KJV Bible Studies and Independent Baptist Resources

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

A pool in Mammoth Cave illustrates the crystal, clear, cave water. As our group stared through this crystal pool and saw the colorful formations on the bottom, our guide dropped in a penny. It flipped and swirled as it sank and sank, getting smaller and smaller until it disappeared altogether. The pool we stared through was fifty feet deep! The Gospel of John is like that pool. It is crystal clear and you can see all the way to the bottom, but when you research, you find there is great depth in this book. Nothing manifests that truth like chapter ten. It contains a parable, and Jesus said, “They understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.” Then he drops in a penny, as it were. He claimed to be the Only Door, fulfilling Psalm 22. He claimed to be the Good Shepherd, fulfilling Psalm 23. But when he claimed to be the fulfillment of Psalm 24 he was meet with disbelief. He is still ridiculed in disbelief today. When he said he was the Good Shepherd of Psalm 23 he claimed to be Jehovah God. When he said he had power to lay down his life for his sheep, and then he had power to take it up again, he claimed the same more emphatically. Those not of his fold, who would not hear his voice, called him a liar and a lunatic. Those who say of Jesus the Christ, “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want,” they hear his voice, see clear to the bottom of the pool, and inherit His eternal life. Liar, Lunatic, or LORD, each must choose, “For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

An Essay for week #29 Sun, Jul 21, 13

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays13.pdf

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg #1328 You Need to Have a Pastor

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The prophecy that God gave to Jeremiah before Judah fell into punishment and captivity does not portray the office of pastor in very good light. One wonders why he revived and reinitialized the office under his new covenant. Its very first mention in chapter 2:8 show a failture in priest, lawyer, pastor, and prophet. Pastor is a lesser word for shepherd and the job description is given in 3:15: “And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.” But the pastors became brutes (10:21). They destroyed God's vineyard (12:10). Precious few remained true to the word of god (17:15-16) and they were hated for this stand. So God said the wind, that was supposed to be the breath of God in them, would 'eat up all thy pastors.' “Woe unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the seep of my pasture! Saith the LORD.” (23:1) The chapter continues “Behold the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch...” That Branch arrived and said “I am the good Shepherd... “ (John 10) The office of Pastor was revived and initiated for His churches. We have a perfect example to follow and Psalm 23 describes how our perf3ect example operates. If you do not have a pastor that can come to your home and counsel, (that excludes all those TV preachers.), a pastor that puts his pants on one leg at a time (that's 'pants' not 'pantaloons'), then you are operating outside the clear boundary of God's Word. Getting into his boundaries always provokes his blessing. God's intent is that his pastors feed his flock with knowledge and understanding, keep them from fear and dismay, and cause that they shall not want. (23:4) It's a tall order.

An Essay for week #28 Sun, Jul 14, 13

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays13.pdf

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg #1327 Keeping the Wine Press Pressing

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

Israel and I come up with solid rationale, and highfalutin excuses, why we cannot be obedient and fruitful in our present circumstance; but God says, “What could have been done more to my vinyard, that I have not done in it?” (Isaiah 5:4) Apathetic agnosticism (AA) reigns supreme in upstate New York, but if I were only in North Carolina, where there is a Baptist Church every twelve feet, I could, … and I would, … If I were back in Ohio, where people welcome door-to-door visitors sharing the gospel, then I would, … and I could, … If I were in Florida, where people respond in kindness to street preaching, then I would, … “My well beloved hath a vineyard in a very fruitful hill.” I and/or you are parked right in the middle of God's fruitful vineyard, and are expected to yield much fruit for our Lord's joy and glory. What fruit are we supposed to be yielding? Well there is a wine press right over there, and in the Bible wine is generally symbolic of the joy of the Lord. That's a sweet fruit for our labor. What has he done for his fruitful vineyard? Well he fenced it (vr2), i.e. placed clear boarders in our lives. He gathered out the stones thereof, i.e. cleared sin and every weight which easily besets us. He planted it with the choicest vine, i.e. people still need the Lord even if they wont' readily admit it. And he built a tower in the midst, i.e. he is our strong tower, our refuge, our vantage point, our warehouse and operation center. In the fifties great ministries were built by door-to-door visitation, today, could be, it only builds great frustration. Labor in the well beloved's vineyard anyway, His wine-press makes real joy.

An Essay for week #27 Sun, Jul 7, 13

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays13.pdf

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg #1338 Tabernacling Through Sukkut

Msg #1338 Tabernacling Through Sukkut
What The Bible Says
Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice
Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot walk us into our autumn each year, yet we remain aloof to their prophetic nature and importance. The Feast of Trumpets portrays the regathering of Israel; the Day of Atonement portrays the sorrow of heart that will subdue his nation when they look on Him whom they have pierced; and the Feast of Booths is a joyous festival portraying the day when the tabernacle of God is with men. Third century Clement of Alexandria Egypt hypothesized that God could never fulfill all of this for the annihilated Jew. He built a philosophy that a mother church should lay claim to all of Israel's promises. That philosophy became Roman church doctrine and reached its tentacles into every Protestant Denomination. There is an elitist attraction to pretending that Christians are the new chosen ones, that we are the elect ones, and the Jews are a discarded people that God is done with. Theology books call such a philosophy Covenant Theology. It is an errant , dangerous philosophy straight from Alexandria Egypt. In reality these three feasts have a literal fulfillment yet to come and a spiritual fulfillment presently. For the born-again believer, there was a trumpet calling out the gospel; there was a Yom Kippur where sins are atoned for by The Passover Lamb; and the Bible is clear about His present tabernacling: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1Cor. 6:19-20) We heard, He atoned, and now tabernacles in our booth. He will yet do all this for His chosen and elect Israel.
An Essay for week #38 Sun, Sep 22, 13
Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit/biblesays13.pdf
In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg #1305 Love & Marriage Illustrated

Dear Editors and friends,

Please freely print this weeks Penny Pulpit Column in your papers, bulletins, emails, bloggs and twitters . Thank you for this consideration.
Pastor Ed Rice, Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden NY 14441

These Baptist Penny Pulpits are an asset to many Missionaries and young Christians, Please Use the FORWARD below.

Msg #1305 Love & Marriage Illustrated

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

God punctuates the book of Jeremiah with illustrations that fit well into an application for our pre-Valentine's Day look at love and marriage. The opening is markedly simple. “Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” This rod of an almond tree portrays the rod that budded when God made his selection of Aaron as his high priest. Our application is found in a counselor's question to the fighting couple in his office “Sir, why in the world did you ever marry this woman?” It is a good place to start. Remember your engagement and marriage. Remember what it was to be infatuated and in love and take her by the hand and go back there with your wife for an afternoon or two. The followup illustration is the seething pot! What a description of judgment awaiting the unfaithfulness of Israel and Judah. It is scathing! You made a vow to be faithful to that sweet thing till death do you part. The consequential judgment for your infidelity is likewise scathing. Most need to get a dictionary out for Valentines Day and see what it means to say “And so I plight thee my troth!” Jeremiah 13 is God's curious illustration about linen underwear. Suffice it here to say that marriage is the most intimate thing that will ever touch the bosom of man, and it is holy, yeah, holier than the linen underwear in God's illustration here. Again, flee fornication. Lastly, Jeremiah was taken to the potters house “and behold he wrought a work on the wheels.” You two are one-flesh and a godly work in progress. Don't muck up the vessel with your selfishness. Let love have her perfect work.

An Essay for week #5 Sun, Feb 3, 13

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg# 1251 Joy and Sorrow

Dear Editors and friends,

These Baptist Penny Pulpits are an asset to many Missionaries and young Christians, Please Use the FORWARD below.

Msg# 1251 Joy and Sorrow

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The joy of Christmas contrasts the anguish of loss this week. The merriment of celebration is subdued by the pain of sorrow. The promise of Messiah now contrasts with the dire depravity of man. That God so loved the world is the more striking when the deplorable inhumanity of one of our own is so vividly displayed. We have grown to expect the butchering of children in history books about dark ages or dark continents, perhaps even in some backward culture with suicide bombers targeting school children, but not in Newtown Connecticut, not in our civilized society. In the anguish and sorrow, in the shock and dismay, do not let the contrast be lost; mankind did indeed need a Saviour, a Messiah, an Emmanuel, a Lord; and God did indeed 'so love' that he gave his only begotten son. There was no room for him in this depraved world, and he was born in a barn. It is meet that the Lamb that taketh away the sin of the world was there worshiped by a few shepherds. Fitting that the King of kings was worshiped then by only a few kings from the East. While we press toward the celebration of the birth of God's Only Begotten Son there is a cruel shadow of man's inhumanity and depravity emanating from Connecticut, but from there is also a somber chord of compassion struck, which rings out to every feeling soul. The world's dire need for a redeemer is the more manifest. Celebrate the Messiah's arrival and incorporate any grief and dismay, mixed well with Christian compassion, to touch the hurting world we live in. Use even this tragedy to make a more manifest presentation of His gospel to those effected by it. And consider that all humans are effected by it.

An Essay from week # 51, Sunday, December 16, 2012

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg# 1250 One Word, One Lord

Dear Editors and friends,

These Baptist Penny Pulpits are an asset to many Missionaries and young Christians, Please Use the FORWARD below.

Msg# 1250 One Word, One Lord

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise.” For a believer the double meanings captured in this little clause opening the New Testament of the Holy Bible is unparalleled. Although copyright mongering Bible Societies have drummed the truth out of the majority, there is only on Bible, and even the boy behind the plow can own the real thing. Unparalleled. The wisdom of the birth of God's perfect wisdom born in flesh is presented in such a way that whosoever believeth on the Only Begotten Son of God, shall never perish. In this wise there is a lot bundled into a name. There are six Marys in the Bible. The mother of Jesus and her sister, likely an in law sister, Mary of Bethany, sister to Lazarus and Martha, and Mary Magdalene takes a quick count to four. Jame the less's mom and John Paul's mom make six. Believers discipled enough to deny papal infallibility know that Mary that bore Jesus also bore his half brothers James and Joses, Judah and Simon and their sisters. (Matt6:3) But there is only one Jesus, the Saviour of mankind; only one Christ, the anointed one from God; only one Virgin Birth; only one Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, “God with us”; only one Lord, you will not be saved until you call him your Creator, Owner, Master, Lord; (Rom 10:13) Paul exalts that name “An apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; ... Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” Indeed only one Word that became flesh, and yeah, only one Word that this former plowboy holds in his lap. God is Good. Merry Christmas, and be wise.

An Essay from week # 50, Sunday, December 09, 2012

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg# 1249 How To Have A Merry Christmas

Dear Editors and friends,

These Baptist Penny Pulpits are an asset to many Missionaries and young Christians, Please Use the FORWARD below.

Msg# 1249 How To Have A Merry Christmas

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The literary structure of the Bible book of Isaiah is striking when one takes a step back to look at the larger scope. After a pentateuch of introduction, chapter six. After the king dies and a Godly man sees his own woe, his own undone condition, and his own unclean lips, God touches his lips, takes away his iniquity and purges his sin. Then the voice of the Lord cries, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” The cleansed one says, “Here am I send me.” Chapter seven, the LORD spoke again and said, ”Hear ye now, O house of David: ... Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (which is God with us.)” Chapter eight, Moreover the LORD said unto the prophet, “Take a great roll, and write the message down with a man's pen.” In chapter nine that pen wrote that the dimness shall not be, … “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Chapter ten, “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness,...” Chapter eleven, there shall come forth a rod with the seven spirits of God upon him and he shall judge the earth. Now, finally, chapter twelve outlines how to have a very Merry Christmas and blessed Holy-Day. Keep the bigger perspective this year and do all six of these verses. Merry Christmas.

An Essay from week # 49, Sunday, December 02, 2012

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks

by Bob Hoffman

May 10, 2024

Msg# 1248 The Gospel As First Presented

Dear Editors and friends,

These Baptist Penny Pulpits are an asset to many Missionaries and young Christians, Please Use the FORWARD below.

Msg# 1248 The Gospel As First Presented

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

A student of the first preaching of the gospel will know Peter’s outline in Acts 2. Your gospel preach should start, as did this message, with an explanation that you are not just drunk or weird or abnormal. You have been touched by the hand of God and now have the presence of the Holy Spirit of God, just like the Bible says. Most of the world thinks Bible Believing Christians are just weird; Peter clarified their misconceptions right up front. Clarify that what happened to you is exactly what the Bible says should happen. Next clarify that there is a judgment day coming and they need to be saved from that great and notable day of the Lord. Then, as in verse 21 introduce the gospel: “And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. “ Four points make a solid introduction. Now Peter introduces Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God. They must know the man before they know the Christ, so be meticulous. This Jesus was crucified, by God’s design, and God hath raised him up victorious over death. God’s Word says that this was to happen to the Christ, and Jesus was the Christ! And this Christ is seated at the right hand of God exalted. Jesus is the Lord! Whosoever believeth on him, cannot do so until they believe in Jesus, that he was Christ, and He is Lord, vrs36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. “ Now they were pricked in the heart. Not by Peter’s words, but by God. You cannot do God’s job here, just do yours, preach the gospel to every creature.

An Essay from week # 48, Sunday, November 25, 2012

Published at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ppulpit

In paperback at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/GSBaptistChurch

In free ebook at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/ebooks