u>, T<u>eamwork</u>, S<u>elf Development</u> and the D<u>evelopment of Others</u>. In reality, what Druker said about the workplace is also true in the family. We can look at these principles in the family for maximum results. <u>Communication</u>- We must communicate with each other. This means listening as well as talking. Sometimes we believe we have said one thing and others have heard another. This also means catching the non-verbal communication as well as the verbal communication. Without communication relationships will flounder. One item imperative in families is forgiveness. By the way, communication is developmental and difficult. <u>Teamwork</u>- In reality the family is a team that must work together. This means focusing on what others need as well as on what we need, and being willing to do our part. Without teamwork, a family cannot survive. Ask any coach, they will tell you building a team is difficult as well. <u>Self-Development</u>- We must develop ourselves so we will have something significant to contribute to the relationships in the family. This can mean such aspects as being a life long learner. This means establishing spiritual disciplines so we may grow spiritually. This is a challenging but rewarding experience. <u>Development of Others</u>- A team must commit themselves to the developing of each another. A mature family member will not be insecure about the successes of others in the family but will rejoice as accolades are given to others. Their success is our success. </h3>
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3. <u>Relationships Sometimes Fail</u>- Pausing in the Biblical examples of Jacob and Esau or Joseph and his brothers selfish ambition ends in tragedy. Sometimes marriages made in heaven become hell on earth. Sometimes the blessings of parenthood turn into our worst nightmare. Sometimes relationship fail. We as a fallen race rush into the God ordained relationship of marriage and family and forget the sacrifices and depth of commitment that it requires to love unselflessly. </h3>
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4. <u>Broken Relationships Can Be Redeemed</u>- When God is involved, broken relationship can be healed, revived and recommissioned. The Old Testament stories of Jacob and Esau and Joseph and his bothers are heartwarming reminders of how reconciliation and hope abounds in God's economy. These stories point to the great reconciliation of God through Jesus Christ for us. Each of us has been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. The shadows and types of Old Testament heroes and heroines awakens us to the ultimate love story of God becoming like us in Christ so that we could become like Him. I have seen broken marriages reunited and blessed. I have seen the prodigal son or daughter return to the weeping and rejoicing parent or parents. Our relationships here are temporary but are a laboratory for eternity.</h3>
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<u>Byline</u>: By looking up every day and seeking to know the Lord Jesus Christ you will rebuilt yourself and all your relationships in forgiveness, love and support.</h3>
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IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT: A Sermon for Graduation and Graduates</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: Guidelines from Scripture for Being A Successful Graduate</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: II Timothy 1:6-7</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: Spring is here and the month of May is often filled with events of graduations and weddings. As Christians there are many instructions of great advise for the young man and women as they leave an institution of learning to enter the classroom of the real world classroom. However, if we listen to the eternal word of God we can come out in the end, much better than when we entered. Besides, in our text, such passages as Phil. 3:13-14 (forgetting the past) and Hebrews 12:1-3(throwing off weights of sin) are additional samples of instruction that will save your life and improve your heart. I suggest some simple guidelines for graduates from high school or college that life has taught me. </h3>
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I. <u>Face Your Fears</u>: (2 Tim. 1:7) The Bible is full of a simple direction entitled "fear not." I like our text on this because it is given to the young Evangelist Timothy who was with Paul and served at the Church in Ephesus. Paul addressed his personal inadequacies and those of Timothy. Timothy apparently lacked self-confidence. Now this isn't the confidence that aspires to haughty self reliance, but this is a confidence in God above yourself. Paul reminds Timothy that God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control.</h3>
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Max Lucado says, "Fear doesn't want you to make the journey to the mountain. If it can rattle you enough, fear will persuade you to take your eyes off the peaks and settle for a dull existence in the flatlands."</h3>
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I once did a sermon series while holding a local congregation called: <u>Quitters</u>, <u>Campers</u> and <u>Climbers</u>. This simply distilled the three categories of people in the world, and for the Christian walk that has to be lived out in training.</h3>
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II. <u>Forget You Failures</u>- (Phil. 3:12-14) If fear doesn't hold you back, your past may with its failures and frustrations through guilt. Timothy sought out and Paul accommodated himself as a mentor for sound advice to this young Evangelist. Many times we fail because we do not listen either to God or sound advice from Christian sources. Remember, someone has been here before; you can learn from the experience of others. But, get sound advice from the experienced! In our Philippians text Paul had enrolled in the "Christ Likeness University." He (Paul) had pursued a course of molding himself after the Master. Two strategies were employed by Paul and later Timothy to deal with failure.</h3>
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1. He refused to allow failures to become destructive in his life. His past did not control his present or future. His eyes were fixed on Christ so he could "move forward." Failure is not fatal!! He who does not "learn" from failure will not pursue spiritual excellence. </h3>
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2. He refused to allow failures to beset his journey to his goal. None of us are perfect and the only ones who never do anything wrong are the ones who never do anything. It is not a matter of "if" we will fail, but "when." How do we process failure. When we fail we must learn from it and then put it behind us. WE must never allow failure to make us quit trying. Get God's perspective!!</h3>
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III. <u>Follow Your Faith</u>- (Hebrews 12:1-3) Read this text a few times and think about it. If facing our fears and forgetting our failures are defensive approaches, then this is a positive pro-active solution. </h3>
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The book of Hebrews was written to Hebrew Christians who were in despair and were thinking of going back to the strict rules of first century Judaism. They had been facing persecution. The author kept pointing to the superiority of Jesus Christ as a positive reference point for their faith and reminding them of His Messiahship. </h3>
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This form of focus is much like a runner who needs a "reference point" to keep him going forward. NASA illustrates this need for a reference point in its history by the possible ill-fated mission of Apollo 13. The astronauts needed to make a critical course correction while in space. If they failed, they might never return to earth. Yet the astronauts needed to conduct a thirty-nine-second burn of the main engines. How would they steer? Astronaut Jim Lovell determined that if they could keep a fixed point in space in view through their tiny window, they could steer the craft manually. That focal point in space could be their destination. Lovell decided to make EARTH his focal point, and for thirty-nine agonizing seconds, Lovell focused on keeping the Earth in view. This is captured in the 1995 hit movie Apollo 13.</h3>
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Scripture reminds us that to finish your mission successfully "...Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith." (Heb. 12:2)</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: To recap.. Face Your Fears, Forget Your Failures, and Follow Your Faith by Focusing on Jesus Christ. Your life will be a challenge but also a rewarding adventure.</h3>
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<u>QUOTES THAT RESONATE</u>: </h3>
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"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt." Shakespeare</h3>
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"More persons, on the whole, are humbugged by believing in nothing, than by believing too much." P. T. Barnum</h3>
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"When a man is no longer anxious to do better, then well, he is done for." Haydon</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-43833269523597958342018-03-30T19:03:00.000-07:002018-03-30T19:03:21.854-07:00<h3>
APRIL "EASTER" EDITION- (2018) by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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I. <u>Introduction</u>: Easter or "Resurrection Sunday" as many in the Christian world like to reference this date on the Christian calendar, is found in early April this year. To facilitate this important occasion I will, in most part, be dedicating this month's blog to many of the events around the resurrection. </h3>
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For the Christian, the resurrection is the core of the Christian message and hope. It is so implicative that the Apostle Paul writing about A.D.56 will declare to the Corinthians that "...if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith."(I Cor. 15:14) It is by no accident that the Lord entered the city of Jerusalem by fulfilled prophecy in his triumphal entry, later dedicating in the Passover His New Covenant known to us as Communion or the Lord's Supper. This was followed by being arrested and tried by fulfilled prophecy, crucified by the hands of Romans and Jews and the will of God the Father Himself. (Ish.53:10) Consequently, he was buried and resurrected in a glorified body in the city of Jerusalem. This location is as important to the account as would be any other factor in the whole drama of the passion of Christ. God the Father knew the scepticism of the human heart. Consequently, he knew the propaganda that would issue forth from the propositions offered later in Apostolic preaching. The Apostle Peter's first sermon in Acts 2 dramatised the power of the Holy Spirit to preach concise facts with amazing evidence. Exhibit A was an empty tomb as the population of Jerusalem with its skeptics, could examine for themselves, these marvelous events. Concurrently, one has to understand the power of this preaching and the response of 3,000 on the Jewish Feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Passover. A new wrinkle prophetically revealed in Judaism would change the world. </h3>
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It is providential that Jerusalem was the center of the passion week. Jesus reminded the Apostles in Luke 24:44-49 that he fulfilled "everything" about himself in three libraries of Jewish tradition; "...in the law of Moses,(Torah or Tanakh), the Prophets,(Nevi'im), and the Psalms,(Ketuvim or Writings)..." If one approaches the Prophets without their eschatological prejudice, one can see for instance the Gospel according to Zechariah in the first coming of Christ and the Church. (see Zechariah 9:9-11; 11:7-14; 10:4; 12:10-13:6) The paramount point, already noted, was for the average Jew of the time physical proof. (note the Emmaus road experience. (Luke 24:13-35) The testimony of those that experienced the darkness and later the earthquake in Jerusalem must have had some effect. More officially, the seal of Rome over the tomb with the sacerdotal aristocracy of the Jews feeling secure that the body would not be stolen, and the Romans officials present must have seemed settled and complete. The pieces of information would have a been conclusively interesting to a somewhat literate population. and that would have been: First, the empty tomb. Peter in Acts 2 gives every evidence of this as proof of the risen Lord. (Remember, Peter was the first Apostle to enter the tomb) Second, and not a minor item, was the change of attitude of the disciples. These squirming, hiding disciples during the crucifixion, now become the bold proclaimers of the risen Christ in the book of Acts. They were so convinced by the evidence and the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus they were willing to die for the message, and they did, in most part, as martyrs of the faith, except for John. </h3>
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We could go on and on with the accounts and tremendous evidences of the literal bodily resurrection of Jesus the Christ. (See any number of apologetic and scholarly works for the last hundred years). However, you as a believer must not let the doubters with shabby criticism deter your faith. Do not let such arguments as the differing timelines of the gospel writers or the different people at various events of the passion week distract you. Secular distortions as the darkness at the crucifixion site being interpreted as some high-altitude, dust-laden windstorm that darkened the sun are preposterous. None of the sirocco winds, common in the desert, would not have lasted three hours as noted by the darkness chronicle. See my sermon below adding to this evidence of a Roman Centurion expressing faith. Also, see sources below.</h3>
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II. DIGGING DEEPER... Evidence and Sources for Believing </h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: There are any number of reasons to believe the sources and evidences for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Often we see and read the accounts and places in our modern context of sequencing of events and don't understand what we perceive as contradictions. When one examines these sources and events through the eyes of a first century oriental mind then they make sense. Just as the Apostle Paul and the other Apostles had to translate and explain to the Greek mind the teachings, the Judaistic doctrines and comparisons, we must compare the sources for the origins of Jesus as Messiah, Lord and Savior. Matthew in his gospel will present Him as King and this, a conclusive measure of our Faith. If we can categorize by topic, the items of interest in the resurrection story, we come away with some new insights and corroboration of the event. Let us consider the following sequence of events:</h3>
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1. <u>The Roman Guards and Seal of the Tomb</u>: The account of the Romans guards sealing the tomb was simply to establish "authority" over the burial site. Archaeologist have found numerous seals of various kinds throughout the Middle East of Roman occupation. Once formally set, strong legal or even the penalty of death could be exercised. This makes sense with the religious leaders raising the speculation that someone might steal the body. These guards were both Roman and part of the Jewish Temple guard who will return to the chief priest to report what had happened at the tomb rather than to Pilate. Matthew 27:65,66 also verses 62-66(Source: FF Bruce) Remember, if a Roman guard member fell asleep, he was beaten and burned with his own clothes. But not only was this one guard executed in time, but the entire twelve or sixteen man guard unit was executed if only <u>one</u> of the members fell asleep while on duty. </h3>
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2. <u>The Large Stone of the Tomb</u>: Who moved the stone? Polybius the Roman historian noted that a "guard" or "watch" consisted of 12 or 16 soldiers, four or more per three hour period. There are records of there being as many as 120 guards after a seal of Rome was placed. The Roman guard would not have been interested in violating such a place or doing anything other than obeying the orders of his superiors. Note that "some of the guards" report to the chief priests.(Matt. 28:11) Whatever the size of this party of guards they could not have moved such a large stone by the accounts of all the sources. The tomb was a new one, hewn out of solid rock. (Matthew 27:60, Mark 15:46) We know in addition to the tomb's description that it was owned by a wealthy member of the Council (Joseph of Arimathea) a leader "...waiting for the kingdom of God."(Luke 23:50-56) This also fulfilled another prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 both in terms of Barabbas('the wicked") and the owner of the tomb Joseph, "the rich").</h3>
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3. <u>The Environment of Secure Religious Leaders and Frightened Disciples</u>: This is not often mentioned, but the efforts of the Roman authorities and the temple guard gave the religious leaders a sense of satisfaction that the tomb would not be molested. That attitude of human hubris and prideful conclusions of ridding themselves of Jesus before all the events had unfolded was evident. The story was not over when the tomb was sealed by men and secured by human government. When the women came early in the morning to complete the final preparation of the body, the stone was moved and the seal broken as the startled women were as the NIV records "wondering;" Two Angels at the tomb according to Luke asked: "<i>..."Why are looking among the dead for someone who is</i> <i>alive?</i>" (NLT) These women went back and reported what they had seen to the disciples, but as verse 11 tells us, <i>"...their words to them </i>(the disciples)<i> seemed like nonsense..." </i>Peter now ran to the tomb and found the strips of linen lying by themselves, giving again mute testimony that the tomb had not been raided or broken into by man. Quit the contrary, God had broken out with a new message of victory and hope for the world. </h3>
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SCHOLARLY SOURCES:</h3>
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1. Apostolic Preaching of the resurrection in Jerusalem: Bible:Acts 2-8.</h3>
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2. Justin: Justin Martyr: <i>Dialogue with Trypho</i>, 108.</h3>
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3. Juda the Gardener: This account from the <i>Toledoth Jeshu</i> appears in the Wagenseil text, the Strassburg Ms., and especially the Vindobona Ms.</h3>
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4. Pilate's Acta: Justin Martyr, <i>Apology</i>, I, XXXV, xlviii.</h3>
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5. Roman Edit On Grave Robbery: F. Cumont, "Un Rescrit Imperial sur la Violation de Sépulture," <i>Revue historique</i>, clxiii (1930), 241-266; and F. de Zulueta, "Violation of Sepulture in Palestine at the Beginning of the Christian Era," <i>Journal of Roman Studies</i>, xxii (1932), 184-197.</h3>
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IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT: A Sermon: <i>When the Roman Centurion</i> <i>Expressed Faith</i>.</h3>
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<u>Text</u>: Matthew 27:45-54</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: The crucifixion of Jesus Christ has stirred the heart and mind of millions over the years. This is why it is called "good news." It is a contrast of reality in that at one point it is overwhelming and at another underwhelming. The only Apostle to witnessed the crucifixion was John. Luke the Physician-Historian simple says in one phrase verse, "...there they crucified him." (Luke 23:33b) When we think of how Jesus found himself on the cross were are amazed. It was an orchestrated process of treachery. His fellow countrymen traded Jesus' life for a known murderer and anarchist, Barabbas. A trusted Apostle, Judas, betrayed him. One of his inner circle, Peter, denied him and all but John deserted him. An illegal court sentenced Him. Roman soldiers then beat Him along with crucifying Him with the authority of Rome.</h3>
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There is a counting going on as well. We have one sinless Lord, two thieves, three crosses, four garments, five wounds as medical experts attest, six hours, and seven statements from Jesus himself. Remarkably, the manner in which he died impressed those who saw it and evoked a response from non other than an expert in crucifixion, the Centurion. We know nothing about this man other than his station in life as a Centurion and his statement: "...Surely He was the son of God." Christian tradition knows him as Longinus, (Marcellus Gallio) in the historical fiction written by Lloyd C. Douglas entitled "The Robe."</h3>
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The Centurion then Exhibits:</h3>
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I. <u>A Level of Faith</u>- He took notice of the death, the seven word of Christ. This Centurion along with his comrades helped by:</h3>
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A. <u>Nailing nails into Jesus' hands and feet</u>. (Crucifixion was cruel and we have archaeological evidence of how this was done.) They watched him die and new by examination that he was dead. (spear in his side and did not break his legs)</h3>
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B. <u>Heard more distinctly the words coming from the mouth of Jesus</u>.</h3>
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Considered thought: Did this faith save him like that of the thief on the cross? We are not told. Besides, as long as Jesus was alive he could set the terms for salvation to fit the circumstances of the heart. See examples in the Gospels. We know that after his death, burial and resurrection, the preaching of the Apostles set the plan of salvation into place from the Lord to show us how to become Christians. (See the book of Acts for conversions of Jews and Gentiles) This amazing event in the life of the Centurion provides us with...</h3>
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II. <u>The World's Greatest Need</u>- It is my human observation, two factors impressed the Centurion: 1.) The reaction to how Jesus died. He had seen many deaths as a Centurion executing the death decree of the state. By his reaction, Jesus died differently than the two thieves beside him, and others he would have experienced in the execution of his job. 2.) Being superstitious by nature, the climactic action of nature must have impressed him. The events we note are: the darkness for three hours in the afternoon, the earthquake, the tearing of the temple curtain between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies that would have made an indelible impression. Matthew tells us that after Jesus' resurrection the tombs were opened and many righteous people when into the Holy City.(Matt. 27:52-53)</h3>
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<u>CONCLUSION</u>: The impressive proclamation of the Centurion to a world of lost people, seeking help and a savior is profound. As we bind the whole series of events around the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Church had a world changing message we call the "Good News." We must faithfully proclaim this message in every hamlet, village and urban environment. People need the Lord today, a risen triumphant Lord and Savior and one who loves every person in every place on this planet. Finally, the spiritual dimension of this is profound. The writer of Hebrews connect it in this way: <i>"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." (Hebrews 2:14-15)</i></h3>
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V. QUOTABLE QUOTES: </h3>
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By <u>Charles Colson</u>: "I know the resurrection is a fact and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Everyone was beaten, tortured, stoned, and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it were not true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world- and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me me 12 Apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible"!</h3>
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Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5572521643867988755.post-8591577835695031702018-02-26T04:19:00.000-08:002018-02-26T04:19:42.713-08:00<h3>
MARCH 2018 EDITION... by Dr. Keith J. Wise</h3>
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INTRODUCTION: March is an interesting month as it appears the third month of the year according to our calendar. Here are some interesting facts about the month of March. Great Britain and her colonies continued to use March as their beginning until 1752. Its birth flower is the Daffodil (Narcissus). The Anglo-Saxons called the month "Hlyd monath" which means Stormy month, or "Hraed monath" which is translated "Rugged month." In the United States March is the National Nutrition Month, National Peanut Month, National Women's History Month, and American Red Cross Month. Four U.S. Presidents were born in the month of March: Andrew Jackson, James Madison, Grover Cleveland and John Tyler.</h3>
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DIGGING DEEPER... A Debate of Alexander Campbell</h3>
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One of the most interesting features of the 19th century was the filling of vacuums concerning educational information. One of the vehicles employed in this venture was the widespread use of public debates. It is now widely accepted that Alexander Campbell was one of the most skilled debaters on the American continent at the time of this phenomena. We will be looking in our March blog at the <u>Walker-Campbell </u>debate and others in the future. There are three generally acclaimed outcomes of Campbell's debates. </h3>
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1. They commanded the attention of the leaders of their day both religiously and politically, especially the intelligentsia of the period. Consequently, later the Robert Owen debate.</h3>
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2. These communication devices strengthened the concept of "truth" and reached both spiritually and nationally as America was seeking her identity in the early years the 19th century. </h3>
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3. They invariably hastened rather than retarded the concept of Christian Union. The innovative concept of being "Christian's Only" was ingrained into the American lexicon. They kindled a new zeal for spiritual discussion and cogent thought concerning Christ and the Church in a Biblical framework.</h3>
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Without a strong focus on details, let me suggest a summary of the Five Public Debates of Alexander Campbell. The first will be the <u>Campbell-Walker Debate</u>.</h3>
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I. <u>The Campbell-Walker Debate</u>- Through a series of letters to Campbell from John Birch, a Baptist preacher in Flat Run, Ohio, there drew a public interest. Birch, who was familiar with Campbell and his Baptist ties, obliged Campbell because of a confrontation which had been brewing between John Birch and John Walker, a Seceder Presbyterian. Considering Campbell's Presbyterian roots, Birch felt it would be accepted by Campbell. Eventually, Alexander Campbell accepted the debate with Birch's insisting and urging. Campbell selected Jacob Matin as his moderator and the rules were set. It was held in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio in June of 1820. The basic topic for the debate was the "subjects of baptism and the mode of baptism." Walker held to a typically Presbyterian Calvinistic argument. He argued that baptism replaced circumcision so infants were fit subjects for baptism. Campbell responded that the only fit subjects for baptism under the New Testament covenant were repentant adults. Campbell argued that children were innocent and original sin was inadequate to explain any New Testament conversions. Attacking the circumcision issue, Campbell noted several points:</h3>
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a) Baptism was done to both men and women; circumcision just to men. </h3>
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b) Baptism has no age specification unless one can hear and believe--circumcision was always done on the eighth day and thus age specific age and purpose.</h3>
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c) Circumcision required only one of Jewish descent-baptism required only faith in obedience to the scripture through repentance. </h3>
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d) Circumcision could be done by parents, relative or civil officials...baptism at this time was seen only to be done by Presbyterian ministers.</h3>
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e) The emblems differed as well...baptism signified a death, burial and resurrection into Christ while circumcision signified the separation of a Jew from all the rest of the human family into the national identity of Israel.</h3>
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f) Pedobaptist, such as the Presbyterians, applied water to the face---Jews didn't circumcise the face... Baptism properly applied would cover the whole person not a specific part of the body.</h3>
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g) Circumcision in and of itself conveys no spiritual blessings but was for Abraham and his descendents; baptism conveys spiritual blessings... in comparison, circumcision did convey temporal blessings and baptism spiritual blessing with eternal consequences.</h3>
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In conclusion, Walker upheld the identity of both covenants and that the old covenant was still binding to the Christian rather than informing the Christian. Campbell challenged that concept maintaining the existence of two distinct covenants. Walker then turned to the "household conversion" argument in Acts of the Philippian jailer. Campbell in detail examined the context of the verses and explained how infants were excluded in such cases. When the debate turned to the mode of baptism, Campbell cited early church fathers and the etymology of the Greek words and this argument ended quickly. </h3>
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Thomas Campbell pronounced the benediction and the debate was over. Campbell initially printed 1,000 copies of the debate which quickly sold out. By 1822, he printed another 3,000 copies and these too, sold quickly. Many commentators since believe this experience taught Campbell the value of putting biblical teaching into print and thus his future editing and printing career. </h3>
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III. DID YOU KNOW? Some quotes of interest and information...</h3>
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1. <u>Sidney Smith</u> a former President of the University of Toronto would often address the graduates with some wise words of wisdom for life. One of his sagely quotes was as follows: "If you choose to work, you will succeed; if you don't, you will undoubtedly fail. If you neglect your work, you will dislike it; but if you do it well, you will enjoy it. If you join little cliques, you will be self-satisfied; if you make friends widely, you will be interesting to others. If you gossip, you will be slandered; if you mind your own business, you will be liked. If you act like a boor, you will be despised; if you act like a human being, you will be respected. If you spurn wisdom, wise people will spurn you; if you seek wisdom, people purpose and meaning will seek you. If you adopt a pose of boredom, you will be a bore; if you show vitality, you will be alive. If you spend your free time playing bridge, you will be a good bridge player; if you spend it in reading, discussing, and thinking of things that matter, you will be an educated person." </h3>
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2. "Of all the deadly sins, the vilest is ingratitude, because the ingrate is both morally blind and spiritually sick. People who constantly take everything they can grab by hook or by crook, are never happy individuals." Dr. Sweet Nicely</h3>
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3. Francis Bacon, the English philosopher of the sixteenth century said: "It is not what men eat, but what they digest, that makes them strong; not what we gain, but what we save, that makes us rich; not what we read, but what we absorb, that makes us learned; not what we preach, but what we practice, that makes us lovable and genuine."</h3>
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IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon for Good Friday (March 30)</h3>
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<u>Title</u>: <u>When God is Finished He is Finished Once for All</u></h3>
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<u>Text</u>: John 19:28-29; also Hebrews 9:26-28 and I Peter 3:18</h3>
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<u>Introduction</u>: There are some tremendous passages that speak to the passion of Christ and the securing of our salvation in payment for sin from the cross. However, none is so powerful than this passage from John 19:28-30. It fits so beautifully with other passages in the Bible that bring us to a heighten understanding that what God finishes, He finishes as a masterpiece of theological and historical truth. The center of this John 9 passage is the Greek word, "Tetelestai." It is so pregnant with power that it requires three English words to express it; "it is finished" or "finished" as some manuscripts translate it. For the students who read this it is found as (Perfect Passive Indicative). Unique to John in its articulation from the other Gospel accounts, they only note that Jesus "gave a great shout." Only John records the word that was shouted, or "Tetelestai." Most study Bibles and Commentaries will tell you, and very correctly, that this was a common word in the Koine culture of the time. It contains a dualism of "inquiry" and "truth" that is not only relevant for this moment in time but is also applicable to the Christian Church's historical faith "once and for all delivered to the saints."</h3>
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"Tetelestai" can be noted in the common language of the day in the following displays of societal interaction. </h3>
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1. To the <u>servant or slave</u> having accomplished his task he often who report to the master, "tetelestai" or finished.</h3>
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2. To the <u>judge</u> in a court of law when justice was served the word to dismissed the proceedings was "tetelestai" or finished.</h3>
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3. To the <u>accountant</u> when the last payment is made on the note, it was stamped "tetelestai" or finished. (Ostraca found in the digs in Athens at the Agora or marketplace, give testimony of this usage.)</h3>
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4. To the <u>artist</u> who completes his artwork with the last brushstroke will say "tetelestai" or finished.</h3>
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5. The <u>priest</u> in the temple who accomplishes all that he could with the worshipper's sacrifice will say "tetelestai" or finished.</h3>
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<u>Conclusion</u>: When Jesus accomplishes the work of the promises made in the Garden of Eden at the fall, combined with his foreknowledge of the "Lamb of God, "slain from the foundation of the world" and shouts "Tetelestai," it is finished. God masterfully accomplished for us in perfect completion this work of universal opportunity for the world.</h3>
Dr. Keith Wisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15096297811138690922noreply@blogger.com0