Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Weekly messages preached at Good Samaritan Baptist Church are condensed into devotional essays and sent out as weekly Penny Pulpit Columns for local publications. This collection of messages was preached during 2020. They contain the wisdom of God in 52 essays over multiple topics. Pastor Rice has been at Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY, since September of 1997. Previous, while serving twenty-three years in the USAF, he has been a Sunday School teacher, youth pastor, junior church director, music director, bus captain, associate pastor and father of 3 boys. His practical teaching of God's Word is captured each year in 52 weekly Penny Pulpit publications. Each title shows the year and week number that the message was preached, i.e. Msg#1328 was preached the 28^th week of 2013. This compilation of messages, used with a computer search engine, is an excellent resource for Bible students, preachers, and missionaries. They are available in pdf format at www.GSBaptistChurch.com

Msg #2001 All Things, and Divine Substitution

At the end of the day the mariners with Jonah knew two things for certain, there was a LORD God who created all things, and salvation from his wrath came from a sacrifice of one. Would that a few U.S. congressmen knew that much these days. When studying or preaching through the book of Jonah few focus on the converted mariners. This concocted teachable moment is nothing less than God fulfilling Romans 8:28 nine centuries before he had it written down. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purposes” (Romans 8:28). This is in Jonah's pre-great-fish experience, he was fleeing from the presence of the LORD and the great wind and tempest breaking up the boat was part of the “all things” that were working together for his good. The mariners with Jonah were tangled into God's workings and look at the good that came their way. They learned of the LORD God of heaven, which made the sea and the dry land (Jonah 1:9). They learned that he deals with those who would try and flee from his presence (1:10). They learned that sacrificing one would save them all (1:12). The result was, “Then the men feared the LORD exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the LORD, and made vows” (1:16).

Two lessons for us here, first when we quote Romans 8:28, remember Jonah. Don't rationalize away the “all things” when they are meant for chastisement! When that is so, repent. Second, we serve such an almighty God, who has so many “all things” at his disposal, that folks around us learn through our trials, even our chastisement. Remember Jonah. Remember his mariners. Remember Romans 8:28 fits into 2020 like a glove.

Msg #2002 Fish or Whale? Jonah or Jesus?

If all you see in Jonah chapter two is a description of a man in a fish's belly, I would like to introduce you to our Lord Jesus Christ who tasted death so you don't have to. So to if you scoff that Jesus called it a whale and Jonah a fish (Matt 12:40, Jonah 2:1). Likewise when you suppose the “belly of hell” is to harsh for Jonah's figurative poetry. All believers should kick over the seat of the scornful and take a fresh new read of Jonah chapter two. It portrays a three day journey that the King of glory took in your stead. It is where the King of righteousness went so you do not have to. It is where the Sun of righteousness went after saying “Why hast thou forsaken me!”

When Jesus died his soul went to hell (Acts2:27, Psalm16:10), his spirit went to the Father (Luke23:46), and his body went to the tomb (Mark15:46)¹. Jesus said that the Son of Man's three days and three nights in the heart of the earth would be as Jonah's time in the whale's belly (Matt12:40). Consequently Jonah chapter two is more about Jesus than Jonah, and is all the more precious from that perspective. Notice his plight, recite his prayer, and capture the premise, the Holy One would not see corruption (Psalm49:9, Acts2:31,13:35, Jonah2:6). Peter preached it “...Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death.” Paul too, “... But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known therefore men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things” (Acts2:24-27,13:37-39). “And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John11:26)

Msg #2003 Repentance – Nineveh Did It

The book of Jonah is not really about Jonah as much as it is about salvation coming to Gentiles. It begs the study of Nineveh (from roots in Nimrod to destruction in Nahum), chapter one's conversion of mariners, chapter two's death burial and resurrection of Christ, and chapter three's repentance and conversion of an exceeding great city; these all point to that theme. It is not till you come to chapter four that you find a case study of the preacher, Jonah, a Jew who didn't really want Gentiles converted!... same theme! Jonah 3 curiously reveals repentance of man and repentance of God. Today repentance naysayers rise up to pollute what God has made clear. They boast that John 3:16 includes no repentance nor Lordship of Christ. But look what the Gentiles of Nineveh did, “Let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands” (Jonah 3:8). Bible conversion is a two headed coin. Paul “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks” clarifies it concisely as “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). Believers are reprimanded for not knowing seven doctrines and the second one is “repentance from dead works” (Heb 6:1). Jesus repeated it twice, “ I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3,5).

Calvinists suppose that God cannot repent or change what you have in store, but Ninevehites said, “Who can tell if God will turn and repent,... and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not” (Jonah 3:9-10). Praise the Lord, he changes things when we repent.

Msg #2004 Nineveh Repents, Jonah Distraught

If Jonah is more about Gentiles receiving salvation than it is about Jonah and the whale, as previously alleged, then Jonah's attitude toward Nineveh's salvation is a portrait of the Jews attitude toward Gentile salvation. Look how well it fits. Israel was to be a testimony to the whole world, a testimony of God's goodness. Instead they fled from the presence of God, Even so God used their flight to teach Gentiles about his mercy; quite like the mariners learned that by the sacrifice of one Jew, all could be saved from the wrath of God. Jonah's three days and three nights in the belly of the whale teach about Jesus in the belly of hell, and the repentance of the exceeding great city previews Gentiles coming to salvation.

Chapter four depicts the LORD God's tender care and correction of the distraught prophet, and then the book of Jonah very abruptly ends. When good literature (God's is the best in the world) ends with no conclusion, the story is suspended and not yet complete. That fits Jonah; God was not done with Gentiles or with Israel. Salvation came to the Gentiles, Pharisees and Sadducees were distraught that God would save the heathens, and they did persecute the church. As he did Jonah, God tenderly deals with Israel's error.

Roman Catholics and Protestant catholics swelled with Gentile ego and taught that all God's promises to Israel are forfeited to the Gentile catholic church (Replacement Theology, and Covenant Theology) and that God is all done with Israel. Not so. God will restore Israel and his chosen nation will be with him in the Kingdom age when Christ sits on the throne of David in the city of Jerusalem. Believers need to be on guard against this leaven in Protestant and Reformed theology.

Msg #2005 Football, State of Union, Socialism

This week is full up. Football mania completely overtakes the Lord's Day, the State of the Union holds an hour of hope for conservatives who desire God's “old-paths” for America, and the impeachment vote rallies socialists who would overturn the “old-ways” and usher in a full socialist agenda. Christians have little cause for optimism. President Trump's resounding successes in “Making America Great Again” cannot outcry the liberal lefts media megaphone yelling, “Throw the bum out.” Al Gore supposed in 2009 that by 2020 Washington DC would be underwater, and now the swamp drains are all clogged up with the depravity of man. The Bible announces, and history proves, that it always ends this way. The CNNs of the earth set themselves, and the MS-NBCs take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed (Messiah) saying, “Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.” Christians from Chuckie Schumer's state, and maybe Shifty Shift's state, can remind others what the next verse in that Psalm says, but even we are appalled at how readily this liberal socialist depravity sweeps across all of America. By their poll, half of America, the citiot half, prefers socialism! Christians are on the winning side, but there are some very dark Marxist days coming to America!

Jeremiah the prophet conveys God's plea to Israel and Judah that they turn back from their evil rebellion (600 B.C.). They refuse, and finally God declares, “Behold, I will bring evil upon them, which they shall not be able to escape; and though they shall cry unto me, I will not hearken unto them” (Jer 11:11). God has blessed America, and this is what she returns! (2020 A.D.) God help us.

Msg #2006 Be My Valentine

“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph 5:25). God uses the most intimate and unifying of human relationships, the marriage union, to portray the creature-Creator relationship that God designed humans for. Soul mates, friends for life, faithful till death, trusted and true, BFF can apply to both our walk with God and our walk with our spouse.

At the early dawning of spring in the northern hemisphere humans devised the query, “Will you be my Valentine?” Those successful in the quest know the depth of intimacy and height of unity that God is expecting from man. So too we know the fragile nature of such intimacy and the evil pain brought in with every ounce of selfishness.

An ever so tiny sliver under the skin festers with increasing pain and infection until the wound is opened and the foreign intrusion removed. Each touch on the sliver causes shooting pain, but its removal causes immediate relief, and begins long term healing. Use this Valentines Day to marvel that someone, all those years ago, said “Yes.” Mend and maintain the fragile nature of such a blessing. Candy don't hurt, flowers always help. And no matter your status this February 14^th, remember you have an almighty Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ, who yet poses that question to every soul. First and foremost mend your relationship with him. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20).

Msg #2007 A Hi-Fi Marriage

Biblical marriage was intended by the LORD God to give man a taste of paradise here on earth. Not following his imperatives however, can leave quite a different taste, as many will attest. Few born in this century know what a Hi-Fi was in the last, but it was tagged to a device that had a high-fidelity reproduction of recorded music, i.e. an output that was faithful to its input. If a marriage and home is to leave the right taste in the mouth it must be a Hi-Fi marriage with careful faithfulness to God's input. Crucial for this fidelity are husbands and wives “submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God” (Eph 5:21). Much has been said about wives submitting, so focus for a moment on the husbands role. Submission is surrendering your life to the needs of another, and thus “Husbands love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it” (Eph 5:25), is a crucial imperative. Christ gave himself for the church. Christ promised “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb13:5), and “I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” (Matt 28:20). Christ meets every need, physical, emotional, and spiritual. And Christ is TRUTH and leads his church into spiritual truth. Further he “hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ” (Eph 1:3) Husbands should focus less on wives submitting and more on loving them as Christ loved the church. A husband has his plate plenty full just doing those four things for his wife. Give your life for her, never forsake her, meet all her needs, and provide her spiritual leadership with all spiritual blessings. Happy Valentines Day.

Msg #2008 Building on the Rock?

At the 29^th annual Youth Ablaze conference (cbbckjv.com) Pastor Eddie Wyatt taught us that, in its proper context, the closing of Matthew 7 is not about building a house on a rock at all. It is not about building our lives on the Solid Rock, nor about digging down to find a sure foundation. That is pretty much all the applications we have heard preached out of this text and in general they have been good applications for the parable. None of them, however, capture the context of Jesus' message. Jesus had just finished preaching three chapters of our Bible called the Sermon on the Mount: profound and authoritative preaching, for three chapters! The accurate and obvious context of his wise-man – foolish-man illustration is plainly stated in verses 24 and 26: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken unto a wise man... And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man....”

While Jesus preached for three chapters there was a whole row of stiff-necked people with their arms crossed. Another group over there, under that tree, had Iphones and heard nothing he said. Some impatiently tapped on their watches. Others were looking off with lofty eyes. Teens were passing notes in the back.

In the next opportunity to hear Bible preaching how will you respond? That is Jesus' point! Will you be a “Doer of the Word?” It has been said if you want a new preacher, just pray for the one you have! Do you? Arrive at church well prepared for Bible preaching. Purpose that you are going to be a doer of the Word. And be sure it is accurate authorized KJV preaching. God only has one Holy Bible.

Msg #2009 He That Winneth Souls

God gave Ezekiel a very pointed lesson about a watchman who had blood on his hands because he failed to sound an alarm when trouble was coming (Ezek33). “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.... If thou doest not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand” (33:7-8). In Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts Christians have a commission to preach the gospel to every creature. Every Christian has a personal testimony of the day that they got saved-born-again-converted to Christ. You can tell someone what happened that day, what you did, and what he did. Then quote John3:16-18 and 36. Throw in 5:24 and the verses of the Romans Road to Heaven (3:10,23, 5:8,12,18-19, 6:23, 10:9-10,13) and you could be the one spoken of in Daniel 12:3, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.” or Proverbs11:30 “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life and he that winneth souls is wise.” or Psalm126:6, “He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Why? “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;...Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;... For the love of Christ constraineth us...” (2Cor5:10,11,14). Don't just sit there, get some 3x5 cards and get memorizing. And remember it is not your persuasion, it is his quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword Scriptures that change lives.

Msg #2010 Acts 2020 With 2020 Vision

Baptist churches with sensible themes for 2020 will obviously include something about vision and will practically include Acts 20:20. We could use such a theme to enliven our old fashion, dying out, door-to-door soul-winning efforts. In Daniel 11 the Bible says that saints left in the perils of the last days “shall be strong, and do exploits, ... and instruct many” (Dan 11:32-33). Those few who understand the premillennial return of Christ and pretribulation rapture of the church know that this section of scripture is speaking of the tribulation saints, not church saints, but we can find excellent application to our days in this Laodicean church age. In 2020, almost unbelievably, we are only one vote away from socialism/communism in America. Keep your Bible open to those verses and understand that in any communist system “those that do know their God... some of them of understanding shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (11:35). The saints that do know their God, and understand, dare not be wringing their hands and fretting about how bad things are getting. Nor should we who have Daniel 11 in our King James Bible expect that any meager efforts on our part will change the depraved course of human government. What should we do? The application is clear. We should take Acts 20:20 start going door-to-door, and house-to-house (again) to “be strong, and do exploits, ... and instruct many.” It just aint going to get done by effeminate evangelicals waving their NIVs² n ESVs³ inside their apostate churches. So let's have a few Baptists who will quit whining, pull up their big-boy pants, and do some 2020 house-to-house exploits in their door-to-door soul-winning weekly visitation and bus-route programs. Praise the Lord and get cracken!

Msg #2010b A Capitol Connection

An “Awake America” effort has an exceptional spearhead called “Capitol Connection” wherein independent Baptist pastors are encouraged to make a connection to their government representatives. Three building blocks of good society are Christlike homes, in Biblical churches, upholding a righteous government. In 2020 America is sorely lacking in all three, but foundations that have the first two need to start reaching into that third layer. If our society is going to remain viable, and see America great again, Christians need to strongly impact our government officials. Pastor Mike Creed's extraordinary effort to get an impactful prayer warrior, a gospel witness, a sincere Baptist pastor's heart, a Holy Ghost presence of God, into every representative's office in DC (yeah in every State Capitol as well) is powerful, and needs independent Baptist pastor's involvement. A pastor having a meek and quiet word of prayer with a representative or their staff, addressing their needs, their salvation, and their dependence on wisdom from the LORD God in these troublous times, is far more effective than any rant about how bad things are. That, in brief, is what Capitol Connection is about. They are your local, state, and federal representatives, they want to meet and hear from their constituents, an in-person meeting beats any email or phone call, and showing up just to let them know you are their prayer warrior is powerful. God will amaze with the results of this interaction. Thank you Pastor Creed for an exceptional conference, lets all make inroads into all our government representative's offices, and keep their doors open to constituents who are also compassionate Baptist pastors. NYS had five pastors visiting their DC representatives this week, and, thanks to gallant efforts and organization of Pastor Tim Young, all 29 NYS Congressmen received visits and presentations. PTL

Msg #2011 Stewardship 101

“The kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.... to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey” (Matthew25:14,15). When first attending OSU I was enrolled in PSYC101 and several other 101 courses. The “101” stood for a first year progression in the sequence. That is as far as I got in PSYC... and many other university disciplines; my focus was on engineering. A Christian's focus needs to be on stewardship and Matthew 25 is like STWD101 in Christianity. In scripture the five, two, and one talents are money, but represent a resource given to God's servant. Be careful what you regard as this resource; it is not actual money, this is a parable. It is not a “talent”, like the ability to play the piano or trumpet, as might be errantly taught. To survive, a redneck needs only two teeth that meet (to chew his food), and two brain cells close together (to think his thoughts). The resource could be mental acuity. But if one does not invest and use their talent(s) they are cast into outer darkness! This is pretty serious, so the best fit is that the talent is a knowledge of God. Five talents representing sixty-six books of the Bible, two talents, twenty-seven books of the New Testament and the one talent given represents only the few truths embedded into every human wherein those that bury that resource are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Now it fits scripture, “cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness....”(Matthew 25:30). If you are reading this you have five talents i.e. those sixty-six books in your lap. Focus then, on being a wise steward, that is STWD101 for all mankind.

Msg #2012 Christian Stewardship 202

“And he said unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods” (Luke 16:1). There are three stewardship parables that Jesus taught from. The Matthew 25 parable of the talents shows the responsibility for all of mankind, the Luke 16 parable of the unjust steward shows the reasonable sacrifice for the children of liight, and the Luke 19 parable of the ten pounds shows the result of “We will not have this man to reign over us” (19:14). (The Luke 20:9-18 parable of the planted vine yard was aimed at the Pharisees and elders of Israel.) The unjust steward parable, aimed at disciples, is powerful and Jesus drives home the point with, “the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (16:8b). He then charges his disciples to use everything thy own for his eternal purposes. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (vr. 13b), so use your mammon to build your “everlasting habitation” (vr. 9).

This should find such application in a Christian's life that we lay hands on every single possession and ask, “How can I use this to add someone t the kingdom of heaven? How can I use my car, truck, and van? How can I use my house, cottage or apartment to further the kingdom? How can I use my bass boat?... Whoa now, let's be careful how far we take this... no, let's not! Let's pay attention t the rebuke in Jesus' parable and be wiser than the world, learning to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and strength.... Let's suppose that includes all our posessions... our mammon. And let's be faithful stewards.

Msg #2013 Christian Stewardship 303

Of the three stewardship parables Jesus taught us, the parable of the ten pounds from Luke 19 has a curious sidebar. This parable differs significantly from the parable of the talents given in Matthew 25. The talents were given to servants “according to their several ability.” The pounds were given one per servant. The wicked servant with buried talent was cast into outer darkness. The one who wasted his pound suffered loss but not destruction. In the talent parable a servant was not necessarily a saved man, but in the ten pound parable a servant was a disciple who could not loose his eternal life. The purpose of this ten pound parable is explained, “because he was nigh unto Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear” (19:11). It followed Zacchaeus' salvation and Luke 19:10's clarity. The talent parable was Olivet Discourse material for all, this was for disciples about when their King would return. Therein, of the citizens that hated him and said, “We will not have this man to reign over us” (19:14), the returning King said “bring (them) hither, and slay them before me” (19:27). Note that when Israel's first king ascended to the throne, such citizens were spared (1Sam 11:12-13), but here they were slain outright. Back then it says, “for today the LORD hath wrought salvation in Israel” (1Sam 11:13), but at the return of Christ as King, the day of salvation is past, all those who hate him are slain and cast into outer darkness. Christians need to be a witness as Paul said, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...” (2Cor5:11), because “Jesus Christ hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (vr.18). In trying days, stewards need to be about the Father's business.

Msg #2014 This Easter Sunday

For a Christian all Sundays are to be a celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, but two in the year fall around the Hebrew Passover time. The Sunday after Passover is the day of Christ's resurrection, but the Sunday before Passover was the day the Passover lamb was chosen and separated from the flock. So, on Palm Sunday we observe the selection of the Lamb of God via the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. “Hosanna to the son of David, Hosanna in the highest,” they cried, but when they came into Jerusalem “the city was moved saying, Who is this?'” The multitude got it wrong, saying it was just the prophet of Nazareth (Matt 21:8-11).

Today the multitude still has it wrong and does not recognize Jesus as did the disciples, “We have found the Messias, which is being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:41, cf 35-51). Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and all other non-christian religions call him a prophet of Nazareth. LDSs, JWs, SDAs and all other cults deny he was the Christ, the only begotten Son of God, a person of the Trinity. More dangerous still are the “Christian Religions” that deny the efficacy of his salvation insisting on added penance, works, baptisms et.al.. These are all antichrist by Bible definition (1John 2:18,22, 4:3, 2John 1:7).

If you know the truth about who Jesus is, get out of Sunday hiding, on roof top if necessary, and let the public, the mislead multitudes, staying home from their apostate churches, know what Christ did on Resurrection Sunday. Organize your own Sunrise Service and sing out loud, and with joy, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Hallelujah!” If there ever was a day it was needed, it is in the midst of a pandemic. Lift your mask and sing out loud.

Msg #2014b The Bible and Corona

By definition “corona” are visible circles of light around a luminous object, a crown of light, an aureola or white halo around our sun only visible during a total eclipse. We do have an eclipsed Son, but actually its crown shape gives this novo (unknown) or novel (original and not seen before) corona virus its name. The acronym COVID-19 is CO, corona, VI, virus, D, disease, and 19 short for 2019 when it appeared.

Is the novo corona-virus the wrath of God? Is it the end of the world? Is it a precursor to the second coming of Christ? No, No and No. When the vials of the wrath of God are poured upon this earth they will be final, unmistakable, and clearly foretold in Revelation chapter sixteen. That chapter foretells what one would call “the end of the world”, verse eleven tells man's reaction, and we are not there yet. There are seven precursors to the second coming of Christ; they occur after the rapture of the Church and are foretold in the pealing of seals off “the book” described in the Revelation of Jesus Christ chapter six. We are not there yet.

COVID-19 could be construed as a chastisement of God, “For whom the lord loveth he chasteneth...” (Heb 12:6). God does not per se “send” judgment, but he does take back his hand and allow such vexation into loved lives. Corona-virus is most likely Satan's power play. The feminist movement he started in Eden invaded and ruined homes and churches, and now Satan wants society ushered into a one-world government. That global warming hoax and Paris accord was just not working out for him. Death and destruction are his normal tools. The world cannot see all this, but Christians can. Pray President Trump can trump Satan again.

Msg #2015 A Prehumously Written Easter Message

This Easter Sunday was like no other in the history of America. Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ were advised by their government officials that for the sake of the social good of our society they should not gather together and worship the resurrected Christ. Some officials, enamored with their newly acquired authority to push people around for the social good, had already issue tickets and levied ridiculous fines against Christians who disobey their recommendations. Easter Sunday, in America, came laden with threats and intimidations against those who would gather for any worship of the resurrected Christ in any venue. It is sobering how complacent Christendom has become. But it is downright frightening how honest to goodness, genuine born-again-saved believers have been lulled to sleep during this pandemic. There is no sackcloth, nor ashes, nor fasting rampant in believers lives. Sitting at home on couches in front of big screen TVs, being careful not to spill the coffee is acceptable worship for the masses, even on Resurrection Sunday. The Passover lamb was slain and nature's most powerful Paschal Moon was full and highlighting the most powerful three nights in God's creation, just as it had since 1492 (BC) when God wrote down that this was true. For the most part officials have not dared to close churches and call them non-essential, but Christians have. Church doors are locked across America and “Christians” have not even tried a door knob to see if they can enter and make it a house of prayer. Honest pastors fast and set for hours in these abandoned buildings seeking God's face, weeping for our nation, weeping for parishioners, weeping for the lost. Across America a couple parishioners wanted into the church house to retrieve their Bibles from their pew, but none wanted in to pray, to visit an alter, to thank their God, to seek his face, to sing him a hymn, to just sit in that pew and be quiet, to pray with their pastor. We make it to the grocery store just fine, that's essential. People are lonely during house arrest, non so lonely as your pastor in an empty church, and that house is not under arrest. If you love it, make some plans to visit it a couple times this week,... unfortunately you might need a key.

Msg #2015b Is It the Day of the LORD?

“For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low” (Isaiah 2:12). In the midst of a pandemic people are asking questions about the end of the world and a wise Christian needs to do two things, be Biblically knowledgeable, and be ready to give an answer for the hope that lieth in you. When the world is asking about the end of the world, the last days, or the return of Christ, understand that they do hold bits and pieces of the truth. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness...” (Romans 1:18). When they pillow their head at night, man knows that there is a judgment coming, and that they are going to come up short. Christians need to maneuver queries about the end into a clear presentation of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In study of the day of the LORD we know that a pandemic is small potatoes. In Revelation 16 the wrath of God is poured out upon this world. It is unimaginable. Mankind's response is given in 1611, they “blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” We heard NY Governor Cuomo start down this very path this week.

This day of the LORD, described and revealed in the Revelation of Jesus Christ, is proceeded by seven trumpets that announce and give a small sample of the vials of God's wrath. The seven trumpets are proceeded by seven seals that allow the stage to be set, allow Satan to step up controls, and allow mankind to sink deeper into his depravity and rebellion. Prior to such a preparation the church is removed in the rapture (Rev 4:1-3, 1Thes 4:13-18).

So what is this pandemic? Well, look at what it is doing to our own government. Satan is clearly flexing his muscles and exercising his plans for the future. All governments and nations will be on his side in the final days, and our own government's draconian measures to close churches and open liquor stores is self evident. Tickets, fines and jail are for violators of whatever it orders. Mandatory wearing of masks when in public, requiring “papers” to show you are driving to an “essential” job, taking license numbers of cars in church parking lots, pondering a mark on the forehead of those who have corona virus antibodies,... our government is flexing its muscles, and is enamored with its power to take away people's rights for what it deems “the higher good.” They like it so much, even carnal people are getting nervous, and asking, “Is this the end times?” Give them answer, but more so, give them the gospel.

Msg #2016 Stewardship 404

Be “like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding;... Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching:... for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.” (Luke 12:36-37,40). Jesus taught some powerful principles about stewardship. A steward is given resources and responsibilities for a period of time and is then held accountable for his actions. The Apostle Paul calls such a period of stewardship a dispensation (1Cor 9:17, Eph 1:10, 3:2, and Col 1:25) which, in his Greek, is the same root word as stewardship. The clearest dispensation is found in the Garden of Eden where man was given resources and responsibilities and he clearly failed. A Bible student freed from Roman Catholic, Protestant, Reformed, Calvinistic Covenant/Replacement theology can clearly distinguish seven of these Bible dispensations. The Apostle Paul says to Gentiles, “If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:…” (Eph 3:2). Those in bondage to Covenant Theology cannot see Bible dispensationalism. They cannot discern Israel's place in God's plan nor what is going on in the last days of this dispensation. They are blind to the upcoming Kingdom dispensation. In Ephesians the Bible declares that in “the dispensation of grace” Gentiles are “fellowheirs and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel ...” (3:6). It is not a Gentile takeover as Rome declares, nor is it exclusively Gentiles as hyper-dispensationalist contend. The Bible is really very clear on this point, and on the various dispensational (stewardship) ages that God walks mankind through before the last “dispensation of the fullness of times” (1:10), and the end of the world. A study of these seven dispensations might be called Stewardship 404, and is pertinent in the last days of this dispensation of grace we call the church age. While you are locked away at home you should do such an eyeopening study. God bless.

Msg #2017 Living by Grace, Dying by Grace

Speaking of his own death the Apostle Paul writes, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21). It's a Christian's attitude during a pandemic. The gloomy reality is that none of us are guaranteed to live through this pandemic. We are now on the tail-end of the corona virus. It did not need to, but it has devastated our economy. Make no mistake, some forces, hoping to overturn President Trump's successes, and advance socialism in America, are still trying to throttle any economic comeback, to destroy capitalism, and to advance socialism/communism in America. Survival of this nation on that front is not guaranteed either. We are only one vote away from socialism in America. Only 30 million vote in any American election, and 84 million souls sit in pews of churches each week... well they did before the government ordered them to stop! Be sure you vote right in November!

“Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (James 4:14). I'll encourage Christians to use their little vapour to preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ all the way to their grave,.. or to his return “for” his saints (1Thes 4). The Apostle Paul writes to Corinth “For I am the least of the apostles,” and to the Ephesians, “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints,” before he declares, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Be what you are by the grace of God. You are saved by grace, sanctified by grace, standing by grace, walking by grace, so plan to live by grace and die by grace. God bless.

Msg #2018 Behold Your King

Israel was given opportunity to accept Jesus Christ as Messiah and King; they rejected him. The Gospel of Matthew shows the kingly person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The first twelve chapters deal with our Lord's presentation of himself as a king, and in chapter thirteen there is a dramatic change in his presentation. His bewildered disciples ask, “Why speakest thou unto them in parables?” (Matt 13:10).

And his revealing answer is, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.... For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (13:11,15). Don't get the cart before the horse, it was not the parables that waxed their heart gross, it was sin; it was depravity that made them dull of hearing with closed eyes.

At this point they had already rejected their king, and going on from this point Jesus teaches his disciples about “the kingdom of heaven”, the first of seven “mysteries” revealed in the New Testament. The “kingdom of heaven” is unique to Matthew's gospel. From 3:2's repentance message to 25:14's fig tree its thirty-two uses deal with the Messiah's rule on earth from the throne of David. Rome, Luther, and Calvin had eyes closed to this mystery but the astute Bible student can fulfill 13:12's prophecy, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” Study, and have more abundance during this pandemic.

Msg #2019 Moms Are Different

Likely, on this Mother's Day, there are more Bibles open to Proverbs 31 than any other scripture. That chapter begins, “The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.” The five prophecies that this mother taught are pertinent on this Mother's Day. A prophet is one who rares back and says “Thus saith the LORD.” Today anyone with a King James Bible might act as that prophet, and certainly a mom needs to teach these five prophecies. First king Lemuel's mom teaches a prophecy that king Solomon himself did not learn, “Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.” The wisest king was destroyed, not heeding this prophecy. Mom says, “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink.” When Christ “washed us from our sins in his own blood” he made us “kings and priests” (Rev1:5-6,5:10). Kings are commanded, “Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.... Wine is a mocker,... and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise“ (Psalm 20:1,23:31). Mom's prophecies go on, “Open thy mouth, judge righteously” and “Who can find a virtuous woman?” (Prov 31:9,10). But don't miss mom's prophecy about mothers; “What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?” It emphasizes mothering skills, physical differences, and marriage vows. Women are constructed to be mothers. They have different and larger organs and immune capabilities to produce, protect, and nurture an infant. More men died of nova corona than women. And God also built in a deeper capacity to love, coddle, and cherish. Moms are forever moms. Happy Mother's Day.

Msg #2020 Behold Your King II

Reading through four Gospels is thoroughly enriched with the inside insight about the two presentations of the kingdom. In Matthew 13 the rejected Messiah begins his parable presentation of “the kingdom of heaven is likened unto...”. Previously when Jesus said, “For the Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath day,”... “Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him how they might destroy him” (Matt 12:8, 14). After this rejection of the Messiah, Jesus teaches about what has been called the unpardonable sin (12:31-32), the sign of Jonas (38-41) and the sign of “the queen of the south” (42). Jesus then warns them about idle efforts to clean up their own act (43-45), and announces a new family relationship where believers are family and earthly family are adversary (46-50). This is a transition from where the kingdom was “at hand” to where the kingdom will come when Christ returns, and “every eye shall see him” (Rev1:7).

The bulk of “Christendom” miss this change of venue. They suppose that the sermon on the mount (Matt 5-7) is the same as the sermon on by the sea shore (13-...). The Vatican denies the Millennial Reign of Christ and is busy setting up their own kingdom. Thus their Protestant offspring are thoroughly confused about end times, the rapture, and second coming of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords, et.al. (1Thes 4, Rev 19). But when the Bible student sees the transition, a clarity of all scriptures allows that, “Whosoever hath, to him shall be given” (Matt 13:12). Orthodoxy does not understand how Israel, in God's promised land, and Satan in world pandemics, wars and rumors of wars, fit into end times. But a genuine Bible student need not be ignorant of these things (1Thes 5:1-11).

Msg #2021 Behold Your King III

Wayside soil, stony places, and among thorns is an apt description of what the Christ found when he preached “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 4:17, cf 13:4-8). Israel's rejection of her Messiah and King ushers in a change of venue for the kingdom. It is portrayed in seven parables of Matthew 13; parables wherein “the kingdom of heaven is likened unto...”'; and the kingdom is now a revealed mystery that was not what Pharisees or the disciples were looking for. Now the kingdom takes a tack where there is more poor soil than good, tares in the wheat, a rogue mustard seed, and leaven in the meal. We often study these parables in light of preaching the gospel to every creature, but not in light of Jesus' weeping over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41,13:34,Matt 23:37), the city that rejected him and heard Pilot say, “Behold your King.” “He came unto his own and his own received him not” (John 1:11). We love the part, and preach the part that says, “But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the son's of God, even to them that believe on his name” (1:12). But our Lord was despised and rejected of men so that all we like sheep that have gone astray could be reconciled to the Father, who laid on him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah53). This was always meant to be, but it required first that the Messiah come preaching “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” It was at hand then, is in our hearts now, and will be over the whole world soon. Wait for it, watch for it, for sure, but right now, if you are born-again-saved, live the words of Jesus “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

Msg #2022 Failures of Grace

“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed....” Jesus' seven rapid fire parables expose a believer to the new rules of engagement for the kingdom of heaven being “at hand”. “Because it is given unto you (disciples) to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 13:11). His 3^rd parable, touching the mustard seed, is often misunderstood. Mustard is not a food but a poignant spice and here it is used with the other six parables to drive home that the kingdom of heaven is not to be all “nice and rosy and comfy cozy.” The uncomfortable part is not in the size of the seed or the greatness of the herb, but the lodging of the birds in its branches. Anyone who peered into a Berkely package of celery seeds knows there are smaller seeds, so “least” here is not a size-thing but a significance-thing. Anyone who reached to the top of an oriental mustard plant knows its massive size. But the dwelling place of “all fowl of every wing” was evil for the cedar being Babylon (Ezek 17), the exalted tree being Assyria (31:3-9), and the portrayal of Nebuchadnezzar and his lodging of evil (Dan4:20-22). It is the fowl that make it foul; they portray the wicked one lodged in kingdom branches. The poignant mustard seed will later be used to size up one's faith to move mountains (Matt 17:20), but in the next parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven...” there is no disputing that the leaven represents sin in the kingdom. The kingdom parables all reveal the failure within the dispensation of grace that we live in, as does the tyranny in our own government, and the anarchy in our streets. Even so come Lord Jesus.

Msg #2023 Perilous Times But Joy Unspeakable

In Matthew chapter thirteen the last three parables that Jesus uses to expose the “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” express the absolute joy of knowing the way into the kingdom. They combine with the truth of 7:14, “Narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it,” and shew it to be like a hid treasure, 13:44, and a pearl of great price, 13:45-46. If you found the treasure, if you are holding the pearl, you're saved from that final drag net illustrated in 13:47-50. If you never applied to receive God's eternal life, purchased by the blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, “The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (13:49b-50). The “just” have the pearl and the hid treasure was found in the halls of Romans 10:9-13.

In a day when a pandemic response ignores the First Amendment to close churches but opens streets to riotous protests, when anarchy rules the day striving to overthrow government, when black lives killed by police matter more than black lives killed by looters and drug addicts, when those days arrive in America, it may seem a little selfish, but it is good to set quietly for a little while and reflect on the treasure we are holding in our undeserved, unmerited, bought with a price, eternal life.

In their hatred for our president Governor Cuomo may pretend to read the Bible and Nancy Pelosi may even try to quote a verse for her left wing cause, but when you have the actual Word embedded in your soul it is “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1Pet 1:8).

Msg #2024 Whine – Wait – Worship

“But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.... But ye, brethren, are not in darkness,... Ye are all the children of light, ... Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1Thes 5:1-2,4,5,6). Twice now America could say, “This changes everything.” An Islamic invasion on 9/11/2001 and now a pandemic and socialist invasion of 2020. Honest Christians know that a world pandemic and anarchy in the streets is larger than what the liberal left could pull off, it is diabolical. This is Satan himself flexing his muscles before the four horses of Revelation six show up, and honest Bible students know that the horses don't ride till after the rapture of the church.

Most prophets go to the people for the LORD, Habakkuk went to the LORD for the people, and asked, “What are you doing up there?” An outline for chapter 1, 2 and 3 would be Whining, Waiting and Worshiping. The short book concludes, “I don't see any end in sight,” “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (cf 3:17-19). How apropos. Faith believes God is in control, works things together for good, and can always be trusted. When you cannot see the hand of God, you can trust the heart of God. We will loose the battle, but win the war. “We are on the winning side, yes we're on the wining side, out in sin, no more will I abide. I've enlisted in the fight for the cause of truth and right, Praise the Lord, I'm on the winning side.” Amen.

Msg #2025 Open Closed Doors

On this Father's Day we focus on a major failing of a father in our Bible, not to expose his failures but ours, and not to tarnish his character but to polish ours. Second Samuel 13 begins a two chapter narrative that depicts a major failing of a father named King David. These two chapters are about much more than David as a father, but for us today, that's it. Absalom, David's son, had a sister Tamar, David's daughter, who was raped by Amnon, another of David's sons and “King David...was very wroth” (13:21). A good father has an open door to his children. There is no circumstance in your children's lives that should slam that door shut. King David was so angry about this mess that for seven years no one could talk to him about it. He was frozen in anger. It was Absalom who delivers Tamar, took her to his house, and cared for her for two years of her father's angry silence. It is all to common that husbands and fathers have a topic that no one in the family dares to talk about openly. Men use this to silence and manipulate wives, sons, daughters, servants, et.al.. “Oh my, don't bring that up, he will go crazy.”

Absalom's corrective action causes massive miscommunication (13:30-36), and David “longed to go to Absalom”, but did not. The chapter closes with the door still shut. In chapter 14 people connive to push on the closed door, but David will not be reconciled to Absalom. In chapter 15 Absalom goes sour on King David, his failed father.

Fathers, keep communications open, and check for closed doors, they need opened. Do it before you word David's cry, “Would God I had died for thee my son Absalom” (18:33).

Msg #2026 Leprosy

“Many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.” (Luke4:27). 2Kings 5 is not about Naaman, a little girl's witness, or Elisha's tenth miracle; not about kings, or Gehazi's failures; it is about leprosy. We do learn that a little child with great expectations can move God's heart. We learn that kings know nothing about God, his prophets, or his business, its not for hire. We learn that the man of God knows the kings business and that there is a prophet in Israel... there still is (Deut18:15), and kings still do not know. But the slow unrelenting death of leprosy is the lesson at hand. We all had it, for in sin all die. If you're reading this and still have it, like Elisha sent a messenger to Naaman, God sends a messenger to tell man what he needs to do to receive complete cleansing. God's simple plan for cleansing is always offensive to those who think themselves somebody. Humans always preconceive how God is supposed to do things, and Naaman had to learn that the gully cleansing backwash that flows through God's promised land is more powerful than the grandest river. It was the servants who knew that simple obedience was key, and Naaman finally dipped himself seven times. His flesh became as... as one that was born again. Look at the seven things this new convert, as it were, did. He returned to the man of God, knew things, had great gratitude (5:15), considered his silver and raiment as “dirt”, and would know no other gods (vr.17). He knew he would still need pardon but he could go in peace (vr.18,19). Healing leprosy pictures salvation. Never forget when God healed your slow death.

Msg #2027 A Whole Lot of Shaking

Isaiah 24 captures how God is going to turn the earth upside down, and in the process, … “There is a whole lot of shaking going on.” Excuse that lyric if you know where it comes from, but God says some things about the upcoming shaking and the Christian is not to be at all shaken, even when America is. “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; ... I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house (Jerusalem's temple) with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Hag2:6-7). The prophet goes on to say the LORD God will “destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathens” (vr22). America now qualifies. In one chapter Isaiah 24 artfully covers how “this earth mourneth and fadeth away”( vr1-2), how only a remnant of Israel is left (vr13-15), the great tribulation (vr16-20), the battle of Armageddon (vr21-22) and the coming Kingdom Age (vr23). The Protestant, saddled with covenant theology, can see none of this in their modernist ecumenical bibles, so the Bible student who understands the dispensations of God should not be “a reed shaken in the wind,” and “be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word... as that day of Christ is at hand,” (2Thes2:2). Be, instead, an unflappable witness. There is coming “signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon earth distress of nations, with perplexity; ...Men's hearts failing them for fear... for the powers of heaven shall be shaken” (Luke21:25-26). Don't be shaken; “That those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Heb12:27). Be that unflappable witness of our coming Lord Jesus Christ.

Msg #2028 Understand All These Things?

After giving the disciples seven parables illuminating the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, “Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea Lord” (Matt 13:51). I have read the parables of soils, tares, mustard-seed, leaven, hid treasure, goodly pearls, and a fish net for fifty years and I don't have the confidence of the twelve. Indeed. I've found ignorance about the kingdom of heaven so prevalent in Christendom that the Bible and I rightfully spend more time addressing it than any other general topic. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, ... ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:3). “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). “... behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). There is coming a time when Jesus' prayer, “Thy kingdom come”, and the Father's promise of “my king upon my holy hill of Zion,” will be fulfilled. In the mean time Christians, as good stewards, are to be about their Father's business. Understanding a few things about the kingdom of heaven should cause us to labor. Paul says, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ...” (2Cor5:9-10). Labor “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord” (vr.11)... Hey, angels “shall cast (the wicked) into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 13:49-50). Labor “For the love of Christ constraineth us” (2Cor 5:14). We should thus labor in the harvest, in preaching, in the word, and in prayer. Labor in “the ministry of reconciliation... we are ambassadors for Christ” (2Cor5:18,20). Don't just wring your hands in this dark day,... labor!

Msg #2029 Soul Winning Loved Ones

“When he was come into his own country... they were offended in him” (Matt 13:54a,57a). At the close of seven parables, wherein mysteries of the kingdom of heaven are likened to … things, it is revealed that Jesus knew some things about family rejection. I could sooner talk to a stranger on the street than rehearse the gospel truths to a lost family member, already offended by my preaching. Practice, therefore, Jesus' methods on family and familiar ones who need the gospel. From verse 54 teach them, astonish them, tell where wisdom comes from, and do mighty works. You are trying to change their “soil-type” (13:3-9), you will need Bible knowledge to astonish, wisdom at its source, and knowledge that, “Your talk talks, and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.” From verse 55 they know where you come from, use that to advantage. Jesus was not “just one of them”, but you are, exercise that familiarity.

In verse 56 they asked, “Whence then hath this man these things?” Quote King James scripture. Don't use a mamsy-pamsy dummied down modernist ecumenical version. The real thing is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword! Keep your sword sharp. Lastly, they will be offended in you. At the right time call in a Godly, gospel preaching pastor and ask him to visit your loved one with you, or ask God to send one of His by their house. After thirteen years of our witness, a Godly Baptist pastor, who he “just happened to meet”, lead my father in law to the Lord, in a cow pasture, next to a 1^st prize Angus cow, while he was vacationing in Texas! My wife would excitedly tell you that whole account. Above all pray, pray, and pray.

Msg #2030 Heaven is a Wonderful Place

When we let go of a saved loved one, and angels carry them off into the very presence of Almighty God their creator, heaven gets more relevant to us, more real for us, and a little sweeter in our expectations. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). We know that they are absent from the body and present with the Lord. We reverently place that shell of a body into a tomb or under a sod knowing that there is coming a resurrection day when it will be raised up incorruptible, as Christ's resurrected body was. At Christ's death for us (Rom 5:8) his spirit went to his Father (Luke23:46), his soul went to hell (Psalm 16:10, Acts2:27, 31) and his body was placed in an empty tomb (Mark6:29). Death is separation. When a person is saved, born-again, converted to Christ, redeemed by the blood, their soul is quickened with eternal life, it will never go to hell because Christ did that for us. Their death is separation in that their soul and spirit are gone to be with their Father and their body is left an empty shell. The hurt and tears come because that separation, for a time, separates them from us... for a time because... “Jesus said unto (Martha), I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” (John 11:25). So our loved one went to “heaven” because any place that the full glory of Jehovah God is on display is heaven. It will be another thousand years before the golden streets arrive, but they are in heaven, and it is a far better place.

Msg #2031 Saints in Resurrected Bodies

“Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept... every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterword they that are Christ's at his coming” (2Cor15:20,23). For the believer the graveyard is not burial ground, it is resurrection ground. Thirty-five hundred years ago the servant Job said, “I know that my redeemer liveth... and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God... mine eyes shall behold him...” (Job19:25-27). Saints will one day be resurrected “when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality” (1Cor15:54). Our resurrected body will be like Christ's and he appeared in different forms (Mrk16:12), ate fish and honeycomb (Luke24:42-43), was held by his feet (Mt28:9), entered through shut doors (Jn20:19), breathed on them (vr.22) and after forty days ascended out of their midst (Acts 1:9).

The only man-made thing in heaven is Christ's wounds (John20:27); our incorruptible bodies won't have those, but in all other respects will be just like the firstfruit of them that slept. Till we get there our spirit groans for it (Rom8:22-23), and we should be addicted to the ministry of the saints, as was the house of Stephanas, the firstfruits of Achaia (1Cor16:15), and behave like a kind of firstfruits of his creatures (James1:18).

In this mean time our loved ones gone to heaven know even as they are known (1Cor13:12), compass us as a great cloud of witnesses, as we run the race set before us (Heb 12:1), and, like the slain tribulation saints will do shortly, their souls cry aloud saying “How long, O Lord, holy and true dost thou not judge and avenge...” (Rev6:9-10). The Lord will soon return, even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Msg #2032 Stand Up, Fast, and Out

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. ..., be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up” (Dan 3:16-18). In America a stand against the rulings of the governing is now called for. The princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, can forbid the “gathering of ourselves together” for worship of our Lord Jesus Christ. Curtailing a couple services to “flatten the curve” that terrified them is one thing, but four months later fining churches and jailing Baptist pastors because they obey Hebrews 10:25, is quite another. Pray for pastors that are standing up, “Who will rise up for (God) against the evildoers... who will STAND UP for (God) against the workers of iniquity!” They did not dwell in silence, so pray their foot not slip and that “Thy mercy, O LORD” hold them up (Psalm 94:16-18). Pray that they, as these three Hebrew men, would “Stand therefore, having (their) loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness” (Eph 6:14). Pray they will STAND FAST in the faith, quit you like men, and be strong (1Cor 16:13). That they “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And (be) in nothing terrified by (their) adversaries” (Philip 1:27-28). Pray also that God will cause them to STAND OUT … a peculiar people; that (they) should shew forth the praises of him who hath called (them) out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1Pet 2:9) I pray that you will stand with them. God Bless.

Msg #2032t A Life That Matters

Everyone wants a life that matters and in the Bible the prophet Elisha had one. He had asked that a double portion of Elijah's spirit be upon him (2Kings 32:9), and if you count, you find he saw twice the recorded miracles that Elijah saw. A life that matters is first and foremost a life that pleases God. “When a man's ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov16:7). “Be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work...” (Col 1:9-10). God can “make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight” (Heb13:21). Elisha even pleased God from the grave! (2Kings13:20-21). If you want your life to matter, please God and then live so others see the LORD. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mat5:16). Paul calls this putting on the armor of light...i.e. “put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom13:12,14). “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Prov4:18).

Lastly, live so others want the Lord. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1Pet3:15). Don't answer stupid questions “knowing that they do gender strife” (2Tim2:23), and be gentle, not harsh or impatient and ready to fight, Paul calls that “apt to teach” (vr.25). Let's make our lives matter.

Msg #2032w Isaiah's Three Glimpses

His sixth chapter says Isaiah got a Glimpse of God and found him Holy, Holy, Holy; high and lifted up; and sitting on his throne. “Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” (Exod 15:11). “Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. ...” (Ps 86:8-10). “... he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6b). May my character be formed because I have a holy glimpse of a holy God. That will yield what Isaiah saw next, a Glimpse of Self. Seeing one's unclean lips makes them wholly undone with a just desert of their woe. A man tends to “think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Rom 12:3), but “There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. … There is none that doeth good, no, not one. ... There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom 3:10-18). If you are born-again-saved don't forget this, if not don't neglect this, and read John 3:16-19,36,5:24 again.

After this glimpse of God that enlivened a glimpse of self, Isaiah got a Glimpse of Others. People hear and understand not, see and perceive not... “lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed” (Isa 6:9-10). Preaching the gospel to every creature is wearisome and there is always a danger of becoming weary in well doing. Don't. Remember the day you said “Here am I send me”?

Msg #2033 A Cross-eyed Bear

Make no mistake, the LORD God wants everyone to come to supper and has made arrangements that “whosoever will” may come, but when one gets up from supper, illustrating salvation, and steps up to be a disciple, Jesus warns that there is a cross-eyed bear to be encountered (Luke14:25-35, cf 27). There is a foggy line between salvation and discipleship. In the Bible salvation is never likened to building a tower or going to war, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that, not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph2:8), but discipleship is likened to these, and any true disciple can attest to that likeness. Evangelist Harold Boyd regularly preached, “If you didn't get enough salvation to get you into church, you probably didn't get enough to get you into heaven either.” There may be some who believe and never grow, but they are rare abnormalities. The stony soil of Matt13:5-6,20,21, Mark 4:5-6,16-17. and Luke4:6,13 bears no fruit, and likely represents the unsaved. You discern believers like the wind (John3:8) but “disciples” by their fruit (John15:8), by their love (13:35), by their obedience (14:15) and by their continuance (8:31 cf 2Pet1:9).

So one being a disciple will involve bearing his cross as in Luke 14:27, Matt 10:38, 16:24, Mark 8:34, and 10:21. It don't take an artist to sketch a cartoon of a cross-eyed bear in the margin of your Bible near these five verses. Then, to add depth, sketch one in the margin next to Gal 6:14, Phil 2:8, and Col 2:14. Cross reference each verse so you can trail that bear and you have an excellent reminder of your calling as a disciple. That little bear pops off the page eight times as I read my Bible through annually. God Bless.

Msg #2034 Profitable to God?

One of Job's friends, Eliphaz, defies Job with the question, “Can a man be profitable to God?... Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that thou art righteous? Or is it gain to him, that thou makest thy ways perfect?” (Job 22:2-3). Before reading Job's profound answer consider something about your own relationship with the LORD God, in answer to the question. The Psalmist says “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name” (Psalm 103:1). Eighteen times in fifteen OT verses we are told to “Bless the LORD” (not once “bless God”as it takes a personal relationship with him to bless). You cannot bless the LORD if you cannot be a blessing to him, consequently you can bring the Almighty pleasure. In thirty-two OT verses we are told to “Praise the LORD” with an additional twenty-two more “Praise him” references (only once “Praise God”, and that is “in his sanctuary” in Psalm 150). We know God “inhabitest the praises of Israel” (Psa 22:3), and we are told repeatably to shew forth all his marvelous works, it is gain to him. Bless the Lord, praise the LORD, shew forth his works, and such a worm as I can be profitable to God, and bring pleasure to the Almighty. “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev 4:11). God displays to Job how almighty he is, and how small Job is (Job 38-42). That is the theme of the whole book of Job. You can please God, bless, praise, shew forth, and be profitable when you muse about how great He is. Now read Job's profound answer in Job 23-31. God bless.

Msg #2035 Herod Like Politicians

“At that time Herod the tetarch heard of the fame of Jesus” (Matt 14:1). There are five Herods that the Bible student reckons with; Herod the Great built the temple and killed the Bethlehem babies (Matt2:1-19), his son, Herod Archelaus reigned when Joseph brought Jesus up from Egypt (vr.22), and another son, Herod Antipas who killed John the Baptist (Matt 14, Mark6, and Luke9), spread leaven (Mark8:15), was labeled “that fox” (Luke 13:32), and was cohort with Pilot in Christ's crucifixion (Luke23:6-12).

Then there was his grandson, Herod Agrippa (I) who persecuted the church, killed James, temporarily jailed Peter, and died a horrid death in Acts 12. And a great grandson Herod Agrippa II who heard the Apostle Paul and was “almost persuaded” in Acts 26. The word “Herod” is as much a title as a name and means “a hero.” These five, like many governors and mayors in our present plight, were only self-ascribed heroes, outstanding in their own minds.

Herod the tetrarch, in our text, was filled with ignorance, religious superstition (or stupor-situate), selfish immorality, and pernicious paranoia. He was driven by what people might think, and two vile wicked women (Matt 14:1-12). Such a scathing portrayal of political posturing is contrasted by our Lord Jesus Christ in the next two verses. As Jesus, in flesh, he needed to withdraw to a desert place apart, but as Christ, the divine, he was moved with compassion toward the great multitude of hungry, scattered-like sheep, followers, and he healed their sick. The stage is now set, out in the desert place, for the rest of this marvelous chapter. Today the stage is set for every christian to be Christ-like, … or carnal. Take time to read, muse, and meditate before you act, then consider the rest of the chapter.

Msg #2036 Feed Five Thousand

The feeding of the five thousand recorded in Matthew 14 has more impact when one reviews the rejection of the King and Messiah in 12, the results in the kingdom taught in parable in 13, and the vile slaughter of John the Baptist in 14. The depravity of man was on full display, as it is today, but the compassion of the Lord Jesus Christ was undiminished. I would that Christians displayed it undiminished today.

In all four gospels Jesus told the disciples to meet the needs of this multitude, and their response was, “we can't”, “we can't”, “we can't”, and “we can't”. It should be obvious he does not want to hear that response. Look at the principles found in Matt 14:15-21. He assigned the disciples to the task and asked them to bring him the resources that they had. Their resources were wholly inadequate for the job, but he insisted on using them anyway. Our puny resources in the hands of an almighty God, set out for his almighty purposes, meet the needs of multitudes. It is by his power, not mine, it is the Bread of Life who provides bread, the Fisher of Men who provides fish. When the disciples collected the twelve baskets that remained after the needs were met, they knew a miracle had occurred. When God uses the likes of me to see a soul saved it is as much a miracle today. When one sees a life born-again-saved and so changed that they follow the Lord in believers baptism, start telling friend and family what happened to them, reading their Bible incessantly, and praying with other born-again believers in a Bible believing church, the obvious miracle is such a blessing that they start rehearsing John 3:16-18 to everyone they meet. Let's get cracken.

Msg #2037 Yom Kippur

This year Yom Kippur is on Monday the 28^th of September. It is the Day of Atonement, the tenth day of the seventh Biblical Hebrew month, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. “Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, ... Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. ... For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people” (Lev23:24, 27, 29). The theme of the day is repentance with a quest for atonement for personal and national sins as traditionally the fate of each person is sealed for the upcoming year. Jews observe this holy day with a twenty-four hour period of fasting (afflicting your soul) and intensive prayer. “And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all” (Lev16:29).

This year on Yom Kippur, just five weeks before election day on the eve of the presidential election debate, it would behoove every Christian in the United States of America to take up the theme of repentance with a quest for atonement for personal and national sins, and make this holy day a twenty-four hour period of fasting, intensive prayer, and even sackcloth and ashes. The fate of each person is about to be sealed for the upcoming four years. Bible Christians must oppose socialism.

Msg #2038 Sweet Hour of Prayer

“And straight way Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship...” (Matt 14:22). Jesus sought out this desert place after the death of John the Baptist. He had then tasked his disciples to feed the five-thousand that followed them there, and they did! Now he “constrained” them into a ship. I'm thinking Peter was the last one in, and needed more constraining than the others, but Jesus was eventually left alone in this desert place. “And... he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” If you have ever led in public prayer, if you have prayed together in a group of believers, if you have led in family prayer or had one-on-one prayer with a child or spouse, good on you, but this is not that. Evangelist H. Boyd often asked, “How long does it take you to have a 'sweet hour of prayer?” A whole minute of prayer before a meal is three minutes per day, and in twenty days you'll have an hour of prayer accumulated. That is not sweet. Jesus needed to be alone with God so he could pray in earnest; so do you and I. All our prayers should be an intimacy with our heavenly Father, but alone, and speaking out loud to him is a different kind of intimacy than is found in any other form of prayer. Jesus needed it. It seems like he needed it more than I desire it.

What of the disciples, constrained into a boat and tangled in an ugly storm until the fourth watch? Some Christians live life as if Jesus said, “Oh man, I forgot all about the disciples in the boat.” He didn't. He doesn't. Have a sweet hour of prayer this week.

Msg #2039 The Trumpet Calls

“Make thee two trumpets of silver; ... that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps”(Num 10:2). Curious, there are two Trumps in the Bible, and also a Good Samaritan giving two Pence. After the two Trumps sound off, “all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation” (vr. 3). To the Bible student who has put away the Roman and Protestant / Reformed “Covenant Theology”, and grappled with the dispensational truths of the Bible, this resonates with the Biblical teaching of the rapture of the Church (1Thes4:13-18, 1Cor 15:51-58). The Hebrew memorial of blowing of trumpets entailed three holy convocations (a group gathered in response to a summons) (Lev23:24,27, 34), and these are mirrored in the age of grace wherein Bible believers listen for a trumpet; having a holy convocation in the clouds when the Bridegroom calls for his Bride (come up hither), having a holy convocation at the Bema Seat of Christ and having a holy convocation at the wedding table with Christ as we began our forever tabernacling with Christ in reality. “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.... Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1Thes 5:1,6). Israel should be listening for a trumpet, commemorated in these feasts. Bible Christians are listening for a trumpet that will call us out of this world. Keep your nose to the ground, your eye on the clouds and your ear toward the heavens listening for the trumpet. The ecclesia will have a holy convocation.

Msg #2040 The Seventieth Week of Daniel 9:24

Jesus said that Daniel is a key starting point for those who would understand his second coming (Matt 24:15). Daniel became God's “greatly beloved prophet” and he sent Gabriel to him to clarify the grand outline and full timing of Christ's first and second coming. For the Bible believer Daniel 9 is a treasure trove for understanding the doctrine of last things. Again, Jesus said so. Gabriel says to Daniel, “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city,...” (Dan 9:24). A Bible student should list and comprehend the six things therein that will be complete in seventy weeks. When God judged Israel at Kadesh-barnea it was forty years in the wilderness, a day for a year (Num 14:34). When Ezekiel lay on his side for four-hundred and thirty days to portray the siege of Jerusalem, it was a day for a year (Ezek 4:6). And when Gabriel tells Daniel “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and thy holy city,” it is a day for a year, or four-hundred and ninety years.

This timing pertained to the Jews, not the Gentiles. Seven weeks to build Jerusalem, sixty-two weeks to bring in, and cut off Messiah, and one week, one seven year period, “to make an end of sin, and to make reconciliation for iniquity...” (Dan 9:25-27). That, oh sincere Bible student, will be “a great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world” (Matt 24:21). The dispensation of grace is a parenthesis in this four-hundred and ninety year schema. It has lasted almost two-thousand years now. It will end very abruptly before the horsemen of Revelation 6 begin to ride. Two-thousand years after the cross, will be 2030; allowing for this week of transition, believers should be getting antsy in 2023 as Marxist communism likely overtakes the USA.

Msg #2041 The End of the Dispensation of Grace

The Apostle Paul specifically names two dispensations when he writes to Ephesus. “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ (Eph 1:10). This is obviously the last dispensation. In it all the stewardship tests for mankind are complete. Remember that “stewardship” and “dispensation” are synonymous, coming from the same Greek root word. This last dispensation must include an “end of sins, and reconciliation for iniquity...” as promised in Daniel9:24. Jesus references this dispensation as the kingdom.

But Paul also calls out a “dispensation of the grace of God” (Eph3:1-3). The marvelous intent of this dispensation of grace, which was previously a mystery (vr.3,9), a mystery now revealed (vr.5), a dispensational age wherein “the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel” (vr.6),... the marvelous intent is stated as, “that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God” (vr.10). God calls out this intent for his church previously (2:6-7).

Make no catholic mistake here, this dispensation of grace will come to an end, and the next dispensation of the fullness of times will begin. This church age will end in troublous times (Matt 24). The study of how it ends, and how the next dispensation begins, proceeds through seven seals, seven trumpets, and the seven vials of the wrath of God, and finally comes to a close, is called the study of end times, eschatology in Greek. The troublous times are here. Being a student of the end times is a great comfort to Christians as Paul explicates in 1Thes. 4:18, “Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” Be a good student be of good comfort.

Msg #2042 How To Vote

God's Word, the Holy Bible, establishes some planks that are most pertinent in our election of representatives and leaders. Never mind the personalities; look at platform planks!

In God's Word Hebrews are God's chosen people, Israel is God's chosen nation, Palestine is God's promised land for his chosen people. God promised that he would bless them that bless Israel, and curse them that curse Israel (Gen 12:1-3). Vote for leaders and representatives on a platform that will bless Israel.

In God's Word an individual has body, soul, and spirit at conception in the womb (Isa 49:5, Ps 22:10, 139:13). Vote for leaders and representatives on a platform that will protect the innocent in the womb.

In God's Word for a man to lie with another man is an abomination not a civil right (Lev 18:22).

In God's Word God created them male and female.. and male and female created he them (Gen 1:27, 5:2, Matt 19:4, Mark 10:6). God created physical organs, chromosomes, and attributes that determine which gender a person is; they do not get to choose which they want to be. Choosing a gender is not a civil right.

In God's Word God has ordained marriage to be between a male and a female and that the home established around that marriage, containing a father and a mother, is to be the stable environment for the conception, birth, rearing, and training of children (Gen 2:24, Eph 6:1-3).

Vote for leaders and representatives on a platform that will have a strong moral position on these issues.

When a candidate has his head on straight concerning these five issues most of his economic and legal renderings will fall in line with moral right. Finding a candidate, or sometimes even a party platform, that stands on all five of these Godly planks may be nigh to impossible, but finding the party platform that is diametrically opposed to all five is blatantly obvious. Vote smart this November.

In God's Word the Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, was the creator and is the sustainer of all things (Col 1:16-17). Our environment and our climate are more controlled by him than by mere man and their ludicrous government regulations. Climate “science - so called” is completely Godless.

In God's Word the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are commanded to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together into local, independent, autonomous bodies called churches (Heb 10:24-25). Laws, edicts, and policies that forbid such assembly are unGodly; and we ought to obey God rather than man.

Christians need to hold these Godly planks close in every election of representatives.

Msg #2042a A Letter to Church Schumer

I am thoroughly disgusted with your botched up representation of Christians and Christianity in UpState New York. I am from the Fingerlakes Region and I have found you diametrically opposed to all seven of the Biblical planks that I penned from God's Word, the Holy Bible. Please be cognizant of these seven planks and understand that you are to represent more than the bloody, left leaning, hate PRESIDENT Trump, progressive agenda.

I have told my Father about your conniving liberal tactics. I expect you will hear from Him in a separate correspondence. While you oppose these Christian planks, I will be asking Him to remove you from your position as my representative.

The Holy Bible, establishes some planks that are most pertinent in a genuine Christian's politics.

1. Israel is God's chosen nation. God will bless them that bless Israel (Gen 12:1-3).

2. An individual has body, soul, and spirit at conception in the womb (Isa 49:5, Ps 22:10, 139:13).

3. For a man to lie with another man is an abomination not a civil right (Lev 18:22).

4. God created us.. and male and female created he them (Gen 1:27, 5:2, Matt 19:4, Mark 10:6).

5. Marriage is ordained between man and woman for the rearing of children (Gen 2:24, Eph 6:1-3).

6. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Creator and sustainer of all things, to include climate (Col 1:16-17).

7. Christians are commanded, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.” (Heb 10:25).

The Progressive Liberal Left Democrats use political planks diametrically opposed to Christianity:

1) Anti-Israel, 2) Pro-Abortion, 3) Pro-Sodomy, 4) Pro-Tran-sexual, 5) Anti Biblical marriage, 6) Anti-Oil, Anti-Carbon-Dioxide! 7) Close Churches for the greater good.

Msg #2043 The Battle of Armageddon Coming

“Armageddon” is a Hebrew word heard by most everyone, but the enormity of “the Battle of Armageddon” dominates Biblical prophecy initiating the soon coming “Day of the LORD.” Perched in the last of the last days every born-again, blood bought believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should be well versed in that upcoming Day, and be using the world's limited knowledge of the Hebrew word to lift up, worship, and witness about the saving power of Jesus Christ. “The Day of the LORD” is not off on a distant horizon, believers know it, the world knows it, and Satan knows it. “For the day of the LORD is near upon all the heathen,... Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand,... The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem... then shall Jerusalem be holy“ (Obd 1:15, Joel 2:1,2,3:16,17).

The Bible says that all nations will gather against Israel to annihilate the Jews, and the Lord Jesus Christ will step in. “I will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat,... Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations,... And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley;... And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Joel 3:2, Zech 14:3,4, Rev 16:16). While salvation is still available we should preach John 3:16-18 and 5:24, to every creature we can reach.

Msg #2044 Truth in an Age of Lies

A stalwart of the faith, on an anniversary Sunday, said, “No matter the direction of this world or our nation, there are seven truths we held dear thirty-nine years ago and I still hold as truth today.” The plight before us begs a review of those seven truths.

I believe the Holy Bible. It is the ark of the covenant for the born-again believer. It is the infallible, inerrant, verbally inspired word of God. It is the preserved Word of God. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever” (Isaiah40:8, The Holy Bible). It is not preserved by modernist ecumenical scholars in copyright modernist translations. I believe in Bible preaching. “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1Cor 1:21). I believe in the local, independent, autonomous, Bible believing church. Jesus said, “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt16:18). “But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1Tim3:15). In a day of lies and deceptions, America needs a “pillar and ground of the truth.” Praise the Lord it has been constitutionally protected for two-hundred and twenty-nine years. As that protection wanes in this pandemic, praise the the Lord, it is protected for all eternity by our Lord Jesus Christ.

I believe that sin is still sin. I believe in tithing of all my increase. I believe in living the the Christian life; daily crucified with Christ living. I most certainly believe we need God.

Msg 8 Nov 2020 – Election Results and PRAYER

The media and their polls do not determine who wins the presidency of the United States of America! President Donald Trump is still draining the swamp of corruption. It is very corrupt, reaching even into the voting booth. It cannot, however, reach into your prayer closet; we have 36 days till delegates vote in our president; “This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”

What can Christians do? Please listen to Pastor Clark's 8 Nov pm message via solidrockinfo.org livestream, or via gs201108.mp3 at our web pages audio link www.gsbaptistchurch.com/audio/gs201108.mp3

Please pray and fast for America, President Trump and Vice President Pence. Please keep praying for the defeat of the ungodly in America.

O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day. ...As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth. Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice. ...We have sinned, we have done wickedly. O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away.... Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. God, please bless America.

Msg #2045 Well Deserved Emerods and Mice

The Philistines declared a great victory over Israel when they killed 30,000 of their footmen and took the ark of God to Ashdod and brought it into the house of Dagon their god. The Philistine victory was shortly after the death of Sampson and just as Samuel was stepping in as God's judge and priest.

Israel supposed that bringing the ark of the covenant of God to the battle ground would guarantee their victory, instead the evil priests bringing the ark, Hophni and Phinehas, were both slain, and the Philistines took what was holy into their camp.

The Democratic Party, pitted against Israel, despising the sanctity of life in the womb, mocking the sanctity of marriage, rejecting “male and female created he them,” and promoting sodomy as gay, is, in those positions, as much an enemy of God as were the Philistines. They shamelessly boast that Delaware voted in McBride, the highest ranking transgender official in the US, that Vermont and Kansas now have their first transgender legislators, and that the NY-15^th district has the first Afro-Latino “gay” member of the US Congress. They boast braggadociously of those as “gains” in their “progressive cause.”

That Philistine false god fell on its face before the ark of God, and then lost his head and hands the next day. Leaders of Ashdod ended with emerods in their secret parts. Curse #14 of 30 in Leviticus 28 states “the LORD will smite thee with the botch of Egypt, and with emerods, and with the scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not be healed” (Lev 28:27, cf 15 & 45). They sent the ark of God to Gath, and Gath had emerods and mice, then to Ekron where they were smitten with these horrid emerods and plagued with mice. In 1Samuel chapter 6 the five lords of the Philistines sent what was holy, the ark of God, back to Israel where it belonged.

One could name five power mongering Democrat leaders in DC, lords of Philistines, mishandling what is holy, and over due for mice and emerods. One could name five power mongering, church closing, Democrat governors, responsible for 40% of COVID deaths by misguiding nursing homes. They seem overdue for plagues of mice and emerods. Christians need not cower in defeat in these days of Philistinian victories; we are on the winning side, and we have a God who can and does bring judgment on the ungodly.

We are not to call down fire from God to consume enemies, remember Jesus' rebuke to James and John in Luke 9:54-56, but I wouldn't stand to close to any of these in a thunderstorm, and I don't think a face mask protects from emerods in one's secret parts. Let's be about the Father's business; he commissioned us to preach the gospel to every creature. Don't let mere Philistines deter you.

Msg #2046 Dangerous Pandemic No-Gos

Sunday, Missionary to Italy Rob Craig preached from Luke 5:1-11. Curious that people pressed upon our Lord Jesus Christ to hear the word of God; would God people did today. Half the miracles of Jesus were done on or around this 14x7 mile, hundred foot deep lake and we start this account with two ships standing by, and the fishermen gone out of them. Be careful; during this pandemic fringe Christians quit going to church altogether, and others are slow to “Go.” Pandemic no-gos produce salvation no-shows. Jesus got into a ship and prayed Simon to thrust out a little from the land. Complacent Peter with all his fishing gear and skill had toiled all night,... without the Lord in his ship, he had taken nothing. Now this Carpenter, after teaching people out of Pete's fishing boat, was telling this seasoned fisherman to launch out into the deep, and let down his nets (plural). Simon stubbornly balked, he was discouraged, he had quit, he had tried this already, but “nevertheless” he gave some partial obedience and let down “a net” (singular). Peter was astonished at what God could do with his reluctant net. “And so was also James and John, the sons of Zebedee” (Luke 5:10). Sometimes we sing “Bring them in, Bring them in” as if people need brought into a church to be saved, but the commission that you, individual believer, have been given in Matthew 29:19, Mark 16:15, Luke 24:46, John 20,21 and Acts 1:8 is to GO! It isn't “Go, unless there is a pandemic!” When is the last time you invited someone to Christ? Or went through seven memorized verses of the Romans Road with a lost person? Get as astonished as Peter; launch out into the deep, drop down a net.

Msg #2047 2020 Thanksgiving in America

A National day of Thanksgiving just after America voted down “Make America Great Again,” is to be different than any ever seen. The Holy Bible still tells Christians that the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning youall is, “In everything give thanks” (1Thes 5:18). And it emphasizes that Christians, like Jesus, will not fit inside the “camp” of this world and must go outside of the camp to “offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb 13:13-15).

In an America shaking its fist at the LORD God, on this our national day of Thanksgiving, it is appropriate to republish in the republic a portion of Abe's 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation.

… We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth, and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens.

Msg #2048 The First Advent of Christ - Prophecy

Advent candle lighting makes me nervous. My mom's Romiano family used statues, beads, and candles to elicit penance for their Roman Catholic religion. Mom was converted to Christ when I was six. Penance is nowhere in the Bible. Repentance is nowhere in Catholicism. Just the same the five advent candles can provide a thought provoking study of Christ's first advent. The prophecy candle asks that one examine no less than eighty verses of Bible prophecy about it. Of them Jesus said, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44).

The law of Moses tells that the seed of woman would crush Satan's head, and possess the gate of those who hate Jacob's house, in the seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed, and that this is an everlasting covenant (Genesis 3:15, 24:60; 12:3, 28:14; 17:19, 28:15, 49:10).

In the prophets the child would be born of a virgin, be called Immanuel, the Prince of Peace, the Mighty God, and the Everlasting Father (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7). The prophets also reveal that this Jewish Messiah will be the elect servant, will be “wounded for our transgressions”, and that “the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 42, 49, 52, 53). They tell when he will be born, where he will be born, that he will fill the temple with glory, and come riding upon a colt the foal of an ass to say to them which are not my people, “Thou art my people” (Dan 9:25-26, Micah 5:2, Haggai 2:7, Zech 9:9, Hosea 2:23).

The Psalmist reveals that Messiah will be the only begotten son of God; the Good Shepherd that, via crucifixion, gives his life for his sheep; the Great Shepherd, who gives peace through his blood; and the Chief Shepherd, who is the King of Glory (Psalm 2:7, 22, 23, 24, cf John 10:11, Heb 13:20, 1Pet 5:4).

Prophecy reveals excruciating details of his crucifixion, the thirty pieces of silver, unbroken bones out of joint, lots cast for his garment, his soul going to hell, and his resurrection from it. Eighty verses of Biblical prophecy can well prepare us for worship at the second advent candle, the Bethlehem Candle.

Msg #2049 The First Advent of Christ - Bethlehem

When things look the bleakest God can be most miraculous. O Little Town of Bethlehem is just that. Rachel died there giving birth to Benjamin, and the “house of bread” took the name Ephratah, “out of ashes – fruitfulness.” As Rachel died she called her son Benoni, son of my sorrow, but Jacob called him Benjamin, son of the right hand (Genesis 35:18). In Bethlehem-Ephrata Naomi wanted to change her name to Mara, “for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” Providentially Ruth's “hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz” (Ruth 2:3), and out of ashes – fruitfulness,.... a Kinsman Redeemer.

From the line of Benjamin came Israel's first king, a disobedient disaster, but from that failure came a man after God's own heart; King David, grandson of Boaz, was born in Bethlehem-Ephrata; as was the soon coming King of kings.

Despite the garrison of Philistines there, David desired water from the well of Bethlehem. When his men brought it, he poured it out because they jeopardized their lives to get it (2Sam 23:14-17). Jesus gave his life to be Springs of Living Water. We too are to pour out that living water, for out of our belly shall flow rivers of living water (John 7:38).

The culmination of the “out of ashes – fruitfulness”, in Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, is of course the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem-Ephratah. He was made flesh and dwelt among us to die for our sins, but out of those ashes comes the very Bread of Life, for “as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” (Rom 5:18). Merry Christmas.

Msg #2050 The First Advent of Christ - Shepherds

God chose shepherds to be the heralds of his birth; they had time, curiosity, initiative, connections and the gospel. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds” (Luke 2:17-18). Shepherds led sheep to pasture and came to be called pastors. A sheep needs a pastor, God says so. “Let the LORD... set a man over the congregation... that the congregation of the LORD be not as a sheep which have no shepherd” (Num 27:16-17). In God's economy Christians are to belong to a church so that their light is set in a candlestick, and their pastor ministers to them; “And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD” (Jer 23:4). God gives solemn warning to pastors (Jer 23:1-2) and it is serious; “Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard.... My people have been lost sheep; their shepherds have caused them to go astray...” (Jer 12:10, 50:6). Ezekiel 34 shows previous shepherds failed seven ways; 1) should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 2) The diseased have ye not strengthened, 3) neither have ye healed that which was sick, 4) neither have ye bound up that which was broken, 5) neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, 6) neither have ye sought that which was lost; 7) yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them (Ezek 34:2,4,6). Shepherds are held to a higher standard, you need one, so,... pray for yours.

Msg #2051The First Advent of Christ – Wise Men

“Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2). These wise men (BC 4) knew from Daniel the Prophet (BC 600), the original wise man from the east, that the Messiah of the Jews was due; Daniel 9:24-27 gives the timing. Daniel had, in the east, i.e. Babylon, the scriptures that foretold a great deal about Messiah (cf Dan 9:2). Of them Jesus said, “These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me” (Luke 24:44). Consequently the wise men could have known, as Daniel knew, that the seed of woman would bruise the Serpent's head, be from the tribe of Judah, sit on the throne of King David, be the begotten Son of God, be born of a virgin, be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father; that he would be a rejected cornerstone in Zion, and that he would die for the iniquity of the world (Gen 3:15, 49:10, 2Sam 7:16, Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 7:13-14, 9:6-7, 8:14, 28:16, 53:6).

Oh, if this world today only knew that much about the blessed Saviour born in the barn that day. Wise men still seek him. Wise men still see him in the scriptures. Wise men still worship him. Wise men unceasingly talk of him, the one who saved their soul from hell, the greatest gift ever given, our Lord Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas.

Msg #2052 Amazing Praising for 2021

The last Sunday of this year calls for genuine encouragement for Bible believers and that can come by learning “It's Amazing What Praising Can Do.” No less than twenty-four verses command us “Praise ye the LORD.” The steps down and away from God are listed in Romans 1:20, “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful...” ergo the top two steps back to God are giving thanks and praising God's glory. Praising God cures a multitude of maladies; it actually changes one's brain chemistry. It can cure depression without meds. Depression is a complicated illness, talk therapy the most robust cure, and God says praising his holy name is a most powerful talk therapy. Praising is a cure for grief. Job said, “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” At the death of his son David said, “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. ... Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (2Sam 12:23, Psalm 106:1). It's a cure for anxiety, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.... Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.... In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1Pe5:7,Php4:6, 1Th 5:18).

It is amazing what praising will do. It gives victory over addictions, anger management, and broken relationships. The Bible says fifteen times “Bless the LORD”, and eight times it touches health, “I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance.” Praise his holy name and have a joyous new year.

Msg #2101The Herdsman from Tekoa

Twice a herdsman from Tekoa interceded to beg the Lord GOD to stop the judgment against his nation (Amos 7). Twice God “repented” (7:3,6) of the destruction he was bringing upon Israel. But he got out a plumb-line so his prophet could see how very crooked the nation had become; His wrath was justified. The plumb-line is on America, she is very corrupt, she is very crooked. In ten years God has twice “repented” of the judgment he was bringing upon America. In 2001 America responded to the 9/11 attacks with anthems of “God Bless America” and in 2016 she responded to eight years of radical leftist globalism and moral ruin with a wave of conservative values and pro-Israel policies. Twice God “repented” of the destruction that he had allowed to begin, and he blessed, and made America great again. But by hook and by crook, with full support and complete collusion with every lying leftist organization, media, and big tech entity, and overwhelming support of Communist China, America “voted” against Make America Great.

Satan wants America global, immoral, anti-Israel, and socialist/communist, as he pushes toward the one world government of the end times. America does not get an Amos, Hosea or Isaiah to warn of her destruction; she has sixty-six books, written by twenty-seven men over 1,592 years, that give the modus-operandi of the LORD God in these instances. The plumb-line is out, the nation is crooked and a basket of “very naughty figs” (Jer 24).

What will the Lord GOD do in 2021? Whoda thunk that America would rot and fall in such a fashion? Now it is high time to preach the gospel to every creature; the time of his appearing is nigh, and we need to be about the Father's business (Rom13:11, Mark 16:15, Luk21:31).

Msg #2102 Victory Over Suffering

Peter was a character. “Open mouth and insert foot” is a cliché that comes to mind. God rebuked him from heaven when he said, “Master,... let us make three tabernacles...”. Jesus rebuked him, “Get thee behind me Satan...” and we know the results of his claim, “Though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee.” His sword missed by three inches. He did, however, momentarily walk on water.

Christ gave the Apostle Peter a complete makeover before he wrote his epistles. With a mature passion he addresses strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. Converted Jews and converted Gentiles are become strangers and pilgrims in this world. Peter assures these believers that they are elect “through sanctification of the Spirit”, elect “unto obedience”, and elect unto “the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.” Gentiles are corporately “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” God specifically said, “I will call them my people which were not my people” (Rom 9:24-25, Hosea 1:10,2:23). Individuals are not elect for salvation or damnation, and Gentiles were not elect to replace Israel; John Calvin was genius, but wrong on both counts.

Peter writes this impassioned charge to all believers to prepare them for victory over suffering. No matter our background, culture, upbringing or color, we are now strangers, begotten unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Americans are more accustomed to leaning on their rights than they are to leaning on their Saviour. In 2021, when we experience 2Tim 3:12, we can live 1Peter 2:20 and have victory over suffering. We have an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven. Don't you wish everyone did? Share Acts 2021 because of John 2021.

Msg #2103 Persecution in America?

Peter writes to persecuted strangers scattered throughout Asia encouraging them, for the glory of God, to take it patiently when they are buffeted for their well doing (1Pet 2:20). I write this Penny Pulpit on our first day under a leftist-socialist regime to remind saints of that encouragement. Peter's two epistles are superbly organized and divinely pointed to answer the question, “How does a Christian thrive under persecution?”

Peter addresses “strangers” who are elect through sanctification unto obedience, to first remember that they have an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away reserved in heaven (1Pet 1:1-5). Then to know that this trial of one's faith is more precious than gold (vr. 6-8). Then to marvel in so great salvation, even more than the prophets of old marveled. Moreover, angels would marvel in it if they could (9-12).

That only captures half of the introduction, and in good literature the body develops every point of the introduction. The Lord God writes good literature, and thus a study of 1^st and 2^nd Peter is loaded with intensity. Half the introduction should make one eager to pick up their King James Bible and read both epistles in one setting before we even start detailing the second half of the introduction.

God has allowed Satan latitude to overturn and overrun the legitimate vote of seventy-four million living people who want America 1^st and America Great. We cannot imagine the persecution leveled against Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia in the 1^st century AD, but because “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” we need to pay attention to Peter's epistles. God says “Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, ... fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings” (Isa 51:7).

Personal Testimony of Pastor Edward Rice. I was saved in 1960 at the age of eight. My father and mother were saved and founding members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Gang Mills New York. In 1958 my dad, Levi O. Rice, an agnostic, was invited by Cecil Palm to be a founding member of that church; both of my parents were born-again-saved two weeks later. My mother, Doris was converted from Roman Catholicism, and became a Christian. She stopped her Roman penance and practiced Bible repentance, stopped praying to Mary and called upon the Lord Jesus Christ to save her. She was thus converted from Roman Catholicism to the Lord Jesus Christ. Everyone needs converted from something. Mom and Dad were now born again, and two years later I was saved in revival services with Evangelist Dale and Opel Linbaugh. Opel cut the flannel graph burden of sin off little Christian's back in her Pilgrim's Progress presentation, and I was born-again-saved before it hit the basement floor. In 1995 I retired from the USAF as a systems engineer and became an ordained Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 18:3).

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A Systematic Theology for the 21st Century - Prolegomena – Bibliology By Dr. Edward Rice 554 pages in paperback: $13.25 There is no Baptist Systematic Theology work in print today, i.e. there is no Systematic Theology work that has the inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired word of God as its sole authority. There ought to be. There is a cause. Baptists, by definition, have the inerrant, infallible, inspired Holy Bible as their sole authority for all faith and practice. They should have a systematic theology book that does as well. This is it's first book containing Volume 1 and 2. All 12 Volumes available free via theology or in print via Lulu >

God's Glory, God's Handiwork, and God's Word - The Genesis Account Paperback: $9.00 Prints in 3-5 business days God's inerrant, infallible, verbally inspired word clearly depicts his six-day creation account, his hundred and fifty day world flood account. A believer's faith in that declaration need not be a blind faith. True science, exploring and using Albert Einstein's theories of relativity, can embed these truths into a believers defense of his faith, and put the atheistic evolutionist to shame. This dissertation explores black-holes, algebra's multidimensions, relativity, and the glacier that formed the NYS Finger Lakes, to assemble some tools which ratify God's exacting account of his creation of the universe and flooding of our planet.

The Non-Christian Religions 83 pages in paperback: $9.70 Non-Christian religions are 'cunningly devised fables' and many of them are not even that cunning. They have their roots in a knowledge of the truth which was taken from Noah's kin after the world flood. Man then scattered across our globe after the tower of Babel recorded in Genesis 11. They took with them certain grains of truth. Starting with a premise that the Bible is true and not man-made makes the study of these false religions insightful and intriguing. This is an introductory coverage of Indian Hinduism and its 3 reformations, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism; then Oriental Confucianism, Taoism, Shintoism; Zoroastrianism, non-Biblicl Judaism, and finally Islam. All that a Christian needs to know about each of these false religions is presented herein in digest form. A compassionate and eyeopening digest.

Reformed Theology's Reformations Are Not Producing a Biblical Systematic Theology 164 pages in Hardcover: $24.05 Reformed Augustinian Theology is, as its name so aptly captures, a reformation of bad Augustinian Theology that previously framed up the belief system of Roman Catholic Theology. The reformers began the reformation of the Roman Catholic theology and reformations have progressed until a common question is asked “Exactly what is reformed theology?” This work will analyze rate of change for reformation theology.... Is it now circling towards the epicenter of truth, or does it continue in the venue of its mother Church spiraling ever further from the truth? This effort focus and clarifies the position and course of Reformed Augustinian Theology with a clarity never before addressed. More >

Seven Volumes of Penny Pulpit Essays 453 pages in paperback: $19.68 (epub $5) This collection of messages was preached over seven years, in two volumes 2005-12 and 2013-19. They contain the wisdom of God in 364+ essays over multiple topics. Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Weekly messages preached at Good Samaritan Baptist Church are condensed into devotional essays and sent out as weekly Penny Pulpit Columns for local publications. This is an excellent resource for Baptist Pastors and Missionaries. Online at http://www.gsbaptistchurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays7vol.pdf

Journaling a Preacher's Pilgrimage to Israel 76 pages in Paperback: $25.50 (B&W $12.40) Travel to Israel for 10 days through this detailed journal of a Baptist Pastor's once in a lifetime educational tour. If you have never visited Israel, do not miss this opportunity to journal through these 10 days. If you plan on visiting Israel, do not go without first taking this 10 day journaling experience. Pastor Ed Rice is a retired USAF Systems Engineer surrendered to be a Baptist Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His staunch belief in the preserved accuracy of the inspired Scriptures and his rich background in the history of Bible believing Baptists makes his insights throughout this 10 day tour of Israel pointed and Biblical

The 357 Magnum Errors of Modernist's Critical Texts 141 pages in paperback: $10.66 Now you can see for yourself what the ecumenical modernists have done to the Words of God. In their Greek then modernist English they twisted 357 verses so perversely that 16 were completely eliminated from their bibles. This book illustrates the 357 Scriptures as they were in the original Greek and English, and as they now appear in modernist versions, making it a valuable reference for any Bible student. The words torn out or added to the Nestle Aland Greek text are amply highlighted so knowledge of Greek is not necessary to see the havoc that they purposefully wrought by following the Westcott and Hort text and its Alexandrian texts devised and copied by the apostate, neo-Platonist, gnostic Origen Admantius (185-254 AD). Including a chapter showing Nestle Aland's twisted use of their textual criticism apparatus to eliminate 16 and completely 'gut' 4 verses out of the Holy Bible. Every Christian should be familiar with with what they have done to the Holy Bible and every Pastor must be.

The Biblical Doctrine of Election and Predestination 141 pages in paperback: $18.95 The Author is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh Biblical look at our systematic theology. His Master of Science degree in Engineering enlivens an analytical view of the doctrine of election and predestination. You will be amazed at how much Christian doctrine departs from the Bible and leans on Augustinian Theology and Calvin's Reformed Theology. We need to get back to sound Bible teachings with this doctrine. This treatise will move one in that direction. More >

Job Revisited - The Saviour Sources and Sorrow 42 pages in paperback: $6.00 (Epub $1.99) I set out to write this paper because there were three things I have often seen overlooked in commentary on Job: the Saviour, the Sources and the Sorrow. These have been highlighted in this writing. As I assembled the paper, and researched peoples thoughts on Job I was struck by how little people explore the wonder of God's Word. I trust that the expanded introduction will help the honest Bible student to more fully explore the wonder of this epic Hebrew poem

What the Bible Says, Penny Pulpit Essays of 2005-19 ea 54 pages in paperback: under $10.00ea What the Bible Says in 52 Penny Pulpit Essays by a Rural Pastor with a Royal Message. Pastor Rice is a USAF retired systems engineer turned Baptist Preacher who brings a fresh practical and Biblical look at what the Bible says. Various topics arranged as they were preached throughout the calendar year.

Dealing With Our Moods And Depressions Biblically Paperback: $10.78 A Constructive Work Book. A Biblical Perspective on Depression and Manic Depression (called Bi-Polar Disorder) Dealing with Life, and Dealing with Others Biblically. More >

Letters to Kassandra Paperback: $8.99 Dear Kassandra, I suppose that all my training and experience as a youth pastor and my education as an engineer and preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not of much value if I cannot.communicate the facts of life to my 14 year old grand daughter.... I want to present some facts of life to my teenage granddaughters, Love Grandpa.

Biblical Stewardship and Child Rearing Paperback: $10.66 A parent is given only a short time to raise a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, this book will help.

Dealing With Our Addictions, A Constructive Workbook Paperback: $10.66 A Biblical Perspective on Victory over Addiction to Drugs, Smoking, Alcohol, Liquor, Pornography, or Gambling. ... I have an addiction. Bible centered counsel on dealing with addictions following... More >

None Dare Call It Wolf 44 pages in paperback: $8.85 A Baptist Preacher captures and raises a malamute pup which teaches some things about the social behavior of wolves, social behavior of dogs and even social behaviors of people. Dogs need to be dominated by their master and people need to be dominated by their Lord. A short story that can bring some joy. More >