New Webmaster Resource

For years I have used RefTagger (there has been a link to it on the sidebar under "Free Resources") which is a line of script you add to your website or blog that pops up a verse for every reference you type.

Examples:

Jn. 3:16

John 3:16-18

John 3:16, 18

Well, today I found out about a similar free service from AV1611.com called VerseClick! The difference is, the AV1611 site only links to the KJV. It's a very easy install (one line of code) and the directions are simple to follow. If you want to try it out, go to their website at http://av1611.com/verseclick - I will be installing it on all my blogs next week.

Is Debt a Sin?

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What does the Bible say about debt?  Debt is a huge problem in American homes and government, it's destroying our financial system and it is the reason for the recession we're in right now.  This problem is spreading and hurting other nations worldwide.  With that being said, don't you think the Bible would have something to say on the subject?

Amazingly enough, the Bible talks about money more than Hell, baptism, and church attendence COMBINED.  Money is an important subject in the Bible, and God certainly has some things to say about debt.

All I can say is this, I wish I would have known these principles ten years ago.

1. Not all debt is a sin.

Ps. 112:5, "A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion."

Here we see a good man who lends money.  If all debt is a sin, then God wouldn't talk about this man being good and lending money out.  If debt was a sin, then this man would be actually aiding and abetting sin!  So from this we can see that not all debt is sin.


2. It is a sin to borrow and not pay again.

Ps. 37:21, "The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth."

This is particularly touchy, considering many Christians have done just that in the last few years.  I'm not insensitive to the fact that many good people have lost their jobs and in turn lost their homes.  It's a tragic thing. 

It doesn't change the word of God though.  If you've found yourself in a situation to where there's nothing you can do about it and you're not going to be able to pay your lender back, recognize it's a sin and confess it to God.  God is good, and nothing changes who He is no matter what our circumstances are in life.


3. It is a sin to co-sign a loan.

Pr. 17:18, "A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend."

"Surety" means collateral. In this verse, a man is going into a debt agreement using his friend, because it's the only way he can.  Think about it, banks LOVE to loan money.  That's all they every want to do, it's like Christmas and birthdays for them.  For some mysterious reason though, they won't loan money to your friend or relative! That is, however, unless you put down your good name as collateral.  God says we can't do that, it's a sin to co-sign a loan.


4. Unsecured debt is a sin, but secured debt is not.

Prov. 22:26-27, "Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts. "27": If thou hast nothing to pay, why should he take away thy bed from under thee?"

Having debt that is secured, such as a home loan or a car loan, is not a sin because the loan is tied to something that you can (theoretically) sell and pay off the loan with. Credit card debt is sin though, because it is unsecured debt. The debt is not tied to anything; the only "surety" (collateral) is YOU and YOUR GOOD NAME. It is a sin to borrow with no collateral. In this verse, the collateral is the actual good name of the person, not an object.


5. Being late on bills is a sin.

Rom. 13:8, "Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."

There is a difference between a contract, and "owing" someone something. When an employer hires someone, they enter into a contract with that employee. At the end of the pay period, they are required to fulfill their contract and pay their employee. Before then, they do not "owe" the employee in the Biblical definition of it, the owing begins if they break the contract and are late in paying.

This is the only logical definition of the word owe in the Bible, any other definition would mean we are sinning by having a monthly light bill, water bill, or rent bill because we have an obligation to pay. Having an obligation to pay and owing are two different things. Owing is breaking the obligation, by being late or by walking out on the agreement.


6. While secured debt is not a sin, it can be and in many cases it is a hindrance and a snare.

Pr. 22:7, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."

God's perfect will is for us to go cash and carry. There is an allowance made for secured debt, but even then you put yourself under a burden. Secured debt must be entered into with much prayer, not lightly as our culture would tell you.

Some of the Best Offers from CouponNewbie.com

What did you get in your mailbox today? I got some cool stickers, Zantac Acid Reducer sample, L'Oreal Everstrong shampoo, conditioner and overnight hair treatment freebies, two free drink mix samples, some Nutrish dog food from Rachel Ray, a booklet of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, three photo samples I uploaded to Canon (made into postcards, no less!), and a coupon for a free pack of Dentyne gum (up to $1.29).

I thought I would take the time today to repost some of my favorite FREEBIES that are still live. If you missed these, check them out now ...free samples don't stay around forever. They usually have a quota and when the limit is reached, the free offer is gone.
Dove Damage Therapy Daily Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner
Yogi ECard and Two Tea Samples (this is my favorite offer)
Free Portraits of Hope CD Download
Better Oats Oatmeal Coupon for a Free Sample
Facebook $1.00 off (basically free) a Diet Coke (coupon printable)
Free Christian Bumper Stickers
Proctor and Gamble Samples (you can get these all year, quarterly)
Que Rica Vida Samples (the largest box of samples I have ever received)
Walmart.com Samples - Check often for new samples posted!
Nescafe Taster's Choice Coffee Samples Taste Test
OXY Skin Care Freebie
PowerBar Energy Gel Blasts (these are yummy!)
True Orange, True Lime and True Lemon Samples
Free Scented Bookmark
Purex Complete 3-in-1 Laundry Sheets (these are super cool)
Canon Photos (they want you compare their printers; they don't tell you, but they make your photos into postcards!)

For God Hath Not Called Us Unto Melodrama

My Blog

There’s no room in the life of a believer for pesky squabbles with other believers. The Bible admonishes us in Rom. 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” We are supposed to do our sincere best to get along with as many people as possible.

Col. 3:13, “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”

The only way to be able to do such as thing is to exercise forgiveness and forbearance. While the two subjects are closely related, they are not the same. If you understand forgiveness, for the most part you will understand forbearance. One thing is for sure, neither forgiveness nor forbearance are easy tasks. I don’t claim to be an expert on practicing both; in fact, I don’t think anyone would make that claim. Just because you may struggle in an area, doesn’t mean you are a hypocrite for trying and failing. That’s just being human. We’re all going to be inconsistent at times; we just need to make sure to never stop trying.

What is Forgiveness?

“Ceasing to feel angry toward or seek retribution against someone who has wronged you.”

Forgiveness and forbearance both deal with the heart. They both have to do with a person’s perceptions on an emotional level. Forgiveness is refusing to hold an action against someone who may have wronged you. It’s refusing to dwell upon their action, refusing to ruminate upon it, refusing to bring it up again in your mind again.

Eph. 4:31-32, “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
[32] And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”

These two verses place in a nutshell what it means to forgive:

1. Put away bitterness, wrath, and anger. This deals primarily with your heart towards the person that has offended you.

2. Put away clamour and evil speaking. This has to do with your tongue. If someone did something wrong to you, and you have forgiven him, that means you need to not go around telling other people about it.

3. Put away malice. Malice is feeling a need to see others suffer. It’s holding ill will towards someone. As a Christian, you should hope the best for people. Someone did you wrong, and you’ve supposedly forgiven them… but deep in your heart you hope they fall flat on their face? That’s not forgiveness.

4. Be kind and tenderhearted. Now that you do not hold resentment towards the other person, it’s important to be kind to them. Forgiveness makes no allowance for shunning the person who did you wrong.

With that being said, on an intellectual level, forgiveness does not mean you forget what happened. This is not a liberty to fall back into holding a grudge

New Look

You may notice a new look today on my IFB KJV blogs. I updated all the templates using the new custom ones available. They are really nice, and it was easier than I thought. What I think I like the best is being able to customize your column widths. It might take up to two days for everything to function as it used to. Please let me know if anything looks "off" to you with a comment below.

I also finally purchased a domain (all my blogs used to cost me nothing but time). Through Blogger it was ten dollars a year. The new domain is IFBKJV.com which brings you to this blog roll. Don't worry, the old address will continue to point here as well.

There Is No Better Place Than Home

What image does “home” conjure up in your mind? Most times, it will be a sweet memory, for home is such a strong part of our lives that it etches itself in our heart in an indelible ink that creates a deep longing. Irregardless of whether home was troubled or not, there is always a part of us that finds it is a refuge. It is that place where we can just be ourselves and let our hair down as we unwind. Here we not only rest and recoup from the rages and trials of the world, but it is in and of itself, a place of solace.

Many a woman can testify to the way home ministers its comfort to her when she comes home after a day’s shopping or visiting. Or for the working woman, when she comes home from a day’s work. It is not unusual for a woman to come home during her lunch break, taking most of her break up in traveling, yet ministered to so deeply by the comfort of being home that she just spends 10 minutes there before returning to work.

There is no sweeter place than home when one is in hospital- the hours pass miserably until those magic words are uttered- “You can go home today!” Even at the end of a holiday, one is usually more than happy to be going home again- great as the holiday has been, there indeed is no place on earth like your own home!

Such is the familiarity of home and its deep comfort to us that often a small child will be distraught when starting kindergarten or school. The separation from home and mother is often traumatic. How good it is that more and more women are home-schooling their children! My husband tells me that there is absolutely nothing quite like coming home after the dog eat dog attitude of the world, and relaxing at home! I do believe home ministers to us in a deep way that no other form of shelter can do!

Home is definitely more than a roof and walls. You will find that in a motel. No, home is a place where familiarity, traditions, routines, personal touches, journeying through life under its shelter and some degree of privacy from outside influences, all plays its part in making home the sweetest place on earth.

Sadly, the world’s trend is to minimise the comfort of home, where within its sheltering walls life’s lessons are taught and relationships are built and strengthened. Home is the cradle of civilisation and its diminished role would prove catastrophic to mankind. Where else does one go for solace, comfort and nurture? What else keeps a soldier from going insane on the battlefield and stops him or her losing all hope- the hope of going home!

We Christian women must therefore do all in our power to promote home as the God ordained institution that He intended. There must be a return to home birthing if possible, home schooling, using the home as a ministry by providing a place for believers to meet, hospitality for all, and looking after elderly parents, whilst remembering that home is the soil where Godly seed is planted and where His ways are taught and practiced.

Here is where family ties will be strengthened, babies brought up as soldiers of the LORD, and where at least here His Name is spoken of with love and reverence. It is here in the home, that hearts will be moulded for eternity- for both those who live there and those who pass through its doors. Home should be a miniature oasis of order, cleanliness, holiness and peace and purity in a world that is sadly lacking most of these qualities.

When God is the foundation of the home as He intended to be, it will be of no importance how grand or plain your home is. The very inbuilt human need for the ministry of the home will carry us through no matter what its condition. As Christian women and keepers of the home, we will be wise in implementing routines for cleaning and maintaining our home both spiritually and physically. We must guard our home zealously from outside unsavoury influences. Peace and holiness should be highly sought after.

The homemaker is a servant who is ministering for the LORD as much as any preacher or evangelist- the future of her family and therefore, society does indeed rest in her hands and the results will be eternal. As women are becoming disenchanted with the world's lies for finding fulfillment in a career- and as they start to feel cheated out of the pleasures of motherhood then I believe that in the near future, there will be an uprising of women who catch the vision of homemaker as a servant of not only her family, but the Most High God. My prayer is that it will come sooner rather than later. For our own sake, our family’s sake and ultimately the world’s.


“He blesses the habitation of the just.” Proverbs 3:33b

By Glenys Hicks of Morning Cuppas With Glenys

The Madness and Ministry of Music

There is a lot that is made of the issue of music. It is one of those subjects that can divide Christians, churches, and preachers. For some, music is a fundamental of the faith; for others it is a preference. For the purpose of this post, I will briefly be discussing Christian/Worship music and not secular music. So, what does the Bible say about the issue of music?

• We know that music can be used for the good and the uplifting of people – 1 Samuel 16:15-16; Ephesians 5:19 
• We also know that music can be used for evil and idol worship – Daniel 3:5

The interesting thing to me about Daniel Chapter 3 is that many of the same music instruments used by the psalmist for praising and worshiping God were also used by the wicked musicians for Nebuchadnezzar. During David’s time, it says that they played all manners of instruments (2 Samuel 6:5). So then, maybe it is not so much what is used to make the music, but what music you make with it.

It was during the time of David that music seems to of had its greatest impact in the worshiping of God (though a careful reading of Revelation shows to us that music and worship will be a part of eternity). Today, many Christians choose to join (or leave) a church solely based upon the style of music used during the church service. So then, what does the Bible say about the music that is to be used in such a case? We notice in Ephesians 5:19 three types of songs, or music:

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

I have always heard (and agreed with, yet not sure who said it first) that a simple explanation of the differences in these three is this:

• Psalms – Songs that are sung TO God.
• Hymns – Songs that are sung ABOUT God.
• Spiritual Songs – Songs that are sung about OUR relationship with God, our Christian testimony, etc.

Another verse that speaks along these same lines is: Colossians 3:16  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. This tells us that music is to be used to teach and admonish (warn or exhort) each other.

This is where we must be careful with music, especially much of the music that is being produced for today. As I have always told our church, I am not against anything new when it comes to music, as long as it is Biblical. It seems to me though that much of what we hear today either promotes false doctrines, or has false motives (glory of man and not God, etc.).

So, should we throw out all new music? My answer is no – remember, Amazing Grace was once a “new” song! Now, I do listen to some “new” worship music – in private! Why in private and not public? That is because I consider them to be spiritual songs which benefit me on a personal level and are beneficial for me in my personal worship of God. But as far as corporate worship (church service), we do better to stick with the Psalms and Hymns, even though we sing very few Psalms these days.  Maybe we should get back to opening the Book of Psalms and singing it instead of reading it?!

I know this can be a touchy and controversial subject amongst Christians, so I am open for discussion, BUT NOT ARGUMENTS. Go to www.brobrad.blogspot.com to leave your thoughts. 

What did Paul, the missionary, expect form the Church in Rome?

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain. And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:23-33)

A few weeks ago, Keith preached a sermon on this passage. In Romans 15, Paul was planning another missionary trip. He told the church in Rome that he hoped to visit them on his way to Spain. He also gave them three expectations.

1. Paul expected "to be brought on (his) way thitherward by you" The phrase, "to be brought on my way" is speaking of financial help. When a church has a missionary in, they should keep in mind that it is their responsibility to help that missionary financially on his way. I'm not speaking of monthly support, but rather food, logging, and a financial gift. Deputation is the most expensive time in a missionary's life. In the beginning he has very little support coming in and yet he has some of the biggest expenses: prayer cards, a display, a DVD presentation, a vehicle, lodging, food, family needs... As deputation progresses, the missionary has to prepare for moving expenses, housing, possibly a new vehicle, shipping, etc. Our suggestion is: if you cannot help the missionary along his way, don't have him in unless they have been made aware and are still wanting to come regardless. We had several pastors tell us that they couldn't help much, but if we couldn't find another church to visit, they would be happy to give us a meal and have Keith preach. Often these churches proved to be the encouragement we needed. It is not that a missionary won't come, but the church's goal should always be to help them financially to the next appointment. Missionaries only want to be a blessing to the churches they visit and are trusting God to supply their every need, but all too often churches forget that they are the tools God uses to meet those needs.

2. "that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me" Missionaries need prayer! When you have driven over extremely high mountains in a snow storm on narrow roads with no guard rails you truly appreciate and feel the prayers of God's people. Again, every missionary has financial needs. You may not be able to do much financially, but you can pray. (side note: Why not pray that the Lord will provide through you?) Picture travelling as a family day after day, staying in one-room hotels and prophet's chambers. Missionaries need prayer for spiritual strength, patience, and family unity. We were blessed on deputation, but I have heard some real horror stories. Pray that God will bless the missionaries with churches who will be a blessing to them and for grace for those who are not. Missionaries need wisdom when their GPS sends them to a field instead of the church and they have twenty minutes to set up for service. Their children need pray that the effects of life on the road will build character and that people will be understanding when they are a little (okay if you've met Jerry A LOT) wound up after being strapped in a car seat for five hours. Put yourself in the missionary's shoes and you'll know what

Abraham’s Altars #1 – Plains of Moreh

Welcome friends, today we begin a 5-part series: Abraham’s altars. I recently listened to a message that was preached about 20 years ago by Bro. James Lockee, and he dealt with how Lot lost his tent, altar, and couple other things when he went to Sodom. He showed that by losing those things, it was all downhill for Lot.

I am curious about what an altar is and what it’s for. Consider this: how would Lot have known that using an altar was important? Who would have taught him its significance? Here’s the answer:

Uncle Abraham. Scripture records Abraham built 4 altars, and we’ll take a look at each one in this series. Each altar has significance to us today, and by understanding the function of each, we can better understand how to invoke more of God and God’s power in our lives throughout our lives.

We don’t kindle fire and kill animals for burnt offerings unto the Lord Old Testament-style nowadays. But by understanding the significance and function of an altar, it will be shown that God’s people today need an altar that they can go to just as much now as the heroes of the faith did back then.

The four altars of Abraham that we will consider are:

1. The altar at the plains of Moreh
2. The altar east of Bethel
3. The altar at Mamre
4. The altar upon Jehovah-jireh

NOTE: While his name is technically Abram at points throughout this series, we’ll just refer to him as Abraham to keep it simple. Easy, right?

One facet in our study of Abraham’s altars is that we will consider the surrounding events when Abraham built each altar. This can give us some clues about its significance. We begin by considering Abraham’s first altar, the one at the plains of Moreh.

Our story begins in Genesis 12, when God calls Abraham out from the house of his father, Terah who at that time resided in Haran. Abraham (at age 75) and everyone in his home travel to Canaan, and there he sets up camp at the plains of Moreh. God appears to him when he gets there, confirms that he’ll give the land to his children, and Abraham builds an altar.

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him. - Genesis 12:7 (KJV)

There are 3 things that involve the altar at the plains of Moreh:

1. Its purpose was thanksgiving and worship
2. It was to be used regularly
3. It was Abraham’s first altar

1. Its Purpose Was Thanksgiving and Worship

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. - Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

In Genesis 12:7, God appeared to Abraham; this in and of itself is a reason to be exceedingly thankful. And if that weren’t enough, consider what happens next: God confirms his promise that he intends to give this land to Abraham and his children.

If God appeared to you, and then he gave you something that goes far beyond your mortal life, there’s a great deal to be thankful for! And I submit to you that if you are saved and reading this, God has done both of these things for you, just as he did for Abraham in the plains of Moreh.

How? He appeared to you – his Holy Spirit showed you in your heart the need of salvation, and directed you to Christ. Then, based on your decision to be saved, he promised to give you something that would last far past what your physical life could encompass – eternal life. God appeared and gave a lasting promise to Abraham, and if he saved your soul, he did it for you too.

As with Abraham, it is fitting that we prepare an altar “unto the Lord, who appeared to us”. What happens on an altar? Sacrifice. And based on the above verse from Hebrews, we are exhorted by Paul to offer the “sacrifice of praise to God continually”. Abraham’s altar was to offer thanks for what God had done for him, and it is altogether fitting that we should do the same. Ask God for the details, and he’ll give you an altar at which you can offer praise and thanks for what he's done for

Latest Quips and Quotes

"'Your money, or your life.' We know what to do when a burglar makes this demand of us, but not when God does." - Mignon McLaughlin

"Faith makes all things possible... love makes all things easy." - D.L. Moody

"Those who give up liberty for security, shall enjoy neither liberty nor security." - Benjamin Franklin

You're free to make choices, but you're not free from the choices you make.

"To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge. To find the will of God is the greatest discovery. To do the will of God is the greatest achievement." - George W. Truett

"Lord, grant that the fire of my heart may melt the lead of my feet!"

"Hold fast to the Bible. To the influence of this Book we are indebted for all the progress made in true civilization and to this we must look as our guide in the future." - Ulysses S. Grant

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes." - C.H. Spurgeon

"Religious matters are to be separated from the jurisdiction of the state, not because they are beneath the interests of the state but, quite to the contrary, because they are too high and holy and thus are beyond the competence of the state." - Isaac Backus, 1773

Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble." - C.H. Spurgeon http://baptistquips.blogspot.com/

Coupon Newbie Book Giveaway

In addition to the IFB KJV Blogroll, KJV Devos and various other online projects, I recently started a coupon and freebie blog to document my own progress, store my recipes and meal plans, and share information I found. Coupon Newbie just got it's 100th fan on Facebook.

To celebrate, I am giving away your choice of one of three of the following books. To enter, become a fan on Facebook of Coupon Newbie HERE, and then comment on the Facebook photo HERE. Giveaway ends July 16, 2010.

Worshiping the Works of our Hands

Micah 5:13  Thy graven images also will I cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands.

This thought of idol worship has really been on my heart and mind lately. Maybe it is because I am reading through the Reese Chronological Bible in my devotion time and having been reading through the different prophets, but this seems to be a bigger issue here in our churches than we like to think it is. 

While the prophet Micah is speaking more specifically about the worship of statue-like objects, we see the parallel to modern-day idol worship.  While there are plenty of churches with their statues out front and in their auditorium, I am more worried about our other works that we worship today: our programs, personalities, and preferences. 

John Gill has a good thought on this application: "and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands" - as not to fall down to idols and worship them, so neither to trust in carnal privileges, ceremonial rites, observances of the traditions of the elders, or any works of righteousness done by them, which they had been prone unto.

I think it is a good thing for each of us to occasionally do a check of what it is we actually worship. If we are honest with God and ourselves, it may actually surprise us what we have "bowed the kneed to." I am afraid we are more worried about what a church offers for my children, what type of music they sing, and how charismatic the preacher is. It is strange to me how often people will object to change because "momma and daddy didn't do it that way," yet they don't love and serve the Lord like their momma and daddy used to.

Lets make sure that God really is at the heart of our worship, and not anything that we have created.

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF GENUINE REPENTANCE

1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 18 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole burnt offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar” (Psalm 51:1-19).

The introduction to this Psalm tells us that it is written “To the chief Musician.” This is important in that this Psalm of confession and repentance was to be sung by the priests before the congregation of Israel. There is an absolute kind of acceptance of accountability and transparency in this introductory instruction. This is what is meant by verse 3, “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” The eternal consequences of this particular chain of sins in David’s life would be a continual testimony of his transgression to all generations of mankind and into eternity. We will never know the impact of one moment of selfishness upon the lives of those we hurt, and those we lead astray by sin, until we see those results at the Judgment Seat of Christ. No one will possess genuine repentance until he can genuinely reflect upon the hurt caused to so many and the all encompassing eternal consequences.


“Have mercy upon me, O God”


David is not pleading his case before God or trying to justify his actions in any way. There is no blame-shifting or the devil made me do it cop-out. This is a defining characteristic of genuine repentance. There is no plea bargaining or talk of Bathsheba should not have been on that roof naked. David accepts the full responsibility for his sin and throws himself upon the mercy of God.

The request for “mercy” is asking for something not deserved. The plea of David for mercy goes beyond this in that he is asking for mercy in the place of what is deserved due to his monstrous chain of sin. David deserved to lose his position as king and he deserved to be stoned to death for his crime. His plea for mercy acknowledges his guilt and what he deserved. Sin under the Law is always viewed as a criminal offense deserving justice. David’s plea for mercy does not demand forgiveness. It is a plea that God be merciful toward him regarding his crimes and the administration of justice.

We should remember the circumstances surrounding David’s sin. God had rejected Saul as king of Israel. Saul was not God’s choice. Saul was the people’s choice. David was God chosen king. Yet, in the chain of event surrounding David’s sin, David has become a despotic monarch setting in his royal palace while his friends fight his battles. He had accepted a life of leisure. What is apparent in the account, and amazing, is that David has allowed himself to come to a place where he acts without any real cognizance of God. It is that man of injustice and self-centeredness that Nathan the prophet addresses in II Samuel 12:1-14. As we read Nathan’s confrontation of David in II Samuel 12:1-14, we notice that God does give David mercy in that his life is spared (II Samuel 12:13) and David is allowed to remain as king. Although David was forgiven, what God said He would allow to happen in David’s life in II Samuel 12:10-12 still happened.


“1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. 5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.

"...Great God Our King!"

The history of this great patriotic hymn is unique. The words were written in 1832 by Samuel Francis Smith, a Baptist theological student. The following interesting anecdote comes at a time when America was still under the English throne.

"America" is sung to the same tune used in "God Save the King", a popular song in England around 1774. The words to the British anthem originally began "God save our lord the King", and with a revolutionary spirit spreading rampantly in North America, it was decided that "God Save the King" must be sung at all gatherings, such as church meetings.

God save our Lord the King!/Long live our gracious King!/God save the King!
Send him victorious,/Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,/God save our King.

Thy choicest gifts in store,/On him be pleased to pour,/Long may he reign!
May he defend our laws,/And ever give us cause,
To sing, with heart and voice,/God save the King!

Baptists were appalled that they be required to sing a hymn to a man, rather than to God at a worship service. Redcoat soldiers would spy out church services in the colonies to be sure the letter of the law was carried out. However, colonists would sing the verses, ending them with the words "Great God, our King!" rather than "God save the King" (referring to King George), thus changing the entire focus of the song. Samuel Smith later used these adapted words to close out his famous song, "America" (also titled "My Country 'Tis of Thee"). What better song to symbolize what the July 4th celebration is all about? It served as our unofficial anthem until "The Star-Spangled Banner" was officially adopted in 1931.

My country, 'tis of thee,/Sweet land of liberty,/Of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died,/Land of the pilgrims' pride,
From every mountainside/Let freedom ring!

My native country, thee,/Land of the noble free,/Thy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,Thy woods and templed hills;
My heart with rapture thrills,/Like that above.

Our fathers' God to Thee,Author of liberty,/To Thee we sing.
Long may our land be bright,/With freedom's holy light,
Protect us by Thy might,/Great God our King.

Hypocrisy in worship

READ: Isaiah 6:1-4, key vs. 3-4

Here, Isaiah speaks of the great hypocrisy and wickedness that was committed in the name of worship and religion. This was something that even the prophet Ezekiel dealt with in Ezekiel 23:39  For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and, lo, thus have they done in the midst of mine house. How can anyone living in America today read this and not see the application to the American Christian?!

So much of what is done in church today in the name of worship is not God or Christ centered worship; it is idol worship centered on man's thoughts and desires. The American Christian, and their American church, have chosen their own way with their own traditions and now take great delight in their worshipful abominations. We stand and fight, not for pure doctrine and the power of an undefiled Gospel, but for our traditions and the methods of our idols (past preachers that have been used by God for great things). Few Christians today actually desire the sincere milk and meat of the word; instead, settling for regurgitated thoughts from others. We have now become dogmatic of traditions, and they now are our god and our idol. And we do all of this in the name of the Lord. We do much, but not much good.  I wonder today how many of us are hypocritical in our worship, following a delusion, and have missed out on the voice of God as we delight in our religious activities that God considers an abomination?

Proverb 15:8  The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Non-Baptist Christians?

While some Baptists understand the absurdity of making a distinction between church history and Baptist history many would still refer to non-Baptist believers as Christians. I don’t believe that you can be a Christian without being a Baptist. I did not say you can’t be saved without being a Baptist and that would be absurd because you cannot become a Baptist until being baptized after salvation. The question must be asked, “What is a Christian?”. A Christian is not just one that trusts Christ as their Savior. A Christian is one who is a follower of Christ – including AFTER salvation. May I say that one who gets saved and then backslides or never grows in the Lord is not a Christian. They may have trusted in Christ but they are not following Christ in their life. To be a Christian is to follow the ways and teachings of Christ. How could a believer be a Christian without being a member of the institution of the local church which He started? How could a saved Methodist be a Christian with their infant baptism? How could a Pentecostal believer be a Christian with their speaking in tongues? How could a Church of Christ member be called a Christian when they are trusting in baptism for salvation? How could a Presbyterian believer be a Christian when they don’t believe in eternal security and practice sprinkling? Being a Christian is more than believing in Christ and going to a church that historically believes in Christ instead of other gods. As Spurgeon said, “We believe that the Baptists are the original Christians.” As Baptists we don’t treat the polity of new testament churches as optional suggestions and we don’t add to our practices the contradictory writings and creeds of men. If Jesus were physically on earth today he would be a member of a Baptist church because a (true) Baptist church is a practical copy and an actual descendant of the church that Christ started during His earthly ministry. Don’t be ashamed my brethren, only Baptists are Christians.
Source: baptistbyconviction.wordpress.com

God's Grace

From my Laura McCulley Mail Bag -

There once was a man named George Thomas, pastor in a small New England town. One Easter Sunday morning he came to the Church carrying a rusty, bent, old bird cage, and set it by the pulpit. Eyebrows were raised and, as if in response, Pastor Thomas began to speak....

"I was walking through town yesterday when I saw a young boy coming toward me swinging this bird cage. On the bottom of the cage were three little wild birds, shivering with cold and fright.

I stopped the lad and asked, "What do you have there, son?"

"Just some old birds," came the reply.

"What are you going to do with them?" I asked.

"Take 'em home and have fun with 'em," he answered. "I'm gonna tease 'em and pull out their feathers to make 'em fight. I'm gonna have a real good time.."

"But you'll get tired of those birds sooner or later. What will you do then?"

"Oh, I got some cats," said the little boy. "They like birds. I'll take 'em to them."

The pastor was silent for a moment. "How much do you want for those birds, son?"

"Huh?? !!! Why, you don't want them birds, mister. They're just plain old field birds. They don't sing. They ain't even pretty!"

"How much?" the pastor asked again.

The boy sized up the pastor as if he were crazy and said, "$10?"

The pastor reached in his pocket and took out a ten dollar bill. He placed it in the boy's hand. In a flash, the boy was gone. The pastor picked up the cage and gently carried it to the end of the alley where there was a tree and a grassy spot. Setting the cage down, he opened the door, and by softly tapping the bars persuaded the birds out, setting them free. Well, that explained the empty bird cage on the pulpit, and then the pastor began to tell this story:

One day Satan and Jesus were having a conversation. Satan had just come from the Garden of Eden, and he was gloating and boasting. "Yes, sir, I just caught a world full of people down there. Set me a trap, used bait I knew they couldn't resist. Got 'em all!"

"What are you going to do with them?" Jesus asked.

Satan replied, "Oh, I'm gonna have fun! I'm gonna teach them how to marry and divorce each other, how to hate and abuse each other, how to drink and smoke and curse. I'm gonna teach them how to invent guns and bombs and kill each other. I'm really gonna have fun!"

"And what will you do when you are done with them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, I'll kill 'em," Satan glared proudly.

"How much do you want for them?" Jesus asked.

"Oh, you don't want those people. They ain't no good. Why, you'll take them and they'll just hate you. They'll spit on you, curse you and kill you. You don't want those people!!"

"How much? He asked again.

Satan looked at Jesus and sneered, "All your blood, tears and your life."

Jesus said, "DONE!" Then He paid the price.

The pastor picked up the cage and walked from the pulpit.