What The Bible Says

Penny Pulpit Index Table of Contents for Year 2007

Published in Loving Memory of Dresden's Grandest Bible Student, Betty Smalley, gone home Jul 2005

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

What the Bible Says 2006 What the Bible Says 2005

Sunday Message on MP3 Index

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Rice
Msg#701 For Week #01, Jan 01 2007

Looking Back

If there is anything we learn from history it is that we don't learn anything from history. King and Scholar Solomon said it well when he pronounced that 'There is nothing new under the sun.' As we stand on the last day of a year and look back on life, I hope we can disprove the former and project upon the latter of these statements. Learn some lessons from the year gone by, and understand that you are not the first person down this road of life. That's why we purpose to be followers, .. followers of Christ,.. Christians.

Having just come through a marvelous time of celebrating the birth of our Lord I am drawn to consider what happened next. Luke chapter 2 was read by Bible believing Christians across the world on Christmas day, but we often stop short of it's 52 verses in marveling about Christ's first advent. That last verse of transition between the Christ's childhood and his public ministry states that “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” (Luke 2:52) When we look back on the year gone by I wonder how much growth we can find in these four areas.

Jesus increased in wisdom. At this writing I am in my early fifties and in pursuit of my 4^th college degree. I cannot remember a year when I was not enrolled in some college extension course or other, except this one. I'm not saying pursuing college is the only way of increasing in knowledge and wisdom but it is a measurable one. What measurable means of Bible study are you engaged in to grow in wisdom as Jesus did? Your Bible believing Baptist Church will have a Bible institute that you can enroll in. Get enrolled.

Jesus increased in stature. The average American is 30 pounds overweight, making them obese. It's not the chemical laden sodas, nor the processed sugars, nor the host of unpronounceable ingredients in our diets to blame, it is our lack of discipline and temperance. I know I should eliminate those three things from my diet but I don't have the discipline for it. Temperance is an interesting word. It is one of the 9 fruits of the Spirit of God that is to increase in us and it is enacted when your mind and spirit tells your body 'NO' to something that it wants. We are obese because we have more unpronounceable chemicals in us than we have temperance. Did you meet some physical milestones this last year? Increase in physical stature and endurance, Jesus did.

Jesus increased in favour with God. One of Paul's prayers for the saints at Colossee and Ephesus was that they grow in the knowledge of God and his will. If you have more than 5 close and personal friends in this world your above normal. Friends are two that spend time together shareing anything in their lives without thinking less of the other. Abraham and Moses were friends of God. This last year were you friends with God?

Jesus increased in favour with man. What kind of social life did you have in this last year? As a Christian you are commanded to be the salt of the earth and the light in the darkness. You can't do that locked away in tight little circles. When is the last time the light of your Christian testimony shined on someone lost in the darkness?

This year when you are tempted to 'let old acquaintance be forgot' take some lessons on life to heart first. What would Jesus do? Increase.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
599 Words For Week #01, Jan 01, 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#702 For Jan 07 2007, A Christian's New Year Start

The Bible says “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor 5:17) The question that looms before man because he is already proven to be more than an evolved animal is “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The Christian has found the answer to that question in the salvation experience described in the Holy Bible. The answer there is also contained in our label that you must be 'IN CHRIST' Now the Holy Bible goes on to describe characteristics that show up in a person if they are truly Christian, and this verse is a key indicator of the internal changes that one finds in himself if that be true. As we step out into each new year it is always wise to examine ourself, to insure that we are 'IN CHRIST' and then evaluate ourself to find old things passing away and all things becoming new.

The 'Church' itself has become an enemy of the first examination, so it would behoove you to go straight to the word of the Apostles. Check out Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul and Peter on 'Getting In Christ'. Therein you must, Be converted to enter into Christ in Matt 18:3; Repent and believe in Mark 1:15; Repent or perish in Luke 13:3; Be born again by belief in John 3:16-18,36, 1John 5:12-13; Believe and call upon Christ in Romans 10:9-10,13; and Be begotten by the resurrected Christ in 1Pet 1:3-5, 2Pet 1:1-4. There are no sacraments, works, penance, baptisms, memberships nor confirmation classes in the marvelous Gospel of Jesus Christ. Are you 'IN CHRIST' today? It is hard to act Christian. Most don't 'act' that well anyway. It is easy to be Christian. Stop the act and get 'In Christ.'

Now, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The English language would be well served if it maintained it's accuracy (i.e. not modernized) and contained an Aorist tense. Such a tense would be a combination of past tense, when a verb started it's action, present tense, when a verb is currently acting, and future tense, guaranteeing that the action would continue on and on. Such would be the verb in this verse 'are passed away'. In this new year, for a real Christian, we can look back and see some vices, habits, attitudes and sins that passed away last year, and some that need to pass this year. In this new year, for a real Christian, we can look back and see some studies, habits, attitudes and virtues that became new last year, and some that need to be added this year. This is a growth check, don't shrink from it. It was Peter that said “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Be Christian and have a 'fruitful' new year.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
552 Words For Week #02, Jan 07, 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#703 For Jan 14 2007, A Church Vision Statement

When I worked in the business world it was wise and required to devise a mission statement, a vision statement, and a set of goals that would move one toward them. As a Pastor I have often revisited this wisdom for both our Church and for individual lives and rejoiced in the fact that God has already written our mission statement, our vision statement and our goals. The matter in question is; do you trust God's written word, or prefer the man made mission plans for your life and Church? God requires that you trust in Him and He promises “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.” (Jer 17:7) He also says, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jer 17:5)

God's Holy Word, when you believe it, and when you study it, gives a clear plan and purpose to His Church, which man of late tries to call a “Faith Based Initiative.” In the business world, a mission statement answers, what is my mission? i.e. What do we do? How do we do it? For whom do we do it? A vision statement contains what you ultimately envision for your mission or business. And your goals and action plans guide your daily, weekly and monthly actions. Jesus Christ told his Church “ All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.“ (Matt 28:18-20) This three part commission is the Churches mission statement. It is very specific and sequential. You don't add to your number (baptize) unbelievers, you preach the gospel to them. You don't teach the world to observe Christian morals, you teach that to your born again, baptized members, as you preach the saving gospel of Christ to the world and the worldly. God's mission statement does not align well with the man made pluralistic one used in our mega and modernist churches. One is blessed, one is cursed, who are you going to trust? His vision statements includes only two Church offices, a Bishop-Pastor held by a husband who is apt to teach and rules his house well, and Deacons who are husbands which are grave, and rule their houses well (1Tim 3). Modernist churches don't like His mission statement and can't stand his vision statements. They never even get to his goals and action plans.

Even as God has missions, visions and action plans for His Church, He has them for his individual believers as well. Your mission statement starts with “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Your vision statement, written by God, goes on to contain what He envisions for your walk and life. His action plans contain direction for your days, weeks, and months. The action plan includes, by the way, that you be assembled with other believers (Heb 10:25) on the first day of every week (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2 ), under the authority of a Bible believing Pastor (Heb 13:17). You should trust his statements. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD.”

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
598 Words For Week #03, Jan 14, 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#704 For Jan 21 2007, A Personal Vision Statement

When I was in the military we had a personal 5 year plan and 1 year plan, looking at where we expected our personal goals and decisions to take us. As a Christian it is wise to have a 1 year plan, a 5 year plan and a 1000 year plan. The mission statement for a Christian is most succinctly stated by Christ as “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Jesus also detailed a vision statement for each believer in what is truly the 'Lord's Prayer' of John 17. There he states “ And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ... For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. ... I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” (John 17:3,8-11) Would that you and I, as Christians, had this as our primary drive and motivation. To know and be one with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. The apostle Paul is a fervent example of this priority. His tremendous vitality as a soul winner, a preacher of the gospel, and outgoing witness was not drummed up by a motivational speaker or by maintaining a 'seeker sensitive' mentality. No! Liberals like Hybels and Warren and their purpose driven vision have gutted evangelical Christianity of truth and doctrine of Christ. Paul built his dynamic vitality around this one thing in Christ's prayer for his believers, to 'know' Christ. As Paul states it: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.” (Phil 3:8-11) Knowing Christ, not with a head knowledge but with an intimate personal daily relationship, is the vision statement that will fulfill our mission statement. Striving to know His Love, His Compassion, His Holiness in an intimate daily walk with Him should be at our core. Pursuing His prayer life and knowing the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death, so that 'I die daily' that is the 7 fold vision statement Paul had and that Christ wrote down for us. Don't let some shallow motivational speaker write your life's mission statement or vision statement, trust the one that Christ wrote for you. Put away Hybel's book and pick up His. It is the core of a true believer. Be purpose driven to know Him and you can fulfill His mission for your life “Ye shall be witnesses unto me.”

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
592 Words For Week #04, Jan 21, 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#705 For Jan 28 2007, A Hard Look at Sin

The Great Awakening was needed in the mid 1700s and it came as a result of hellfire and brimstone preaching of the Word of God. We need to see a Great Awakening again in America. The first came 150 years after the Word of God, the Holy Bible was released from the bondage and burden of the repressive Catholic monastery and openly printed and distributed. Prior you could have been jailed for reading a Bible in public. It had been locked away in a vulgar Latin translation, not legal for distribution to the common man for 1300 years. William Tyndale made its availability in English his life's prayer and his his life's work and it cost him his life. A Great awakening today would come after the Word of God, the Holy Bible has been locked away from our society by the ACLU for a mere 47 years. To think that in a free and open and now pluralistic society the Bible could be banished from every classroom and federal building is atrocious. I t points to mankind's utter despise and rebellion towards the God that created him. It should astound thinking people that the Bible is out and the Koran is in. The one teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and the other the aggressive intolerance of an Arabic religion. The one the foundation stone of our founding and freedom, the other the foundation stone of our demise and 9/11 destruction. A religion that promotes the overthrow of our free government and the installation of a totalitarian Islamic state is the fastest growing religion in America. It is high time for Armerica to bring out some of the hell fire and brimstone preaching of the Word of God and pursue a new Great Awakening.

In 1741 Jonathan Edwards preached on the text “Their foot shall slide in due time.” Deut 32:35. America is standing on very slippery ground, and 'due time' is as likely now as it was then. He concludes that fitting and famous message:

“Now undoubtedly it is, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, the axe is in an extraordinary manner laid at the root of the trees, that every tree which brings not forth good fruit, may be hewn down and cast into the fire.

“Therefore, let every one that is out of Christ, now awake and fly from the wrath to come. The wrath of Almighty God is now undoubtedly hanging over a great part of this congregation. Let every one fly out of Sodom: "Haste and escape for your lives, look not behind you, escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed."

That mountain is the rock cut out without hands, the Lord Jesus Christ. Man's rebellion against his creator is strongly evidenced in America, their turn to false religion, their promotion of acceptable sodomy, rebellion against proper order in home and marriage, even trying now to outlaw the spanking of a child, believing it takes a village to raise a child and not just a father and a mother in a home. We live in slippery immoral times. The Word of God is legally banished from our children and our children's children. You should step out of the slippery slime and stand on the Rock, Christ Jesus.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
550 Words For Week #05, Jan 28, 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#706 For Feb 04 2007, It Takes a Woman in the Home

For those who believe the Bible, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, accept Him as Lord and Saviour of their soul, and are called Christian, the dictates of God put us at odds with 'political correctness'. Nowhere is that more striking than when I report that God made woman for a different purpose than His created male of the species. With a power hungry woman seeking our most prominent national leadership position this dialog will doubtless come to a forefront this year. The Bible says in Gen 2:15-25 and throughout, that God created the female our our species to be the appropriate helper to the male, not the leader for the male. The Bible reaffirms in 1 Tim 2 & 3, and throughout, that the role of the woman in His Church, “which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth,” is to be one of submission and subjection , not one of leadership and domination. The Bible reaffirms in Eph 5, and throughout, that the role of the woman in the child rearing home, where the husband(male) and the wife(female) are to know each other glorify each other, and be made one flesh with each other, is to be one of subjection and submission to the leadership of the husband, even as Christ is to be the leader in and over the Church. It is undeniable, Bible! It is included in all the precepts about the fall of man. It is included in the curse of Gen 3:16 that emphasizes, even demands, this ordering of the sexes.

The modernists who do not believe the Bible must ignore and soft peddle its dictates as they install their women bishops and feminize the Church. So to we have feminized our news broadcast, and now our Senate. Satan's desire is that we belittle God's word, God's purpose, and God's dictates and now feminize the whole lump. It worked out so well for him in the garden of Eden that way. (1Tim 2:13-15)

My purpose in writing this brief outline of God's dictates about the role of women is not political, national or even ecclesiastical. It is that your marriage and home may be a taste of paradise here on the earth. It will bot be such outside of God's order. If any part of God's order of the sexes herein outlined raises the hackles of your nature, you need a new nature, a Godly nature, born inside of you. If your not a born again Christian you will have a natural rebellion against God's ways of ordering things. Strangely enough your rebellion against your Creator will make you intolerant towards Christians who want to order their lives after God's Word, who want to spank their children , as He commands, and who call sodomy sin, as He does. Intolerance towards Christians is the only intolerance that is politically correct these days.

It is doubtless the more challenging task, and doubtless the more rewarding, for a wife to be submissive to her husband. It is also the most rebelled against in our society. If you will order your home after God's order of the sexes, he has promised to bless you, to make your way prosperous and to bring you good success (Josh 1:8) May you decide to do it His way in your home. If we can get enough homes doing it His way, it may change America's pulpits to the proper gender, and even be seen in the voting booths of America. Jesus said his kingdom was likened to a little leaven that can leaven the whole lump.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
608 Words For Week #06, Feb 4 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

Four ways to tactfully ignore this message:

1. For the next week or two over play your role as the submissive wife, forcing the husband to make all and every decision for the home.

2. Slide your manipulating domineering attitude and tactics a little further underground for a couple weeks till this passes. Then you can get them back out.

3. Avoid making an overt surrender of your rebellion to the Lord Jesus Christ who demanded your submission

4. Silently maintain that the Bible is just old fashioned in this regard and you must stay in control of your home because of your inept husband. Pretend that God will understand your disobedience.

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#707 For Feb 11 2007, It Takes Man in a Home

Jesus' prayer for those who believe on him is recorded in John 17. It details what Christ desired for his followers and I have extracted and highlighted four of these desires as guide stones towards Christian Joy. “And this is life eternal, that they may know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. ... All mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. ... that they may be one as we are. ... That they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.”

Valentines day is not a Christian holiday. It marks the calendar of the 14^th of February but for one reason, that is to remind the incorrigible and coarse husband to be a tender and compassionate romantic towards the one who surrendered the flower of her youth to appropriate herself his help meet in life. I know no man that needs no such reminder, though I know some who don't properly take advantage of it. As one would expect the effectual recipe for Christian joy, given by the Lord Jesus Christ in his prayer for his saints, is an excellent fit in our quest of marital joy. Throughout the bible God likens our relationship with him to the marital relationship between a husband and wife. Consequently the guide for our rightful, growing, and joyous relationship with the Lord is a good guide for a rightful, growing, joyful relationship in our marriage.

Lets look at the four ingredients. First that I might know my wife. This “knowing “ in the Bible is descript of the most intimate of a physical relationships, and the most intimate of a mental relationships, and the most intimate of an emotional relationships. Knowing God is to be far deeper than a head knowledge or theology. So too is knowing our wives. The Bible commands husbands to “dwell with them according to knowledge.” (1Pet 3:7) Use Valentines day to mark how much you have known your wife in this last year and map out how you will improve in that quest in the year before you.

Jesus said “I am glorified in them.” A marriage that tries to proportion on a 50-50 basis is duped and doomed. Such proportioning speaks of division and not union. In 1970 as a teen, I worked in the Polly-O Cheese plant with coarse unsaved men. To this day I remember how crude a form and vulgar a mouth they often spoke of their wives. The vile mud they slung at these wives was smeared on their own face. I purposed then toward my fiancée that I would ever glorify my wife; even as I was to ever glorify my Lord and Saviour. This knowing, glorifying, and unifying of two into one flesh is the interweaving of a three fold cord “that is not quickly broken” (Eccl 4) In America our homes are more like a frayed knot than a three fold cord, and half of them are coming unfrayed with child destroying ugly divorce as their consequence. On Valentines I am reminded that my marriage needs help, and your marriage needs help. Let Him be your help. Happy Valentines Day.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
532 Words For Week #07, Feb 11 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#708 For Feb 18 2007, Pursuit of Wisdom

In a dream God told Solomon “Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.“ (1Kings 3:12) Three thousand years later, there is still none wiser than he. The Bible says “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.“ (1Kings 4:29-30) Of the 3,000 proverbs of Solomon we have 1,000 recorded in the Bible. In them Solomon marvelously describes how to pursue after God's wisdom for yourself. Therein you would find that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

In his second book, Ecclesiastes, Solomon starts a new tact in chapter 7. Consider the wisdom of the advice “The day of death (is better) than the day of one's birth.” and this new tact shows Solomon's pursuit of wisdom, in answer to ones purpose in life. Diligently pursuing purpose under the sun is here called the “sore travail (that God has given) to the son's of men to be exercised therewith.” Ecclesiastes is Solomon's rational in that pursuit, when undertaken without using the revelation of God. It gives interesting perspective into a humanist mind.

The subtle change in philosophical direction is marked by his ended quest for the works of man to be full filling. Instead he found all such works to be a “vexation of spirit”. In his introduction Solomon said that he would travail, in wisdom, but without God he would find all works to be a vexation of spirit, (1:14) then, without God, he would find all wisdom to be vexation of spirit (1:17) Up to this point Solomon has shown that all manner of works is vexation of his pursuit. (2:11, 17, 26, 4:4, 16) Then in chapter six, all materialism, whether successful or not, was shown to be vexation of spirit. Now he is approaching his second tact which is stated in 1:17 “And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit.” So consider that on this new approach to the quest before us, Solomon considers not the good name, nor the day of one's birth, but the day of death as the wise teacher. In your mind, go to your funeral, and recognize that “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:“ (Heb9:27) Don't be foolish with your soul. Solomon's father taught him “Be wise now therefore,... Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.“ (Psalms 2:10-12)

The Apostle James says if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, nothing wavering, asking in faith. Outside of God, you will not find wisdom. You might even fall for the line that the bald eagle evolved from a lizard. There is no wisdom there, but that is all you can get in our government school systems. Solomon has been banned and America is in a mess. Get your children reading the banned book, the Holy Bible, do it for their souls sake. May America wisely come back to Jehovah God.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
585 Words For Week #08, Feb 18 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#709 For Feb 25 2007, Faithfulness in the Home

The Christian home is the mainstay of stable society and it's core basis is fidelity. The wisdom of Solomon puts it this way “Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well. ... Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth.“ (Proverbs 5:15,18) This fidelity is called for in the vows exchanged on the wedding day, where the love, the security, and the significance are promised before God till death do part. These vows are violated in the marriages that entertain or pursue divorce. And such violation not only destroys a marriage union, it destroys a home, it destroys the security of children. God's plan for marriage is serious and blessing is promised to those who will make it work, cursing to those who would separate. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Mark 10:9) Those in our society who try for security without marriage vows rub their own errant ideas into the face of God and their home will not have His blessing. When a couple marry they grasp a security in their relationship that is necessary to the human heart. Such security is mirrored in the words of Christ when he says to born again believers,”I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” (Heb 13:5) He would not break that vow to us, nor should you break yours to your spouse. It brings a needed security to a marriage, a home and to its children.

A husband is commanded to love his wife as Christ loved the church. This love is not a gushy way of feeling, it is a selfless caring for the well being of another. Three things emphasized by the Lord Jesus Christ, can help secure a love that could last till death do part. Faithfulness, forgiveness, and good communication. The first of these is addressed directly in your marriage vows. The other two are key to keeping the first active. An important part of being 'one flesh' is the act of forgiveness. When an act or word in your marriage holds grudge or unforgiveness it divides. Division is directly opposed to the bonding involved in being one flesh, one mind, one spirit. Holding a hurt that will be brought up again in a later fight, is by definition, unforgiveness. Jesus said “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt 6:14-15) A forgiving heart is inherently Christian. Unforgiveness is a problem in life, and a real problem in marriages.

Good communication is a delightful challenge for marriages. Again, the 'art' of becoming one flesh, one mind, one spirit, will only culminate with good communications. I recently read, that a man is alloted a thousand words per day and the woman twenty thousand. I am sure that was based on observation not research. But it is normal for a man to get home from work with only two words left in his allocation, “Where's supper?” as his precious wife only used only a thousand words and that on a three year old! Good communication will be a challenge in your home. Take the challenge, purpose to be faithful, forgiving and a good communicator in your marriage. It can be a taste of paradise here on earth, and last till death do part. May God bless your home.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
583 Words For Week #09, Feb 25 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#710 For Mar 04 2007, Essentials of Marriage, Forgiveness

In defining the institution of marriage the Bible is specific about some attributes and subtle with others. Forgiveness is a marital essential that the Bible ties directly to our Christianity, but does not attach directly to it's discourse on marriage. Anyone who has been married for any length of time knows how essential forgiveness is. Anyone who has seen their marriage crumble and fail could give a testimonial about an absence of forgiveness. The Bible gives a command to forgive, a method for forgiveness, and an imperative to forgive. It says “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Eph 4:32 ) God gives us example of supreme forgiveness and says in the Old Testament book of Jeremiah “ ... for they shall all know me, ..., saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer 31:34) The hardest part of your forgiveness will be to 'remember their sin no more'. That is the part of divine forgiveness which we often lack. After a time, when we get into a marital fight we bring up a trespass that was long ago 'forgiven and forgotten.' But it wasn't, if we bring it up again in a later conversation or fight. Look at what Christ taught about our shallow forgiveness methods, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt 6:14-15) Complete forgiveness will be challenging to your old nature. If your born again God gives you a new nature wherein you can do all things through Jesus Christ our Lord, ... Even completely forgive.

For your marriage, for your family, examine these four excellent steps to forgiveness.

1. Choose with your free will to forgive. Forgive consciencely and on purpose.

2. Make the promise to lift the burden of guilt from the person as far as the wrong against you is concerned. Remember the person's sin no more - never mentioning it again to the person, to others, or to yourself, even by innuendo.

3. Seal your forgiveness with your behavior, demonstrating love in suitable ways with tenderhearted kindness, and doing what the Bible shows you to be right in the situation.

4. Trust God to allow you to forget and to renew your mind with new attitudes.

What happens when you will not forgive?

1. If you hold on to your resentments, they will turn to bitterness. As a result, your life will be poisoned, and others lives, too “Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;” (Heb 12:15)

2. By refusing to release the burden of the other person's wrong against you and choosing to carry that burden yourself, you will become crippled in the living of your life. “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: (Heb 12:13-14)

3. If your are not willing to forgive, (and forget), there is no way you can expect to walk in personal fellowship with God. “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. “ (Matt 18:35)

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
591 Words For Week #10, Mar 04 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#711 For Mar 11 2007,

The Bible instructs husbands “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1Pe 3:7) We live in a society that rejects the Word of God because of their rebellion, their ignorance or both. If the Bible says we are to put away murderous sin with capital punishment their will be a vocal group that will rebel against it. If the Bible says that the rod of reproof is necessary in correcting our children there will be a group of PH-Something pushing to make it illegal. Or perhaps some name grabber saying instead that “It takes a village”. Even if the Bible says a husband and wife shall be one flesh and form a new permanent, till death do us part home where children should be reared in admonition and truth, TV fools raise their ugly head and say Adam and Steve, or Rosie and Bertha can do just as well. These are mans rebellions against their creator's order. Jehovah God gave an instruction book for life, and man has been in rebellion of it for 6 thousand years now. This is not new.

Those who believe the Bible believe it was written by an all knowing God who knew what would be in the heart of man in the twenty first century. Believe in the sufficiency of the Word of God for today, and in its sufficiency for our marriages. The challenge here, for husbands, is in dwelling with our wife according to knowledge. That depends on our weakest asset, communication! Check out your “dwelling according to knowledge” with these 5 characteristics of good communications. 1) Both husband and wife feel a freedom to express themselves and to be themselves. Acceptance or rejection sends one of the most powerful messages know to humans. 2) You have learned to listen with your ears and your hearts to one another. Ways to improve your listening skills are regular topics at seminars and well worth your attention. 3) The husband wife communications should never be win/loose confrontations. Resolved disagreements or conflicts do not come about in the broken down communication link found in this type of contest. 4) Recognize and correct communication practices that cause frustration. Learn to have a good Biblical fight with your spouse. Christ gave excellent guidelines about conduct while in a fight, and conduct that resolves disagreement. I call them the BEST approach; standing for Bless, Edify, Share, and Touch communications. Lastly 5) you will feel safe and secure in your relationship if you get to know one another through good communication. Husband's and wives can remain closely in touch and intimate for a life time.

Christ provides a way for husbands and wives to love and live out their lives together, outside of their own selfish nature. He does this by giving us a new nature. If you need that new and right relationship with your spouse, it begins with a new and right relationship with your creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. You were created by Him and for Him. When you repent of your sin, give him your soul, and take him as your Saviour, you become a new creature. One that can love with a selfless love and have a home that is a taste of paradise here on this earth. God bless you as you seek Him in your life.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
583 Words For Week #11, Mar 11 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#712 For Mar 18 2007, A Couple Questions from God.

In Genesis 3:9 the Holy Bible says “ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?” This marks the first of a series of questions that God asks of his creatures and it should be given consideration. First consider why did God ask the question. Did he not know? A short study of God's omniscience leads us to understand that God did know, he even knew how many hairs were in Adams head that day. (Matt 10:30, Luk 12:7) So if he knew, why did he ask? Remember this when God asks us questions it is not to satisfy His lack of knowledge but ours. If God came to you and asked “Where are you at in relationship to your SIN?” How would you have to answer? Is your sin covered with a fig leaf of mans making? Are you hiding yourself from the presence of God because of your shame? I have seen people, even in churches, parading around in rebellious nakedness, denying even that there is sin between them and their creator. Some just call their sin an alternate life style and rebelliously press on with it. Some, trained in American atheistic schools, deny that they even have a creator, choosing rather to believe a rat jumping off a cliff discovered value in wings and became a bat. They teach that in our schools now and call it natural science. Whatever your background you should face off to God's question: “Where are you AT in relationship to your SIN?” God does not ask to satisfy His lack of knowledge. He has already stated clearly that “Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin”. (Heb9:22) Jesus shed his blood to cover your sin. (1Peter 1:18-21) Jesus said there is no other way. (John 14:6) “ And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?”

In Genesis 32:27 of the Holy Bible God asks Jacob “What is thy name?” Jacob had lied about his name previous. Had lied in order to get the family blessing. Now, God was wrestling with Jacob, so that he might obtain eternal blessing and Jacob, for once, had to be honest about who he was, a lying, cheating, conniving sinner. God would ask you: “Who do you think you are?” If you are not honest about your lying, cheating, conniving sinful and lost condition, you will not receive eternal blessing either. Jesus said it clearly “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Lu 13:3) He sent out his apostles “ And they went out, and preached that men should repent.” (Mr 6:12) And so they preach it to you: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19) When your converted you get a new name written down in the lambs book of life. (Rev 20:15) “What is thy name?”

If you have never been born again, saved from your sins, redeemed by the blood of Christ, the Bible says “behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2Cor 6:2) It says “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;” (Heb 2:3) You can be set free of your sin debt today, by trusting in Christ as your Lord, your saviour, and your redeemer.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
594 Words For Week #12, Mar 18 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#713 For Mar 25 2007, A Couple More Questions from God.

Many have asked me why Good Samaritan quit putting my messages in the Chronicle Express. We didn't, but the Chronicle can only fit in so many churches each week and Good Sam is one of the smallest ones in this area. Many have asked why we don't publish everything that is going on at Good Sam, like all the other churches publish their events. Pretty much all that is going on at Good Sam centers around our commission to preach the pure Word of God, so that is what we publish. We do that at each of our services and Bible studies that are already listed in this paper. Good Sam Baptist Church was established here in 1991 with a commitment to preach and hold to the fundamentals of the faith from the old King James English Bible. We will not use a modernist ecumenical bible, we sing only the old fashioned hymns of the faith, and we preach hell hot and heaven sweet, like Jesus did. It has been a straight gait and narrow way. We raise funds with tithes and offerings not with bazaars, bingos or buffets. We have not become a mega church with several avenues of entertainment to publish, but we are a joyous, God centered, Bible centered group of believers here between the lakes. If you long for the old paths you are invited to join us. My penny pulpit column goes to multiple papers each week and can be read at gsbaptistchurch.com. Here is this weeks column.

When God asks a question, he is not looking to satisfy his short sightedness. In I Kings 19:9 the Holy Bible says “ ... behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah?” Elijah, here was not where he was supposed to be in relation to his trust in God. He had just made a 63 word prayer and called fire down from heaven previous to this scene. (1Kings 18:36) He had slain all the prophets of Baal (vrs 40) and successfully prayed for the abundance of rain.(vrs 42) When one Queen Jezebel raised up against him he fled to a quitters cave and filed papers of resignation. God might ask you today “What doest thou here in a quitters cave?” If you are born again and have seen the miracle of God's redeeming grace come down into your life, seen sin slain and the abundance of rain, you have been commissioned to be His witness, to preach his gospel to every creature. What are you doing spelunking in a church that does not even believe the Holy Bible? What are you doing resigning to a priest promoting a sacramental system of penance and works? In America a majority of Churches have entered in the wide gate and are on a broad path. A majority have left the faith, departed from the book, and abandoned their commission. If your a born again Christian, God might ask, What are you doing here? Elijah knew better, but needed to be asked “What doest thou here, Elijah?” When is the last time you confronted a friend, a neighbor, a kin about the eternal destiny of their soul? Are you a Christian that resigned your commission? Christ said, “Ye are my witnesses.” Read the account of the precious promises that met Elijah when he came out of his cave. (1Kings 19:11-18) He got a new commission, new king, new help, new encouragement and new zeal. Come out of your quitters cave and check out your exceeding great and precious promises. (2Pet 1:4) And besides all this add to your faith virtue.(vr 5-) You can have a new commission, new king, new help, new encouragement and new zeal. God asks “What doest thou here?”

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
384 Words For Week #13, Mar 25 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#714 For Apr 01 2007, Palm Sunday and Passover

For the events around Easter celebration Christians have mixed tradition with Scripture so much that few recognize the truth now days. Jesus the Christ was our passover lamb. “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:” (1Cor 5:7) The Bible says in Exodus 12 that the passover lamb, without blemish, was separated from the rest of the flock on the 10^th day of the month and slain on the 14^th day of the month. Our “lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) was separated on what is called Palm Sunday. In accord with Scripture he was then examined for four days, then slain on a cross on the 14^th day of the month. John 12 says that Jesus came to Bethany six days before the passover, at that Friday night supper, Mary anointed this 'passover lamb' with precious ointment. On the first day of the week, Sunday, after His resurrection, two disciples report that this “is the third day since these things (the crucifixion) were done” (Luke 24:21) That puts the crucifixion on the passover, the 14^th day of the month, and that puts the passover lamb's acceptance ceremony on the Sunday that we call Palm Sunday, the 10^th day of the month in accord with Exodus 12. The important lesson here is that traditions of men subtract from the Scripture. This year go through the Easter season with your Bible open and tradition is skepticism. The Scripture is clear, “ .. that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” (1Cor 15:3-4) This Easter you could accept him as your Saviour and Lord and have a very Happy Easter.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #14, Apr 01 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#715 For Apr 8 2007,

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;” (Eccles 12:1) We are finishing up thirteen weeks of study in the Preachers book called Ecclesiastes. The wisest King in the world, (God said so) lays out a dissertation expecting every man to strive to find the purpose of life. Spring time in New York makes his conclusion, 'to remember your Creator while your young', simple. At a Christian School this week, I was asked “How could someone see this (spring time, sunshine, birds and bugs) and believe in evolution?” Consider that for most, a godless, creator-less indoctrination begins in our kindergartens, goes K-12, and mocks Bible truths and all things we can know about our Creator. Just the same, spring time, and the celebration of Jesus' resurrection is the best time to consider your Creator. The marvels of life springing back, flowers blooming and fish biting makes the evolutionary speculation so much unsubstantiated conjecture. It is, however, to Solomon's dismay, swallowed by the majority of minds. This spring, if you do not mind being on the narrower path, entered via the straighter gate, your Creator could become your Saviour. John said of Jesus Christ, “ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” {John 1:1} Acknowledging him as your creator is a step towards acknowledging him as Saviour and Lord. Be a Christian, this spring, remember your creator.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
297 Words For Week #15, Apr 08 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#716 For Apr 15 2007, The Resurrections

The greatest dissertation on the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ from the tomb is found in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul later wrote to the saints at Philipi that he wanted to know the power of the Christ's resurrection in his life. At Corinth there were 15 errors in the Church. Paul dealt with them a chapter at a time. Error number 15 was tolerating the presence of some who did not believe in the resurrection of the body. Paul eloquently laid out the three fold purpose of resurrection and the order of the resurrections. Christ was the 'first fruit' of the resurrections. You and I will follow in our bodily resurrection.

Paul lays out the pre-tribulation rapture of the Church in his explanation. That is where we read of the sound of the trumpet and our departure in the twinkling of an eye. Saints call that 'rapture;' defined as being caught away. It is indeed in the Bible. There will be a second resurrection as well; called a resurrection of the dead. There every individual, who missed the first resurrection, will appear before their Creator and give answer for why he rejected His only begotten Son and the free pardon from sin's penalty. Which resurrection will you take part in? The resurrection of the living or the resurrection of the dead are your choices. Jesus said “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” (Rev 20:6) The apostle John said of it “He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1Jo 5:12) Got life?

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #15, Apr 15 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#717 For Apr 22 2007, Bible Ignorance and U.S.

The Holy Bible is a book of great depth and wisdom in the affairs of nations, in the affairs of Christ's Church, and in the affairs of individuals. Our national ignorance of this Book is startling. Our Ecclesiastical twisting of the Book alarming, and our individual illiteracy of the Bible is deplorable. It is not a book written by man about God. It is a book written by God about man. It is the revelation of God to man, thus the Messiah, (the Christ), the manifestation (the revelation) of God is called “The Word of God.” A unique parallel.

The Bible does not condone hate, nor modern stoning, nor slavery, nor burning of witches. These are all man's ignorances. It did give strict rules to the nation of Israel until they could bring the Messiah into the world. One must always discern who God is commanding in any passage of Holy Scripture. The Bible does not condone inclusivity nor tolerance. It does say “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” in Luke 13 and “Except ye be converted ... ye cannot enter the Kingdom of God.” in Matt 18. Obviously God is not tolerant of our sin and requires that we be changed to be in his presence, kingdom and Church.

The Bible says much about the Arabs and Palestine with Israel's presence there. Because the A.C.L.U. (a.k.a. Anti Christian Liberals Union) convinced U.S. that 'Separation of Church and State' means separation of Holy Bible and country we shall remain an ignorant people. But you don't have to. You could get into a Church that knows, teaches, and believes the whole counsel of God. You should!

You could also join us in reading the whole Bible through in a year. Read and hear more of these messages at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #17, Apr 22 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#718 For Apr 29 2007, My Shepherd and My Pastor

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Is He? Do you? God says “My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them on the mountain: they have gone from the mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place... All that have found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not,...” (Jer 50) Again he said “Woe unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture saith the LORD.” (Jer 23) And again, “ Son of man, prophecy against the shepherds of Israel, prophecy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feel themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks?” (Ezek 34)

If your a sheep without a pastor to feed you, you need to be in a Bible believing Church under a Bible preaching pastor. If your Pastor is not the man of God that feeds the sheep from the word of God you will not grow into a strong healthy contented sheep. If your pastor does not know any better than to use a modernist ecumenical bible, or hold a modernist contemporary praise service instead of preaching the old fashioned Holy Bible with power and conviction, consider your plight carefully. God charged pastos to eed his sheep. If you didn't need that, if you could feed yourself just fine without it; if you could do fine in a 'home church' then He would not have given pastors such a serious and vehement charge. Get yourself under a man of God who feeds from the King James English Bible. You will grow.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
283 Words For Week #18, Apr 29 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#719 For 06 May 2007, My Shepherd Makes Me

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” If He truly is, you truly won't. At Good Sam we sing “He is all I need.” For a Christian He is. “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:” (thus “He restoreth my soul:”) he leadeth me beside the still waters.” (thus “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”) If your attitude is still that of the rebellious child, i.e. “You can't make me!”, He is not your shepherd. The Good Shepherd will make you do some things that are meant to restore your soul. “... If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2Cor. 5:17) Are you? Do they? A vice is an immoral habit that does harm to your soul. I know in the military the top four vices are smoking, drinking, gambling and womanizing. If you had a Good Shepherd, trying to restore your soul He would make you give up your vices, and “lead you in paths of righteousness for His names sake”. Do you? Does He? In those righteous paths your soul will not want. If you want a new life under a new shepherd that will deliver you from smoking, drinking and lottery tickets, I'd like to introduce you to my shepherd. Jesus said “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” (John 10) When you take Him as your Lord and Saviour, he will make the old things pass away, vice included. He will become the leading light of your soul. He can even drive off the shadow of death! To learn more or hear this message preached go to GSBaptistChurch.com. Make Jesus Christ your Shepherd.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
295 Words For Week #19, 06 May 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#720 For 13 May 2007, My Mother Makes Me

To honor our mothers in this month take note of what the Words of God contain about them. The wisdom of God concerning all of life itself says “ The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother.” ( Prov. 10:1) These words of Solomon, inspired and preserved by God for these 3000 years, contain some good insight about the role of mothering. “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Pr 29:15) Someone who is inordinately selfish, undisciplined, and immature cannot fulfill the selfless disciplined role of motherhood to rear a responsible God fearing child. Today the God fearing child, and the selfless disciplined mother are both rare. Being such is worth the effort. As Solomon notes: “The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.” (Prov 23:24-25) We have heard 'the hand that rocks the cradle', but my mom laid down a pretty stern law, and swung a pretty good paddle as well. Solomon's introduction says “ My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” (Prov. 1:8 ) His exhortation went on “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” (Prov. 6:20) Mothers are to raise up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. We should honor those who have done their best with what they had. 'It takes a village' mentality opposes the rearing of a disciplined and God fearing soul. To learn more Bible lessons on child rearing visit GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #20, 13 May 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#721 For 20 May 2007, Moral Majority Needed

Moral right was properly thrust back into the political arena by the late Dr. Jerry Falwell, Baptist Preacher Extraordinaire, and founder of the Moral Majority. Upon his passing there needs to be a resurgence of moral right emphasized in that arena. Baptists, in pursuit of religious liberty (Not tolerance! Liberty! There is a difference,) secured what is called separation of Church and State. Dr. Stringer's first line of “The Faithful Baptist Witness” says “On April 11, 1612, Edward Wrightman was burned at the stake in Litchfield, England for declaring that the baptism of infants was an abominable custom. His death was the last execution of someone in England for being a Baptist.” Religious liberty was drafted into our first amendment with a trail of Baptist blood. A State legislating moral belief crosses the religious liberty boundary of separation. Miscreant humanists have tried to make separation of Church and State mean separation of God and Country and separation of Bible from everybody. Government operating without godly morals will legislate Bible morality as wrong and strive to hush our Baptist voice in the name of inclusivity. Governor Spitzer sponsors such queer legislation. We could once again see Baptist's jailed for religious convictions. Not about infant baptism this time, but about sodomy being a sin against God, a moral sin against society, and an evil practice needing repentance not tolerance. It's still our right to believe and preach that, but just barely. Baptist precedent is always the Bible. “But (Apostles) Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto (government) more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19) America needs Godly morals in the majority again.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #21, 20 May 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#722 For 27 May 2007, Mother Taught

Moral right and wrong is a matter of ones religious belief system. Moral right and wrong starts with what your mother taught you. Proverbs 31 starts with 7 things that King Lemuel's mother taught him. The 7 principles are straight from the Bible and are highlight a godly mother's teachings. “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” (Proverbs 31:1) Prophecy is not the predicting of the future but the reporting of “Thus saith the Lord....” A godly mother teaches what the LORD has said in his revelation to us.

In verse 2 a godly mother teaches her child their identity, their security and the importance of her marriage vows. A godly mother is avowed to their father for life. A godly mother warns about the vice of womanizing. Verse 3 says “Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.”

A godly mother teaches abstinence for booze; “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:” (vr. 4) In verse 7 she teaches proper compassion.

A godly mother teaches to. “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (vr. 9) Simpletons think the Bible says 'judge not.' In actuality it says “Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.” (Psalm 106:3) Biblical mom's teach righteous judgments.

Lastly a godly mother teaches careful selection of a mate. “Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” These 7 prophecies were taught to King Lemuel by a godly mom. A godly mom should be in a Bible believing Godly Church. To learn more visit GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
292 Words For Week #22, 27 May 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#723 For 03 June 2007, Revive Us Again

Psalm 85:6 says: “Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?” When we advertised our revival services last year at this time we got a couple calls asking “What is a revival?” Unfortunately a couple generations in America do not know.

In 2^nd Chronicles chapter 7 Solomon prays at the dedication of the temple and asks God to hear the prayer of his people. ”Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD, and the king's house: and all that came into Solomon's heart to make in the house of the LORD, and in his own house, he prosperously effected. And the LORD appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall (1) humble themselves, and (2) pray, and (3) seek my face, and (4) turn from their wicked ways; then (1) will I hear from heaven, and (2) will forgive their sin, and (4) will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. This 'if-then' scenario gives a description of the revival that America needs.

Do you want revival? Are you willing to pay the cost? We at Good Sam are having revival services this week. You should join us. Learn more at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
289 Words For Week #23, 03 June 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#724 For 10 June 2007, Foundations for life or death

“The wise man built his house upon the rock. .... The foolish man built his house upon the sand.” The song sung as a child comes from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Be wise be a doer of His word. Israel had a problem being a doer of God's word.“ ... they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.” (Ezekiel 33:31) They liked the praise and worship service with their rock band but “lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.” (vr. 32)

In this parable there are no houses that sustained only collateral damage. It is not so in our rebellious nature but with God there are only two categories; Right or Wrong; Good or Evil; True or False; Wise or Foolish; Saved or Lost; Heaven or Hell. One house stood firm, the other fell flat. What is your foundation resting on rock or sand? “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Cor. 3:11) God says “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice,” (Deut. 30:19) “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” (I Kings 18:21) To learn more about your 2 choices visit our revival services or visit GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #24, 10 June 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#725 For 17 June 2007, Separate From the World

In the Bible's 'Hall of Fame' of faith in Hebrews 11, Abraham is prominent. In Genesis 24 Abraham set's about preparing a future for his only begotten son and he instructs his servant “... Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither (to Ur where I came from) again. The LORD God of heaven, which took me from my father’s house,... sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land (Palestine) ... : only bring not my son thither again.” Abraham's overwhelming concern is that his son not go back to where Abraham was, but that he stay in the promised land. A Christian should share that concern for themselves, their family and the children of God. If you are saved out of the world, don't go back.

The Bible says to Christians “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (2Co 6:17) Don't go back into the world for your life, your rife, nor your wife! No not for your Employment, Education or Entertainment.. Don't resort to the worldly 'lying – cheating – stealing' mentality that is expected on a job. Don't resort to a public school system that requires teachers to act and teach atheism. Seek out a Christian school and a Christian college. Don't follow after Hellywood for your pleasures. In these three 'E's strive to “ seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mt 6:33)

A Christian should not go back to the world for their Life, their Rife, or their Wife. Abraham illustrates well this important lesson in Genesis 24. Are you a Christian? Learn this lesson and learn more at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #25, 17 June 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#726 For 24 June 2007,

In Genesis 24 Abraham sets about to take a wife for his only begotten son Isaac. Every detail of this story foreshadows our heavenly Fathers plan to take a wife for His only begotten Son, the Lamb, the Christ. The Holy Spirit of God is played by Abraham's servant, commissioned to go to the kin and woo and win a wife to come back for the son. The believers that carry the Holy Spirit into the world, kneel at the well outside the city, then carry the new convert on their shoulders to maturity, is played by 10 camels. The wooed one, who accepts the invitation of God, makes that free will choice to change families, and converts to the family of God, is played by Rebekah.

The details of Abraham's relationship with Isaac, including his offering of his only begotten son on the hill outside of Jerusalem, point to and foreshadow God's act of love in offering his son. John 3:16 says it clearly: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ”

Now in taking a wife for Abraham's son, we see the invitation that is presented to you. Every detail of this record lends itself to a revelation from God that only born again believers will be part of that chaste virgin that will be the bride of Christ at his second coming. Have you accepted that invitation? The Bible says that “Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved.” If you have accepted, be a camel, take the invitation to someone else. This whole 45 min message can be heard at GSBaptistChurch.com/audio. It is worth your time to consider these things.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
297 Words For Week #26, 24 June 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#727 For 01 July 2007, The Camels are Coming

The foreshadowing of revelation found in Genesis 24 is phenomenal. Baptists do not spiritualize nor allegorize the Holy Scripture as do Catholics. We do not fabelize nor fictionalize Holy Scripture as do Protestants and Modernist. It is our sole authority! Consequently, Baptist hold to the soon coming return of the Lord Jesus Christ, and a literal 7 year period of tribulation, followed by a millennial reign of Christ here on earth. This is clearly revealed in Scripture, as is a pretribulation rapture of the Church. In the account before us Isaac comes out into the field at eventide: “ and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.” (Gen 24:63) Isaac being united with his espoused wife mirrors the uniting of Christ with his espoused wife depicted in I Thes 4:13-18. The Bible says that this union will happen in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. It is immanent, and it has been so for 1900 years now. The Apostle Paul, expected it at any moment and he preached all through the 60's. The Bible says the trump will sound and all those who have put their faith and trust in Christ will be caught away to meek him in the air. What a glorious reunion. What a sad day for unbelievers and the pretenders that went through the wide gate leading to destruction. There is a narrow gate and a straight path. It is not for the majority, but it will lead to life everlasting and that reunion in the air. “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.” (Mt 24:44 ) To learn more about being ready visit us at GSBaptistChurch.com ... or in person.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
297 Words For Week #27, 01 July 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#728 For 08 July 2007, Respecting Your Birthright

For Bible Believers the infamous story of Esau selling out his birthright for some red pottage contains spiritual truths. The significance of the sale is highlighted by the father's favorite, the outdoors man,despising his birthright and selling it to his twin brother, the manipulating mamas boy working in the kitchen on home made red pottage. The Bible says Esau despised his birthright. If you are born again, that new birth comes with the same birthright. I wonder if you are despising yours.

This birthright enabled three spiritual things that Esau despised. They were not transferred by his sale. Spiritual things cannot be bought nor sold with material things. They were transferred by Esau's despise. The priest hood of the household was in this birthright. A Baptist distinctive has always been the rejection of the Roman churches priest craft, and the priesthood of each believer. You, as a believer, are responsible for your daily personal and family devotions in God's Holy Word. Your Pastor should lead you to green pastures, but you need to feed yourself. Do not despise your birthright and neglect these.

This birthright would have enabled Esau to be a Satan Bruiser, and an Earth Blesser. God promised in Gen 3:15 that a seed line would bruise Satan's head, and in Gen 12 that Abraham's seed would bless the Earth. If you have His spiritual birthright you can be a Satan Bruiser and an Earth Blesser. Use your birthrights and you can snatch people from Satan's Kingdom and see your righteousness purify your corner of the Earth. Have you sold out your birthright for the red pottage of materialism? Do you have His birthright? Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God ” Read more at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
297 Words For Week #28, 08 July 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#729 For 15 July 2007,

A Christian is to be a well of living water to a dry and thirsty world. Isaac, Abraham's seed, the promised 'Earth Blesser', learned that digging wells in the desert was a challeng. There are 3 things we can take from his experience recorded in Genesis 26. A well is a blessing to others and a blessing for generations. You could be an oasis for others when your living all out for Christ. Jesus said Out of your 'belly' shall flow rivers of living water. Your belly is the seat of all your emotions. Our every emotion should make us speak forth his glorious name to someone. Be a refreshing to some soul today.

Digging wells is hard work and often futile. After digging a few Issac learned the wheres and hows of well digging and dug where his father had dug previously. If your a Christian get busy digging. You can't make a difference to everyone, but you can make an eternal difference to someone. Even if your a 'no one' you should tell everyone about the SOMEONE who can save anyone. If your saved don't be keeping it to yourself. Jesus said follow me and I will make you fishers of men. If your not a fisher of men your not following him. It is that simple.

It is easier to fill in a well than to dig one. In this world there are well diggers and well poisoners. Which are you? Isaac found conflict, confrontation and well fillers. Jesus said you would too, yet he told you to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, ... ;” Don't just sit there. Your to be His witnesses, a Christian! Be a well of refreshing to someone today. Tell them about your Lord and Saviour.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
295 Words For Week #29, 15 July 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#730 For 22 July 2007, Above all things, Be Real

The Apostle James writes a touching but challenging epistle to his flock that was scattered from Jerusalem through persecution. He is closing that letter when he writes to them “But above all things, my brethren, ... let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.” 'Above all things' is an important preface here. Nothing will propagate and proselytize a Christian's faith like authenticity. Above all things be real. As a youth pastor I watched 'Christian' parents loose children to the world because they were not authentic in their homes. There was no family altar, no daily prayer life, hours of TV but not hours of Bible. Above all things be real, be honest, don't be hypocrite! Let your yea, be yea; and your nay, be nay. Why? “Lest ye fall into condemnation.” Your children know whether you are real or fake and fake parents fall into their condemnation. The cost is high. Jesus said the same in his sermon on the mount. There he emphasized “When thou doest alms (giving)” ... be not as the hypocrites; “When ye pray” ... be not as the hypocrites; “When ye fast” ... be not as the hypocrites. The Apostle Paul puts it as “Let your love be without dissimulation.” (Rom 12:9)

I have counseled to many parents that wish they could go back and do it right; wish that their young children had seen a mom and dad pray and read their Bible together every day; wished that their children had seen dad lead in family devotions; wished that their children could say “I heard my mother call my name in prayer.” James says to his scattered flock “Above all things” What in your home is above all else? Be real.

To learn more visit us at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
297 Words For Week #30, 22 July 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#731 For 29 July 2007, A Dysfunctional home.

Genesis 27 records a dysfunctional family produced when we have our home 'our way' not 'God's way'. The Bible not only tells us what happened, it tells us what happens. Here a home that produces fight and hate includes a father who won't see. Parents want to believe in children so much that blinded eyes are commonplace. It includes a father that gives up. Of the homes with fathers still present, many have given up on child rearing. This home has a dad and mom divided, playing favorites and taking sides. Children come into the world with an uncanny ability to divide husbands and wives if you let them. But the most dangerous and common ailment here is a mom manipulating around the fathers authority. Here we see mom teaching lying and manipulation. My mom used to say “Wait till your father gets home.” I knew what that meant. Today mom's say “Wait till your father goes to work, then we will have our way.” They teach children how to trick fathers to get their own selfish way.

Men attack a problem head on, direct into conflict, charge the hill, climb the mountain etc. Women, in general, take around about solutions, diplomacy, manipulation, twisting the facts and getting their way by craft. It is not politically correct that men and women are wired differently. It is very obvious, and should be said out loud before our next election. This chapter highlights the human traits of a home 'our way'. A home 'God's way' begins with a father that will be the spiritual leader in daily family devotions. Without that, a home will be as dysfunctional as Isaac's home in Genesis 27. A father that won't lead spiritually makes the whole home dysfunctional. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #31, 29 July 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#732 For 05 Aug 2007,

Genesis chapter 28 gives seven things that Jacob did not know about God. His father never taught him. Chapter 27 closes with a conniving manipulating Rebekah trying to twist Isaac around to her goals and purposes. It is discouraging how many homes are operated that way, the father not being the spiritual leader that God charges him to be. Since Isaac never introduced his children to God, God, in Gen 28, now introduces himself to Jacob. Jacob did not know God. Abraham did. Isaac did not school his sons in theology.

Jacob did not know that God's angels were regularly ascending and descending into the affairs of man. (vr 13) Abraham knew. He fed them a meal once. He did not know that God stands above all. Abraham learned God's names to be El Elyon, and El Shaddai, the Most High and Almighty God.

Jacob did not yet know God by his personal name. In verse 13 He was the LORD God of Abraham, but only the God of Isaac. Abraham was called the friend of God. Isaac did not teach his children about their grandpa's LORD.

Jacob did not know the promises of God. Isaac never took his children to the real Bethel, (12:8) nor taught them of the promised land. Jacob did not know that God is in every place, nor that HE was the gate of heaven, not this patch of land outside of Luz

And Jacob did not know how to build an altar, he built a pillar. Abraham built altars when he learned about God. (cf Gen 12:7,8,13:4,18, 22:9) Jacob, here, built a pillar. What theology did your father teach you? What are you teaching your children? Do you have a family altar? Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #32, 05 Aug2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#733 For 12 Aug 2007,

Genesis chapter 29 gives exceptional insight into man's tendencies to cap off and control God's well of living water. Here Jacob, just now starting his journey with God, comes seeking his kinsmen and finds the well capped and litigated with rules for the water dispersal. The Roman Empire's Church attempts the same with the living water of Jesus Christ. He too comes seeking his kinsmen, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” And he too finds a church system with all kinds of rules about opening the well. In the Bible there are no mortal or venial sins, no confessionals, no sprinkling of babies, in fact no sprinkling at all! There are no beads, nor candles, nor purgatory to rescue loved souls from. Like the man made rules that kept the flocks of Laban from partaking of the water of life freely, religionists have put a rock on the well and made up rules about who can open what when. It is my greatest joy to be a Baptist preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One who can, for some, take the stone off the well and give access to the living water. If your a born again Christian you can do the same. If you or a loved one is tangled with a church that baptizes babies or sprinkles, it is not following Christ, it's following man made rules about entry into God's kingdom. It's worth the effort to break out of their error. Jesus said “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #33, 12 Aug 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#734 For 19 Aug 2007,

The Epistle of James is a tremendous exhortation written by the Pastor of the First Baptist Church at Jerusalem, written to his flock now scattered abroad. It was 'First' because it was the first local church. It was 'Baptist' because it held to the Baptist distinctives taught by the Lord Jesus Christ himself. As the three major themes of his letter intertwine there are two highlights in his conclusion. His last two verses state: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”

Pastor James starts by acknowledging that any one of his members could be in error of the truth that sets the soul free from sin. There are 'professed' Christians in the Church who never have tasted conversion. The world knows this better than the church pew as they lament about hypocrites. After James' previous exhortation that his saints 'above all things be real', this one exhorts us to police out our hypocrisies. Protestant's add to their number by un-Scriptural infant baptism or un-Scriptural sprinkling and are ever plagued by this problem. Soon the majority of their congregation have never been converted or born again. James is not addressing them. He is addressing Scriptural believers who gave a testimony of conversion and then followed the Lord in believers baptism before they were admitted into Church membership. There are wet Church members who error from the truth and were never converted, never born again by the Lord Jesus Christ. Is your salvation real? It is hard to act christian. It is easy to be a Christian. Ye must be born again i.e. converted. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #34, 19 Aug 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#735 For 26 Aug 2007,

In a study of Genesis 27 we find that Jacob and his mom sowed lies and deceit and false identity. God uses the rest of Genesis to teach the reproof “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” In the chapter after his great lie, Jacob is first introduced to Jehovah God, the friend of Abraham. In the very next chapter Laban treats Jacob to a lie and deceit and false identity where an older sibling is passed off as the younger. Recall that Jacob and mom had passed off the younger for the older. God uses irony of life to lead us into an understanding of who he is and what he wants from us. God always confronts our sins. You can find a Church to attend where sin is not confronted; they will say “come as you are.” God is not there. God always confronts our sin. If you go to a Bible preaching Church you will be confronted and uncomfortable, ... but only until God deals with your sin. You may read other books but the Holy Bible reads you. Ecumenicals and modernists are not looking for a Bible version that we all can understand as much as they are editing up one that won't confront their sin. God can still use the irony of life to move you closer to his side. Will you let him? Will you set under the preaching of God's Holy Word this week? Don't settle for the milk toast religion of the modernists. Get into a Bible preaching Baptist Church. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #35, 26 Aug 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#736 For 02 Sep 2007,

Lying, cheating and stealing is in your nature. Some of us have had moral right whipped into us enough to curb the worst of it but it is still in our nature. In Genesis 30 we are following the journey of Jacob back to his grandpa Abraham's promise of, and position with Jehovah God. It was recorded 3,600 year ago for our learning. Learn! It is an uphill journey for Jacob. Jacob's father, Isaac, never taught him about Jehovah. His mother, Rebekah, taught him to lie, cheat, steal, and hood wink dad. God was now bringing him on a journey to change his name to “God prevails”, in Hebrew, “Israel.” In this chapter of learning, Jacob finds a way to strip bark on poplar, hazel and chestnut and get newborn sheep, goats and cattle stained ringstraked and spotted. It worked on both purebred brown and purebred white herds of his father-in-law Laban. Jacob hood winked Laban out of the best of his herds. He stole them by deceit. In the next chapter, when thing's are turning against him, Jacob fabricates some lies about a vision from God, and an angel who told him to choose the ringstraked herds. People will lie to you about what God told them. You will lie to people and blame God or Satan for your vile actions and their consequences. We all like to be more pious than we really are. Some, like Jacob, will lie through their teeth about their piety. Learn his lesson about lying cheating and stealing, pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #36, 02 Sep 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#737 For 09 Sep 2007,

In Genesis 32 Jacob, the supplanter, conniver and cheat, hears from God and obeys. He ends up alone with God, who wrestles with him till the breaking of the day. God is wrestling with Jacob, but Jacob will not let go. Before God blesses him, he asks “What is your name?” Jacob is finally honest before God, and not pretending to be something that he is not. God gives him a new name, Israel, meaning “as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

Have you been alone with God? Have you been honest with God about who you are, really? Has God wrestled with you about your sin? Jacob lived a life doing things his own way. He was now over 60 years old and it was about time he got things straight with his Lord. He only did it because God pursued him with promises and had great things for Jacob to do. No matter how old you are, or aren't, God is pursuing you with promises. He wants you to get alone with Him, where you can be honest about yourself. He wants to deal with your sin, and His mercy endureth forever. He wants to change your name, write it in the Lamb's book of life, and do something worthwhile with your life.

It is interesting that Allah, the god of Mohamed, wants people to blow themselves up, kill and maim others. Jehovah God of the Bible, wants your life lived so that you can 'rescue the perishing, and care for the dying.' Won't you give Him your life. He pursues with promises not with arms. There is a narrow gate and a straight path that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Will you prevail?

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #37, 09 Sep 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#738 For 16 Sep 2007, Eternal Life

The Bible says that God created us in his image to be with Him for all eternity. We are created like Him with a body, soul and spirit but when man fell into sin the fellowship with God was broken. Sin brought separation from God, and it brought death into the world. Although God created us to live forever, man's disobedience to God brought judgment of death and separation.

The Bible says that our separation from God can be repaired by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” If we remain separated from God in our life, we will be separated from Him when we die. But if we repair the separation in our lifetime we get his eternal life and stay with Him forever. The Bible says, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” No matter if you go to Church or not, or which Church you do go to, you only get eternal life with God by asking His only begotten Son to save you from the separation.

The Bible says that God has a prepared place for a prepared people. There will be no more separation there. There will be no more death, no funerals. The most important thing you can do in this life, is to repair the separation from your creator by accepting His only begotten Son as your Saviour. The Bible says so.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #38, 16 Sep 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#739 For 23 Sep 2007,

It says in II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” In Genesis 33 Jacob is walking away from a wrestling match with God and he walks away as a new creature. Previous, Jacob swindled the prestigious birthright from his brother. In chapter 33 he wholly submits to his brother, bowing seven times. (verse 3) Previous, Jacob lied and stole to get the blessing that would make him lord and his brother his servant. Now, (verse 14) Jacob makes himself the servant and Esau his lord. Previous, Jacob swindled and stole cattle form Laban. He even promised God ten percent of all his loot. Now, (verse 10) Jacob freely gave away his possessions. Jacob had an encounter with God and he left as a new creature, submissive, a servant, and selfless. He walked at a slower pace for the sake of others. (verse 13) He built his first altar of sacrifice (verse 20) instead of his pillars of remembrance, and the God of Abraham became his God, 'El-elohe-Israel. Have you had such a personal encounter with God? One that changes your rebellious, sinful heart to one like Christs, with submission, servant hood and selflessness? It is called becoming Christian. It is done by calling on Christ in repentance and conversion. Jesus said “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, ... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” When converted, you will be a new creature too. Paul calls it “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” It took Jacob 60 years to surrender. When he did his whole life changed in one chapter. So could yours. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com.

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #39, 23 Sep 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#740 For 30 Sep 2007,

Genesis 34 exposes the ugliness of sin, the vileness of man's vengeance, the world more noble than God's people, and the return of Jacob's selfishness all in one chapter. It is properly embarrassing to read in public. If it were possible, God was embarrassed to record it for us. Dinah was impatient to lust for friendship with the world. Shechem was impatient to lust after the flesh. Jacob's sons were impatient to lust for a vile vengeance. The men of the city impatiently lusted to have Jacob's possessions. And Jacob closes the chapter with so many 'I- MEs' that he never considered the 'Elelohe-Israel' that closed the last chapter. Sadly, it was the worldly Cannanite leader Hamon and his son, Shechem that wanted to do the right and noble thing. That 'right thing' got recorded into God's law for all Israel 300 years later, in Deut 22:28-29. What a sad commentary on human behavior, and even sadder commentary on the behavior of God's chosen people. When Jacob was teaching his son's how to deceive and heist cattle from Laban he never considered that they would more vilely deceive and heist everything from a whole city of Canaanites. It has been properly said that the way you lean is the way your children will fall. When they do fall they will land considerably farther from God than you imagined. Your talk talks and your walk talks but your walk talks louder than your talk talks. This chapter leaves us to ponder how badly Jacob did at child rearing. The most important thing a parent can do in life is follow God's rules to bring up our children in the “nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph 6) How are you doing at that? Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #40, 30 Sep 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#741 For 07 Oct 2007, Dwelling in Bethel

Genesis 32 through 35 is an interesting study for a born again Christian. Through Jacob's journey in life it vividly portrays his surrendering to God, his new life's attitude and character, his old life and sins catching up with him and finally God's call to complete sanctification. Born again believers walk this path and will doubtless benefit from examining God's call to dwell, permanently in Bethel. “ And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, ... Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: And let us arise, and go up to Bethel;” (Gen 35:1-3) In going to Bethel Jacob saw the necessity to put away strange gods, clean up, and dress differently. He buried the strange gods and their earrings under an oak tree in Shechem. (vr. 4) Earrings (and other body piercings today) represent the bondage of the world. The bondage of rebellion, the bondage of independence, the bondage of doing it your own way are all pictured when a boy gets his ears pierced. Today the rebellion shows plainly as they pierce things in order to make a bold and anti-social, anti-parental statement. Christianity is submission, opposite to rebellion, opposite to rock n roll. To dwell in the house of God, Bethel, you need to bury your witchcraft, your rebellion, and your earrings under an oak in Shechem. You need to clean up. God says “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (I Pet 1:16) You also need to change your garments. You do not 'come as you are' to dwell in Bethel. Where is it you are dwelling?

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #41, 07 Oct 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#742 For 14 Oct 2007,

The Bible is very clear when it talks about the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said he would come back 'for' his saints, and come back 'with' his saints. He was clear when he said he would come back “as ye have seen him go” into the clouds (Acts 1) and clear that He would meet us in those clouds when he comes as a thief in the night. A thief comes unannounced, takes precious things and leaves unawares. The Bible says Jesus will come back unannounced, catch up his saints into the clouds, and leave unawares. (I Cor 15, I Thes 4) Today's modernists say that the word 'rapture' is not even in the Bible. But it means 'the transporting of a person from one place to another' and it sure is in my Bible. The Bible also speaks of His coming 'with' clouds instead of 'in' clouds. “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. ...” (Rev 1:7) You can trust your clergy to make these facts completely allegorical, or you can believe your Bible literally. Jesus is coming back first 'for' his saints, then 'with' his saints. The Revelation of Jesus Christ says the Lamb of God, Jesus, the only begotten Son of Jehovah God, is coming back 'with' his saints to judge this world. In Islam, Muslims must totally annihilate two nations before their god, Allah, sends messiah to the earth. (That is not a peace loving religion!) In true, Bible believing Christianity, our Messiah will come in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and rapture his saints to be with him in the air. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #42, 14 Oct 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#743 For 21 Oct 2007,

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is all of that and more. It contains seven sevens with 7 messages, seals, trumpets, vials, personages, dooms, and 7 new things. A true apocalyptic book presenting very literally the things which are and the things which shall be. As one reads this tremendous New Testament book it is good to consider how you go about putting together a jig-saw puzzle. It is best to find all the frame pieces and put the frame together first, then you can sort out the individual pieces more intelligently. So to for the Revelation of Jesus Christ. A lot of scatter brain interpretations have come about because they did not have a good framework for this apocalyptic insight. At the end of this Church age, the believers will be raptured out and Christ will begin to fulfill the promises he made to Israel. There will be a 7 year tribulation period divided in half. The seven seals of the Book of God's Judgment are opened during the first half. The seals represent the preparation for the opening of the book. The seven trumpets sound representing the voice of God pronouncing woe. Therein are the next 3 and ½ years of wars and supernatural destruction. This is followed by 7 vials of the wrath of God. Then the unprecedented battle of Armageddon followed by 1000 years of millennial reign of Christ here on the earth. Then, and only then, do we find the new heaven and new earth with streets of gold and foundations of jasper. Take this framework and take the Light of John 1, and you will find the book of Revelation very literal and comprehensible. It brings supernatural blessing to those who read and believe. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
296 Words For Week #43, 21 Oct 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#744 For 28 Oct 2007,

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a revelation and concluding commentary on all Biblical prophecy and the whole of the Bible. It especially clarifies the prophecies recorded by Isaiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah and Daniel. Daniel 9 is of note because it explains the time scale for all apocalyptic prophecies. Verse 24 starts “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people (Israel) and upon thy holy city, (Jerusalem)” We learn that these 'weeks' are 7 year periods, rather than 7 day periods, and we can use the next verses to determine that the Messiah was to come in the 69^th week. He did, but the 70^th week is still unfulfilled. That 7 year period is yet to come upon this earth, but in Matthew 24 Jesus assured us that it would come. Revelation reveals the 70^th week wherein God deals with His promises to Israel ”to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” These are 6 things that God promised directly to Israel and Jerusalem. The tribulation period that Jesus promised is not about the 'Church' at all. It is about God fulfilling the bold and certain promises that He made to his chosen nation Israel. Roman Catholic doctrine, their offshoot Protestant Churches, Latter Day Saints, JW's, and Adventists all miss that distinction completely. They each say that they are now God's chosen, they dismiss Israel completely, and try to muscle in on the promises made to Zion. Don't fall for it. God must keep his promises to Israel, and He shall. Prior to that 7 year tribulation, the believers will be raptured home, don't be 'Left Behind'. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #44, 28 Oct 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#745 For 04 Nov 2007,

The Bible says that there are three more world wars coming. All three will center around a obscure country called Israel. In each case nations will siege Jerusalem and Jehovah God with His only Begotten Son will step in and destroy her enemies. Ezekiel 38 describes one war to occur after the rapture of the Church described in I Thes 4. The last war is at the end of a millennial reign of Christ. (Rev 20) The middle world war is described in the most detail. It marks the end of the 7 years of tribulation. Called Armageddon, it marks the 2^nd coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rev 19) Jesus Christ says “... the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, .... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Rev 16:14-16) This battle, and the return of the Lord to the Mount of Olives, where he was crucified 2000 years ago, culminates the outpouring of God's wrath upon the earth. You can avoid that wrath. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36) Concerning this war the Psalmist says “Be wise now therefore, ... Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.” (Psalm 2:10-12) Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
296 Words For Week #45, 04 Nov 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#746 For 11 Nov 2007,

When a person gets 'born again,' 'converted,' and 'saved' they cannot go back to what they were. God will not allow it. Prior to your conversion, the Bible describes you as 'dead in trespass and sin', as 'a servant of sin' and as 'condemned already.' That is what you got 'saved' from. When you come away from the new spiritual birth, you come away changed, with old things passed away and all things become new. When Jacob came away from wrestling with God, he and Esau departed in different directions. The Bible says “So Esau returned that day on his way unto Seir.” In Hebrew 'Seir' means hairy and shaggy. That pictures a path back into the world rather well. “And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built him an house, and made booths for his cattle:” 'Succoth' came to mean, booths for cattle. Jacob influenced the place where he settled. Do we? Although Jacob built his house east of Jordon, he crossed into the promised land to worship where Abraham had offered his only begotten son near present day Jerusalem. “ And Jacob came to Shalem, ... and pitched his tent before the city.” This pictures the Christian who repented and had his life changed, but still has a priority on houses and lands on this side of his promised land. It pictures the Christian who is still dealing with entanglement of his past (ref Gen 34), yet has his place of worship separate from his abode of life. In chapter 35 God says to Jacob “ Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God.” Jacob now made the great changes in his life that let him dwell full time with God. Change is good. Make some today. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
296 Words For Week #46, 11 Nov 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#747 For 18 Nov 2007,

The Bible assures us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable” And further that “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” It is diabolical how critics of God's Words have followed a corrupted Alexandrian text and tore out 1,131 of God's Words from 357 magnum verses. (15.2% of them!) One hundred and thirty one times they remove the name Lord, Jesus or Christ from these verses, (43.4% of them!) yet they say they are not changing any major doctrines. They now have the world saying that nobody really knows what the Bible says. I do. My King James Bible has all the Word's of God carefully translated, and it says “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Peter tells us “the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” Of the 201 English Bible versions still in print, only one has all the words of God still intact, you should be using it. The majority of 'Christendom' is not, they have been deceived, but majorities on broad paths are wrong. In Dover they considers the first 6 chapters of my Bible as a fable. In court they have 'scientifically' proven that life came from a two rocks rubbing together in a primeval sea, and that humans are not made in the image of God, but evolved from orangutans. Where is God during all this diabolical deception? Take heart, the Bible says “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.” The wide gate allows in a multitude of twisted bible versions, and godless mockery of my Creator. Stay on a straight and narrow path of righteousness; God will have the last 'Word'. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #47, 18 Nov 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#748 For 25 Nov 2007,

As much as the Word contrasts two natures with “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” it contrasts spiritual Jacob and earthy Esau in Genesis. “The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.” You have an earthy side, and if born again, your have a spiritual side wherein Christ's Spirit is born into you.. Jesus said “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” So He illustrates this with the 11 Dukes of Edom vs the 12 Sons of Israel. Genesis 36 goes to show the best of the earthy's nobility, thus the title 'Duke.' Modernist bible versions try to get as far away from the King's English as they can get and miss the Dukes of Edom. The best of man, and the most noble, as caught in this word, falls so far short of Spiritual, even as Isaac's first born falls so far short of his second, and God's First Adam falls so far short of his Second, “the second man is the Lord from heaven.” The Bible says “If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” Christians spend time trying to be Dukes, when they should spend all their time being Sons. “For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.” Don't live your life like a mere Duke of Edom, live it like the submissive Son of God. Be CHRISTian. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #48, 25 Nov 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#749 For 02 Dec 2007,

The 37^th chapter of Genesis opens the struggle of a 17 year old son of Israel who is hated by his brothers. He is hated as a favored son, a tattletale, and an arrogant dreamer of his importance. God could have brought him out of this affliction, corrected the misguided father, and resolved the family differences. Instead God heightened the tension and give more dreams to Joseph. God's purpose was that Joseph would present an early portrait of His only begotten Son. As the story of Joseph unfolds things always seem to go from bad to worse. This chapter leaves the lad despised by his brothers, escaping death, sold into slavery, and mourned by his father. All this to paint a portrait of the one “who came unto his own, and his own received him not;” who “was despised and rejected of men;” who “should taste death for every man;” and who was to be “crowned with glory and honour.”

What Joseph went through does not seem fair and is not what we hear as the 'prosperity gospel'. He walks across the last pages of Genesis portraying the Truth. Being a portrait of Christ is more important than worldly prosperity, health or ease. Are you being a portrait of Christ? If you are a born again Christian, Christ dwells in you, and we are in this world to be His witnesses. Act Christ like in trials. God could not take Joseph out of his problems and still make him a good portrait. Oh that God could use your trial as a portrait of His Son. We are often so eager to get out of circumstances that we become distorted portraits of our Lord and our God. Through it all, look like Him. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #49, 02 Dec 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#750 For 09 Dec 2007,

For a Christian the prophecies of Christ's first coming are clear and emphatic. Modernists and cults hate to acknowledge the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ but the Old Testament prophecies are clear about it. Unbelievers have translated Isaiah 7:14 improperly but Jesus taught it's proper translation “Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” in Matthew's gospel “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” Seven hundred years before His incarnation and birth in Bethlehem Isaiah assigned the child these 5 titles “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Charles Taze Russell of Pittsburgh, and Joseph Smith of Palmyra denied these titles to Jesus, but the Bible is clear and emphatic. Jesus was Emmanuel, The mighty God, The everlasting Father. As we celebrate his birth in this Christmas season be sure and emphasize that Jesus was God incarnate. True Christians worship Jesus the Christ as God.

Isaiah also gives the greatest Old Testament description of why God was made flesh and dwelt among us. “... he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:3-6) He paid your sin debt. Merry Christmas. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
299 Words For Week #50, 09 Dec 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#751 For 16 Dec 2007,

The Bible says that God became flesh for three important reasons; to be man's daysman or advocate, to manifest Himself to mankind, and to be the perfect sacrifice for fallen man. The plight of fallen man is nowhere better mused than in the book of Job in your Bible. The decay and destruction of sin's toll on the most righteous of men is pondered in Hebrew poetry until the 9^th chapter when Job cries out “For (God) is not a man, as I am, that I should answer him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both.” God sent His Son, born in Bethlehem, to be our daysman, advocate, and mediator. Men of religion have put collars on backward and tried to fill that role but the Bible says “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” (1Tim 2:5) Then John records the Words of God as “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ... And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. ... No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.” Just prior to his crucifixion “Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, ... He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” We beheld him, “The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” God's perfect sacrifice. Have you received him as your daysman and sacrifice?

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
298 Words For Week #51, 16 Dec 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#752 For 23 Dec 2007,

The Bible says “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Jesus was clear about where he came from. And the Bible is clear about the circumstances of his Birth. It gives four inspired perspectives of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not to be reconciled, but to be believed. Matthew presents the birth of the King; Luke the birth of the Man. Mark shows the deeds of the Servant and John the deeds of God in the flesh. Not detracting from the former, the latter two required no details of His birth. Luke records “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” The Roman Empire took census for taxing by requiring, at various times and regions that people register in their place of birth. By God's providence Judah's turn came up when Mary was due and the miracle trail continues. Forty days after his birth (Lev 12) Jesus was presented at the Temple in Jerusalem, less than 10 miles away. Back in Bethlehem the Wise men finished their minimally 45 day trek following His star and worshiped Him there. It is not recorded whether Joseph finished his Roman paperwork before fleeing to Egypt, but there is no indication that they were more than 3 months in Bethlehem. Herod's slaughter of 2 year olds originated the phrase 'overkill' but does not indicate the displacement period for census takers. The sequence and circumstance of Jesus' birth is more than believable, it is recorded as divine truth. If you believe it, you can be saved. If your saved you can believe it all. Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
296 Words For Week #52, 23 Dec 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC

What The Bible Says

Good Sam's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Msg#753 For 30 Dec 2007,

When you consider the 12 announcements of Christmas, rather than the 12 days, you can learn a lot of Bible. The first New Testament announcement of the advent of the Christ came to the priest Zacharias in Luke 1:13-17. The second to Mary in verse 30. Miraculously, John the Baptist heard next in verse 41. Forth Elizabeth and Mary both announced his coming to family and friend in Judah in verses 42-56. The 5^th announcement was at John's birth when the dumb priest spoke clearly in verses 68-79. When Mary returned to Nazareth, Joseph was told in Matt 1:20-21. We are so familiar with the 7^th announcement made by the angles in Luke 2, but the shepherds were excellent heralds themselves in verses 17-20. The 9^th announcement was formal when he was named JESUS on his 8^th day here. On His 40^th day here the 10^th and 11^th announcements were made in the temple at Jerusalem. There it was not the High Priest that received him nor lawyers or scribes, but a just and devout old man and a fasting widow who made these two announcements. The last announcement, of the 12, is made by the wise men who came from the east. They saw His star, likely at His conception. They traveled the 9 months of His arrival and the 40 days of her purification. They told it to king Herod, who told the ignorant scribes who had just missed Simeon and Anna's proclamation at the temple. The wise men caught up with Jesus in Bethlehem and worshiped him there. Do not miss the announcement of God being born in the flesh. And where ever you catch up with Jesus, call him Lord and worship Him there. Wise men still seek him.

Learn more Bible truths at GSBaptistChurch.com

Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY
300 Words For Week #53, 30 Dec 2007 www.gsbaptistchurch.com TOC