Reformation celebration

My Church celebrated Reformation Sunday with this bulletin cover......... The cross of Christ was where Jesus paid the sin debt for all that are redeemed by this amazing grace.

There is but one way to salvation and eternal life: By Grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone by way of the cross alone. This is a grace that saves with power by regenerating and bringing to life people who are spiritually dead, and it is a grace that sanctifies and empowers born again believers to desire and willingly follow Jesus Christ. It is a grace that convicts redeemed sinners of their sin and brings about a godly repentance. It is a grace that will inspire and produce good works and discipleship in Christians by the indwelling Spirit of God. It is a grace that produces love and the other fruits of the Spirit. It is a grace that does not fail because the Power of God does not fail. Jesus came full of grace and truth. He did not just come with a little grace, a little truth and a little promise that may or may not change sinners. No, He came full of grace and truth. But most of all He came with POWER to save, change, and sanctify sinners to be conformed to himself and be disciples of Christ! In His own words He said, "Mt. 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Brethren we are living in an age where these truths are being denied by many who claim to be Christians. Some deny faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ for the sins of believers and we are being attacked for our stand and belief in Christ and him crucified. Others of the so-called Free Grace theology routinely attack us for doing exactly what Jesus commanded us to do in the above passage. They claim we are adding works to justification when we teach and proclaim that people should observe all that Jesus commanded. All that Jesus commanded most certainly involves good works. Yet if we even mention good works or committing our lives to Christian service, they claim the gospel is under siege. How dare we mention repentance in a gospel presentation as they claim repentance is a work and not necessary for salvation.

Fellow believers, we must not be intimidated by these attacks and our charge is to encourage sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. We may err from time to time and be over zealous, but to err by tolerating the error of those who have orthodox Christianity in their cross hairs is unacceptable. We simply must stand for sound doctrine!

The doctrine in Hymns – “A Mighty Fortress is our God” (verse 4)

Verse 4, #1 That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

God created the universe from the power of his word from nothing. His Word stands and all that he ordains to occur does occur. While He works his will of decree through the free will of sinful man, He will if necessary overrule the choice of man in order that the plan he has ordained will be accomplished. Nothing physical or spiritual can thwart his purpose. This is a great comfort to all that believe and trust in this truth.

Isaiah 46:8-10 “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, (9) remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, (10) declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’

Verse 4, #2 The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:

God has given the gift of eternal life to those he has chosen to receive the gifts of grace, faith, and repentance. Through this divine mercy and love God also sends his Spirit to indwell in them. From the indwelling Spirit we receive the fruit of the Spirit that includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We need nothing else on our side.

Romans 8:9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Verse 4, #3 Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

In comparison to faithfully following and loving Christ, the things of this world, a Christian’s own family, and even life itself is counted as nothing. In short, faithfulness to serving Christ comes before possessions, family, and life itself. Paul in Philippians 3:8 said, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”

1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Romans 8:2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Luke 9:61-62 Yet another said, “I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.” (62) Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Verse 4, #4 The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still, His kingdom is forever.

Satan and the forces of evil under his control may be allowed to kill our bodies, but God’s truth and his chosen people will be forever secure in His eternal kingdom. Praise God for this truth of comfort and peace. The joy this brings Christians has baffled unbelievers for two thousand years and it continues to do so today.

Romans 8:36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
2 Peter 1:11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The doctrine in Hymns - "A Mighty Fortress is our God" (verse 3)

Verse 3, #1: And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

The love of the temporal things of this world is promoted and used by Satan to harm and destroy mankind. Satan uses these worldly desires to destroy and harm as many people as he can. The sin and evil that results from the lust for power, money, success, sex, fame, etc. can destroy the physical body, and also destroy the soul. This threat is real and one that Christians should be on guard against.

James 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Luke 22:31-32 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, (32) but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”

Verse 3, #2: We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

God has ordained that His truth will win the ultimate victory and all of his elect will be saved. None will be lost and mortal man need not be feared as he has no power over our eternal destination.

Hebrews 13:6 So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?”
John 8:32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Verse 3. #3: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

With the full armor of God in place we need not fear the prince of this world.

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Verse 3, #4: His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him.

Since we know that Satan is doomed for the lake of fire, we can endure in the sure hope that the victory belongs to the Kingdom of God. Christians can be secure in God’s Word.

Rev. 20:10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The doctrine in Hymns - "A Mighty Fortress is our God" (verse 2)

Verse 2, #1: Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Sinners cannot save themselves by good works and deeds. We are born with a fallen sinful nature and are unable to meet the perfect standard of righteousness that God requires for justification. Therefore, anyone relying on being declared righteous on the basis of their own strength and effort will be unsuccessful. The only way to salvation is through Jesus Christ and the cross by faith.

Galatians 2:16 yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Verse 2, #2: Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

The nation of Israel is promised a redeemer is throughout the Old Testament. This redeemer was foretold to be God’s chosen one the savior and Messiah of the world.

Isaiah 54:5 For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called.John 17:25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me.

Verse 2, #3: Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Paul went about proclaiming to the Jews that the Messiah spoken about in the Old Testament was in fact Jesus Christ. Still to this day many if not most of the Jewish people do not accept the fact Jesus is the Messiah and the savior of the world.

Acts 17:3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.”

Verse 2, #4: Lord Sabbath, His Name, from age to age the same,And He must win the battle.

Jesus Christ the eternal son of God is unchanging and his days will never end. The battle has already been decided as Satan is doomed to be thrown into lake of fire for all eternity. Jesus Christ and his church will prevail as Scripture makes clear.

Matthew 12:8 For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”
John 1:1-2 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God.
Matthew 16:18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The doctrine in Hymns – “A Mighty Fortress is our God” (verse 1)

Verse 1, #1: A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

God is a mighty fortress. This is a fortress that is totally secure from all hazards and dangers. The word mighty just scratches the surface of the security and certainty that the fortress of God provides to those he has redeemed. His bulwark provides the ultimate spiritual security in that it never fails.

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Verse 1, #2: Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

He is our helper and though our worldly problems may be many, we need not fear for evil doers can not harm us spiritually and apart from his will they cannot harm us physically either. His grace will be with us as we pass through death to the peace and joy of eternal life.

Hebrews 13:6So we can confidently say,“The Lord is my helper;I will not fear;what can man do to me?”

Verse 1, #3: For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

Satan, is working to full time to deceive, manipulate, disrupt, and promote greed, malice, lying, cheating, stealing, murder and all kinds of chaos on the human race. His lies are just as effective and luring as ever as many in our secular culture are eagerly willingly duped by his temptations. Even Christians should be watchful and discerning when it comes to the schemes of the prince of darkness.

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Verse 1, #4: His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his equal.

Evil doers are backed by the power of satan and armed with hate they are a force to be reckoned with in our fallen world.

Eph. 6:11-12 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The Evolution myth

Job 37:22-24
Out of the north comes golden splendor; God is clothed with awesome majesty. The Almighty—we cannot find him; he is great in power; justice and abundant righteousness he will not violate.Therefore men fear him; he does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit.”

Last Dollar Road near Telluride, Colorado displays the awesome majesty of God all year round. However, in September when the aspen leaves display their golden splendor, the human heart cannot help but leap with joy, wonder, and praise for God’s wonderful and magnificent creation.

The evolutionists are wise in their own eyes, but they do not see. They have become blinded by their own conceit and are arrogant and intolerant. Paul says, Romans 1:20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So, they are without excuse. Science has allowed mankind to continue to discover the absolutely amazing intricacies of God’s creation. Science is not anti-God, but in fact shines a light on the wonder of his creation. Many scientists from the past such as Isaac Newton and present acknowledge that intelligent design is behind the entire universe, which includes planet earth.

Yet atheistic evolutionists aggressively impugn and mock, as religious fundamentalists fanatics, anyone who does not buy into the Darwin myth. However, until they can answer the following question that was posed in the preceding post, they are the ones dealing in pure fantasy:

Where did all the stuff come from?
(also see previous post)

Christians should in no way be intimidated by anyone claiming a godless universe until they can answer this question.

Where did the stuff come from?

CHOICE 1:
The Bible begins with…. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Christians believe that an eternal God existing outside of time and space created the universe and everything in it. A supreme being (God) with unlimited power and knowledge is the cause of everything.

CHOICE 2:
There is no supreme being and universe began with a big bang and everything that is simply evolved from this big bang event.

Evolution proponents make fun of anyone who even suggests that both animal and plant life on planet earth are the result of intelligent design. Unscientific they claim. They claim to have the proof in fossil records. They can carry you back for billions of years and make a case that time is all that is needed to explain all life on planet earth. However, they never want to go back any further than the big bang.

The big bang happened when a massive amount of matter/energy exploded setting an evolving universe into motion. Science has indeed through scientific methods discovered a lot of truth about the motion and physics of the universe. This is fascinating to consider, but when atheists claim that there is no supreme being (God) that created the universe, I must ask them the following question:

Where did the stuff come from?

If there ever were absolutely nothing, then there would still be absolutely nothing. Therefore, since there is something, then something must have always been. Something must be self-existent and eternal. The one choice is unintelligent matter/energy and the other choice is a supreme being (God). Both choices are hard for the human mind to understand. However, the choice that unintelligent matter/energy has always existed is nonsense.

Therefore, I invite all atheists, who are brilliant in taking us back to the big bang, to stop by and take us all the way back and tell us…………..

Where did the stuff of the big bang come from?

Until they can answer this, they have no foundation to stand on! They are asking us to believe in a theory that has a foundation of nonsense.

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The super duper Great Society!

The Jazzycat Institute for Guilt Free Mental Health is proud to announce the formation of the Jazzycat Institute for Advanced Governmental Resources Allocation. We are calling our new Institute JIAGRA for short. JIAGRA is the brain child of the liberal leaning partners of the Jazzycat Institute for Guilt Free Mental Health. Go to Best of Jazzycat in the right sidebar and click on Jazzycat Carbon Credits for more information on this mental health think tank.

After intensive study, the liberal partners determined that mental health was only part of what the whole person needed to cope in this post-modern secular culture. What good is mental health if a person does not have physical well-being as well? JIAGRA is the result of inspiration received when presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s idea for free health insurance and $5000.00 for every child born in the United States became news. JIAGRA simply took the Clinton idea to the next level. Thus, JIAGRA sought to devise ways that work, responsibility, effort, and the boring burdens of having to provide for oneself could be removed in our lifetime for the loyal activist special interest groups that have, for decades, faithfully petitioned for ever increasing government aid. We think good mental health would result from government provided benefits such as food, shelter, health care, personal transportation, and spending money and that the time has come when this brave new world can be implemented. Although the abilities and efforts of our citizens cannot be made equal, we can certainly insure that their outcomes can be equalized. After all, slothfulness should not sentence a person to a life of reduced prosperity.

JIAGRA’s ultimate goal is to make every day like a day at Disney World for every citizen. While many of the troublesome details have not been worked out, the following is the basic plan that has been inspired by the Clinton democratic party philosophy of a government that cares:

(1) One hundred thousand dollars for every child born in America.

(2) Children will become eligible to decide in the second grade whether or not they want to pursue a career in the work force or simply retire to a guarantee of all of the benefits previously mentioned.

Note: The second grade was chosen because of the following statement by John Edwards in a Democrat debate: “I don’t want to make that decision on behalf of my children,” he said. “I want my children to be able to make that decision on behalf of themselves, and I want them to be exposed to all the information, even in — did you say second grade?” While not talking about early retirement, the concept of 2nd graders making their own decisions was firmly established by this comment.

(3) Second graders that opt for retirement will only have to participate in the school activities of their choosing and no performance judgments such as grades will be allowed during their school career. While they will be free to come and go as they please during academic classes, they will be required to attend government approved films and assembly programs to enhance their socialization and multi-culture sensitivity.

(4) Second graders who choose to pursue selfish goals of achievement through learning will be allowed to take English, math, history, and science courses rather than music, film appreciation, conflict resolution, and tolerance appreciation. These ambitious and motivated students will someday serve the state by providing the necessary services in the fields of engineering, business, medicine, science, etc. However, the state will have to monitor these people very carefully because they have historically had many undesirable traits. History has shown them to be greedy, tax evading, goal setting, highly focused people that are intolerant of diversity and judgmental of alternative unproductive life styles. Their efforts are necessary for the state, but they must not be allowed to think that their hard work and productivity merits them any greater rewards or worth than those that choose retirement in the second grade.

How will this innovative plan be paid for? Creative taxation and requests for assistance from the U.N. will be the key to providing the funding for this bold new plan that insures fairness for all. Indeed this new plan has brought so much excitement to liberals everywhere that JIAGRA has named it the “super duper great society.”

WARNING: If you have high blood pressure, take heart medication and listen to Rush Limbaugh, please refrain from reading the fine print of this JIAGRA plan.

Politically correct FOLLY

Proverbs 16:22 Good sense is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.

Oak Lawn Schools May Cancel Holiday Traditions
School District To Discuss Possible Cancellation Or Renaming Of Holiday Celebrations

CBS) OAK LAWN, Ill. A southwest suburban school district has taken action, responding to the concerns of a parent who is Arab-American …………………………….. But now, as CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports, other parents are angry that traditional school holidays will be renamed or even eliminated. …………………….. For now, children in Ridgeland School District 122 will celebrate fall festival instead of Halloween and winter festival instead of Christmas.

Let’s see if I have this right. The concerns of an Arab-American trumps 200 years of American Christian tradition and the rights of Americans that have been born here or assimilated into American culture! If this is the way this school district is being managed, it makes one wonder what is being taught. Actually, I think I have a pretty good idea.

Any thoughts?