Msg #1442 The Millennial Reign of Christ
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
After Revelation chapter 19, where heaven opens and the Righteous Judge, called Faithful and True, rides a white horse into the battle called Armageddon, comes chapter 20. Believing the premillennial return of Christ is that simple. Had the Roman reformers stopped allegorizing they would believe Revelation 20 which describes the thousand year reign of Christ. He reigns from the hills of Zion in Jerusalem (Psalms 2). He sits on the throne of David (Isaiah 9). And the twelve tribes of Israel are regathered into The Promised Land, because it is The Promised Land. One is not a “Zionist” because they believe in the inerrant, infallible, inspired Word of God. Dr. Chafer, founder of Dallas Theological Seminary, wrote seven volumes of theology trying to get Presbyterians and 70+ denominations to change their pernicious ways, and believe premillennialism. He was largely unsuccessful because reformed theologians would rather hold to Roman dogma than believe these two chapters in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. For the Bible believer the millennial reign of Christ is the last of seven dispensations. Each previous dispensation ended in mans failure. The Church age we live in will end as it was in the days of Noah and in Sodom and Gomorrah, just like Jesus said. And when Christ lifts the curse on this earth, so that wolf lays down with the lamb, when he binds Satan for a thousand years, and when he physically sits and reigns on this earth, man again fails catastrophically. All seven dispensations manifest the depravity of man. Such Bible truths are for those with ears to hear. They don't fit with reformed Roman covenant theology, no matter how many modern bible translations they copyright. Study to shew yourself approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of Truth into its seven distinct dispensations.
An Essay for week #42 10/19/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141012.mp3
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1441 The 7 Year Tribulation is not Allegorical!
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
The seventieth week of Daniel marks a seven year period where Jesus tells us, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor even shall be” (Matt 24:21). Roman and Reformed Theologians try to allegorize the reality of a premillennial advent and a literal seven year tribulation period into disbelief, but when Christ divides the seven years in half, seven distinct times, their false teachings come unraveled. A Hebrew calendar has twelve, thirty day months, and they add an extra month in seven years. Daniel 12 divides the seven year tribulation into 1260 days and then 1290 days, calling them time, times, and half a time. The times of the Gentiles in Revelation 11 is forty-two months, or half the tribulation period. The two indestructible witnesses in Jerusalem prophecy for 1,260 days before Satan destroys them and God tells them, “Come up hither.” (Rev 11:3-12) After the seven seals and the seven trumpets, halfway through the tribulation, and exactly halfway through the 404 verses of Revelation, Satan is booted from heaven and torments the earth, knowing his time is short. The persecuted Israel is fed in the wilderness for 1,260 days of Satan's vile persecution. The commercial Babylon is fallen is fallen, halfway through the 7 year period. And Mystery Babylon, the false church and Jezebel is devoured and destroyed by the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet of the new world order. Mid-trib is a very busy time indeed, and the week of tribulation, the literal 7 years such as was not since the beginning of the world, is not an allegorical pretense, it is a Bible reality. You can only be saved from the wrath to come, by first calling on Christ, the soon coming judge.
An Essay for week #41 10/12/2014
Msg #1439 Developing Intimate Friends
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Intimate friendship only happens when two come to know and to trust each other. The more one knows and trusts, the more intimate the bond. Everyone needs them but you can count your intimate friends on one hand. Relationships mature and improve as this truth is learned and leaned on. Consciousness helps. If what you know about God comes from the theologians who wrote the Westminster Confession, you don't know squat. In God's revelation of himself to man, he comes to know, and then to trust a man named Abram. When God is cramped into a Calvinist's little box, he already knows everything, and many Bible verses must be trashed. “For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and he pondereth all his goings” (Prov 5:21). In Hebrew, “ponder” means ponder. In the Bible God comes to know a person and eventually comes to trust some of them. When they reciprocate, there is an intimate bond of friendship. All this takes trials. Spending more time with a Bible, and less with the theologian, helps one see the splendor of this reality. In Genesis 17, God gingerly takes a step of trust in Abram. It is awesome to watch the development of God's friendship with Abram. God reveals to Abram that he is El-Shaddai, the nourisher and sustenance of life itself. Understand that friendship takes a development form both sides, and here, “God talked with (Abram) saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee” (vr. 4) When God was ready he gave Abram a new name. He made his covenant clear, then gave Sarai, Abraham's wife a new name. Trust and Obey, pass a couple tests, and become a friend of God. He is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
An Essay for week #39 09/28/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1440 Don't Be Left Behind
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
There is coming a Last October. “In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation... Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: ...and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD... The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles...” (Lev23:23-24,27,34). Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Feast of Tabernacles mark the important fall memorial of blowing of trumpets. Bible believing Christians are listening for the trumpet symbolized in this feast. It will be a voice “as it were of a trumpet, talking with me; which said, Come up hither” (Rev 4:1). “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible” (1Cor 15:52). “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and (we) shall be caught up... to meet the Lord in the air” (1Thes 4:16-17). This is the rapture of the Church, and one must here distinguish between Bible believers and the Bible allegorizers. The Roman Religionists taught their reformers to allegoize away Jews and the premillennial return of Christ. Consequently Protestants do not perceive the rapture in these verses, and the Reformed cannot conceptualize our Christ on the Throne of David, in Jerusalem, for a 1,000 year dispensation. The truths in the 2nd advent of Christ are reserved for those with ears to hear, and eyes that don't allegorize. Bible believers often “stand gazing up into heaven” (Acts 1:8-11). A “Hunt for the Last October” begins, don't be left behind.
An Essay for week #40 10/05/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141005.mp3
Part 2 in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141005pm.mp3
Msg #1438 Men Teaching, Praying, and Prophesying
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Abram believed God, and is called the father of faith, but in Genesis 16 he makes significant mistake. Sarai, his wife, the weaker vessel, lost faith and tries to help God out with his impossible promise. God had said "It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help meet (appropriate) for him." God says it is not appropriate that women take a lead role in teaching, praying, or prophesying (1Tim 2:12, 8, 1Cor 15:34). He gives three reasons, 1) man was made first (1Cor 11:9, 1Tim 2:13), 2) women are more deceivable (1Cor 11:3, 1Tim 2:14) and 3) a woman's physical, physiological, and psychological makeup are designed for mothering not for leading men, homes, or nations. (1Cor 11:12, 1Tim 2:15). In this feminized culture Bible believers spend to much time apologizing for what God said and to little time practicing what God said. Sarai is not in error proposing a solution involving her Egyptian maid. She is doing what women do, pursuing a compromise, seeking conflict avoidance, and manipulating things behind the scene. The error is worded in verse 2, "And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai." The role and responsibility of the husband is to provide the leadership and make the righteous decisions when given other options. Abram's failure is clear, don't put the blame on the weaker vessel and appropriate helper. Men have the responsibility to take the lead where women should not go. Men should lead in teaching; praying; and prophesying. The man is to be the head and lead in paths of righteousness. Our society is likely irrecoverable, but our homes and fundamental churches should have testosterone laden, unfemenized, male leadership wearing the pants. That theme unfolds in Genesis 16, and is found lacking in America.
An Essay for week #38 09/21/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs140921.mp3
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1509 Jesus Our Perfect Example
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
God was made flesh and dwelt among us for only one reason, but while he was in the flesh he gave a perfect example of how we can live. Jesus was our example in five particulars. 1) Growth, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man”(Luke 2:52). His four-fold growth is our example. Some of us have grown to large in stature, and need to focus on less artificial sweetener, preservatives, and color-enhancers in our growth of stature! When you stop growing you start dying, and Christians are appointed to more abundant life. 2) Witness, John 4 records that “Jesus must needs go through Samaria,” and details Jesus' longest soul-winning conversation. It is an example for being a good witnesses. 3) Prayer, Luke 11 finds disciples asking, “Teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” How often did Jesus pray? He had a place of prayer, a practice of prayer, a position of prayer and a propensity for prayer. If the Son of God in the flesh needed prayer, what of me? Men ought always to pray and not to faint (Luke 18:1). 4) Ministry, “He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples feet...For I have given you an example”(John 13:5,15). Abraham and Mary Magdalene washed the feet of God, Mary with tears. The Holy Bible does not establish foot washing as an ordinance, but Jesus established it as an example of ministering to others. Walk in his steps. And 5) Love, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John15:13). Jesus is our example to grow, witness, pray, minister, and love. There is no greater example, but despite what Barack Hussein and the Muslims say, that is still not why he came.
An Essay for week #9 Mar 1, 15
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs150301.mp3
In Nook format at http://www.gsbaptistchurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays15.pdf
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg #1447 Thanksgiving with Integrity
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Thanksgiving is a verb. Before one can do it certain ingredients need to be correct in their life. When thanksgiving is a noun it is to bubble out of our life like root-beer poured on vanilla ice-cream. Again it requires the right ingredients. When ingredients are right it bubbles out and is well pleasing to our Lord. David lists the necessary ingredients in Psalm 26. Ingredient#1, “I have walked in mine integrity: I have trusted also in the LORD.” Ingredient#2 “Thy loving kindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.” Ingredient#3 “I have not sat with vain persons... dissemblers, (or) the wicked.” Ingredient#4 “I wash mine hands in innocency: so I will compass thine altar, O LORD.” Why these ingredients? “That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” (vr. 7) But the Bible also delineates a thanksgiving that makes the Lord sick. In Amos 4 it states, “The Lord GOD hath sworn by his holiness... that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fish hooks.” The ingredients for this scorned thanksgiving are present in our nations “Which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.” This religious nation says “Come to Bethel, and transgress... and bring your sacrifice.” Bethel means “The house of God,” but God no longer dwelt at Bethel. Jeroboam, who caused Israel to sin, had set up a golden calf and made Bethel a place of false worship. He did this to keep people from true worship in Jerusalem, where God dwelt. In their false worship they “offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven.” Be careful about integrity and about this world's apostate churches which are a house of God in name only. Happy Thanksgiving.
An Essay for week #47 11/23/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141123.mp3
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1448 Calvary
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Dr. Luke writes the third gospel with incredible insight about the crucifixion. Luke was not an apostle, but had listened to them preach for thirty years. He traveled extensively with the Apostle Paul and now, during Paul's imprisonment, Luke publishes “The Gospel According To Luke.” Luke had the blessing of the apostles on his writings, but it is more important that he wrote as he was moved by the Holy Ghost. Each word he penned is God's word. His narrative takes Jesus through the triumphal entry, three days of teaching, the last supper, the trial, and to a hill called Calvary. There is no narrative more solemn or more moving for the blood bought, born-again, believer, for “God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” The substitutionary death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the gospel message which Dr. Luke portrays in the word's of God. Would to God I might hold it with a little more daily esteem. It is precious enough to die for, many have. It is precious enough to live for, many are. Luke also records the boldness Peter's witness, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ... Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts2:36, 4:12) And again, “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” (Acts5:30-31) It is still foolishness to scholars, but the power of God to believers.
An Essay for week #48 11/30/2014
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs141130.mp3
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1507 Leadership School
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Every husband is thrust into the role of leadership. When you stand at an altar, and a young lady promises to love, honor, and obey... well, you are now in a leadership position. Moses was enrolled in God's leadership school and husbands are too. How is school going? Husbands are to be God's spokesman in the home, and the family's spokesman before the LORD God. Before Moses could be God's spokesman, 1) he had to stand in the presence of God, 2) he had to hear the words of the LORD God, and 3) he had to personally talk to the LORD God. How many times did Moses go up into the mountain to meet with God? How many times did he stay for forty days? Remember when he came down from talking with God and glowed so bright they put a vail over his head? So, how much time should a leader spend with the LORD God? How much glow do you bring into your home? When Israel chided him about water, bread or meat Moses took it to God. God allowed circumstances in Israels journey, things which drove Moses into God's presence as their intercessor. When calamities of life come, sometimes, God is just waiting for the responsible leader to come into his presence. Military leadership school teaches that a leader must do three things well. 1) He must see the larger picture and always keep the goal in view. 2) He must motivate people to do things they do not ordinarily do. And 3) He must meet the needs of people. In the Christian home God will take care of those when we confess our need and take care to meet with him daily. It worked well for Moses. So, how IS school going? Keep looking up.
An Essay for week #7 Feb 15, 15
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs150215.mp3
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1506 Purpose and Union for Valentines
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
What the LORD God reveals about our wives is remarkable. What men don't understand about women is remarkable. The value added to the husbands who study what God said is even more remarkable. Allow some remarks on these “remarkables.” God gives three reasons why the woman can't do some things which the man is commanded to do. 1Tim. 2:13-15 lists all three reasons. First, “For Adam was first formed, then Eve.” 1Cor. 11:9 states this first reason, “Neither was man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.” Genesis 1:18 states it, “And the LORD God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him an help (appropriate) for him.” Two more reasons given, the woman is designed for mothering (vr. 15) and the helping-mothering design makes women the weaker vessel, more prone to deception. (vr.14,1Pet 3:7) The LORD God said that a man alone is not complete. Husband, the best design for your completion is the little woman you married. It is a pretty sorry man who sets on his hands until his appropriate helper is forced to get out in front and do the leading. The woman is a weaker vessel physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Husbands, the stronger, are to stand up and be the guardian and protector physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Women are different than men. That used to go without saying. The epitome of married life is that God, the three-in-one, designed marriage between man and woman, that these two-in-one could reflect his perfect unity. God's design for your marriage is that the intimate physical union, the secure emotional union, and the God honoring spiritual union can make your marriage and your home a taste of paradise here on earth. Repair the breaches and have a Happy Valentines Day.
An Essay for week #6 Feb 8, 15
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs150208.mp3
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com
Msg #1505 A Crucible Called Marriage
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
The epistle which answers the most questions about marriage and divorce also provides a list of fifteen characteristics of true love. There is no greater laboratory for testing every one of these fifteen qualities than the institution of marriage. There is no institution better equipped to reveal the depths and purity of God's love than the Christian home. Some crucial things found when entering this laboratory is that love suffereth long, is not easily provoked, and endureth all things. An entry into marriage is intended to be a full time and a lifetime testing of our ability to demonstrate true love. In marriage love is not a gushy feeling, it is a command of God. And in this laboratory of God's design, a true love grows and develops... or not. Never let it be said in your home, “We drifted apart.” Jesus says of his commands, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” Purpose to maintain a Christlike, Christian marriage. The marriage vows only have provision for a love which will endure all things. Marriage vows are sacred vows taken before God and man. Christian marriage vows contain the line, “Until death do us part.” They have no prenuptial agreement about another way of ending this arrangement. They require one man and one woman for one lifetime, faithfulness and fidelity. There is a life time commitment in the vow. It also contains the clause, “In sickness and health, for richer or poorer.” That is only an introduction to “enduring all things.” The full depth of “suffering long” is tested in the crucible of life. It is played out in the bedroom, in the finances and in old family ties of a Christian home. The laboratory where, “enduring all things,” is tested, is indeed called marriage.
An Essay for week #5 Feb 1, 15
Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs150201.mp3
In paperback at www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch
View Thesis "Reformed Theology NOT" at www.Theology.GSBaptistChurch.com