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AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT - IN THE DAYS OF NOAH - THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE Many there are in Christendom today who teach that Christians can't know when Jesus is coming because He's coming like a thief in the night. Yes indeed, Jesus is coming as a thief in the night. But, to whom is He coming as a thief? The Bible says: "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" (I Thessalonians 5:1 & 2). There you have it, beloved. The day of the Lord is coming as a thief in the night. Many stop right there to prove their point that no one can know the time. The day of the Lord in this text is speaking about the time immediately preceding the Second Coming of the Lord. How do we know that? Let's go on to the next verse. Often we don't read far enough. The next verse says: "For when THEY shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon THEM, as travail upon a woman with child: and THEY shall not escape" (I Thess. 5:3). Who are THEY and THEM in the verse above? THEY and THEM are the unbelievers in the tribulation before the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus. Always, in both the Old and New Testaments, the day of the Lord refers to the Second Coming of the Lord in judgment. Always, in the New Testament, the day of Jesus Christ, or Christ Jesus, refers to the Rapture of the Church. Check it out. So then, in the verses above, Paul is saying that the day of the Lord and its judgment will come as a thief in the night upon THEM and THEY shall not escape. Now, let's go on to the next verse where Paul speaks to US about US: "But YE, BRETHREN are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief" (I Thess. 5:4). Will the day of the Lord come upon the brethren (believers) as a thief in the night? Not a chance! Why not? We, the brethren, have spiritual eyes to see. They don't. The next verse says: "Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore, let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober" (I Thess. 5:5 & 6) Let us watch and be sober! Let us watch especially the Israeli-Palestinian peace process for the covenant to be confirmed (guaranteed) by the Gentile antichrist. Jesus also told the Church to watch: "If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee" (Rev. 3:3). Jesus said that from the negative side. If we read it from the positive side He said, If you watch, I will not come upon you as a thief, and YOU SHALL KNOW what hour I will come upon you. WATCH AND KNOW! THUS SAITH THE LORD!! Jesus told the Church if we watch we won't be overtaken as a thief in the night and we will know what hour He will come. Is this a contradiction to what Jesus said to Israel? No, it is not: "But of that day and hour KNOWETH no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only" (Matthew 24:36). Notice please, the verb KNOWETH is in the present tense, relative to the time Jesus said it. Remember, when Jesus said this, it was 32 A.D. and at that time only God the Father knew. But, did He say that no one would ever know? No, He did not! In the very next verses He goes on to explain: IN THE DAYS OF NOAH "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matthew 24:37). Let us now go to the book of Genesis and learn more about the days of Noah. GOD FORETOLD THE NUMBER OF YEARS UNTIL THE COMING JUDGMENT God revealed to Noah that man's days would be another 120 years until the judgment would come: "And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years" (Genesis 6:3). GOD REVEALED THE WAY OF SALVATION FOR THE BELIEVERS "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch" (Genesis 6:14). God always keeps the believers from His wrath and judgment. Later, after the ark was finished and as the hour of judgment was nigh, God then revealed to Noah the exact day it would come. GOD FORETOLD THE EXACT DAY "FOR YET SEVEN DAYS, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth" (Genesis 7:4). GOD KEPT HIS WORD "And it came to pass after seven days, that the waters of the flood were upon the earth" (Genesis 7:10). Now let's go back to Matthew 24 and further examine what Jesus was saying about the days of Noah: "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood THEY were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took THEM all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be" (Matt. 24:37-39). THEY were eating and drinking. THEY were marrying and giving in marriage. THEY knew not until the flood came and took THEM all away. Who were THEY? THEY were the unbelievers. The unbelievers knew not until the flood came and took THEM all away. But, as the time drew nigh, THE BELIEVERS KNEW the exact day before the fact! AMEN! "BUT AS THE DAYS OF NOE WERE, SO SHALL ALSO THE COMING OF THE SON OF MAN BE." HE WILL GUARANTEE ISRAEL'S TREATY SEVEN YEARS "And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" (Dan. 7:27). From the book of Revelation we learn that this "week" is actually seven years. As stated above, in the middle of the "week" he stops the Jews' religious ceremonies in the Jews' temple in Jerusalem. Therefore the Jews will soon rebuild their temple. This "week" is divided into two equal parts of three and a half years. For three and a half years (1260 days or 42 months) two men of God will prophesy in Jerusalem: "And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the alter, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot FORTY AND TWO MONTHS. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy A THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND THREESCORE DAYS clothed in sackcloth" (Revelation 11:1-3). After the Gentile world dictator (the beast) stops the Jews' religious services in the temple he will remain Israel's protectorate another 42 months. The Bible says: "And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue FORTY AND TWO MONTHS" (Revelation 13:5). This "week" of years is seven prophetic years which are 2,520 days. A prophetic year has 360 days. This terrible time of tribulation begins when the Gentile beast gives his authority to the Israeli-Arab treaty, likely at a signing ceremony with much pomp and circumstance. More than likely, this treaty is coming via President Bush's "Roadmap" to Middle-East peace. Now I ask you, can the antichrist guarantee a treaty before there is a treaty? The obvious answer is no. Therefore we must conclude that there must be a treaty before he can guarantee it. Also I ask you, can the antichrist confirm the treaty without having political authority before he guarantees it? Again the answer is no. We then conclude that the antichrist must be in a position of great political authority before the 7-yr. tribulation begins. Have you noticed a Gentile political leader from the West pressuring Israel to make a covenant which would divide their "Promised Land" and make Jerusalem the shared capital of an Arab/Muslim state? This blasphemer is the enemy of God and Israel!! WATCH!! THIS COULD BE THAT MAN! "And he shall confirm (guarantee) the covenant with many for one week [7 yrs.]" (Daniel 9:27). Although the antichrist must be in a position of political power before the 7-yr. tribulation begins, he will not have world-wide dominion until the middle of the tribulation. As we watch Israel's "covenant with many" being developed, we know that soon it will be ready for confirmation by the antichrist. Remember, the signing ceremony with the whole world watching is the event that begins the 7-yr. tribulation!! However, immediately BEFORE the first day of the tribulation, something exciting is going to happen to the Christians!! THE PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE OF THE CHURCH Now, we need to learn the difference between the Rapture of the Church and the Second Coming of Christ to earth, to Israel. They are two distinct events. Let's look at some Scriptures that reveal the Rapture of the Church: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be CAUGHT UP together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (I Thess. 4:16 & 17). All Christians dead and alive will be CAUGHT UP to meet the Lord IN THE AIR. The word rapture means to be CAUGHT UP. At the Rapture the Lord does not return to earth. The Bible also says: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 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, and we shall be changed" (I Corinthians 15:51 & 52). Only Christians will be caught up. The vast majority will be left on earth, including the "harlot churches" to face the wrath of God during the tribulation. The Bible says: "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth" (Rev. 6:8). "And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great" (Rev. 16:18, 20 & 21). Will the Church enter into this time of trouble and wrath of God? ABSOLUTELY NOT!! Christians will not enter the tribulation; not even for one split second!! Unless a Christian understands the difference between the Church and Israel, it is impossible to understand Bible prophecy. The Church is not Israel! Israel is not the Church! Israel has a Promised Land. The Church does not. Israel has a holy city (Jerusalem). The Church does not. Daniel, a Jew and a prophet of God to Israel, wrote as he was instructed by Gabriel, an archangel of God: "Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon the holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy"{Daniel 9:24). "Seventy weeks (sevens) are determined (decreed)." Who do you suppose decreed these seventy sevens of years (490 yrs.)? If you said God, you are correct. To whom are the 490 years decreed? "Seventy weeks are determined UPON THY PEOPLE AND UPON THY HOLY CITY." Who are Daniel's people and what city is Daniel's holy city? Daniel's people are the Jews, collectively called Israel. Daniel's holy city is Jerusalem. Sixty-nine of the seventy weeks have already been fulfilled and exclusively to Israel (the Jews) and the holy city of Jerusalem. Carefully read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as fulfilling Daniel 9:25. The seventieth and final week (7 yrs.) is also exclusive to Israel (the Jews); again with the focus on the holy city of Jerusalem! Not one split-second of the 7-yr. tribulation is decreed to the Gentile Church! Therefore, it is absolutely impossible for the Church to enter into any part of the seven years, not even for one split-second!! AMEN!! NO LAPS OR GAPS!! No, the Church Age does not lap over into the tribulation, nor is there any time gap between the end of the Church Age (at the Rapture) and the beginning of the 7-yr. tribulation. The Church Age goes up to, but not into, the tribulation. Let me at this time present an illustration to make a point. One of these days, in the near future, we're going to hear that an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians has been reached. Also the date for a formal signing ceremony will be announced. Let's say for example, a signing ceremony, with much pomp and circumstance, will be convened on October 15. Based on past performance, such as Israel's treaties with Egypt and Jordan, and the Oslo agreements, the announcement of the signing ceremony always came at least 7 days in advance of the event. So, let's say that on October 8, we hear that a signing ceremony is set for October 15. We would then know that the Church would be caught up to meet Christ in the air on October 14. WATCH!! "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). OTHER PROPHETIC MESSAGES AVAILABLE AT: http://www.mychristiansite.com/ministries/jmccutchan James McCutchan, Pastor Olde Tyme Baptist Church jmccutchan@aol.com

OTHER PROPHETIC MESSAGES AVAILABLE AT:

http://www.mychristiansite.com/ministries/jmccutchan

James McCutchan, Pastor
Olde Tyme Baptist Church
jmccutchan@aol.com

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Prophecy Update - Powered by InJesus Prophecy Update - The Destiny of Believers during the Coming Tribulation (Part 2) - 8/28/03 Aug 28, 2003 Greetings, Hi Folks, Visit us on the web at: www.prophecyupdate.com or at www.theendtimes.org **Note - Thanks to your prayers and support, Prophecy Update is now viewed in over 84 countries around the world! _____________________________________________________________________ **STAY INFORMED! DON'T BE LEFT BEHIND! PROPHECY NEWS HEADLINES, UPDATED DAILY: www.prophecyupdate.com/prophecy_news.htm **PROPHECY GUIDE - Easy and fun way to learn about Bible Prophecy! - www.prophecyupdate.com/prophecy_guide.htm **THE BOOK OF MATTHEW IS NOW COMPLETE! - ALL CHAPTERS - NOW ONLINE! - www.prophecyupdate.com/matthew_introduction.htm **THE GOSPEL OF JOHN - ALL CHAPTERS - NOW ONLINE - www.prophecyupdate.com/john_chapter_1.htm **NEW!!! - THE BOOK OF ACTS - INTRODUCTION and CHAPTERS 1-3 - NOW ONLINE! - WWW.prophecyupdate.com/introduction_to_acts.htm ____________________________________________________________________ **Prophecy Update Special - Visit our tape and CD library and order our Special Prophecy Study Pack (All 5 of our Prophetic Studies) at a Special Discounted price! www.prophecyupdate.com/audioministry.htm ____________________________________________________________________ Israel Today - August 28, 2003 - 30 Av, 5763 Militiamen from the Islamic terrorist group Hamas fired a homemade "Qassam" rocket into Israel`s coastal city of Ashkelon today from the Gaza Strip. There were no casualties, but it was the first time a Palestinian rocket hit a major Israeli city. A rocket attack with casualties is likely to bring harsh Israeli retaliation. "It`s clear the Palestinians are now upping the ante," said Israeli spokesman Dore Gold. "Israel cannot tolerate the use of rockets against its major cities." Israeli generals have said repeatedly that Hamas exploited the cease-fire to improve the range of the rocket. Palestinian police say they rushed to the area where the Hamas men fired the rocket, preventing further launches. The police fired at the gunmen, shattering a windshield of their vehicle, but they managed to escape. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has frozen 39 bank accounts of 12 Islamic "charities," in one of the first concrete steps it has taken in compliance with the "roadmap." The US has demanded that the PA cut off funds to terrorist organizations, which are largely supported by money donated to Islamic charities. The move came to light when Palestinians went to collect monthly welfare checks and were turned away by banks who said there was no money. Israel welcomed the move. Last week, President George W. Bush announced that the US is freezing the funds of six senior Hamas officials and five European-based charities that he accused of funding Hamas. The decision followed the horrific bus bombing here in Jerusalem, in which 21 people were killed. Hamas claimed responsibility for that attack. In the Palestinian town of Qabatiya near Jenin, Israeli troops blew up the family home of an Islamic Jihad terrorist who killed an Israeli in a shooting attack in January. The gunman was also killed in that attack. The army`s policy of destroying the homes of terrorists is aimed at deterring others from carrying out attacks. Yasser Arafat is locked in a power struggle with his "moderate" Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas over who will control the Palestinian security forces. Arafat was reluctant to share power in the first place, and now, there`s talk that Abbas could be forced to resign. Led by Arafat, Palestinian hardliners accuse Abbas of failing to win concessions from Israel despite his calls for an end to armed attacks. Abbas faces a crucial no-confidence vote in parliament next week. ____________________________________________________________________ DEBKA News Briefs - Hamas senior operative Hamdi Kadah killed Thursday night in targeted attack by Israeli helicopters in southern Gaza Strip town of Khan Younes. Three others wounded. Amatsia Nisnevitch, 22, from Nofim, died Thursday in hospital of critical wounds he sustained in Palestinian terrorist attack at hitching-site outside Ariel on August 12. North Korea announces it has nuclear weapons, the means to deliver them and plans to conduct a test. The announcement by Deputy FM Kim Yong Il made on day two of the three-day six-power conference in Beijing called to end North Korea's nuclear crisis. Dubai-based Al-Arabiya TV quotes an eyewitness as claiming Saddam Hussein was seen in Mosul and "looked fine". Earlier, DEBKAfile reported: US forces are closing in Thursday on a senior Iraqi – possibly even Saddam Hussein or a top insider. The hot pursuit by 101st Airborne is in progress north of Mosul. US 4th Infantry continue to hunt Iraqi guerrillas in regions north and east of Baghdad up to Iranian border. First Palestinian Qassam-2 surface missile hits Israeli port city of Ashkelon for first time – landing in southern industrial zone. Two more missiles in same volley lands in open area south of town. No casualties or damage reported. Distance from northern Gaza to Ashkelon is 10-11 km. DEBKAfile: Hamas and Arafat's Gaza Strip ally Jemal Sema Dana are making all-out effort to reach Israeli urban centers with new extended-range surface missiles. One British soldier killed, second wounded, when trapped in ambush by hostile mob in al Amarah, southeast of Baghdad. Ten arrested after troops brought crowd under control. Since May 1, 11 British troops killed in Iraq. ____________________________________________________________________ The Signature of God -- Part Three - Jack Kinsella - www.omegaletter.com As we've already seen, prophecy is God's Signature. It proves the Divine Authorship of the Bible and establishes beyond all doubt that the Scriptures are truly the Word of God. It was God Himself Who hurled the challenge to the pretenders, saying, "Shew the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that ye are gods: yea, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and behold it together." (Isaiah 41:23) Because only God can know the future. Consider what it means for Ezekiel to describe, 2500 years in advance, the geopolitical alliances of the 21st century. It was only sixty years ago that the world was at war -- the alliances described by Ezekiel didn't exist until that war forced them into being. It was from the ashes of the Holocaust that the nation of Israel was reborn, setting events in motion for the Final Confrontation to come. But take a second and see it in all its majesty with me. Sixty years . . . six hundred years. . . sixteen hundred years. . double that -- it makes no difference. Every single event in every single generation from the day God revealed the future HAD to be exactly in order. What if Hitler's maternal great-great-grandmother had died at birth? Would the Holocaust have occurred? Would Israel now occupy that narrow strip along the Meditterranean? Would the Jews of Europe still be content in their homes and businesses, as they had been before Hitler's madness? Without that single life, sometime in the 18th century, what would the world look like today? The Scriptures say that the 'hairs on your head are numbered' -- multiply that times every single person who ever lived. Every single one of them had free will choices and the choices made by our ancestors, no matter how far back we go, shaped the world we live in today. The same one foretold by the prophets. Imagine picking out the winning team in the 2234 World Series? Who knows if we'll even still play baseball? But the Hebrew prophets named alliances between nations that didn't exist in their world, and in some cases, didn't exist until this generation. We've seen the literal fulfillment of ten prophecies concerning the life of Christ. And the literal fulfillment of ten prophecies concerning the life of Israel. Now we'll look at ten prophecies in the process of fulfillment in this generation. 1. 'Take heed that no man deceive you' "And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you." (Matthew 24:3-4) It's often been said that the 'devil's greatest trick is convincing people that he doesn't exist'. Deception has been raised in this generation to an art form. We expect to be deceived by our politicians, our entertainment, advertisers and the media. 2. An increase in disasters and wars. "And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. " (24:6) World War One and World War Two were cataclysmic events that shaped the 20th century, but they were domestic disputes in comparison with what World War Three with the Soviet Union would have looked like. For fifty years, the two sides were locked in ideological combat in what history calls the Cold War. Every morning for fifty years, each side woke up wondering if the Cold War would turn hot -- the ultimate rumor of war -- that ended only a decade ago. But, as Jesus noted, see that ye not be troubled, for the is not yet. And it wasn't. 3. The great "Falling Away". "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition" (2 Thessalonians 2:3) The Alabama Courthouse tragedy in which the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court lost his job for refusing to uproot a monument to the 10 Commandments from the courthouse is just the most recent example. I needn't waste column inches on other examples. You know them as well as I. 4. "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4. Until the beginning of the 20th century, very few commentaries existed on either Daniel or the Revelation. Both were considered to be filled with metaphors and symbolism. Even Calvin and Luther passed up the challenge. The words were 'sealed UNTIL THE TIME OF THE END'. In this generation, the mysteries of Daniel and Revelation are largely unlocked. Columbus sailed to the New World 1500 years after the Apostle Paul made his Meditterranean journey. Both sailed on wooden ships equipped with sails, as did ships until the end of the 19th century. One hundred years later, the same trip takes a few hours by air. 1900 years to get from Paul's ship to the Titanic. Sixty years later, Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. We certainly can go 'to and fro'. Moore's Law says that computer capacity doubles every 18 months. Knowledge is increasing at an exponential rate. There is technology being developed to make computers out of strands of DNA. 5. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." (Matthew 24:12) -- Anybody else notice how many parents are murdering their children lately? Each of you can make as strong a case for the increasing tolerance of sin and the collapsing moral structure of society as eloquently as I can. 6. The emergence of the antichrist. Daniel says that the antichrist's seminal act of power will be to make peace between Israel and her neighbors. Until this generation, there was no Israel to be at war. Today, the effort to bring peace is the single most important foreign policy goal of the US, EU, UN and Russia -- who together form the "Quartet" that developed the current 'road map'. The world is crying for a leader who can solve the global problems of the Middle East, terrorism and outlaw nations. Today. In this generation. 7. Earthquakes, Famines, Wars and Pestilences -- Matthew 24:7 speaks to all of these as being like labor pains -- growing in intensity and frequency as the time approaches. Earthquake activity is demonstrably on the increase, while ethnic wars rage across Africa and entire populations face starvation at a time when other countries are throwing leftovers in the garbage. The entire sub-Saharan continent of Africa is facing extinction by the pestilence of AIDS -- while the technology exists to arrest it. We can make computers out of DNA strands, but the earthquakes, famines, wars and pestilences just keep getting more intense. 8. As it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Matthew 24:37, Luke 17:28-30) "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually" (Genesis 6:5) That wickedness is the hallmark of this age can be proved by picking up a newspaper. The president refers to 'evil' and 'evildoers' in every speech. What could be more wicked than deliberately blowing up a bus filled with children to make a political statement? Television could be described as 'imagination in a box'. We are entertained by vicariously participating in the story line. What entertains us the most? According to the box office receipts, murder, mayhem, war, destruction, occultic fantasy and sex. Lot lived in Sodom, a place where homosexuality was rampant and widely accepted as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. Today, we have parades for homosexuals in drag, or in various stages of undress, flaunting their wickedness to the enthusiastic applause of the audience. (Romans 1:32) 9. "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (Matthew 24:14) Right now, some of you are reading these words in South Africa. Others in the UK. Still others in New Zealand, Australia, Mexico City, Vancouver, Nigeria and Bahrain. That's just the Omega Letter subscribers. There are literally thousands of Christian websites doing the same thing, with the same global reach. Soon, there will be no corner of the earth that the Gospel has not penetrated. Jesus said that once that happens, THEN shall the end come. 10. "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." (Matthew 24:24) I could make a list. But so could you. Bible prophecy is the Signature of God, the proof of His existence and the assurance we have of our salvation. "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:" (2 Peter 1:19) The same Voice that proclaimed, "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) also proclaimed, "And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." (John 10:28) He also said, "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." (Luke 21:28) Tell your friends. The King is coming! ____________________________________________________________________ The Destiny of Believers during the Coming Tribulation (Part 2) - by Ron Graff and Lambert Dolphin Believers in Christ from all nations The covenant with Abraham and his seed was for the purpose of blessing all nations (Genesis 12:2-3; 22:17-18). It was a promise to an earthly people ("as numerous as the grains of sand by the sea shore") and to a heavenly people ("as numerous as the stars of the sky"). The promise to Abraham was fulfilled specifically in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah, as Paul reminds us in Galatians, The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say "and to seeds," meaning many people, but "and to your seed," meaning one person, who is Christ. (Galatians 3:16) In the book of Acts we gain a glimpse of this blessing extended to the Gentiles. "Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: "'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things' that have been known for ages.'" (Acts 15:14-18) Sudden belief of many after the Rapture Since the Rapture will have taken all true Christians, one might ask how there are believer during The Tribulation. There could well be hundreds of thousands of immediate conversions right after the Rapture by those who had heard the Gospel, and, though they were not hardened against it, had not yet actually received Christ as Savior. These people will remember the earnest pleading of friends and family members who had disappeared. They could respond quickly, turning to Christ in prayer, confessing their sins and asking Him to save them. Thousands of others will not know what to do, but will be convinced in their hearts that their missing loved ones had been taken by Christ. Perhaps some of them will not believe the lie that is put forward by the ungodly media, which may be saying that the Earth has at last been cleansed of its narrow-minded trouble-making Christian extremists. Officials may even suggest that UFOs had abducted them-- our planet's population has been conditioned for decades now to believe in the existence of UFOs. These honest seekers will turn to the Bibles and prophecy books that have been left by their missing friends. Their minds and hearts will be open to the Gospel when they read it or hear it explained by the thousands of instant converts. Even if they do not find the truth immediately, they will respond when evangelists like the 144,000 specially sealed Israelites mentioned below, boldly proclaim the Gospel during this period. Messianic (Jewish) leadership It is apparent that the spiritual leaders of this period will be "completed" or "fulfilled" Jews, those who have accepted Yeshua as their Messiah. Romans 11 reminds us that they will receive God's mercy when they return to Him. I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins." As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies on your account; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs, for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable. Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you. For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all. (Romans 11:25-32) The Central Role of Israel There are many indications that Israel is once again on center stage of history during the Tribulation period. Even now, before that time begins, our newspapers and television programs are preoccupied with the events of the Middle East, and especially of the tiny nation of Israel. The miraculous rebirth of the nation in 1948 was the fulfillment of the prophecies of Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37! The importance of Israel in current events was prophesied in Zechariah: "I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that sends all the surrounding peoples reeling. Judah will be besieged as well as Jerusalem. On that day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves." (Zechariah 12:2-3) Israel is also portrayed in the Old Testament as the central nation of major future events. Especially in the Book of Daniel we are told of a "seventieth week," a seven year period, that still belongs to Israel's future. "Seventy 'sevens' are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy. "Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven 'sevens,' and sixty-two 'sevens.' It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. "After the sixty-two 'sevens,' the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed. "He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him." (Daniel 9:24-27) In his classic book The Coming Prince, Sir Robert Anderson, who was head of Scotland Yard, calculated the exact duration of the first sixty nine of these "weeks" of years. Sixty-nine times seven is four hundred eighty-three. These years were lunar years of exactly 360 days, as in all the Biblical references. Anderson showed that from the decree by Artexerxes Longimanus to rebuild Jerusalem until the day that Jesus offered Himself as Messiah and was rejected by the officials of Jerusalem (the day of His "Triumphal Entry"), was exactly four hundred eighty-three years, that is 173,880 days (360 x 483). This leaves one seven year period of Israel's history to be fulfilled before the time of "everlasting righteousness." At the beginning of this last seven year period Antichrist (the "prince" or "ruler" who will come), will make a seven year covenant with Israel, but will break it in the middle by setting up an "abomination" in the newly rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem. This time table agrees exactly with the timing of the Book of Revelation. This will be shown later, where certain events which begin when Antichrist sets up a statue of himself in the Temple (Daniel's "abomination that causes desolation"), and last to the end of The Tribulation, are exactly three and one half years long. This is the second half of Daniel's seventieth "week." This period of upheaval is also characterized in Jeremiah 30:7 as the "Time of Jacob's Trouble." Perhaps the best way to set the scene for this section is to study the wonderful overview of Israel's history in Revelation chapter 12. Are you among those who know Christ personally? If you are not sure, we urge you to turn to go to: www.prophecyupdate.com/greatest_news_of_all.htm ____________________________________________________________________ **Folks, Prophecy Update and The End Times truly appreciates your encouragement, please pray about becoming a monthly supporter of this ministry and share in the Blessings! **Prophecy Update is distributed free and is a ministry solely dependent upon the grace of our Lord for support and direction. If you have been blessed by these Updates and would like to help support this ministry financially. You can make a secure donation online by going to www.prophecyupdate.com/donations.htm , or you can write to: Prophecy Update P.O. Box 40516 Bakersfield, CA 93384-0516 Remember, your gift, no matter how small, does make a difference! Just know that you will be helping to touch lives, around the world, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ____________________________________________________________________ YBIC-Randy -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit My InJesus to manage your subscriptions, change your profile, or check out thousands of other great ministry groups. If you do not have access to the web, you can use these addresses to unsubscribe or subscribe: Unsubscribe: prophecyupdate-unsubscribe@MyInJesus.com Subscribe: prophecyupdate-subscribe@MyInJesus.com

THREE BOYS ARE IN THE SCHOOLYARD BRAGGING Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, "My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50." The second boy says, "That's nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100." The third boy says, "I got you both beat.My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon. And it takes eight people to collect all the money!" ALL THIS SATAN STUFF Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, "What do you think about all this Satan stuff?" The other boy replied, "Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It's probably just your dad" ~~Bob Haymaker

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: sue wise ; Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; Richard Styers ; Jeff & Tammy Neff ; James Patrick ; H. R. Armentrout Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2003 11:09 AM Subject: Fw: Watch Your Dog!! Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: Da22bi@aol.com To: awagner50513@comcast.net Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 3:39 PM Subject: Watch Your Dog!! Warning to all dog owners : Watch your dog! Dogs are being picked off one at a time. They are falling in great numbers. Police in the province advise all dog owners to "Watch your Dog". IMAGE BELOW

From RR Haymaker 9/03 Do we tell the kids ? Your files are attached and ready to send with this message. IMAGE BELOW

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2003 7:16 AM Subject: PLEASE READ Religious Liberties Restoration Act Religious Liberties Restoration Act Ask your senators to co-sponsor S. 1558 ISSUE: Finally, a U.S. Senator has given Americans a method to restore our religious liberties. He has introduced a bill, S.1558, "Religious Liberties Restoration Act," which does exactly that. S. 1558 is not a constitutional amendment, but a legislative statute which would remove from federal court review the displaying of the Ten Commandments, the national motto and the Pledge of Allegiance. Using this approach, a constitutional amendment would not be needed. Sen. Allard's bill would become law by a simple majority vote in both houses of Congress and the signature of the President. No liberal federal judge would have any authority to rule on this law! Here's what this bill would do: Situations such as that facing Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore would be ended. Americans would be free to display the national motto, say the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, and display the Ten Commandments wherever the local community decides—even on government property! End conflicting enforcement of U.S. law. For example a federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that displaying the Ten Commandments in a public building to be constitutional, while another federal judge in Alabama ruled such a display unconstitutional. Although this approach, under Section III, article 2, of the Constitution is not widely reported in the media nor understood by the general public, it was used 11 times during the last Congress! ACTION: Enter your zip code above and click "go" to take action. Urge your senators to co-sponsor the "Religious Liberties Restoration Act." Let them know just how important this issue is to you and your family. NOTE: Please click below (Tell-A-Friend) to send this Alert to everyone you know and urge them to stand up for traditional marriage. Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman American Family Association Read about this bill ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room. http://capwiz.com/afanet/issues/bills/?bill=3158996&alertid=3159001

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2003 9:59 AM Subject: "Ground Zero Cross" petition Ground Zero Cross This is one e-mail that you NEED to forward to ALL of your contacts, across the country and around the world. We MUST NOT let the travesty below take place. According to a recent article, with the upcoming 2-year anniversary of the deadly 9/11 attacks, "an atheist organization is once again warning against using a steel-beam cross at the site of the World Trade Center disaster from being used in a permanent memorial to the victims who died there." The organization American Atheists (founded by the late Madalyn Murray O'Hair) is protesting a proposal to use a large steel cross found in the rubble of the World Trade Center in a memorial to victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. We all remember that cross. A construction worker came across it in the midst of the WTC wreckage just a few days after the attacks. It was standing straight, 20-feet high, surrounded by many smaller crosses. After it was discovered, construction workers, firefighters, police officers and family members began holding weekly Sunday services at the site. The names of fallen police officers and firefighters were also scribbled on the cross, along with the message "God Bless Our Fallen Brothers". And now, this group of atheists is threatening a lawsuit to prevent the cross from becoming part of any permanent memorial. You and I can help to stop their assault by signing ConservativeAlerts.com's online petition. ACTION ITEM: The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, the agency overseeing the rebuilding of the area, has made no decisions on what a Ground Zero memorial would include. There's still time for hundreds of thousands of people to voice their opinion, that the "Ground Zero Cross" should remain as part of any future memorial to the WTC victims. Go to our site below to sign the "Ground Zero Cross" petition NOW: http://www.conservativealerts.com/cross.htm <a href="http://www.conservativealerts.com/cross.htm"> AOL GO HERE </a> NOTE: In order to have an impact on the folks at the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, we need HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of signers, from across America and all over the world, on this petition, which we will present to the agency. Be sure to forward this e-mail to everyone you know who wants to help STOP the atheists from blocking this powerful symbol of healing after disaster. Thank you! ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room. IMAGE BELOW

HOME Support the Religious Liberties Restoration Act introduced by Sen. Wayne Allard of Colorado. Ask your senators to co-sponsor S. 1558. Purpose of the Act Contact Your Senators Tell Others Senator Wayne Allard of Colorado has given Americans a method to restore our religious liberties by introducing a bill, S. 1558, called the "Religious Liberties Restoration Act." S. 1558 is a legislative statute which would nullify the authority of federal courts to make judgments regarding the public display of the Ten Commandments, the National Motto and the Pledge of Allegiance. A simple majority and the signature of the President is all that's needed for this bill to pass. No constitutional amendment is needed. Urge your two senators to co-sponsor this bill! Judge Moore Update! Sign a petition in support of Judge Moore. Read about the role of the Ten Commandments in American Law. (by David Barton, Wallbuilders) StopLiberalJudges.com is an online campaign of the American Family Association, a leading conservative, pro-family organization commited to motivating and equipping citizens to change the culture to reflect Biblical truth. Copyright © 2003 || American Family Association || All Rights Reserved Religious Liberties Restoration Act Ask your senators to co-sponsor S. 1558 ISSUE: Finally, a U.S. Senator has given Americans a method to restore our religious liberties. He has introduced a bill, S.1558, "Religious Liberties Restoration Act," which does exactly that. S. 1558 is not a constitutional amendment, but a legislative statute which would remove from federal court review the displaying of the Ten Commandments, the national motto and the Pledge of Allegiance. Using this approach, a constitutional amendment would not be needed. Sen. Allard's bill would become law by a simple majority vote in both houses of Congress and the signature of the President. No liberal federal judge would have any authority to rule on this law! Here's what this bill would do: Situations such as that facing Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore would be ended. Americans would be free to display the national motto, say the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance, and display the Ten Commandments wherever the local community decides—even on government property! End conflicting enforcement of U.S. law. For example a federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled that displaying the Ten Commandments in a public building to be constitutional, while another federal judge in Alabama ruled such a display unconstitutional. Although this approach, under Section III, article 2, of the Constitution is not widely reported in the media nor understood by the general public, it was used 11 times during the last Congress! ACTION: Enter your zip code above and click "go" to take action. Urge your senators to co-sponsor the "Religious Liberties Restoration Act." Let them know just how important this issue is to you and your family. NOTE: Please click below (Tell-A-Friend) to send this Alert to everyone you know and urge them to stand up for traditional marriage. Sincerely, Donald E. Wildmon, Chairman American Family Association Read about this bill ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room.

Federal Judge Makes It Official -- America Now an Atheist Nation Special commentary from AFA chairman Don Wildmon The issue isn't a granite stone with the Ten Commandments inscribed on it. Never has been. The issue is much more diverse and important than a piece of stone. The issue was best stated by none other than Federal Judge Myron Thompson, who said that the display of the stone containing the Ten Commandments (which also contains a host of other historical documents) is illegal. Thompson said the central, most important issue was this: "Can the state acknowledge God?" After asking the question, he went on to answer it. "No." That is the issue. Lest we fail to understand what has occurred here, let me explain. A single, lower-court federal judge has bluntly told every American that America is now officially an atheist nation. In one swift stroke of the pen, Judge Thompson tossed out over 225 years of American history and law. In one swift stroke of the pen, he has instituted a new form of law based on what he wants it to be. Rex has become lex. He wears a black robe and he says he is the law. Go back and read the First Amendment, the one Judge Thompson destroyed in the name of preserving it. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion," the First Amendment says. Congress has passed no law establishing religion. But what Congress refused to do, indeed because Congress refused to do it, Judge Thompson did. He instituted as the law of the land the religion of atheism, which says there is no God. Not only did Judge Thompson usurp the power of Congress, he also took away the rights of every individual and state. The second half of the establishment clause of the First Amendment reads: "... or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." This is precisely what one lower federal judge has done. He told Americans who disagree with his official state religion of atheism that he can and will prohibit the free exercise of their religion -- unless, of course, that religion is atheism. He stripped both Congress and the people of their rights. He set himself above the law because he considers himself to be the law. From this day forward, our entire judicial system must be based on the religion of atheism. Follow that to its logical conclusion. In the future there will be no frame of reference from which to decide law. Law will become what any person wearing a black robe and sitting in court desires it to be. The First Amendment has been ripped apart in the name of upholding it. Orwell's 1984 has arrived. No, you will not notice any drastic changes immediately. There is still a remnant left in the hearts and minds of the current citizenry. But when that remnant dies out, those who come after us will see a big difference. The state will become intolerant of any religion other than atheism. That, of course, will come into conflict with people of conscience whose religion differs from that of the state. That is when the persecution, quite legal I might add, will start. It was the atheist Santayana who said: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: "The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please." Indeed, Santayana and Jefferson were right. TAKE ACTION: Go to www.stopliberaljudges.com to learn more. Contact your two senators and ask them to co-sponsor the Religious Liberties Restoration Act. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You are receiving this e-mail because you signed an AFA related petition in the past. In keeping with our privacy policy, American Family Association may periodically contact you about issues of concern to the family. If you do not wish to receive further e-mail communications from us, click here to unsubscribe. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- www.afa.net © Copyright 2002-2003 American Family Association All Rights Reserved

Dear Friends, This message jumped out at me as I read the last page of Max Lucado's book entitled A LOVE WORTH LIVING: "Let's rewrite 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.... Read it aloud with your name in the blank and see what you think. Christ in_____is patient, Christ in_____is kind, Christ in_____ does not envy, Christ in _____ does not boast, Christ in_____ is not proud. Christ in _____ is not rude, Christ in _____ is not self-seeking, Christ in _____ is not easily angered, Christ in _____ keeps no record of wrongs. Christ in_____ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Christ in_____ always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Christ in _____ never fails. Will we ever love like that? Will we ever love perfectly? No, this side of heaven only God will. But we will love better than we have. When kindness comes grudgingly, we'll remember His kindness to us and ask Him to make us more kind. When patience is scarce, we'll thank Him for His and ask Him to make us more patient. When it's hard to forgive, we won't list all the times we've been given grief. Rather, we'll list all the times we've been given grace and pray to become more forgiving. We'll receive first so we can give later. We will drink deeply from heaven's endless love. And when we do, we will discover a love worth giving." God is love. Christ is 'a tough act to follow.' But that is what He commands us to do. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." John 15:10 Sharing the grip of His grace, Bev ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room.

If you think about each line as you read it, this page has a much deeper meaning. Love ya, Bev The paradox of our time in history is that, we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. HOW TO STAY YOUNG 1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's. 4. Enjoy the simple things. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. 7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. If you don't send this to at least 8 people.... who cares? -George Carlin The Music is "I Just Called To Say I Love You" ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room.

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 11:00 PM Subject: WRITE IT ON THE BACK OF YOUR ENVELOPES WRITE IT ON THE BACK OF YOUR ENVELOPES You may have heard in the news that a couple of Post Offices in Texas have been forced to take down small posters that say "IN GOD WE TRUST." The law, they say, is being violated. It is something silly about electioneering posters (is God running for office)? Anyway, I heard proposed on a radio station show, that we all write "IN GOD WE 'TRUST" on the back of all our mail. After all, that is our national motto, and it's on all the money we use to buy those stamps. I think it is a wonderful idea. We must take back our nation from all the people who think that anything that offends them should be removed. If you like this idea, please pass it on and DO IT. The idea of writing or stamping "IN GOD WE TRUST" on our envelopes sounds good to me. I'M HAVING MY STAMP MADE TODAY! (I'm making labels until I can get a stamp made) It has been reported that 86% of Americans believe in God. Therefore, I have a very hard time understanding why there is such a mess about having "In God We Trust"on our money and having God in the pledge of Allegiance. Could it be that we just need to take action and tell the 14% to sit down and shut up? If you agree, pass this on, if not delete. ~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@~@ A hug is a smile from across the room. IMAGE BELOW

Book Alert!!! This was sent to me please pass this along to others who have or work with children. Educators, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, please pay special attention not only to the what your kids watch on TV and in movie theaters and the music they listen to .... but we must also be alert regarding the books they read. Two particular books, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale Donald Walsch, sound harmless enough by their titles alone. These books have been on the New York Times best seller list for a number of weeks. These publications makes truth of the statement "Don't judge a book by its cover/title". The author purports to answer various questions from kids using the "voice of God." However, the "answers" that he gives are not biblically-based and in fact go against the very infallible Word of God. For instance (and I paraphrase), when a girl asks the question "Why am I a lesbian?" his answer is that she was born that way because of genetics just as you were born right-handed, with blue eyes, etc. Then he tells her to go out and "celebrate" her differences. Another girl poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?" His reply is "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong." Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply - "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone. I do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong because the rule is 'Judge not lest ye be judged'." And the list goes on. Not only are these books the false doctrine of devils but in some instances even quote (in error) the Word of God. These books (and others like it) are being sold to school children (The Scholastic Book Club) and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children. Our children are under attack, so I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your kids the true Word of God and guarding their exposure to worldly media because our adversary, the devil, "roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). And how many of us know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, weakest and YOUNGEST of its prey. Pass this on to every believer you know.. God bless, James Dobson, PhD 1st John 4:11 Beloved if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. How many times a day do we by our words or actions cause the tears to fall from his eyes? Love is a heart changing experience. When the first light of sun- Bless you When the long day is done- Bless you In your smiles and your tears- Bless you Through each day of your years- Bless you.

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 10:56 PM Subject: Friendship Angel I'll just take it as a hint if I don't get this back. How many people actually have 8 true friends? Hardly anyone I know! But some of us have all right friends and good friends!!! You have been tagged by the Friendship Angel Which means you are a great friend!! Please send it to 8 friends or more and if it is sent back to you then you know that you are a true friend..... Please send it within 5 minutes When the first light of sun- Bless you When the long day is done- Bless you In your smiles and your tears- Bless you Through each day of your years- Bless you.

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; James Patrick Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 10:38 AM Subject: Fw: living in Arizona Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: Michael Verne To: Larry Verne Sent: Sunday, July 20, 2003 2:07 AM Subject: Fw: living in Arizona ----- Original Message ----- From: Rick & Margaret To: mverne@kcnet.org Cc: mflaitz@stny.rr.com Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 6:03 AM Subject: Fw: living in Arizona ----- Original Message ----- From: kellogg To: Margaret Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 12:25 AM Subject: Fw: living in Arizona Dear Sis : May 30th: Just moved to Phoenix. Now this is a city that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. What a place! I watched the sunset from a park lying on a blanket. It was beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here. June 14th: Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this. I'm turning into a sun worshiper. June 30th: Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here. July 10th: The temperature hasn't been below 100 all month. How do people get used to this kind of heat? At least it's kind of windy though. But getting used to the heat and humidity is taking longer that I expected. Monsoon season and no rain just humidity! July 15 Fell asleep by the pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body). Missed 3 days of work. What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this. July 20th: I missed Morgan (our cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got to the hot car for lunch, Morgan had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag and stank up the $2,000 leather upholstery. I told the kids that she ran away. The car now smells like Kibbles and s**ts. I learned my lesson though. No more pets in this heat. July 25th: The wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer!! And it's hot as hell. The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts. July 30th: Been sleeping outside by the pool for 3 nights now. $1,500 in darn house payments and we can't even go inside. Why did I ever come here? Aug. 4th: It's 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to 85, but this freaking humidity makes the house feel like it's about 95. Stupid repairman. I hate this stupid city. Aug. 8th: If another wise ass cracks, "Hot enough for you today?" I'm going to strangle him. Darn heat. By the time I get to work the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like baked cat!! Aug. 9th: Tried to run some errands after work. Wore shorts, and sat on the black leather seats in the ol' car. I thought my ass was on fire. I lost 2 layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and ass. Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried ass, and baked cat. Aug. 10th: The weather report might as well be a darn recording. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. It's been too hot to do sh** for 2 darn months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this darn desert? Water rationing will be next, so my $1700 worth of cactus just might dry up and blow into the darn pool. Even the cactus can't live in this darn heat. Aug. 14th: Welcome to HELL!!! Temperature got to 118 today. Forgot to crack the window and blew the darn windshield out of the car. The installer came to fix it and said, "Hot enough for you today?" My wife had to spend the $1500 house payment to bail me out of jail. Freaking Arizona. What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here?

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; Larry Verne ; James Patrick Sent: Sunday, September 07, 2003 10:35 AM Subject: Fw: Why? Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: Jim or Pat Hidahl To: Allison and Jack Cruise ; Eileen and Dave ; Ellen Neill ; Gloria ; Jerry Hidahl ; Jim and Barbara Petersen ; Jim McConville ; Jody Hidahl ; Joe McConville ; Juliette Hidahl ; Phil and Judy ; Rita Hidahl Sent: Friday, September 05, 2003 12:29 PM Subject: Why? 1. Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things. --- 2. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor..... --- 3. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. --- 4. If man evolved from monkeys and apes, why do we still have monkeys and apes? --- 5. The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live. --- 6. I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman," Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose. --- 7. What if there were no hypothetical questions? --- 8. If a deaf person swears, does his mother wash his hands with soap? --- 9. If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation? --- 10. Is there another word for synonym? --- 11. Where do forest rangers go to "get away from it all?" --- 12. What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant? --- 13. If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages? --- 14. Would a fly without wings be called a walk? --- 15. Why do they lock gas station bathrooms? Are they afraid someone will clean them? --- 16. If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is he homeless or naked? --- 17. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers? -- 18. If the police arrest a mime, do they tell him he has the right to remain silent? --- 19. Why do they put Braille on the drive-through bank machines? --- 20. How do they get deer to cross the road only at those yellow road signs? --- 21. What was the best thing before sliced bread? --- 22. One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people. --- 23. Does the Little Mermaid wear an algebra? --- 24. Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery? --- 25. How is it possible to have a civil war? 26. If one synchronized swimmer drowns, do the rest drown, too? --- 27. If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry? --- 28. If you try to fail, and succeed, which have you done? --- 29. Whose cruel idea was it for the word "Lisp" to have "S" in it? --- 30. Why are hemorrhoids called "hemorrhoids" instead of "assteroids"? --- -- 31. Why is it called tourist season if we can't shoot at them? -- 32. Why is there an expiration date on sour cream? --- 33. Can an atheist get insurance against acts of God?

THE SHOES My alarm went off it was Sunday again. I was sleepy and tired, my one day to sleep in. But the guilt I would feel the rest of the day would have been too much, So I'd go and I'd pray. I showered and shaved, I adjusted my tie, I got there and sat in a pew just in time. Bowing my head in prayer as I closed my eyes, I saw the shoe of the man next to me touching my own. I sighed. With plenty of room on either side, I thought, "Why must our soles touch?" It bothered me, his shoe touching mine, But it didn't bother him much. A prayer began: "Our Father" I thought, "This man with the shoes has no pride They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even worse, there are holes on the side!" "Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet "Amen." I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer was ended and the songs of praise began. The shoe man was certainly loud, sounding proud as he sang. His voice lifted the rafters, his hands were raised high, the Lord could surely hear the shoe man's voice from the sky. It was time for the offering and what I threw in was steep. I watched as the shoe man reached into his pockets so deep. I saw what was pulled out, what the shoe man put in, Then I heard a soft "clink" as when silver hits tin. The sermon really bored me to tears, and that's no lie It was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his eyes. At the end of the service, as is the custom here, we must greet new visitors and show them all good cheer. But I felt moved somehow and wanted to meet shoe man so after the closing prayer, I reached over and shook his hand. He was old and his skin was dark, and his hair was truly a mess But I thanked him for coming, for being our guest. He said, "My names' Charlie, I'm glad to meet you, my friend." There were tears in his eyes but he had a large, wide grin. "Let me explain," he said wiping tears from his eyes. "I've been coming here for months, and you're the first to say 'Hi.'" "I know that my appearance is not like all the rest, but I really do try to always look my best." "I always clean and polish my shoes before my very long walk but by the time I get here, they're dirty and dusty, like chalk." My heart filled with pain and I swallowed to hide my tears as he continued to apologize for daring to sit so near. He said, "When I get here, I know I must look a sight. But I thought if I could touch you, then maybe our souls might unite." I was silent for a moment knowing whatever was said would pale in comparison. I spoke from my heart, not my head "Oh, you've touched me," I said, "And taught me, in part, that the best of any man is what is found in his heart." The rest, I thought, this shoe man will never know, like just how thankful I really am that his dirty old shoe touched my soul... You might be best friends one year, pretty good friends the next year, don't talk that often the next year, don't want to talk at all the year after that. So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life. I respect you, and truly cherish you. Send this to all your friends, no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will. Remember, everyone needs a friend. Someday you might feel like you have no friends at all. Just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will. I LOVE YOU, THANK YOU FOR BEING MY FRIEND walk with me and be my friend When the first light of sun- Bless you When the long day is done- Bless you In your smiles and your tears- Bless you Through each day of your years- Bless you. IMAGE BELOW

----- Original Message ----- From: Tat To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2003 2:12 PM Subject: Fw: Purple Hats Let's Wear Purple Hats! In honor of women's history month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. Here is an angel sent to watch over you. Pass this on to five women that you want watched over. If you don't know five women to pass this on to, one will do just fine. IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer.) I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's." But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute...look at it and really see it ... live it .and never give it back. Stop sweating the small stuff. Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with. And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically , emotionally, as we only have one shot at this and then it's gone. I hope you all have a blessed day. **************************** ****************** Beautiful Women's Month Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen. Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella. Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Sister (Mum I can't go to school looking like this!) Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too cu rly"- but decides she's going out anyway. Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly" - but decides she doesn't have time to fix it, so she's going out anyway. Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "clean" and goes out anyway. Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am" and goes wherever she wants to go. Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world. Age 70: She looks at herself & sees wisdom, laughter and ability, goes out and enjoys life. Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world. Send this on to all the women you are grateful to have as friends. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier. Please send this to phenomenal women today in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month. If you do, something good will happen: you will boost another woman's self esteem. "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there." -- Will Rogers

Too bad it didn't happen to SLICK WILLIE !!! ----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; Richard Styers ; Larry Verne ; Jeff & Tammy Neff ; H. R. Armentrout ; Gloria Greenhagen Sent: Friday, September 05, 2003 11:32 AM Subject: Fw: Qoute of the Year Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: James Patrick To: Dave Monesmith ; Jerry Robertson ; Gail Stevens ; Dick Turner ; Greg Mills ; Chris Hartowiz ; Brenda Hester ; Tom/Bonnie Metcalfe ; Peg Crum Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 4:51 PM Subject: Fwd: Qoute of the Year Dave H III <hutchdr333@earthlink.net> wrote: Nominated for Quote of the Year is the statement made by Texas Congressman Dick Armey. When asked, "If you had been in President Clinton's place would you have resigned?" Armey's reply: "If I had been in the president's place I would not have gotten the chance to resign. I would have been lying in a pool of my own blood, looking up, and listening to my wife asking, 'How do you reload this son of a bitch'?" -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

SORRY GUYS the word is out !! So you get one too Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: James Patrick To: Lynn Neal ; Jenny Redmond ; Gail Stevens ; Cinda Todd ; Carolyn Whiteman ; Brenda Hester ; David Hutchinson III ; Julia Meek ; Tom/Bonnie Metcalfe ; TERRY BLEVINS ; Peg Crum ; Kathy Dorn ; June Finch ; Kim Fulk Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 8:08 PM Subject: Fwd: Fw: Subject: Advice to be Passed On tblevins <tblevins@ekns.net> wrote: Subject: ADVICE TO BE PASSED ON 15 PIECES OF ADVICE TO BE PASSED ON TO YOUR DAUGHTERS: 1. Don't imagine you can change a man -- unless he's in diapers. 2. What do you do if your boyfriend walks out? You shut the door. 3. If they put a man on the moon -- they should be able to put them all up there. 4. Never let your man's mind wander -- it's too little to be out alone. 5. Go for the younger man. You might as well, they never mature anyway. 6. Men are all the same -- they just have different faces, sothat you can tell them apart. 7. Definition of a bachelor: a man who has misse! d the> opportunity> to make some woman miserable. 8. Women don't make fools of men -- most of them are the do-it-yourself types. 9. Best way to get a man to do something is to suggest he is too old for it. 10. Love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener. 11. If you want a committed man, look in a mental hospital. 12. The children of Israel wandered around the desert for 40 years. Even in Biblical times, men wouldn't ask for directions. 13. If he asks what sort of books you're interested in, tell him checkbooks. 14. Remember a sense of humor does not mean that you tell him jokes, it means that you laugh at his. 15. Sadly, all men are created equal. Send this to 10 Bright Women to make their day! And to a couple> of men you think you like to Really make their day! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm

Brother Bob, This one was around before. But it's worth telling and retelling. If this don't bring tears to your eyes: Nothing will. Story and song are BEAUTIFUL !!!! Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy ----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Friday, September 05, 2003 1:12 AM Subject: A GLASS OF MILK A GLASS OF MILK One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, How much do I owe you?" You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness." He said..... "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Many year's later that same young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room. Dressed in his doctor's gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to her case. After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room. She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She read these words..... "Paid in full with one glass of milk" (Signed) Dr. Howard Kelly. Tears of joy flooded her eyes as her happy heart prayed: "Thank You, God, that Your love has spread abroad through human hearts and hands." Now you have two choices. You can send this page on and spread a positive message. Or ignore it and pretend it never touched your heart. This may or not be true, but what a wonderful world this would be if everyone thought this way. We could all get along in God's Peace and Love. Be Blessed my Dear Friends When the first light of sun- Bless you When the long day is done- Bless you In your smiles and your tears- Bless you Through each day of your years- Bless you. IMAGE BELOW

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 10:42 PM Subject: THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL! THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL! Jesus Test This is an easy test, you score 100 or zero. It's your choice. If you aren't ashamed to do this, please follow the directions. Jesus said, "if you are ashamed of me, I will be ashamed of you before my Father." Not ashamed Pass this on . ... . only if you mean it. Yes, I do Love God. He is my source of existence and Savior. He keeps me functioning each and everyday. Without Him, I will be nothing. Without Him, I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. Phil 4:13 This is the simplest test ............ . . If you Love God, and are not ashamed of all the marvelous things he has done for you. Send this to ten people and the person who sent it to you! IMAGE BELOW

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 10:47 PM Subject: GOOD LUCK TO ALL!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!! This may sound nuts, but Dennis got this the other day and sent it off. About 10 minutes later a really good financial windfall happened for his son Sean who he had sent it too as well. One of the people he sent it to was responsible for the windfall. AN IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH You had better send this back!!!! Subject: I want this back! Good Luck!! I hope it works... May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. OK, this is what you have to do.... Send this to all of your friends! But - you HAVE to send this within 1 hour from when you open it! Now..................Make A wish!!!!!! I hope you made your wish! Love ya......

E-Alert September 4, 2003 Advertisers Tell PTC: We Will Not Support the Obscene Messages on Nip/Tuck Your messages are being heard! Carfax and Orbitz, two sponsors of FX's raunchy new drama series, Nip/Tuck, have told the PTC that they will no longer be advertising on the series. A third sponsor, Capitol One, is reviewing the matter and will inform us of their decision in the very near future. Tens of thousands of PTC members have sent a loud and clear message to Nip/Tuck sponsors: Stop Underwriting Filth! Your advertising dollars are allowing FX to push decency standards for basic cable into the toilet. The PTC asks you to contact these sponsors today to thank them for taking a stand for decency by refusing to underwrite the irresponsible and gratuitous content on Nip/Tuck. Send your thank you email to thankyousponsors@parentstv.org and we will forward your comments to them. Related Links Nip/Tuck Campaign Page Sign the warning to current sponsors of Nip/Tuck Latest News at Parentstv.org Life with Bonnie Wins Best of the Week The Legend of Johnny Lingo Movie Review The TOP 10 Best and Worst Shows on Primetime Broadcast TV for Your Family Some Great (Movie) Teaching Moments To unsubscribe from E-Alerts send an email to leave-ptcealerts2@lyris1.parentstv.org PTC E-Alerts deliver entertainment industry news and information intended to help viewers make better entertainment decisions. Warning! At times, the Alerts contain dialogue and scenarios exactly as they occur on television, in films or interviews. Our aim is to accurately depict entertainment content, not offend readers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HELP US GET THE WORD OUT!! Please help the PTC reach more Americans with our research, news, and campaign to Clean Up TV Now!! Just forward this copy of the PTC E-Alert to your friends and family and urge them to sign up. It's easy and free! Subscribe Now!! Questions/Comments: Please email us. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- THE PTC IS LOOKING FOR LEADERS We are in the process of forming chapters at the state and local levels across the country and are looking for volunteer chapter directors. If you are an activist and want to help start a chapter in your area - then we want you! If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact the Grassroots and Membership Department by e-mail or by calling the PTC at 1-800-882-6868. Archives | Subscribe To E-Alerts | Become a Member | Email Us | Home

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; H. R. Armentrout Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:38 PM Subject: Fw: Prospective Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: James Patrick To: Jenny Redmond ; Jerry Robertson ; Gail Stevens ; Chris Hartowiz ; David Hutchinson III ; Tom/Bonnie Metcalfe ; Douglas Bush ; Peg Crum Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2003 8:53 PM Subject: Fwd: Prospective Beatrice Bash <beabash@webtv.net> wrote: I sat in my seat of the Boeing 767 waiting for everyone to hurry and stow their carry-ons and grab a seat so we could start what I was sure to be a long , uneventful flight home. With the huge capacity and slow moving people taking their time to stuff luggage far too big for the overhead and never paying much attention to hol! ding up the growing line behind them, I simply shook my head knowing that this flight was not starting out very well. I was anxious to get home to see my loved ones so I was focused on "my" issues and just felt like standing up and yelling for some of these clowns to get their act together. I knew I couldn't say a word so I just th! umbed thru the "Sky Mall" magazine from the seat pocket in front of me. You know it's really getting rough when you resort to the over priced, useless sky mall crap to break the monotony. With everyone finally seated, we just sat there with the cabin door open and no one in any hurry to get us going although we were well past the scheduled take off time. No wonder the airline industry is in trouble I told myself. Just then, the attendant came on the intercom to inform us all that we were being delayed. The entire plane let out a collective groan. She resumed speaking to say "We are holding the aircraft for some very special people who are on their way to the plane and the delay shouldn't be more than 5 minutes. The word came after waiting six times as long as we were promised that "I" was finally going to be on my way home. Why the hoopla over "these" folks? I was expecting some celebrity or sport figure to be the reason for the hold-up.........Just get their bu! tts in a seat and lets hit the gas I thought. The attendant came back on the speaker to announce in a loud and excited voice that we were being joined by several U. S. Marines returning home from Iraq!!! Just as they walked on board, the entire plane erupted into applause. The men were a bit taken by surprise by the 340 people cheering for them as they searched for their seats. They were having their hands shook and touched by almost everyone who was within an arm's distance of them as they passed down the aisle. One elderly woman kissed the hand of one of the Marines as he passed by her. The applause, whistles and cheering didn't stop for a long time. When we were finally airborne, "I" was not the only civilian checking his conscience as to the delays in "me" getting home, finding my easy chair, a cold beverage and the remote in my hand. These men had done for all of us and I had been complaining silently about "me" and "my" issues. I took for granted the everyday freedoms I enjoy and the conveniences of the American way of life I took for granted while others paid the price for my ability to moan and complain about a few minutes delay to "me" . Those Heroes were going home to their loved ones. I attempted to get my selfish outlook back in order and minutes before we landed I suggested to the attendant that she announce over the speaker a request for everyone to remain in their seats until our hero's were allowed to gather their things and be first off the plane. The cheers and applause continued until the last Marine stepped off and we all rose to go abo! ut our too often taken for granted everyday freedoms......... -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. ; Gloria Greenhagen ; H. R. Armentrout Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2003 12:40 PM Subject: Fw: Fw: The Preacher Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: James Patrick To: Dave Monesmith ; Sue Patrick ; Jenny Redmond ; Jerry Robertson ; Gail Stevens ; Carolyn Whiteman ; Brenda Hester ; David Hutchinson III ; Tom/Bonnie Metcalfe ; TERRY BLEVINS ; Peg Crum ; Kim Fulk Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2003 9:55 PM Subject: Fwd: Fw: The Preacher Don Patrick <dpatrick407@adelphia.net> wrote: Subject: The Preacher There was a preacher whose wife was expecting a baby. The preacher went to the congregation and asked for a raise. After much consideration and discussion, they passed a rule that whenever the preacher's family expanded, so would his paycheck. After six children, this started to get expensive and the congregation decided to hold another meeting to discuss the preacher's salary. There was much yelling and bickering about how much the clergyman's additional children were costing the church. Finally, the preacher got up and spoke to the crowd. "Having children is an Act of God!" Silence fell upon the congregation. In ! the back of the room a little old lady stood up and in her frail voice said: "Snow and rain are also acts of God, but when we get too much, we wear rubbers!" Don't you just love little old ladies? This email was cleaned by emailStripper, available for free from http://www.papercut.biz/emailStripper.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

----- Original Message ----- From: "Grassfire" <alert@grassfire.net> To: <pappy111567@charter.net> Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2003 2:55 PM Subject: OFFICIAL PETITION: Save Marriage > + LINK MESSAGE FOR: > + Robert Haymaker Sr. > + > + FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO YOUR FRIENDS! > + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + > > Dear Friend, > > Robert Haymaker Sr. is urging you to > join the 23,293 who are standing in defense > of marriage! > > Click here to SAVE MARRIAGE. > > http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?PID=4470841 > > * * * OFFICIAL PETITION OF THE FEDERAL > MARRIAGE AMENDMENT > > Grassfire.net is teaming with Alliance for Marriage Foundation > to offer the OFFICIAL petition in support of the Federal > Marriage Amendment. > > The Federal Marriage Amendment is the leading bi-partisan > effort to save marriage in our nation by amending the > Constitution to define marriage as "one man and one woman." > > The Federal Marriage Amendment was recently introduced in > Congress and we want to rally 250,000 citizens for a formal > presentation of these petitions on Capitol Hill. > > PLEASE TAKE FIVE MINUTES TO HELP SAVE MARRIAGE: > > http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?PID=4470841 > > * * * POSITIVE MESSAGE TO OUR KIDS! > > In light of all that is happening in our culture right now, > it is vitally important that we send a positive message > to our kids regarding marriage. > > After all, it is clear that well financed radical groups > and activist courts are engaged in a massive effort to > re-define marriage for our entire society. But common > sense says that marriage is between a man and a woman. > > * * * FORMAL DELIVERY TO CONGRESS > > Because Grasfire.net has been selected by Alliance for > Marriage Foundation to conduct the official petition > for AFMF's Federal Marriage Amendment, we will be formally > presenting your petitions to Congressional leaders once > we reach our initial goal of 250,000 signers. > > Click here to read the Federal Marriage Amendment: > > http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?PID=4470841 > > Thank you for your help! > > > Grassfire.net > Host of the Official Federal Marriage Amendment Petition > > P.S. We want to deliver hundreds of thousands of petitions > to Congress in support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. > Please help. First, sign the petition. Then, rally your friends. > > + + + + + + + + + + + + > SIGN THE PETITION TO SAVE MARRIAGE: > > http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?PID=4470841 > >

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + O F F I C I A L P E T I T I O N + + + + + + + + + + + T O A M E N D T H E U. S. C O N S T I T U T I O N + + + + + + + + + + + P U R S U A N T T O T H E F E D E R A L M A R R I A G E A M E N D M E N T + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + 9/3/03 Dear Robert, We are thrilled to announce that Grassfire.net is teaming with Alliance for Marriage Foundation to offer the OFFICIAL petition in support of the Federal Marriage Amendment. The Federal Marriage Amendment is the leading bi-partisan effort to save marriage in our nation by amending the Constitution to define marriage as "one man and one woman." The Federal Marriage Amendment was recently introduced in Congress and we want to rally 250,000 citizens for a formal presentation of these petitions on Capitol Hill. Robert, as a friend of Grassfire.net, would you please take five minutes to help save marriage in America? Click here: http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?RID=3998560 + + + + + FORMAL DELIVERY TO CONGRESS Because Grasfire.net has been selected by Alliance for Marriage Foundation to conduct the official petition for AFMF's Federal Marriage Amendment, we will be formally presenting your petitions to Congressional leaders once we reach our initial goal of 250,000 signers. Click here to read the Federal Marriage Amendment: http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?RID=3998560 + + + + + ACTION BY THIS FALL In light of recent court decisions that further undermine marriage in America, we are pressing for a vote in Congress on the Federal Marriage Amendment this fall. + + + + + KEY LEADERS ENDORSE AMENDMENT There are currently over 60 bi-partisan co-sponsors of the Federal Marriage Amendment in the House of Representatives. Many other key leaders are joining this effort, including: Dr. James Dobson, Focus on the Family Chuck Colson, Founder of Prison Fellowship Gary Bauer, American Values Senator Majority Leader Bill Frist Senator Rick Santorum Rabbi Daniel Lapin Dr. Walter Fauntroy, National Black Leadership Round Table Judge Robert Bork, Supreme Court nominee Mary Ann Glendon, Harvard Law School Prof. Robert George, Princeton University Cardinal Anthony Bevilacqua (Philadelphia) Cardinal Francis George (Chicago) Cardinal Edward Egan (New York) Richard John Neuhaus Tom Monaghan, Founder of Dominoes Pizza Bowie Kuhn, former Commissioner of Baseball + + + + + GRASS ROOTS SUPPORT IS THE KEY The leaders of this effort tell us that the key ingredient now needed is a massive show of grass roots support to save marriage right now. That's why this petition -- the ONLY official petition of AFMF's Federal Marriage Amendment -- is so vital. Please click here to sign: http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?RID=3998560 Then, we need your help to rally 250,000 citizens as soon as possible. Thank you, Grassfire.net Host of the Official Federal Marriage Amendment Petition + + + + + + + + + + + + SIGN THE OFFICIAL PETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT: http://www.grassfire.net/32/petition.asp?RID=3998560 ------------------------------------------- For Rev.& Mrs. Robert Craig to unsubscribe, please go to: http://www.grassfire.net/uns.asp?CID=26&RID=3998560&F=32 ------------------------------------------- You are signed up as: rcraig5@cox.net To change your email address:

Fire authorities in California found a corpse in a burned-out section of forest while assessing the damage done by a forest fire. The deceased male was dressed in a full wet suit, complete with Scuba tanks on his back, flippers, and facemask. A post-mortem test revealed that the man died not from burns, but from massive internal injuries. Dental records provided a positive identification. Investigators then set about to determine how a fully-clad diver ended up in the middle of a forest fire. It was revealed that on the day of the fire, the man went diving off the coast, some 20 miles from the forest. The fire fighters, seeking to control the fire as quickly as possible, had called in a fleet of helicopters with very large dip buckets. Water was dipped from the Ocean and emptied at the site of the forest fire. You guessed it. One minute our diver was making like Flipper in the Pacific, the next, he was doing the breast stroke in a Fire dip bucket 300 feet in the air. Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. Still think you're having a bad day? A man was working on his motorcycle on the patio, his wife nearby In the kitchen. While racing the engine, the motorcycle accidentally slipped into gear. The man, still holding onto the handlebars, was dragged along as it burst through the glass patio doors. His wife, hearing the crash, ran in the room to find her husband cut and bleeding, The motorcycle, and the shattered patio door. She called for an ambulance and, because the house sat on a fairly large hill, went down the several flights of stairs to meet the Paramedics and escort them to her husband. While the attendants were loading her husband, the wife managed to right the motorcycle and push it outside. She also quickly blotted up the spilled gasoline with some paper towels and tossed them into the toilet. After being treated and released, the man returned home, looked at the shattered patio door and the damage done to his motorcycle. He went into the bathroom and consoled himself with cigarette while attending to his business. About to stand, he flipped the butt between his legs. The wife, who was in the kitchen, heard a loud explosion and her husband screaming. Finding him lying on the bathroom floor with his trousers blown away and burns on his buttocks,legs and groin, she once again phoned for an ambulance. The same paramedic crew was dispatched. As the paramedics carried the man down the stairs to the ambulance they asked the wife how he had come to burn himself. She told them. They started laughing so hard, one slipped, tipping the stretcher and dumped the husband out. He fell down the remaining stairs, breaking his arm. Still having a bad day? Just remember, it could be worse... The average cost of rehabilitating a seal after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska was $80,000. At a special ceremony, two of the most expensively saved animals were being released back into the wild amid cheers and applause from onlookers. A minute later, in full view, a killer whale ate them both. Still think you are having a bad day? A woman came home to find her husband in the kitchen shaking frantically, almost in a dancing frenzy, with some kind of wire running from his waist towards the electric kettle. Intending to jolt him away from the deadly current, she whacked him with a handy plank of wood, breaking his arm in two places. Up to that moment, he had been happily listening to his walkman. What?! STILL having a bad day?? Iraqi terrorist Khay Rahnajet didn't pay enough postage on a letter bomb. It came back with "return to sender" stamped on it. Forgetting it was the bomb, he opened it and was blown to bits. There now!!!. Bet you really feel better NOW PSALMS 32:2 When the first light of sun- Bless you When the long day is done- Bless you In your smiles and your tears- Bless you Through each day of your years- Bless you.

----- Original Message ----- From: Darrel Bishop To: Gwen Uncapher ; Elizabeth Wilson ; robert trimble ; ruddie ; dolores neville ; larry hixon ; Don J. Gagnier ; Shirley Ballentine Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 12:11 PM Subject: Fw: needed prayer ----- Original Message ----- From: TIMBROOKS To: Darrel Bishop ; Ernie Miller ; nancy baldwin ; Leonard Daum ; Armina Brady ; Cindy Jackson ; Jeanne Patton ; tom curtis ; Cheryl & Ron Oliver ; rogerwho@yahoo.com Sent: Monday, September 01, 2003 8:33 AM Subject: Fw: needed prayer ----- Original Message ----- From: Barab& Ray To: kimberly crane ; Marlene Burke ; Tim Brooks Cc: Jo Lewis ; katydid7 ; DAgnesMaryD@aol.com Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2003 5:44 PM Subject: Fw: needed prayer Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2003 11:42 PM Subject: needed prayer Subject: Needed Prayer NEEDED PRAYER At 10am this morning I received a prayer request from church. Cathy Mitchell, who attends Spring Hills, called in to our secretary. Her husband, Tony, is an Air Force Commander in Afghanistan. She received an urgent email from him this morning. It said, "We Need Christians to pray, pray, pray." Please pray for God's protection Of your troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders. Pass this on to as Many as you think will respond. Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts They perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior When you receive this, please stop for a moment and say a prayer For our ground, air and navy personnel in every area of the middle East. There is nothing attached.... This can be very powerful.... Just Send this to all the people in your address book. Do not stop this prayer chain, please.... Of all the gifts you Could give to anyone in the US Military, be it Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines or National Guard, Prayer is the very best one..... Amen!

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2003 7:50 AM Subject: "My Best Friend" "My Best Friend" He loves me when I'm angry. He cheers me when I'm sad. He knows my deepest darkest sins. He forgives me when I'm bad. He's always right beside me, Through the worst parts of my day. He guides me when I'm tempted, And my heart begins to stray. He taught me about emotions, How to laugh and how to cry. He taught me how to love again, and aim for that place on high. I know He will never leave me, He will be there till the end. I've always called Him Jesus And I'm glad He's my best friend. Copyright © 2001 Ron Lantz "Father, bless this person in whatever it is that You know he or she may be needing this day"

Brother Bob, Have you not learned after all these years ? When Glenda is around you: her radiant BEAUTY shines so bright that your eyes are affected and you get these super headaches. You've gotta start wearing dark sungasses when Glenda is within a block of you. Maybe even those dark welder's glasses. That is your only solution: because you LOVE her and want her near you all the time. Besides: you need her to take care of you. Who else will make you a pickle and peanut butter sandwich ? Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 10:37 PM Subject: Re: common sense Hi Brother Bob. This is good. I haven't been doing much ~~ Blinding headaches for some strange reason. Talk later. Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 3:00 AM Subject: Fw: common sense ----- Original Message ----- From: Yvonne Armentrout To: Gail Stevens ; Rita Klingensmith ; Deb Soda ; Rodney ; Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 10:08 PM Subject: Fw: common sense ----- Original Message ----- From: Erin Armentrout To: Mom ; Laura Sehres ; Kim Wick Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 1:56 PM Subject: Fw: common sense ----- Original Message ----- From: Carter Tom R Civ 66 MSG/LRDT To: Al (E-mail) ; Aunt Willie (E-mail) ; Bob Kelley/Home (E-mail) ; Don's Good Stuff (E-mail) ; Erin (E-mail) ; Jeffwork (E-mail) ; Lana Lundell (E-mail) ; Kevin Piotrowski (E-mail) ; Lisa Carter (E-mail) ; Michelle & George Darrell (E-mail) ; Phil Vasington (E-mail 2) ; Seguin Paul Civ 66 MSG/CEF ; RJ Beaudry (E-mail) ; Sabrina Wiggett (E-mail) ; Sachiko Galek (E-mail) ; Uncle Clifford (E-mail) Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 7:12 AM Subject: FW: common sense Subject: common sense Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend by the name of Common Sense who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valued lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not kids, are in charge). His health began to rapidly deteriorate when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch, and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student only worsened his condition. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Finally, Common sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot, spilled it in her lap, and was awarded a huge settlement. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still know him pass this on, if not you can give him a second death.

Brother Bob, Seeing how much you LOVED School: I thught you might enjoy this. I LOVED school too CLOSED!!!!! GOD Bless You and Yours !! Pappy !!! ----- Original Message ----- From: DaySpring Cards To: pappy111567@charter.net Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 3:21 AM Subject: Blessings from DaySpring "First Day of School" Faith I remember two things about the first day of school. The first was how exciting it was. New clothes. New notebooks. New teacher. On the first day of school, it seemed like the world was full of endless possibilities. As an adult, I sometimes miss that excitement. Life can be pretty routine at times. When I start feeling that way, it's good to remind myself that while I may be through with first days of school, I have a God who loves to do new things in and through me. He told Isaiah in the Bible, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth..." (Isaiah 43:19 KJV). God likes to begin new things in our lives. The "first day of school" experience He has for you or me might be a new friend who is going to teach us things we never knew about ourselves. Or it might be a new ministry where we get to see God use us in ways He never has before. The other thing I remember about the first day of school was how scary it was. What if I couldn't find my classroom? What if I got lost in the hall? What if none of my friends were in my class? God understands that part of new experiences too. Even though He loves to do new things, the Bible tells us, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8 KJV). So even when we face something brand new that seems scary or strange, we can trust that Jesus is always the same. He'll be there for us like He always has been and He'll guide us through. We can count on His character. Real Inspiration Pass-Along Cards So as the new school year begins, whether we're a part of it or not, let's ask God to do something new in and through us. Then we can move forward in confidence knowing that however God answers that prayer, it will be good, because we know He is. Blessings from Your Friends at DaySpring, Holley Gerth Writer/Creative Manager DaySpring Cards See our Back to School Specials and new Back To School E-Cards! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DaySpring has great Back-To-School gifts, available online or at your local Christian retailer! The View From Here Journal Filled with quotes from young people with a few wise adults, this journal is the perfect place to keep track of all the details of life! 25% off - now $7.49 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Life DayBrightener® Perpetual Calendar These words of encouragement and insight reflect a view of life that is unique to today. Special Price: $4.99! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Real Connected Password Keeper A Password Keeper for the Internet. This byte-size book is the place to keep track of passwords, user names, favorite website addresses, e-mail addresses and more. Now only $3.49! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have received this email because you or someone using your email address agreed to receive special messages from DaySpring Cards. If you wish to be excluded from future DaySpring mailings, please click here. Please do not reply to this message as it was sent from an unattended mailbox. If you would like more information on our privacy policy, please read our privacy statement.

----- Original Message ----- From: gstevens To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 12:40 PM Subject: Fw: Relief in London Gail Stevens ----- Original Message ----- From: James Patrick To: Dick Turner ; Dave Monesmith ; Don Patrick ; Jerry Robertson ; Gail Stevens ; Greg Mills ; TERRY BLEVINS ; Peg Crum ; Kim Fulk Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2003 11:31 AM Subject: Fwd: Relief in London Dave H III <hutchdr333@earthlink.net> wrote: Subject: How do you spell relief? An American tourist in London found himself needing to take a leak something terrible. After a long search he just couldn't find any public bathroom to relieve himself. So he went down one of the side streets to take care of business. Just as he was unzipping, a London police officer showed up. "Look here, old chap, what are you doing?" the officer asked. "I'm sorry," the American replied, but I really gotta take a leak." "You can't do that here," the officer told him. "Look, follow me." The police officer led him to a beautiful garden with lots of grass, pretty flowers, and manicured hedges. "Here," said the policeman, "whiz away." The American tourist shrugged, turned, unzipped, and started pissing on the flowers. "Ahhh," he! said in relief. Then turning toward the officer, he said, "This is very nice of you. Is this British courtesy?" "No," retorted the policeman. "It's the French Embassy." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software

Brother Bob, My BOSS just told me to tell you to fix the file with our name on it and put in who is who. I am Robert Ray HAYMAKER Sr. You have me as Jr. Robert Jr. is married to Sheridan Elizabeth HESSON My wife is Vivian Lee BRADY Pappy

Warm Christian greetings from dokimos ( http://dokimos.org ). You are receiving this e-mail as your site is a member of one or more of Christian webrings sponsored by dokimos ( http://dokimos.org/rings/sponsored.html ). The ministry site of dokimos is now in ministry partnership together with... Hosea: Intercessors Of Prayer Warriors http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com/ In the sponsorship of dokimos, Hosea Intercessors is now the ministry homepage and new ringmaster for... The Holy Bible Webring http://dokimos.org/holybible [«Skip«] [Prev] [Next] [»Skip»] [Random] [List] [Join] [Next 5] This is a webring of sites presenting Holy Bible passages on the internet. We invite you to apply at the ring's homepage... http://dokimos.org/holybible We at dokimos are in support the prayer network ministry of Hosea Intercessors... God's Lighthouse Of Prayer Network http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com/godslighthouseofprayernetwork.html Other Christian webrings sponsored by dokimos may be found at our page... http://dokimos.org/rings/sponsored.html Please read the rules and qualifications for each ring you may wish to apply for. Christian friends, keep sharing the good news of God's grace to eternal life through trusting faith in God solely through His Son Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses us from all sin. Faith working by love, -dokimos ------- Visit us at http://www.dokimos.org e-mail: dokimos@dokimos.org For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - Romans 3:23 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. - Romans 10:9 PRAY TO GOD RIGHT NOW AND ASK JESUS TO BE YOUR SAVIOR! dokimos also conducts a banner exchange program... http://dokimos.org/links/code.html dokimos sponsored webrings... http://dokimos.org/rings/sponsored.html dokimos associated ministry partnerships... Hearts For Christ Ministries http://www.hearts-for-christ-ministries.org Bethesda House of Grace http://iam.homewithgod.com/bethog City of Faith Hope Love http://www.cityoffaithhopelove.com Hosea: Intercessors of Prayer Warriors http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com The Shepherd's Voice http://dokimos.org/shepherdsvoice Prayer request page: http://dokimos.org/shepherdsvoice/prayer.html LINKS PROVIDED NEXT

Warm Christian greetings from dokimos ( http://dokimos.org ).

You are receiving this e-mail as your site is a member of one or more of Christian webrings sponsored by dokimos ( http://dokimos.org/rings/sponsored.html ).

The ministry site of dokimos is now in ministry partnership together with...

Hosea: Intercessors Of Prayer Warriors
http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com/

In the sponsorship of dokimos, Hosea Intercessors is now the ministry homepage and new ringmaster for...

The Holy Bible Webring
http://dokimos.org/holybible
[«Skip«] [Prev] [Next] [»Skip»] [Random] [List] [Join] [Next 5]

This is a webring of sites presenting Holy Bible passages on the internet.

We invite you to apply at the ring's homepage...

http://dokimos.org/holybible

We at dokimos are in support the prayer network ministry of Hosea Intercessors...

God's Lighthouse Of Prayer Network
http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com/godslighthouseofprayernetwork.html

Other Christian webrings sponsored by dokimos may be found at our page...

http://dokimos.org/rings/sponsored.html

Please read the rules and qualifications for each ring you may wish to apply for.

Christian friends, keep sharing the good news of God's grace to eternal life through trusting faith in God solely through His Son Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses us from all sin.

Faith working by love,
-dokimos
-------
Visit us at http://www.dokimos.org
e-mail: dokimos@dokimos.org

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; - Romans 3:23

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 6:23

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. - Romans 10:9

PRAY TO GOD RIGHT NOW AND ASK JESUS TO BE YOUR SAVIOR!

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Hello Reverend Craig, Thank you for requesting a free copy of Revolution in World Missions. I pray the Lord will touch your heart as you take time to read our free book. Gospel for Asia is effectively reaching the lost in Asia with more than 13,000 native missionaries in 8 Asian countries and 54 Gospel radio broadcasts with a potential listening audience of more than one billion people. Millions of lives are being touched, resulting in over 6 churches planted each day. Be sure to take advantage of these free resources at http://www.gfa.org: Free GFA News Updates - http://www.gfa.org/site/latest_news/email_updates Free GFA Email Account - http://www.gfa.org/site/mygfa/free_email Free GFA Screensaver - http://www.gfa.org/screensavers Grace and Peace, John Schwartz webmaster@gfa.org 800-WIN-ASIA P.S.: GFA remains committed to sending 100% of all field donations to the field. To learn more about GFA or how to sponsor a native missionary, please visit http://www.gfa.org. 8599865

================================================================== ChristiansUnite - Christian Web Life Tuesday August 26, 2003 http://christiansunite.com/ ================================================================== IN THIS ISSUE: 1.)... Thus Far We Endure, with thanks to YOU 2.)... Dobson Joins Call to Montgomery 3.)... Change of Subscription Information Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1 ================================================================== ================================================================== 1.) Thus Far We Endure As many of you know, ChristiansUnite has endured many attacks lately. It all seemed to start on June 28th, when this server was savagely hacked, and completely wiped out. After 3 weeks of 18 hour days, I was able to restore most of what was wiped out. The Christian Web Life mailing list however, was shrunk to just a few thousand, and now is slowly being rebuilt. And then... Just shortly after that, hardware problems developed. The server was completely rebuilt twice, but still it persisted. The server crashed, and there were many hours of downtime. Day after day, for the next few weeks, I persisted in trying to rebuild what was being mysteriously destroyed. And now... ChristiansUnite has moved to a brand new, IBM, 305 server, with power to spare, and completely backed up on a daily basis. And so... To those faithful, who use the Christian Guestbooks, or the Christian Counter, or are members of the Gospel Banner Exchange, or just enjoy the other services offered, prayerfully in the future, as we enter our 5th year of service to you, we can continue to serve you faithfully, as in the past. Raymond May christiansunite.com ================================================================== ================================================================== +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ Revolution in World Missions Choose the following link to get a FREE 212 page, National 1,000,000 bestselling book 'Revolution in World Missions.' http://christiansunite.com/freebook.shtml If you yearn to live a life of selflessness and discipleship, this book is for you. K.P. Yohannan will open your eyes to the reality of the lost world, and introduce you to an army of native missionaries who are winning thousands to Christ in the most unreached areas of the world. Get this free book now. http://christiansunite.com/freebook.shtml Please forward this information to everyone in your address book, and let's get this absolutely free book into the hands of every Christian. +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ ================================================================== ================================================================== 2.) Dobson Joins Call to Montgomery; Backs Citizens Engaging in Civil Disobedience MONTGOMERY, Ala., Aug. 25 - Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, the most listened to religious radio show in the US, today interrupted his normal broadcast schedule to interview suspended Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and former US Ambassador Alan Keyes as they called Americans to travel to Montgomery, Alabama, to join in a public stand to preserve the display of the Ten Commandments in the Alabama Supreme Court building. Following the interview, Dobson's announcer endorsed civil disobedience, should it be necessary. "Dr. James Dobson is the most respected and most admired Christian leader in America," said Rev. Rob Schenck (pronounced Shank) of the National Clergy Council, sponsor of the National Ten Commandments Project in Washington, D.C. "This is a very significant endorsement of our efforts to move thousands of Christians to Montgomery." "Dr. Dobson's call to Montgomery comes at a crucial time," said Rev. Pat Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition. "Right now the only thing stopping the removal of the Ten Commandments is the presence of God's people outside the courthouse. We will continue here to Aug. 30, no matter what happens to the Ten Commandments monument." Daily prayer and nightly rallies at the Alabama Judicial Building will continue through Aug. 30, whether or not the monument is moved. For information visit http://www.faithandaction.org or call International Tours: 1-800-452-2010. ================================================================== ================================================================== +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ See the latest additions to the Christian Family Links search engine at http://www.christiansunite.com/newsites.shtml +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ ================================================================== ================================================================== 3.) Subscription Information You are currently subscribed as: *** rcraig5@cox.net *** Removing your email address from this list is easy. Simply follow the link below to change your subscriptions. http://lists.christiansunite.com/unsubscribe.shtml ================================================================== You may forward this newsletter to anyone you feel could benefit from it. Send your feedback and comments to ray@christiansunite.com Copyright 2003 ChristiansUnite.com. ================================================================== For information on sponsoring this newsletter, or for other promotional opportunities, please visit the following pages: http://advertising.christiansunite.com/

Hello Bob Craig, We will occasionally send you news about changes and additions to http://codeamber.org . To remove yourself from future mailings, please use the link at the bottom of this message. Do not reply to this email. *** *** Saturday was the first anniversary of Code Amber *** Thanks to all of you it's been an incredible year. Over 160,000,000 Tickers have been displayed by participating web sites over the past year. We now can count over 67,700 participating sites and they will display over 23,000,000 tickers this month alone. Over the next month we expect to make some very exciting announcements (are you ready for some football?) regarding new associations and affiliations with national media and more. We are confident that we will be announcing shortly a Nationwide Code Amber Child Safety Event tour to thirty or more cities in 2004 with sponsorship from some household names. These are exciting times for all of us as the Code Amber project continues to grow. Ultimately, we want the Amber Alert system to become a DETERRENT to predators, not a recovery tool. With your help we can make this happen. During this transition, we are still incurring the expenses for increased server demands as well as the necessary expenses associated with Linda's travel to New York for meetings with media and potential Code Amber sponsors. As a result we are once again asking for your help. To those of you who have contributed to Code Amber we express our heartfelt thanks. If you are on a $5 per month donation we have added you, and your web site link, to our $50 and up category on the Friends page ( http://codeamber.org/friends.html ). $10 per month contributors are listed in the $100 and up section. One-time donations are listed in the appropriate section. If you are a contributor and you and your site are not listed we will be completing the current update within the next few days. We are asking very little from those of you who are in position to help us. THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT TO CONTRIBUTE. The ticker and the XML feed are, and will always be, FREE. We have put into place the ability for you to contribute as little as $1.00 per month to Code Amber to help support our growth. Please visit http://codeamber.org/donate.html for details on how to contribute and the benefits we offer to our supporters. ------------------------------------------ Thank you all for your feedback and support! Please forward this email to anyone you know who may be able to join us. Have you considered adding a link to Code Amber in your email signature? Thank you for your time and continued support. Sincerely Bryant Harper Founder CodeAmber.org ************************************************************ Code Amber is provided as a free public service by BigHits.com. BigHits provides free and paid advertising services to over 60,000 Web sites around the world. http://bighits.net ************************************************************ To remove your email address (rbcraig5@cox.net) plase visit http://www.codeamber.org/remove.html Please do not reply to this email. We want your support, not your ire 8-)

----- Original Message ----- From: Yvonne Armentrout To: Gail Stevens ; Rita Klingensmith ; Deb Soda ; Mindy ; Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 10:05 PM Subject: Fw: Sixteen reasons why airplanes are easier to live with than women........ ----- Original Message ----- From: Erin Armentrout To: Laura Sehres ; Amy McDonough work ; Carl Unterbrink ; Carrie Morales ; Kim Wick ; Mom ; Sara Tauber ; Shelby Willis Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2003 1:54 PM Subject: Fw: Sixteen reasons why airplanes are easier to live with than women........ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Carter" <tcarter9@cox.net> To: "Renee Meucci" <rmmct1965@AOL.COM>; "Sabrina Wiggett" <Sabrina.Wiggett@ctbrad.ang.af.mil>; "Phil Vasington (E-mail 2)" <Philip.Vasington@ctbrad.ang.af.mil>; "Kevin Piotrowski" <frydaddy-1@email.msn.com>; "John" <jg51902@AOL.COM>; "Jeff Hudjins" <loobby@adelphia.net>; "G & M Darrel" <gmgdar@cox.net>; "Erin" <earment1@tampabay.rr.com>; "Eileen" <eileenfltatt@hotmail.com>; "Don's good stuff (E-mail)" <dlmega@usadatanet.net>; "Bob Kelley" <boogyman73@hotmail.com> Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 9:04 PM Subject: Sixteen reasons why airplanes are easier to live with than women........ Sixteen reasons why airplanes are easier to live with than women: 1) Airplanes usually kill you quickly - a woman takes her time. 2) Airplanes can be turned on by a flick of a switch. 3) Airplanes don't get mad if you do a "touch and go." 4) Airplanes don't object to a preflight inspection. 5) Airplanes come with manuals to explain their operation. 6) Airplanes have strict weight and balance limitations. 7) Airplanes can be flown any time of the month. 8) Airplanes don't come with in-laws. 9) Airplanes don't care about how many other airplanes you've flown before. 10) Airplanes and pilots both arrive at the same time. 11) Airplanes don't mind if you look at other airplanes. 12) Airplanes don't mind if you buy airplane magazines. 13) Airplanes expect to be tied down. 14) Airplanes don't comment on your piloting skills. 15) Airplanes don't whine unless something is really wrong. 16) However, when airplanes go very, very, quiet, just like women, it's usually not good. [This E-mail scanned for viruses at mail.fiam.net]

----- Original Message ----- From: Darrel Bishop To: Elizabeth Wilson ; Gwen Uncapher ; robert trimble ; TIMBROOKS ; marla stouffer ; david rutan ; joyce redder ; dolores neville ; debbie laveck ; Kelli Hunt ; larry hixon ; Don J. Gagnier ; Jerry Adams Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 9:59 PM Subject: Fw: phone scam alert ----- Original Message ----- From: leonard klinghoffer To: Alex Klein Sent: Friday, August 22, 2003 9:51 AM Subject: phone scam alert very important 809 Area Code We actually received a call last week from the 809 area code. The woman said "Hey, this is Karen. Sorry I missed you--get back to us quickly". Have something important to tell you." Then she repeated a phone number beginning with 809. We didn't respond. Then this week, we received the following email: Subject: DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809, 284 AND 876 THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO US BY AT&T. DON'T EVER DIAL AREA CODE 809 This one is being distributed all over the US. This is pretty scary, especially given the way they try to get you to call. Be sure you read this and pass it on to all your friends and family so they don't get scammed! MAJOR SCAM: Don't respond to Emails, phone calls, or web pages which tell you to call an "809" area Phone Number. This is a very important issue of Scam Busters because it alerts you to a scam that is spreading *extremely* quickly, can easily cost you $2400 or more, and is difficult to avoid unless you are aware of it. We'd like to thank Verizon for bringing this scam to our attention. This scam has also been identified by the National Fraud Information Center and is costing victims a lots of money. There are lots of different permutations of this scam. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS: You will receive a message on your answering machine or your pager, which asks you to call a number beginning with area code 809. The reason you're asked to call varies. It can be to receive information about a family member who has been ill, to tell you someone has been arrested, died, to let you know you have won a wonderful prize, etc. In each case, you are told to call the 809 number right away. Since there are so many new area codes these days, people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the US, you will apparently be charged $2425 per-minute. Or, you'll get a long recorded message. The point is, they will try to keep you on the phone as long as possible to increase the charges. Unfortunately, when you get your phone bill, you'll often be charged more than $24,100.00. WHY IT WORKS: The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands (The Bahamas). The 809 area code can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers in the US. Since 809 is not in the US, it is not covered by US regulations of 900 numbers, which require that you be notified and warned of charges and rates involved when you call a pay-per-call" number. There is also no requirement that the company provide a time period during which you may terminate the call without being charged. Further, whereas many US homes that have 900 number blocking to avoid these kinds of charges, do not work in preventing calls to the 809 area code. We recommend that no matter how you get the message, if you are asked to call a number with an 809 area code that you don't recognize, just disregard the message. Be wary of email, or calls, asking you to call an 809 area code number. It's important to prevent becoming a victim of this scam, since trying to fight the charges afterwards can become a real nightmare. That's because you did actually make the call. If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong. Please forward this entire message to your friends, family and colleagues to help them become aware of this scam. Sandi Van Handel AT&T Field Service Manager AT&T Field Service Manager (920)687-904

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DEATH While walking along the sidewalk in front of his church, our minister heard the intoning of a prayer that nearly made his collar wilt. Apparently, his 5-year-old son and his playmates had found a dead robin. Feeling that proper burial should be performed, they had secured a small box and cotton batting, then dug a hole and made ready for the disposal of the deceased. The minister's son was chosen to say the appropriate prayers and with sonorous dignity intoned his version of what he thought his father always said: "Glory be unto the Faaaather, and unto the Sonnn ..... and into the hole he gooooes."

THE BLONDE A young ventriloquist is touring the clubs and one night he's doing a show in a small town in Arkansas. With his dummy on his knee, he starts going through his usual dumb blonde jokes when a blonde woman in the 4th row stands on her chair and starts shouting: "I've heard enough of your stupid blonde jokes. What makes you think you can stereotype women that way? What does the color of a person's hair have to do with her worth as a human being? It's guys like you who keep women like me from being respected at work and in the community and from reaching our full potential as a person. Because you and your kind continue to perpetuate discrimination against not only blondes, but women in general and all in the name of humor!" The embarrassed ventriloquist begins to apologize, and the blonde yells, "You stay out of this, mister! I'm talking to that little twit on your knee."

Hi Bob, I apologize. I'm afraid I dropped the ball by not responding to your e-mail of 8 Feb 2003. You cited my Rambo book website on Genealogy.com site, and I asked you to link to my main page as well. I neglected to send my web site URL and you didn't remember it. Here it is http://members.aol.com/RamboBook Here is a copy of the entire previous exchange: ------------- Subj: Re: Holstein & Rambo Web pages Date: 2/8/2003 From: rcraig5@cox.net (Bob Craig) Hi Ron Beatty. I was delighted to hear from you this morning when I opened my E-mail. A rare thing now-days. I've been having Virus acquisition problems through the E's. I appreciate the information you have provided. We have been changing locations for our files and I'm completely at a loss at where to begin to find the 'citation' you speak of. I remember it and know it is there somewhere. I would really appreciate it if you would re-send me your contact/site info, and would be more than happy to plant the links anywhere you wish. You might like to go to the bottom link and visit the sites. I will up-date my Genealogy.com site to include your link as soon as you send it. Gosh, I've tried again to locate my link to the Rambo data you spoke of. Will try again later. Regards, Bob Craig ~Craigs On The WEB http://craig_pages.tripod.com/Index/allcraigs.htm ----- Original Message ----- Sent: Saturday, February 08, 2003 2:53 AM Subject: Holstein & Rambo Web pages > Hi Bob, > I seldom look at the internet for anything genealogical because there is so much junk out there. However, I re-registered my Rambo Book website with Google and did several searches to see what I'd find. I found your site which cites mine. Thanks for the citation - it is a good thing to list your sources and you are to be commended for showing others where you found your information. > FYI - I am now updating the files and have included transcription of all the early wills I could find in Philadelphia and New Jersey before 1825. I don't know if any apply to your ancestors. I improved the references to Anna Holstein's Holstein genealogy, but you probably already saw that in the August version of the files. It was fascinating to realize that she published her book in 1892, was born about 1825, and spoke of several Revolutionary War veterans as if she had talked with them personally, A DISTINCT POSSIBILITY. > I saw that you had just updated your site on Genealogy.com, but have a favor to ask next time you update the site: Please provide a link to my book site on your page. Google ranks pages depending upon the number of other sites that link to them, so your including a link to my page will make it appear earlier in the Google lists. I am expanding my site sporatically, but could include you on the cousins page if you'd like and could link to your page from that one if you want. > Best wishes from cousin Ron Beatty ----------------------- Thanks for your consideration. If you do want me to link to your site, please provide a direct URL into a Rambo page. Thanks. Best wishes and Love from cousin Ron Beatty

A man appears before St. Peter at the pearly gates. "Have you ever done anything of particular merit?" St. Peter asks. "Well, I can think of one thing.." the man offers. Once, on a trip to the Black Hills, I came upon a gang of high-testosterone bikers who were threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen. So I approached the largest and most heavily tattooed biker. I smacked him on the head, kicked his bike over, ripped out his nose ring and threw it on the ground, and told him to leave her alone or he would answer to me. St. Peter was impressed. When did this happen?" Just a couple of minutes ago". ESTROGEN, PREGNANCY AND WOMEN PREGNANCY Q & A & MORE! Q: Should I have a baby after 35? A: No, 35 children is enough. Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move? A: With any luck, right after he finishes college. Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex? A: Childbirth. Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational. A: So what's your question? Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right? A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current. Q: When is the best time to get an epidural? A: Right after you find out you're pregnant. "ESTROGEN ISSUES" 10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "ESTROGEN ISSUES" 1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem. 2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet 3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans. 4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say. 5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-" 6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice. 7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space." 8. You can't believe they don't make a tampon bigger than Super Plus. 9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy. 10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday. TOP TEN THINGS ONLY WOMEN UNDERSTAND 10. Cat's facial expressions. 9. The need for the same style of shoes in different colors. 8. Why bean sprouts aren't just weeds. 7. Fat clothes. 6. Taking a car trip without trying to beat your best time. 5. The difference between beige, ecru, cream, off-white, and eggshell. 4. Cutting your bangs to make them grow. 3. Eyelash curlers. 2. The inaccuracy of every bathroom scale ever made. AND, the Number One thing only women understand: 1. OTHER WOMEN

----- Original Message ----- From: L. Todd Conrad To: Debbie ; Tina ; Autumn ; Niki ; Bea ; Dennis Raraigh Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 3:59 PM Subject: Fw: The Value of today! Subject: The Value of today! Imagine. . . There is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out ALL OF IT, of course!!!! Each of us has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow." You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness, and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today. To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train. To realize the value of ONE-SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!!! Friends are a very rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to open their heart to us. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends. ____________________________________________________ IncrediMail - Email has finally evolved - Click Here

Brother Bob, I bolded and made the type red of some of the garbage. Is this guy a minister of the CHRISTIAN faith ? If so I missed a lot of something. He says the scriptures have no say in the matter. I hope he don't try telling GOD that. He will be in for a really rude awakening. When the flames of hell are roaring in his ears. GOD Bless You and Yours !! Pappy !!! ----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2003 8:20 AM Subject: Methodist, So. Baptist Leaders Differ on Scriptural Authority Methodist, So. Baptist Leaders Differ on Scriptural Authority Controversial Appointment of Homosexual Episcopal Bishop Sparks Already Flammable Issue The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. -- 1 Timothy 4: 1-2 By Jim Brown and Allie Martin August 12, 2003 (AgapePress) - An official with the United Methodist Church says the Episcopal Church did not violate scripture when it approved its first openly homosexual bishop last week. But a spokesman for the Southern Baptist Convention says Episcopal leaders have chosen to ignore God's Holy Word. A top United Methodist official says he is happy the Episcopal Church formalized the election of Gene Robinson as its first openly homosexual bishop last week. Pastor Bruce Robbins, general secretary of the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns of the United Methodist Church, says approving the election of Robinson was a "graceful step" for the Episcopal Church. Although conservatives believe the denomination has chosen to reject the authority of scripture, Robbins sees things quite differently. He believes the election of Robinson in no way undermines Bible teaching. "The kind of relationship that we envision of two adults -- both of whom are mature and understanding, deeply in love with one another, being of the same sex, choosing to enter into a life together in a committed relationship -- is unlike the illustrations and examples that we find in the New Testament that are labeled as 'homosexual,'" Robbins says. In contrast, Dr. Bill Merrell, a vice president on the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, says Robinson's confirmation as bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire is tragic. "I believe that no denomination, no fellowship, no communion of people committed to the authority of scripture and to the holiness of God will be drawn into that circumstance," Merrell says. "We think ... it is an extreme tragedy that any church that identifies itself as a Christian church, that says [it] represents God in the world and that [He] is the reason for its being ... and selects as one of its primary leaders a practicing deviate, has forfeited their right to the name of Christ." But according to Robbins, the authority of scripture is not at issue. He says Bible teaching on homosexuality is not applicable in this day and age. "What Bishop Robinson experiences in a committed relationship that's a life-long relationship with another man, is quite different than many of the references which we find in the New Testament," he says. "How to read scripture in that larger context is a very challenging question." Merrell says as a result of Robinson's confirmation, Episcopalians who are committed to the authority of scripture will probably have to leave the denomination. "I expect ... that there will be a schism in the Episcopal Church [and that] those who are committed to the necessity of Christians manifesting the life of Christ in themselves will have to break from the American, Canadian, and British wings of the Episcopal Church." According to Merrell, Christians need to be educated about the true agenda of homosexual activists. He adds that more mainline denominations are headed down the same road as the Episcopal Church. In fact, Robbins says recent activities in the Episcopal Church show Episcopalians and Methodists just how much their communions are alike, in that they are both deeply mired in disagreements over human sexuality. The move, he says, will only strengthen a "careful, close, and growing" relationship between his denomination and the Episcopal Church. But Robbins admits that even though there may have been several homosexual bishops in the United Methodist Church already, it will be more difficult for his denomination to successfully elect an openly homosexual bishop than it was for the Episcopal Church. © 2003 AgapePress all rights reserved. Jesus wept. John 11:35

New Testament References to the Future Temple In addition to Jesus' mentioning the future desecration of a temple in Jerusalem at the end of the age in which we now live (Matthew 24, Luke 21), the Apostle Paul speaks of this same event in his Second letter to the Thessalonian church. Paul calls the desecrator "the man of sin." Thirdly, seeing ahead into the distant future, the aged Apostle John wrote about this same Third Temple which has never yet been built: I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, "Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the worshipers there. But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months. (Revelation 11:1-2) As a side note, a very large temple is described in great detail in the closing chapters of the book of Ezekiel. This building and its courts has never yet been built and is too large to fit on the present Temple Mount site. For a description of Ezekiel's temple and a discussion of when and why it will be built see Messiah's Coming Temple: Ezekiel's Prophetic Vision of the Future Temple by John W. Schmitt and J. Carl Laney. Location of The Future Temple Since the Bible teaches that the Temple will be rebuilt, and it is obvious that it must be in the general area of the Temple Mount, there is much speculation about exactly where the Temple might be situated. There are several possibilities for the place where the Temple will be rebuilt. Here are the main theories, summarized briefly. (Detailed information on all these theories is found on the Temple Mount web site.) Where The Dome Of The Rock stands That the First and Second Temples stodd where the Dome of the Rock now stands is is the traditional, conventional view. Former Jerusalem District Archaeologist Dan Bahat represents this point of view with considerable authority and knoweldge. Everyone used to assume that the Dome of The Rock had to be torn down before the Temple could be built, because the rock was thought to be either the place of the Holy of Holies or of the Altar of Sacrifice. However, it is unthinkable to Muslims to have anyone harm or destroy this shrine without bringing the greatest of all jihads, or "holy wars" by all of Israel's Muslim neighbors. North of The Dome of the Rock This theory, proposed by Physicist Asher Kauffman, suggests that the new Temple could be built north of the Dome of The Rock without tearing it down. Asher Kaufman is a faculty member in physics at Hebrew University and a devout observant Jew who was born in Scotland. He has explored the Temple Mount more than 100 times since 1974. This view is based on the known location of the Eastern Gate ("The Golden Gate"), the location of the Dome of the Tablets, and various alignments of ancient stones on the Mount. Due East of the Dome of the Tablets is the Eastern Gate which may have been the very gate Jesus entered when He offered Himself as Messiah and was ultimately rejected by the religious authorities of Jerusalem. It is thought to be the gate of the future coming of Messiah into Jerusalem, so the Turkish Muslims walled it up completely in the hopes of keeping this prophecy from being fulfilled. Verification of the ancient position of the Eastern Gate was made recently with the discovery of an arch from an older gate directly below the existing one. The older gate may even date back to the time of Solomon. The Dome of The Tablets is a cupola, also called Dome of the Spirits in Arabic. Whether or not there are other ancient gates in the East wall is not known because of the depth of the rubble in the area, and a Muslim cemetery conveniently located along the Eastern wall, both to stop excavation there and to deter a holy priest such as Messiah from entering the area from that direction. Muslim, Christian and Jewish cemeteries are found all along the Kidron Valley and up the adjacent Mount of Olives. All three religions have legends about the resurrection of the dead and the last judgment being located there. Joel Chapter 3 vividly describes that Great Day, 'In those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land. They cast lots for my people and traded boys for prostitutes; they sold girls for wine that they might drink. 'Now what have you against me, O Tyre and Sidon and all you regions of Philistia? Are you repaying me for something I have done? If you are paying me back, I will swiftly and speedily return on your own heads what you have done. For you took my silver and my gold and carried off my finest treasures to your temples. You sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks, that you might send them far from their homeland. 'See, I am going to rouse them out of the places to which you sold them, and I will return on your own heads what you have done. I will sell your sons and daughters to the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, a nation far away.' The LORD has spoken. Proclaim this among the nations: Prepare for war! Rouse the warriors! Let all the fighting men draw near and attack. Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weakling say, 'I am strong!' Come quickly, all you nations from every side, and assemble there. Bring down your warriors, O LORD! 'Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. Swing the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, trample the grapes, for the winepress is full and the vats overflow--so great is their wickedness!' Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. The sun and moon will be darkened, and the stars no longer shine. The LORD will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem; the earth and the sky will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel. 'Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her. 'In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the LORD's house and will water the valley of acacias. But Egypt will be desolate, Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, in whose land they shed innocent blood. Judah will be inhabited forever and Jerusalem through all generations. Their bloodguilt, which I have not pardoned, I will pardon.' The LORD dwells in Zion! {Joel 3:1-21) The newly discovered Western Gate, underneath the present city is also interesting since it is on the same basic line which could be drawn through the temple area. This theory would place the Dome of The Rock in the outer court, the Court of The Gentiles. Perhaps this is why Revelation 11:1-2 says: And there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it. And leave out the court which is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it has been given to the nations; and they will tread under foot the holy city for forty-two months. This could be the key to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Both want Jerusalem for their capitals. Both want control of the Temple area. If an agreement could be made to allow the Palestinians to have a part of Jerusalem, including the portion of the Temple Mount where their holy places stand, and Israel would have the rest of Jerusalem, including the place where they can build the Temple, the peace process might be completed. South of The Dome Of The Rock This view is advocated by Tuvia Sagiv in his paper "The Hidden Secrets of The Temple Mount," 1992. This is Chuck Missler's preferred view now for several reasons. Ancient accounts that the Temple was visible from certain places, not from others, suggest that it was further south at slightly lower altitude. Radar discovery of proper "voids" beneath the pavement in the southern part of the Temple Mount. Level of ancient aqueducts. Aerial infrared pictures of the Dome of The Rock showing a pentagonal structure below the shrine, raising the possibility that this was part of the Antonia Fortress which was north of the Temple. Pentagonal structures were uncommon in Israel, and when found have occultic significance, so the site of the Dome of the Rock may have been a Canaanite High Place and a shrine to Ashtoreth. There is reason to believe the caves under the Dome may have been an ancient burial site in which case a holy temple could never have been built there. One big problem with this view is that it would place the Temple between the Dome of The Rock and the Mosque of Al Aqsa, which would be more awkward than if it were built on the north. Sagiv's historical research suggests that Hadrian rebuilt Jerusalem rather thoroughly after excluding the Jews so that the buildings on the Temple Mount may reflect more of Hadrian's work than that of Herod the Great as has been supposed until recently. The Ark Of The Covenant There are also several interesting theories about the present location of the Ark of The Covenant. These include: Under the Temple Mount Jewish scholars believe that it is quite possible for it to be under the Court of Wood of Solomon's Temple, near the Western Wall ("The Wailing Wall"). In Ethiopia In an underground Temple beneath the ancient church of Zion in Aksum, northern Ethiopia, it is said that there are seven concentric rings of interior circular walls. The Ark of The Covenant is supposedly in the innermost ring, "The Holy of Holies." According to Grant Jeffrey, The Ethiopian monarchy is the oldest continual royal dynasty in history. It began with the Queen of Sheba and her son, Menelik I. Menelik I was the offspring of her marriage to King Solomon of Israel. This royal dynasty has lasted for three thousand years. The late Emperor Haile Selassie was part of this dynasty. Emperor Haile Selassie, in our generation, called himself "The Conquering Lion of Judah." Ethiopian tradition explains that the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Ethiopia by Prince Menelik, who was raised until he was 16 years old in Jerusalem. Solomon had a copy of the Ark made for Menelik, but he supposedly took the original because of Solomon's apostasy. The history of both the Ethiopian Jewish community (the Falashas) and the history of the ancient Christian Coptic community in that country are fascinating and certainly go back two or three thousand years. Mount Nebo The apocryphal book of II Maccabbees says that Jeremiah the prophet hid the Ark in a cave on Mt. Nebo (Jordan) at the time of Nebuchadnezzar's destruction of the City when the prophet was kidnapped by his own countrymen and taken to Egypt. This legend has little else to support it. Jeremiah 3:16 says that when Messiah returns the Ark will be remembered no more. So it is also possible the Ark was destroyed long centuries ago and does not exist now. Preparations For The Temple Some people in Israel are convinced that the Temple will be rebuilt soon, and are preparing to help make it a reality. Here are some of the signs of this preparation: Training The Seminary of Aterat HaKohanim (Glory of the Priests) is currently training priests and Levites in priestly rituals and animal sacrifice. Between this seminary and another one, Hal Lindsey says that there are about 200 descendants of Levi in training now. On March 2, 1998, an ultra-orthodox sect, The Movement To Establish The Temple, issued a call for parents of the Levitical families to place their very young children in a special compound where they can be raised in isolation so that they never come in contact with death. They say that when it is time to begin construction of the new Templs, such a person, at least 13 years old, must administer the rites of purification, using the ashes of the Red Heifer. Materials By 1994 more than 30 of the necessary vessels for animal sacrifice had been made for resumption of animal sacrifice. At that time about 65 still needed to be made. Robes have been made for the High Priest and many other priests in the exact way prescribed by the Torah, including hand-spun flax. Ashes of a Red Heifer According to Numbers 19:1-9, it is necessary to use the sacrificial ashes of a young red cow which has not yet reproduced for ritual cleansing of the Temple. Until recently, this was considered a serious hurdle to the establishment of a new Temple. There had been some hopes of finding ancient ashes among the Dead Sea Scrolls, but when that no longer seemed likely, representatives of the Temple Institute started looking throughout Europe for pure red cattle. They found that they do exist. There is a breed called the Red Angus, but they were not sure whether or not the existing specimens would be pure enough to qualify. An American rancher was known to have a herd of these red cattle, which he hoped could be used. In May of 1997 a shocking announcement was made that a red heifer had been born unexpectedly in Israel! Examination of the animal revealed that, though it was born to parents which were not red, it's features would qualify it to be used in this way when it is of age. In early 1998 a few white hairs developed on its tail, making it no longer acceptable, but there is optimism that a suitable heifer will become available in the near future. Another interesting twist in this matter is the successful cloning of sheep recently, opening the way for possible genetic engineering of a red heifer if it is necessary. Timing Using modern building skills, it would not take longer than the 3 1/2 years of the first half of The Tribulation to finish the building. Some Temple advocates have even said the project could be done in less than a year. It is believed that cedar from Lebanon was obtained in the war in 1982 and hidden for future use in building of the Temple. ___________________________________________________________________

I Am Not Ashamed I am a part of the fellowship of the unashamed. The die is cast; I have stepped over the line; the decision has been made; I'm a disciple of His; I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or sit still. My past is forgiven, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I'm finished and done with low-living, sight-walking, small-planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, mundane talking, "chincy-giving" and dwarfed goals. I no longer need prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by Grace, walk by Faith, learn by Patience, lift by Prayer, and labor by His Power. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my Guide reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity. I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of my Lord Jesus. I am a disciple of His. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, I don't want Him to have any trouble recognizing me... I want my colors to be clear! - Found on the cot of an African Native following his death. "How's your wife?" a fellow asked his old friend. "She's in heaven," replied the friend. "Oh, I'm sorry," the fellow answered. Then real1izing that was not the best phrase to use, he said, "I mean, I'm glad ...well, what 1 really mean is, I'm surprised." -2-

Quotes To Note... "Some spend time counting the cost of following Christ when they should consider the cost of not following Him." "In creation God shows us His hand, but in redemption He has given us His heart." "God could create a thousand worlds, but He could not save a single soul without the cross of Christ." "That man is poor indeed who lives without Jesus and he alone is rich with whom Jesus abides." "No one is qualified for heaven until he first confesses that by nature he is qualified for hell." "The Gospel not only saves from hell, but saves from that which takes people to hell." "God is satisfied with the cross as settling the sin question. We should be satisfied with what satisfies God." As Mom was preparing pancakes for her sons, Johnny, 5, and Alex, 3, the boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. The mom saw the opportunity to teach a moral lesson. She said, "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'" Johnny quickly turned to his younger brother and said, "Okay, Alex, you be Jesus!" -4-

A man walked inio the drugstore and asked the pharmacist if he had a cure for hiccups. The pharmacist walked around the comer and approached the man. He reached out and slapped the man in the back. The pharmacist then hopefully asked the man, "Do you have the hiccups now?" As the man composed himself after such a sudden blow, he answered the pharmacist, "No, I do not! But I'll just bet you that my wife out in the car still does." 15 Ways To Avoid Harmful Peer Pressure 1. Learn positive self-talk. 2. Challenge the system. (Don't take for granted that the only way to popularity is to go along with the crowd!) 3. Get a HERO. 4. Stop living for compliments. 5. Don't build relationships just to be popular! 6. Become a thermostat not a thermometer! 7. Self-Respect vs. Peer Reject. 8. Conflict vs. Conformity. (You cannot satisfy everyone, so decide for yourself who is on your side and who isn't.) 9. Develop a strong relationship with your Parents! 10. Don't limit your self image to your physical appearance and abilities. 11. Order a Reuben for a change. (The next time you go out to eat with your friends make sure you order first ...don't copy others.) 12. Take inventory of past peer-pressure decisions. 13. Look at long term reality! 14. Develop faith in your ability to solve your own problems. 15. Replace blame with responsibility! From: Tough Turf by Bill Sanders -3-

A house is build by human hands... but a home is built by human hearts. Woe to the house where the hen crows louder than the rooster. --- Senior Moments Three old pilots are walking on the ramp. First one says, "Windy, isn't it?" Second one says, "No, its Thursday!" Third one says, "So am I, Lets go get a drink." ---- Class Room Discipline 1. Have only a few rules and enforce them without emotion or commotion. 2. Be consistent and impartial. 3. Don't argue with the pupil ...enforce the rules. 4. Don't nag ...If you are going to cut a dog's tail off, do it all at once - not an inch at a time. 5. Certainty of punishment is more of a deterrent than severity. 6. Stop the little things. It is easier to put out a match than it is to stop a forest fire. 7. Take it for granted that the class is well-inten- tioned. If you expect trouble, you will get it. 8. Don't make threats you cannot carry out. 9. Don't be afraid to acknowledge an error. 10. Don't discipline the whole class for the miscon- duct of a few individuals. 11. Remember that true discipline is self-discipline. 12. Be tolerant of passing fancies. There isn't just one way to wear your hair or dress. 13. Sarcasm and ridicule have no place in the class- room. 14. In punishing a child, never speak disre- spectfully of his home or parents. 15. If you get satisfaction from punishing a pupil, you are probably being unfair. -5-

Strong Determinations When choosing entertainment - "Abstain from all appearance of evil." (I Thess. 5:22) When going on a date - "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." (I Cor. 6:19,20) When ridiculed for witnessing - "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Acts 5:41) When working at home - "It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth." (Lam. 3:27) When instructed by parents - "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." (Eph. 6:1) When taking a test - "Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly." (Hebrews 13:18) When speaking of others - "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." (Titus 3:2) When participating in sports - "And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." (II Timothy 2:5) When insulted for doing well - "For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (I Peter 2:20) When choosing companions - "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (II Cor. 6:14) When planning the future - "Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." (Psalm 119:133) God has a plan, a most marvelous and successful plan ...for YOU! He earnestly desires to work out this plan in your life. Don't spoil the plan! -6-

The Late Great School Debate Who says there is no God! The atheist says the wonders of nature are accidental. They say no almighty hand made a thousand billion stars. Did they make themselves? Our world and the things within it were not thrown together haphazardly. Consider the fact that earth is the proper size and distance from other planets to stay in orbit. Earth is 91 million miles from the sun. Place it 120 million miles away and everything would freeze or move it 60 million miles away and everything would bum. If the sun gave off half as much heat, things would freeze: twice as much heat would roast everything. Scientist cannot explain how atmospheric gases happen to exist in just the right amounts necessary to support life. Or how evolution made provision to maintain this balance for future life that had not yet evolved. The human body is a most intricate and complex creation. The human heart beats for 70- 80 years without faltering, getting it's rest between beats. A kidney will filter poison from the blood without harming it's good elements. The human tongue has power and flexibility to form words which the brain can understand. A womb keeps spreading a tiny ovum until a baby is formed with the right number of fingers, ears and eyes, and is strong enough to be sustained in this world. Careful planning points to the planner. The Bible declares that we can deduce the exis- tence of a creator from observing the world around us. "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handy- work." (Psalm 19:1) It also says, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." (Psalm 14:1) One more thought - At the equator the earth is revolving at 1000 miles per hour. Slow it to 100 miles per hour and you would link the night and day by 10 times. Plants would scorch in the day and seedlings would freeze to death at night. God is and was and forever shall be! -7-

1.Everyone grows older "So teach us to number our days. that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) 2. Life is tough and hard, a constant struggle. "Man that is bom of a woman is of few days and full of trouble." (Job 14:1) 3.Life is not always fair. "Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:4) 4. No matter how winsome we are, we can't make everybody like us. Even of Jesus it was said, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1 ;46) "And they laughed him to scorn." (Mark 5:40) 5. No matter how hard we try we cannot change anyone. "0 Jerusalem - how often would I have gathered thy children together - and ye would not?" (Luke 13:34) Each person, with God's help and our encouragement, must decide to change. 6. In spite of how dark the outlook, we cannot change the fact (or wouldn't want to) that God scatters surprise blessings in our path. " ...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:5) Storms bring out the eagles while the little birds take Cover.

"School Daze" Exam time is fun time. Sometimes the exams are harder on the teacher than on the students. The following were discovered on exam papers: "William Tell invented the telephone." "Two occupations of the civilized race are work and looking for work." "A circle is a round line with no kinks in it, joined up so as not to show where it began." "To keep milk from turning sour, keep it in the cow." "An antique is something no one would be seen with if there were more of them, but which everyone wants when no one has any." ****** A teacher annoyed by his clock-watching students pasted a cardboard sign over the clock which read: "Time will pass - will YOU?" ****** Now I lay me down to rest, Tomorrow I have another test; If I should die before I wake, That's one less test I'll have to take. ****** Teacher: What is the difference between a cat and a comma? Freshman: The cat has its claws at the end of its paws, and the comma has its pause at the end of it clause. ****** Teacher: What is the difference between a hill and a pill? Senior: One is hard to get up; the other is hard to get down.

Johnny sobbed all tne way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "The preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys." ****** Profanity It is no mark of a gentleman to swear. The most worthless and vile, the refuse of mankind, the drunkard and the prostitute, swear as well as the best dressed and educated gentleman. No particular endowments are requisite to give a finish to the art of cursing. The basest and meanest of mankind swear with as much tact and skill as the most refined; and he that wishes to degrade himself to the very lowest level of pollution and shame should learn to be a common swearer. Any man has talents enough to learn to curse God, and imprecate perdition on himself and his fellow men.

Profane swearing never did any man any good. No man is richer or wiser or happier for it. It helps no one's education or manners. It commends no one to any society. It is disgusting to the refined, abominable to the good, insulting to those with whom we associate, degrading to the mind, unprofitable, needless, and injurious to society; and wantonly to profane His name, to call His vengeance down, to curse Him, and to involve His vengeance, is perhaps of all offenses the most awful in the sight of God. ~~ Dr. Martin Luther -11-

***Responsibility*** 'Twas a sheep, not a lamb, that went astray in the parable that Jesus told. 'Twas a grown-up sheep that wandered away from the ninety and nine in the fold. And out on the hill-tops and out in the cold, 'twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd sought. And back to the flock and back to the fold 'twas a sheep that the Good Shepherd brought. --- Now, why should the sheep be so carefully fed and cared for even today? Because there is danger if they go wrong they will lead the lambs astray. For the lambs will follow the sheep, you know, wherever they wander, wherever they go. --- If the sheep go wrong, it will not be long till the lambs are as wrong as they. So still with the sheep we must earnestly plead, for the sake of the lambs today. If the lambs are lost, what a terrible cost, some sheep will have to pay. ~ Selected *^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^* Sound Advice "If you are not as close to God as you used to be, who moved?" "Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God." "If you're living like there is no God ...You better be right!" "Joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God." "The Lord won't take you where His grace can't keep you."

Thou Passest Through "When thou passest through the waters" Deep the waves may be and cold, But Jehovah is our refuge, And His promise is our hold; For the Lord Himself hath said it, He, the faithful God and true: "When thou comest to the waters Thou shalt not go down, BUT THROUGH." Seas of sorrow, seas of trial, Bitterest anguish, fiercest pain, Rolling surges of temptation Sweeping over heart and brain - They shall never overflow us For we know His Word is true; And His waves and all His billows He will lead us safely through. Threatening breakers of destruction, Doubts insidious undertow, Shall not sink us, shall not drag us Out to ocean depths of woe; For His promise shall sustain us, Praise the Lord, whose Word is true! We shall not go down, or under, For He saith, "Thou passest THROUGH." - Annie Johnson Flint When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2 -13-

Give A Hug I am always getting free coupons or a two-for-one discount somewhere! The other day someone gave me a "free hug coupon." I put that together with a bumper sticker I saw: "Have you hugged your kid today!" What do you do when there are no words to express the love or pride, gratitude, sympathy, or even just plain relief someone makes you feel? A hug says it all and makes both hugger and huggee feel terrific. Now of course, you don't really need a reason to give a hug, but let me suggest a few: 1. Your two-year-old asks you to marry him. 2. Your new daughter-n-law asks if it's OK to call you Mom. 3. Your daughter, who lives in jeans, asks if you would help her shop for a dress. 4. Your kids, say, "Wow, leftovers!" 5. Your teenage son borrows the car and returns it with a full tank of gas. This coupon is good for 1 FREE HUG Your Family Your Home Put first things first - get back to the basics - focus on the good stuff about your teenager. Remember whose kid he or she is! Be authentic - If it hurts ...let your teen know! If you are fearful ...let it show! If you don't know the answer to their question ...say it straight - "I don't know!" "If you are wrong ...confess it! If they want to know "why" ...tell them! Stop the senseless motion that moves your private world and give your teenagers what they deserve - you! - Randy Carlson -14-

A boy was watcning his father, a pastor, write a sermon. "How do you know what to say?" he asked. "Why God tells me," the father replied. The boy thought for a while, then quietly said, "Then why do you keep crossing things out?" He Maketh No Mistake My Father's way may twist and turn, My heart may throb and ache, But in my soul I'm glad I know, He maketh no mistake. My cherished plans may go astray, My hopes may fade away, But still I'll trust my Lord to lead For He doth know the way. Tho' night be dark and it may seem That day will never break; I'll pin my faith, my all in Him, He maketh no mistake. There's so much now I cannot see, My eyesight's far too dim; But come what may, I'll simply trust And leave it all to Him. For by and by the mist will lift And plain it all He'll make, Through all the way, tho' dark to me, He made not one mistake. - A. M. Overt All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -16- (9)

My Tribute to Johnny Cash I was just 10 years old. It was 1964. One day, my father brought home a record album that I have cherished ever since. It was called, Hymns by Johnny Cash. Still yet a struggling pop, country, hillbilly, Gospel singer, Johnny had a few hits by then, but of course I knew nothing about that. I was just captivated by his songs, his raspy and earthy voice, and the beautiful words he sang. Filled with so much emotion, every verse seemed to be straight from his heart. Over the years, I think I collected every album he produced. From the sweet Gospel tunes, to the melodious love songs, to the deeper and darker sounds of Folsom Prison Blues, and the downright nasty, Deliah's Gone. They seemed to emerge from him as the darkness of us all tends to come forth from time to time. Never was Mr. Cash ashamed to tell the world through his music, or through interviews given by him, that he had a deep belief in God, and he was never ashamed to say that Jesus Christ was his Savior. Though he will always be remembered as one of the greatest Americans, in my mind he will be remembered as a great man who was a humble man, a man's man, never proud, he always remembered his roots, and though he probably influenced every genre of music more than anyone else, he was humble to the end, and may he be an example to us all. Postscript: Even Mr. Cash's death was a testimony. Monday September 15th, I'm watching Larry King live. Franklin Graham, among others, are the guests, remembering Johnny Cash. Mr. Graham gave the gospel message no less than five times, in five minutes, going out over the airwaves to millions of listeners. Praise God.

Book-bag Bolshevism by Frederick B. Meekins As the summer draws to a close, many people like to commemorate the passing of another season by participating in special activities. Some take trips to the seashore. Others like to enjoy one last cookout before waning hours of daylight and the pressures of homework lay claim to the joys of the evening for another year. I myself like to visit Walmart. That's right, Walmart. But I don't go for an end-of-summer shopping spree. Instead, I undertake a sociological research expedition to gather intelligence on the ideological condition of the education system. Each year, many schools fax their supply lists to their area Walmarts for purposes of convenience for when parents go to procure scholastic accoutrements for the coming year. However, these list do more than detail the implements a school deems necessary to acquire a decent education. More importantly, they provide essential insight into the philosophy governing these schools since few topics are as revealing about an individual's or organization's character than their beliefs regarding the disposition of possessions and property. And with that as the criteria, some schools fail miserably. In the past, parents took the responsibility of acquiring these goods for their own children. After all, both history and common sense teach that rational, loving individuals usually provide the best they are capable of acquiring for those they care about the most. However, thinking they know more than both common sense and human nature, some professional educators have taken it upon themselves to impose a system of scholastic logistics upon parents whereby, instead of each family tending to their own needs as it should be, each parent is compelled to shoulder the responsibility of supplying every single whelp in the class. And you had better not make the mistake of getting little Johnny or Susie something special for back to school because these classroom commies are going to be all over it like IRS auditors on taxable income, confiscating it in the name of communal well-being. This is the third year in a row that I have written a column on this important but overlooked topic. In my mind, I'd like to think it made a difference or that enough parents had grown disgusted enough to put these uneducated educators in their place. For from perusing the lists available at one of the Walmarts in Glen Burnie, Maryland, it seemed as of late summer 2003 schools were taking a more individualist approach to the coming term. Hopefully, these wayward schoolmarms came to their senses and realized the inefficiency of socialism. However, this issue still demands constant vigilance. For starters, some schools might simply omit the confiscation codicil and preemptively seize the items as the wee tikes scamper through the school house door. Other schools have not yet learned their lesson, continuing to run their campuses as filthy 60's communes. At the bottom of the list for Poplar Tree Elementary in Fairfax, Virginia, is a line warning, "Additionally, some teachers will have a 'Community' supply system, so please check with the individual teacher prior to labeling any item with your child's name." Unless the sociological coup has come to a conclusion, the last time I checked the mere classroom teacher does not have the final word as to the fate of a child's possessions. That honor is to be worked out between the child and the benefactor providing these items. In the kindergarten of Oakdale Elementary in Frederick County, Maryland, pupils are indoctrinated early in their academic careers as to the glories of peonage before the bureaucracy. Students at this grade level are admonished to lavish on the altar of statist education an oblation of two composition books, six glue sticks, one box of crayons, a set of magic markers, and other assorted examples of scholastic paraphernalia. It's not so much that these items will be kept in class in a box or on a shelf labeled for each student. Apparatchiks at the school decree, "Please let your child know that these items will be collected and shared as needed." If I was a single father with a child in the class, I would be eager to know when the same was going to be done with the mothers. Under such an economy, there is no guarantee that the supplies your child is going to get will be of the same caliber as you sent in. Therefore, parents ought to send in accoutrements of a minimalist in quality. Instead of new pencils, parents ought to send in old stubby ones found around the house; instead of Crayolas, parents out to scrounge around for dull-tipped ones with the labels peeled off or those cheap knockoffs kids get at birthday parties or Trick-Or-Treating that are as greasy as Howard Stern's hair. After all, why buy the best when it's just going to end up in the hands of the spawn of some welfare recipient whose only marketable skill is birthing babies faster than a jackrabbit outside of marriage? My grandmother use to say if you don't listen, you've got to feel. If these dimwitted pedagogues fail to comprehend the inevitable outcomes of socialism, they should be forced to endure them firsthand. History teaches that goods and services become scarce in a command economy since all incentive for individual initiative and personal achievement has been abolished. Parents learning that their school supplies are not being used by their own respective offspring ought to put on a living history demonstration for academic administrators by not sending in one broken pencil or chewed up eraser. If public schools as the indoctrination arm of the state want to propagate the fallacy that the role of government is to provide all of our needs, who are we to say otherwise when it comes to stationary? Let the school supply the supplies; after all, they certainly aren't spending our tax dollars on the acquisition of knowledge or the development of moral character.

October 1, 2003 (7:23pm) Hi again, Jack! So as to reassert that my motives and answer sent to you in reply to the E-mail you sent yesterday, I would assure you that there was no intent on my part to slam the issue you posed. Therefore let me expand my reply to you a bit. Back as early as the middle to late 1940s I can well recall a representative of the (name of organization or man not recalled) from Philadelphia on behalf of Christian Jews made a yearly appearance to our church near Clymer, PA. I recall, even at the very young age, his very enthusiastic warnings of the anti-christ as being our then president. (As far back as Roosevelt, Truman, etc.?) Depending on your age, you likely also may recall that President Eisenhower was also tagged with the destination. There were others. In my previous correspondence I talked about my pastor, Dr. O. E. Sigworth, and how he freely identified this or that individual as the possible fit. He was really into all of this and had one of those huge scrolls that fit from wall to wall at the near front of the church – the dispensational, premillenial fundamental minister all the way. I can also recall how so many placed Dr. Kissinger ahead of the list. Again, I do not disagree with your supposition indicting the United States as being where the anti-christ will 1st appear. Your energy in that direction is most impressive. However (the, but) the present administration would appear, unless I am completely deceived, which is entirely possible, would see to be much too weak to even come near the caliber of individual that would fit the bill. President Bush is nearly destroyed. The sharks are all about him nipping at his heals. There is so much division in our political system that I find it difficult to see anyone other than possibly Senator H. Clinton as fitting that spot in the scheme of things. I feel that we will likely, if not in the next election, almost certainly in the following, see Hilary as the 1st female president of the United States. Followed very closely to that event, if not before, Ex-president, William Jefferson Clinton may well become head of the world body that is out to destroy us – the United Nations. If you notice, the United States is more and more becoming identified as a "State" of the United Nations (as is other countries). If President George Bush is reelected as president that will be somewhat a miracle. In order for him to fit the part of the anti-christ it will take the miracle that Scripture affirms that will occur in order for the world to accept him as The Leader Of The World. He would have to become that in order to effectively become the prophesied anti-christ. In our hypotheses we would have to put aside all our experience and knowledge and accept the impossible and recognized ‘that' as the miracle so told in Scripture. I trust that this explains my position a bit more than yesterdays hurried response. Your fellow believer in Christ Jesus, Bob C PS: Jesus is the one I am earnestly looking for! ~Craigs On The WEB ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 9:34 PM Subject: Re: New Article Dear Brother Jack: I read with much interest your first article and the one you have linked here. Of course, anything is possible (and here's the but), the White House, or, even as you indicate, our very own president may eventually turn out to be the so called "Anti-Christ." There will indeed have to be some fascinating 'miracles' occur before this can come to pass. The United States will have to be in existence 1st. I have very strong doubts about my country for many reasons. A couple of them are this: 1) Morally, we are being torn down as by Satan. Our country will not likely last long enough for anything as monumental as you suggest to occur unless all Christians are deceived. Christ promised his return before this will happen. . . 2) There is more hair on a frog's nose then there is odds that internal strife, politically, financially (and a swarm of other things) will sooner, rather than later, tare the entire continent up by the roots. 3) I see WW3 on the horizon. This will have to congeal exactly at the same time as the 'strife' mentioned above to afford the opportunity for the leadership we now have to be empowered to do what your thesis suggests. If you notice . . . I don't disagree with your projections. It would be exciting as a Christian to see everything to come together as you have posed. I trust that I will not be here to see the finale. That, of course, is my faith talking, as I have been taught, and have studied, and been assured spiritually . . . will all happen after I am dead and gone or taken up! I don't say that I don't care! I have taught my children and grandchildren as best as I can. They will have to decide for themselves their own fate. I have preached close to what you teach to everyone God has given opportunity and am unable to decided for them. So, I'll have to admit to you, I really don't care where the evil comes from. We have heard, we have told (sowed), and we are ready -- whatever happens. I know that your feel strongly about you have written. It comes through in your words. However, years ago I heard the very same teaching (1950s') from a home spun preacher at Calvary Baptist Church, Buck Run, PA. He left that little church on a hill near Clymer, Pa, continued his education and now has his doctorate. He still believed as you and I to some degree and preached it until his dying day. I am not closed to the idea. But, what difference does that make. What could your or I possibly do about it? The clock is ticking and it is a few seconds before midnight. The Son of God is about to make an appearance. My eyes will be upon Him. God bless you and your testimony. Sincerely, and warmly, In Christ Jesus, Bob C ~Bob Craig ----- Original Message ----- From: Jack Hook To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 7:54 PM Subject: New Article New Article Babylon the Great is Falling http://www.babylonthegreatisfalling.net My new article "In Times Past" has been posted on the web site. Please click on above link and go to "What's New" to read the article. Please sign my guestbook or send me an email with your comments or questions. Your eternal friend, Jack jdhook@cox.net

FROM RR Haymaker October 1, 2003 Do you like children? Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four-year old child whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry." Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a family. One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the other family members. One child suggested that he was adopted and a little girl said, "I know all about adoptions because I was adopted." "What does it mean to be adopted?" asked another child. "It means," said the girl, "that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy." A four year old was at the pediatrician for a check up. As the doctor looked down her ears with an otoscope, he asked, "Do you think I'll find Big Bird in here?" The little girl stayed silent. Next, the doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat. He asked, "Do you think I'll find the Cookie Monster down there?" Again, the little girl was silent. Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he listened to her heartbeat, he asked, "Do you think I'll hear Barney in there?" "Oh, no!" the little girl replied. "Jesus is in my heart. Barney's on my underpants." As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first-base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. "We're behind 14 to nothing," he answered with a smile. "Really," I said. "I have to say you don't look very discouraged." "Discouraged?" the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. "Why should we be discouraged? We haven't been up to bat yet." Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in life, I stop and think about little Jamie Scott. Jamie was trying out for a part in a school play. His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen. On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. "Guess what Mom," he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me: "I've been chosen to clap and cheer. An Eye Witness Account from New York City, on a cold day in December: A little boy about 10 years old was standing before a shoe store on the roadway, barefooted, peering through the window, and shivering with cold. A lady approached the boy and said, "My little fellow, why are you looking so earnestly in that window?" "I was asking God to give me a pair of shoes," was the boy's reply. The lady took him by the hand and went into the store and asked the clerk to get half a dozen pairs of socks for the boy. She then asked if he could give her a basin of water and a towel. He quickly brought them to her. She took the little fellow to the back part of the store and, removing her gloves, knelt down, washed his little feet, and dried them with a towel. By this time, the clerk had returned with the socks. Placing a pair upon the boy's feet, she purchased him a pair of shoes. She tied up the remaining pairs of socks and gave them to him. She patted him on the head and said, "No doubt, my little fellow, you feel more comfortable now? 'As she turned to go, the astonished lad caught her by the hand, and looking up in her face, with tears in his eyes, answered the question with these words: "Are you God's Wife? "

FROM RR Haymaker Subject: Fw: I WANT THIS BACK...YOU'LL SEE WHY!! Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2003 11:29:23 -0700 Take Hold of Every Moment A friend of mine opened his wife's lingerie drawer and picked up a silk paper-wrapped package: "This," he said, "isn't just an ordinary package." He unwrapped the box and stared at both the silk paper and the box. "She got this the first time we went to New York 8 or 9 years ago. She has never put it on ... Was saving it for a special occasion. Well, I guess this is it. He got near the bed and placed the gift box next to the other clothings he was taking to the funeral home ... his wife had just died. He turned to me and said: "Never save something for a special occasion because EVERY day in your life is a special occasion". I still think those words changed my life. Now I read more and clean less ... I sit on the porch without worrying about anything ... I spend more time with my family and less at work. I understand that life should be a source of experience to be lived up to, not survived through. I no longer keep anything. I use crystal glasses every day. I'll wear new clothes to go to the supermarket, if i feel like it. I don't save my special perfume for special occasions, I use it whenever I want to. The words "Someday ..." and "One Day ..." are fading away from my dictionary. If it's worth seeing, listening or doing, I want to see, listen or do it now. I don't know what my friend's wife would have done if she knew she wouldn't be there the next morning, this nobody can tell. I think she might have called her relatives and closest friends. She might call old friends to make peace over past quarrels. I'd like to think she would go out for Chinese, her favorite food. It's these small things that I would regret not doing, if I knew my time had come. I would regret it because I would no longer see the friends I would meet ... letters that I wanted to write ... "One of these days". I would regret and feel sad, because I didn't say to my brothers and sisters and sons and daughters, not times enough at least, how much ... I love them. Now, I try not to delay, postpone or keep anything that could bring laughter and joy into our lives . . . And, on each morning, I say to myself that this could be a special day. . . Each day, each hour, each minute, is special. If you got this, it's because someone cares for you and because, probably, there's someone you care about. If you're too busy to send this out to other people and you say to yourself that you will send it "One of these days", remember that "One day" is far away ... or might never come ... This TANTRA came from India. No matter if you're superstitious or not, spend some time reading it. It holds useful messages for the soul. Don't keep this message. Send copies and watch what goes on in the next four days. You'll have a pleasent surprise.... This is true, even if you're not superstitious. Now, just for the fun of it: Send this message to at least 5 people and see if your life improves.

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Tuesday, September 23, 2003 8:52 PM Subject: "HelOOOooo," A girl was visiting her blond friend who had acquired two new dogs, and asked her what their names were. The blonde responded by saying that one was named Rolex and one was named Timex. Her friend said, "Whoever heard of someone naming dogs like that?" "HelOOOooo," answered the blond. "They're watch dogs " "Never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion".

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----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Wednesday, September 24, 2003 6:48 AM Subject: Love Ya'all Love Ya'all This poem is very sweet. It will be interesting to see who sends it back. Forward this on and back. I'm counting on you not to let me be the number one type person on the list below, but if you've got better things to do then at least you'll prevent me from being the number six type. Please read all the way to the bottom and receive a small gift from me.Thanks. If I could catch a rainbow I would do it just for you and share with you its beauty On the days you're feeling blue. If I could build a mountain You could call your very own A place to find serenity A place to be alone If I could take your troubles I would toss them in the sea But all these things I'm finding are impossible for me. I cannot build a mountain Or catch a rainbow fair But let me be what I know best- A friend who's always there. This is a Hug Certificate!! Send One to All of Your Friends You Think Deserve A Hug. Send this to Your Friends Including the Person Who Sent it to You! What the heck, send it to your enemies as well! It'll really tic em off! If you don't receive this back-Take the hint ... nobody likes you and wishes you'd stop bugging them. If you receive this back 1 time- Open up! Find more friends, enemies, or enemies pretending to be friends... If you receive this back 2 times - You Are Off to a start... unless you sent it to yourself... that's cheating. If you receive this back 3 times - You Are A Good Friend... good for what stands to be seen... If you receive this back 4 times - You are popular... I wanna be just like you. If you receive this back 5 times or more-- There are Angels watching over you, but probably out of morbid curiosity! If you get too many more than that, for goodness sake get off the darn computer and get a life A BIG HUG, Love ya,all Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.. "And that person was me.".....

Brother Pappy, Thank you for those words of wisdom. So many times in my life I have failed to be a visual as well as verbal witness for Christ and have often wondered (Jehovah Witness passed by the house ~ they won't come in the fence gate in that Chopper is out there) how these J.W. are spurred on to faithfully propagate their beliefs door to door every Saturday. That takes commitment and dedication. How are they so inspired? Often, as a minister of the Gospel, I would challenge my congregation to do that and it was ALWAYS like pulling teeth. These folk (usually black around here) seem to relish doing their thing. I have, years ago, spent hours discussing theology and the truth of Jesus Christ with them. I would always on those occasions ask them to join hands with Glenda and I and pray to Jesus Christ for his leadership in our discussions and disagreements. They would flee like demons from the sight of the Cross of Calvary. Why would they not pray with me ~ to Jesus Christ? Anyway, thank you for your thoughtful words. I appreciate you. Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Bob Craig Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 6:03 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number Brother Bob, The news of Jim becoming a Christian is certainly a call for rejoycing. You had a big part played in it. Just living a Christian life and Jim seeing this had a lot to do with it. It is leading by setting an example. If you had tried the other way: Jim would flat out rejected it. The LORD works thing out in HIS way and by HIS time. HE has things under control so no need for us to worry. Just listen to what HE says: and act accordingly. I sometimes feel like I am not living a perfect Christian life: because I sometimes swear without thinking of what I am saying. But then I guess if I could lead a perfect sinless life: there would not be any need for JESUS. Without JESUS we would be DOOMED to HELL. I said a while back that when I first awake I was going to start saying "GOOD MORNING LORD" but I usually awake with my mind going over 10,000 things in the first 2 minutes. Then I remember what I should have done. I hope that HE don't take off points for being late in the GOOD MORNING LORD !! Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Friday, October 10, 2003 12:20 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number Brother Bob You are right. Arafat is a thorn in the existence of Israel. You have more difficulties than Murphy's Law. That is one of the facts of life that makes my day brighter. You provide me with a reason to talk to God more often. I pray for you each morning and night. Seriously! I had a fantastic answer to prayer. My neighbor, Brother Jim ~ I can call him Brother now. I have been praying for him constantly for the last several weeks. He had the operation yesterday and they took all but about 1/2 inch off his left leg/stump. I don't know how one measures 1/2" from the crotch, but is what he said. But better than that, he now feels no pain in that leg and the other one seems to have resumed pumping blood to the foot and toes. Jim said last night that it feels warm for the first time in months. Laus Deo! for Jim. But even more exciting than anything I can think of considering his situation, Jim spoke with a minister (Just wondered in his room prior to the operation) and in the conversation Jim accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour! I could hear it in his voice before he told me. I have not witnessed to him outright, only covertly. Jim is a rather abrupt "know-it-all" ex-tug boat Captain and his language and attitude matched his career. I have simply lived a Christian life as his neighbor. It wasn't until a few months ago that I revealed to him that I had retired as a minister of the Gospel. He told me at that time he knew there was something like that in my background, he just felt it. I simply lived my life next door to Jim as one that would not want to face wrong living when coming face to face with my creator. Somehow I knew that if I pressed Jim outwardly with talk about God, etc., he would resent it and claim to know everything there is to know about it all. His language and some-times-temper and know it all attitude spoke more than words as to how he would react if I directly approached him about where he would spend eternity. Last evening as he testified to me about his excitement and the real sense of knowing our Lord Jesus Christ personally he recalled how he was led months ago by the way I lived my life to -- he simply knew he wanted what it was that I had and when that minister entered his room with a Bible Jim said he was ready to receive. He said, "It surprised me -- normally, I would have ask him to leave . . . but, I knew I needed what he represented." What joy it is when one finds the Lord! God bless you, Brother Bob. I know your prayers were answered on behalf of Jim. And I know, my prayers on behalf of you will be answered as well. Right now I am focusing on your pain - arms, and shoulders. There is no pain more severe than those you described in the body of this E-mail. Blessings in Christ Jesus. Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Bob Craig Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2003 5:27 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number Brother Bob, Reacon ya mean Arafat the PLO leader. He don't represent any government or country. He is just a leader of that radical bunch that Patty Hearst was in with. Someone should have shot him a long time ago. I think he is in Jordan or maybe Syria. The world can do without him and those like him: and be far better for it. Just got back from the ER. I have been getting dizzy: and several times I blacked out for a few minutes. I have had chest pains for the last 2 weeks: and my wife has been on me about going to get checked. This morning I spilled a pot of expresso coffee on my hand: so after I cooled the burn: put aloe on it, had it wrapped, took all my medicines, and breathing treatments: got washed up combed my hair. Got dressed in my street clothes: made the bed: and had 2 pots of coffee. I had Connie call the ambulance: and off I went. 4 hour went by till I called. I refuse to give in to pain as it is from satan. I have neurofibromatosis (a nerve disorder) COPD and other lung problems. A torn rotater cuff in both shoulders: carparel tunnell in both wrists. I swell up with fluids: that causes more breathing problems. I have a slight blockage in two arteries in the heart. But Satan still ain't got me licked. Wish GOD would give satan a human body and let me have a go at kicking the crap out of him. I would beat him till he pleaded for CHRIST to save him. Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 9:56 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number LOL There is that song, "With Christ In My Vessel, I can Smile At the Storm!" You have made me smile which is a rare thing now days. I don't know what my problem is !~ You guys, Jim and you, have more troubles than I ever knew existed. My problems, other than thyroid, heart, blood pressure, colestrolol, neuropathy and a couple of things I can't spell doesn't hold a candle to my mental condition. I have to work on that and running interference with the physical often keeps me from dealing with the mental. I reckon I'm crazy as hell. God has blessed me so much and if I go tonight I'll have nothing but praise for the Lord when I enter the gate. I think it was . . . Oh, I still have that mental block. The guy that keeps the terrorists going in Israel, the hamaus and other toughs. I can't think of his name. However, I think FOX news reported that that was not the case. But, I do know that the last time I saw the idiot (the one with the bath-towel over his head in the shape of Israel and has sworn to kick them into the Mediterranean Sea) he looked rather pail. Somewhat like I did when I had my heart attack. However, it was reported yesterday that he did have a heart attack and there was 5 ambulances that rushed to his little corner (compound) of the world. Speculation was that he was really sick. What changes would occur if he were to go to his reward? I wonder? Blessings, Bob C PS> I say Blessings, because I can't think of anything better for any one of us. ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Bob Craig Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 8:21 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number Wrong brother Bob !! Mine is #4 Bev was the BIG SHOT #8 My wife and I are both #4. Stubborn and bull headed. Last night I had chest pains so dern bad that I laughed until my sides hurt. That's how I cope with severe pain. It beats Bit_ _ ing and moaning and feeling sorry for myself. Just like in Reader's Digest "Laughter the best Medcine" I am about to roll on the floor laughing now. But I need a quick fix of oxygen to help me have breath to laugh. Did ya mean Bin Laden ha the heart attack ? We can send over some blood for him. Just be sure it has a shot of pig blood in it. GOD Bless You and Yours !! Pappy !!! ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 3:14 PM Subject: Re: Birth Number Hi Big Shot !~ you truly are. I appreciate you. Later I'll figure out what I am. Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 2:46 PM Subject: Fw: Birth Number ----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 12:28 AM Subject: Birth Number I'm a # 8 I'm a # 4 Birth Number Once you have discovered your Birth Number, forward this email to the rest of your friends, including the one who sent this to you. Put your "number" in the "Subject" and Pass it on ! ..Have fun! Your birth date describes who we are, what we are good at and what our inborn abilities are. It also points to what we have to learn and the challenges we are facing. To figure out your Birth Number, add all the numbers in the birth date together, like in the example, until there is only one digit. A Birth Number does not prevent you from being anything you want to be, it will just color your choice differently and give you a little insight. Example : March 20, 1950 3 + 20 + 1950 = 1973 = 1 + 9 + 7 + 3 = 20 = 2 + 0 = 2 2 is the Birth Number to read for the birth date in the example. #1 THE ORIGINATOR #2 THE PEACEMAKER #3 THE LIFE OF THE PARTY #4 THE CONSERVATIVE #5 THE NONCONFORMIST #6 THE ROMANTIC #7 THE INTELLECTUAL #8 THE BIG SHOT #9 THE PERFORMER # 1 - THE ORIGINATOR 1 's are originals. Coming up with new ideas and executing them is natural. Having things their own way is another trait that gets them as being stubborn and arrogant. 1's are extremely honest and do well to learn some diplomacy skills. They like to take the initiative and are often leaders or bosses, as they like to be the best. Being self-employed is definitely helpful for them. Lesson to learn: Others' ideas might be just as good or better and to stay open minded. Famous 1's: Tom Hanks, Robert Redford, Hulk Hogan, Carol Burnett, Wynona Judd, Nancy Reagan, Raquel Welch. 2 - THE PEACEMAKER 2's are the born diplomats. They are aware of others' needs and moods and often think of others before themselves. Naturally analytical and very intuitive they don't like to be alone. Friendship and companionship is very important and can lead them to be successful in life, but on the other hand they'd rather be alone than in an uncomfortable relationship. Being naturally shy they should learn to boost their self-esteem and express themselves freely and seize the moment and not put things off. Famous 2's: President Bill Clinton, Madonna, Whoopee Goldberg, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. # 3 - THE LIFE OF THE PARTY 3's are idealists. They are very creative, social, charming, romantic, and easygoing. They start many things, but don't always see them through. They like others to be happy and go to great lengths to achieve it. They are very popular and idealistic. They should learn to see the world from a more realistic point of view. Famous 3's: Alan Alda, Ann Landers, Bill Cosby, Melanie Griffith, Salvador Dali, Jodi Foster. # 4 - THE CONSERVATIVE 4's are sensible and traditional. They like order and routine. They only act when they fully understand what they are expected to do. They like getting their hands dirty and working hard. They are attracted to the outdoors and feel an affinity with nature. They are prepared to wait and can be stubborn and persistent. They should learn to be more flexible and to be nice to themselves. Famous 4's: Neil Diamond, Margaret Thatcher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tina Turner, Paul Hogan, Oprah Winfrey. # 5 - THE NONCONFORMIST 5's are the explorers. Their natural curiosity, risk taking, and enthusiasm often land them in hot water. They need diversity, and don't like to be stuck in a rut. The whole world is their school and they see a learning possibility in every situation. The questions never stop. They are well advised to look before they take action and make sure they have all the facts before jumping to conclusions. Famous 5's: Abraham Lincoln, Charlotte Bronte, Jessica Walter,Vincent Van Gogh, Bette Midler, Helen Keller, and Mark Hamil. # 6 - THE ROMANTIC 6's are idealistic and need to feel useful to be happy. A strong family connection is important to them. Their actions influence their decisions. They have a strong urge to take care of others and to help. They are very loyal and make great teachers. They like art or music. They make loyal friends who take the friendship seriously. 6's should learn to differentiate between what they can change and what they cannot. Famous 6's: Albert Einstein, Jane Seymour, John Denver, Meryl Streep, Christopher Columbus, Goldie Hawn #7 - THE INTELLECTUAL 7's are the searchers. Always probing for hidden information, they find it difficult to accept things at face value. Emotions don't sway their decisions. Questioning everything in life, they don't like to be questioned themselves. They're never off to a fast start, and their motto is slow and steady wins the race. They come across as philosophers and being very knowledgeable, and sometimes as loners. They are technically inclined and make great researchers uncovering information. They like secrets. They live in their own world and should learn what is acceptable and what not in the world at large. Famous 7's: William Shakespeare, Lucille Ball, Michael Jackson, Joan Baez, Princess Diana # 8 - THE BIG SHOT 8's are the problem solvers. They are professional, blunt and to the point, have good judgment and are decisive. They have grand plans and like to live the good life. They take charge of people. They view people objectively. They let you know in no uncertain terms that they are the boss. They should learn to exude their decisions on their own needs rather than on what others want. Famous 8's: Edgar Cayce, Barbara Streisand, George Harrison, Jane Fonda, Pablo Picasso, Aretha Franklin, Nostrodamus #9 - THE PERFORMER 9's are natural entertainers. They are very caring and generous, giving away their last dollar to help. With their charm, they have no problem making friends and nobody is a stranger to them. They have so many different personalities that people around them have a hard time understanding them. They are like chameleons, ever changing and blending in. They have tremendous luck, but also can suffer from extremes in fortune and mood. To be successful, they need to build a loving foundation. Famous 9's: Albert Schweitzer, Shirley MacLaine, Harrison Ford, Jimmy Carter, Elvis Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.. "And that person was me.".....

Date October 13, 2003 From Beverly W ANGEL TAG In honor of Breast Cancer Month and those who have suffered, you have been tagged by an Angel...Angel Tag I'll just take it as a hint if I don't get this back. How many people actually have 5 true friends? Hardly anyone I know! But some of us have all right friends and good friends! You have been tagged by the Friendship Angel! (\o/) /_\ Which means! You are a great friend! If this was sent to you it means you are a good friend! In honor of Women's History Month and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer. IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER (By ERMA BOMBECK) I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the GOOD" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light! a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed! I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I wasn't there for the day. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment realizing that the wonderment growing inside me was The only chance in life to assist God in a miracle! When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner." There would have been more "I love you's" and more "I'm sorry's" but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.....look at it and really see it ... live it. And never give it back. Here is an angel sent to watch over you (\ /) ( \(_)/ ) (_/ \_) /___\ Pass this on to five women that you want watched over. If you don't know five women to pass this on to, one will do just fine. Have an awesome day, and know that someone who thinks you're great has thought about you today!.. "And that person was me.".....

Ten commandments In Cajun
---From Beverly W
Date 10/14/2003

Ten Commandments In Cajun

Turn up dem spekas, dis sum gooun musix and the graphicsare great! The Ten Commandments in Cajun... (Keeps it REAL Simple)

1. God is number one... and das' All. 2. Don't pray to nuttin' or nobody... jus' God. 3. Don't cuss nobody... 'specially da Good Lord.

4. When it be Sunday... pass yo'self by God's House. 5. Yo mama an' yo daddy dun did it all... lissen to dem.

6. Killin' duck an' fish, das' OK... people - No!

7. God done give you a wife...! sleep wit' jus' her. 8. Don't take nobody's boat... or nuttin' else.

9. Don't go wantin' somebody's stuff. 10. Stop lyin'... yo tongue gonna fall out yo mouf!

GOD LOVES YOU





101603

Brother Bob, Check this out. It has graves and stuff from Marblehead MA There are also a few other places. All the links do not work but most do for the Marblehead site. Boy! I think I am changing my attitude or becomming a weak wimp. I really feel terrible at the moment. Worse then when I was at the hospital. I can barely breath, and Things go black like I am passing out and the room spins like a top. It feel like it's 120 degrees in here. Gotta get my oxygen and breathing machine hooked together for a treatment. Then concentrate on shaking this DERN mood off. Can't let the devil win even one round. gotta do something fast. Talk at ya later this day. Even it is a message passed on by the boss. Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy GOD Bless You and Yours !! Pappy !!! http://www.oldburialhill.org/resources/links.html ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Brother Bob, Check this out. It has graves and stuff from Marblehead MA There are also a few other places. All the links do not work but most do for the Marblehead site. Boy! I think I am changing my attitude or becomming a weak wimp. I really feel terrible at the moment. Worse then when I was at the hospital. I can barely breath, and Things go black like I am passing out and the room spins like a top. It feel like it's 120 degrees in here. Gotta get my oxygen and breathing machine hooked together for a treatment. Then concentrate on shaking this DERN mood off. Can't let the devil win even one round. gotta do something fast. Talk at ya later this day. Even it is a message passed on by the boss. Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy GOD Bless You and Yours !! Pappy !!! http://www.oldburialhill.org/resources/links.html &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& If God brings me to it, he will bring me through it (((((((((((((((((((( GOOD MORNING BROTHER BOB !!!! I made 4 people happy already today and now I feel TERRIFIC. The LORD made my day bright and the sun is still sound asleep. This is the day that the LORD hath made. REJOYCE and be HAPPY HAPPY !! I am so Happy I just needed to tell someone. Hope I didn't bend your ear to fearfully. But when the LORD makes ya HAPPY you are HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY. I am almost so happy I could kiss a skunk. But I don't aim to go a looking. PRAISE the LORD Pappy Something great must be on it's way. I ain't felt this in a long time. JUMP and SHOUT LEAP for JOY. Maybe we can start something really big. satan is over due for a trip to the wood shed. So let's make it happen. Can ya feel THE LORD here ? ************************ GOOD MORINING TO ALL This Shiite bussiness is nothing new to me. Why I remember when I was 6 or 7 dealing with shiite. My uncle that raised me at bout 200 or so chickens. The yard they were penned up in was always full of shiite. The chicken coop had to be shoveled twice a year. We had piles and piles of shiite. Great for the garden. So what all the fuss about. Grab a shovel and get busy. Pappy ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ GOOD MORINING TO ALL This Shiite bussiness is nothing new to me. Why I remember when I was 6 or 7 dealing with shiite. My uncle that raised me at bout 200 or so chickens. The yard they were penned up in was always full of shiite. The chicken coop had to be shoveled twice a year. We had piles and piles of shiite. Great for the garden. So what all the fuss about. Grab a shovel and get busy. Pappy %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%5 Through, under, over or around it . . . just get us past it :-) ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Robert Ray Haymaker Sr. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2003 4:38 AM If God brings me to it, he will bring me through it ||||||||||||||||| GOOD MORINING TO ALL This Shiite bussiness is nothing new to me. Why I remember when I was 6 or 7 dealing with shiite. My uncle that raised me at bout 200 or so chickens. The yard they were penned up in was always full of shiite. The chicken coop had to be shoveled twice a year. We had piles and piles of shiite. Great for the garden. So what all the fuss about. Grab a shovel and get busy. Pappy ++++++++++++++++++++++++== Brother Bob, What do ya make of this Laus Deo "Praise be to God." Pappy http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm

Check This Link Out ~ Pappy (Above)



Check Out On A Rock

If God brings me to it, he will bring me through it ---- Here is the new postage stamp that will be issued in September. Isn't it awesome? READ AND RETURN May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. "I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly." Just send this to (4) people and see what happens on the fourth day. Do not break this, please. ---Beverly W Sent October 16, 2003

New 911 Postage Stamp

Hi again, Pastor Stephen I see that my earlier Email didn't present our URL to link to our <crest.gif> banner. The "PageOfBlessings" would be OK for now. It links to all that we are about and working on. Again, Blessings in Christ Jesus. ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Pastor Stephen Sent: Monday, October 20, 2003 10:58 AM Subject: Re: God bless you webmaster! Greetings in our Lords name, Jesus Christ! I feel so honored and humbled that you would present me with these awards. I shall strive to continue to do what God gives me strength to present on our Web Site, Craig Pages. We do have a banner that is used on most all of our pages. It is the Craig Clan Crest with the words written, "Clan Craig Motto ~ Living For God ~". I will attach the ‘crest.gif’ file here. My prayer today is that God will continue to bless you as you have blessed this old man by encouraging him to continue to do all possible to present Christ Crucified and the way to salvation through Him alone. What is the proper way to display these awards? May I create an "Awards" page and use your Lighthouse background and place the images linked to you or the one provided below? This is a first for me so I need your suggestions. Blessings, and warm regards, Bob Craig PS: Do you have a banner I could use to post a link to your site? ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Pastor Stephen To: Bob Craig Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 10:41 PM Subject: Re: God bless you webmaster! Greetings again in the name of Our Lord! I am honored to present to you ,His servant on the web,these awards that God has blessed me with to present. Your site is such an inspiration and blessing and I greatly do appreciate your allowing God to use you as His .All glory,honor and praise go to the Lord . Please feel free to link the awards if you choose to http://clik.to/hosea Also,if you have a banner or just wish to be added to God's ministry link page,please email the banner or link to me and I will add it for you.That's all that is required and I ask nothing in return. May God bless you and kno I am praying for you and your ministry and your family as God uses you on the web! Blessing to overflowing! Anointed blessings! Pastor Stephen Hosea Shelter Intercessors Prayer Network http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com Ringmaster of The Evangelical Webring http://dokimos.org/evangelical/rings.html Ringmaster of The Holy Bible Webring http://dokimos.org/holybible/index.html Ringmaster Of The Holy Trinity Webring http://dokimos.org/trinity/index.html Hosea:Intercessors Of Prayer Warriors is in ministry partnership with dokimos http://www.dokimos.org and: Hearts For Christ Ministries http://www.hearts-for-christ-ministries.org Bethesda House of Grace http://iam.homewithgod.com/bethog City of Faith Hope Love http://www.cityoffaithhopelove.com The Shepherd's Voice http://dokimos.org/shepherdsvoice Lights For Christ http://lightsforchrist.us Jennifer's Sanctuary http://heavenmist.net ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: Pastor Stephen Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2003 9:55 PM Subject: Re: God bless you webmaster! Thank you for your visit to our site. We have never had an offer to receive an award and are delighted you would think our work worthy. Ironically, I just sent the following URL to some close friends in Christ. I am sending it on to you. It holds a very special meaning to me and I hope your are as blessed by reading it as I have been resurrecting it out of some old sermon notes. I shall also visit your sight. I know by the image to the left of the light-house that your pages offer inspiration and warmth. God bless you in all that you do in Jesus name. Bob Craig God's Blessings URL: http://craigpages3.100megsfree5.com/sermons/GodSoLoved.html ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: Pastor Stephen To: reneen@rcog.us Sent: Saturday, October 18, 2003 5:39 PM Subject: God bless you webmaster! Truly blessed and anointed servant of God, I have been blessed and anointed by God's love and His Holy Spirit with my visit to your site! I thank God He is using you in such an awesome impact on the web and I will be praying for you as you serve Him. I would like to present some awards,if you accept awards,if you will email me.Also,please feel free to visit God's ministry I am led to do as well. http://clik.to/hosea God bless! Anointed blessings! Pastor Stephen Hosea Shelter Intercessors Prayer Network http://hoseaintercessorswarriors.bravepages.com Ringmaster of The Evangelical Webring http://dokimos.org/evangelical/rings.html Ringmaster of The Holy Bible Webring http://dokimos.org/holybible/index.html Ringmaster Of The Holy Trinity Webring http://dokimos.org/trinity/index.html Hosea:Intercessors Of Prayer Warriors is in ministry partnership with dokimos http://www.dokimos.org and: Hearts For Christ Ministries http://www.hearts-for-christ-ministries.org Bethesda House of Grace http://iam.homewithgod.com/bethog City of Faith Hope Love http://www.cityoffaithhopelove.com The Shepherd's Voice http://dokimos.org/shepherdsvoice Lights For Christ http://lightsforchrist.us Jennifer's Sanctuary http://heavenmist.net
Images associated with the Award Presented above:

Message dated: October 19, 2003; 15:02 EST I like your site very much. In doing genealogical research I discovered that I had Craig in my lineage. As a Christian, I especially like the Clan Craig motto about living for God. My Craig connection is my ggg grandmother Janet Craig who married James Allison in Scotland. Their son John ended up being an anointed preacher in the Church of Scotland, so may well have had a good Christian heritage through his mother Janet. Thanks Sincerely, Richard Steel My personal Christian website: http://www.7life.co.uk

URL: Richard Steel Web Site

October 21, 2003 ~ BravePages Tips • Use common names for your page links such as “Home”, “Contact Us”, and “Help” etc. that are easily recognized and understood. The easier it is for you visitor to find their way around the longer they are likely to stay. • Make use of anchor tags within longer pages that will allow visitors to return to the top of the page with a simple click. eg.<a name="top"> would go at the very top of your page and <a href="#top">go to the top</a>. As a good rule of thumb, if you can click “page down” key on your computer more than three times to reach the bottom of the page, it is probably best to break that page into several, smaller pages. • If you wish to use media such as Flash, etc. it would be a good idea to offer regular HTML pages for those that want or need a faster loading version of your site. • Ensure you link your site’s logo to your homepage and ensure you have a regular link on every page of your website back to the homepage. eg.<a href="index.html"><img src="images/sitelogo.gif" border="0"></a> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you are looking for ways to ensure the page your visitors see is the latest version or if you wish to have your visitors redirected to another page, here are a few methods you can use. 1. Refresh/Update the same Page: Between the <head> and </head> tags in your source code add <meta http-equiv=refresh content=60> Edit "60" to the number of seconds you would like to wait before the page reloads. Another common method of doing this is by placing this meta tag between <head> and </head> tags in your source code. <meta http-equiv="Pragma" content="no-cache"> 2. Redirecting to another page: Between the <head> and </head> tags in your source code add <meta http-equiv="refresh" content="1; url=http://www.anothersite.com/"> Then between the <body> and </body> tags in your source code add If the new site doesn't load, go here. <a href="http://www.anothersite.com/">Visit www.anothersite.com</a> You can also use Javascript for this purpose. Between the <head> and </head> tags in your source code add <script language="javascript"> <!-- var time = null function move() { window.location = 'http://www.anothersite.com' } //--> </script> Then replace the body tag with this <body onload="timer=setTimeout('move()',3000)"> where 3000 is the time in milliseconds before the redirect happens. 3. Have you ever opened a link and found the browser window needs to be maximized? This can be worked around with a simple, but effective javascript you can place on your page. If you put this code into the <HEAD> section of your page, whenever the page is loaded, it will automatically force the browser to open to the maximum available area on a user's screen. <SCRIPT language="javascript"> top.window.moveTo(0,0); top.window.resizeTo(screen.availWidth,screen.availHeight); </SCRIPT> Protect your Email Address Spammers use a number of methods to collect email addresses off the Web. One common method is to use "harvesting software" to extract email addresses from websites. These types of software spider the Internet for the sole purpose of finding and collecting email addresses. The simplest solution to prevent your email address from being harvested from your website is to remove all email addresses from all of your web pages. This is the most extreme solution, but if you need to get your visitors to send you information, then use a form (these cannot be harvested by spammers as long as the email address is not part of the form itself - the Bravenet email form service is ideal for this purpose). If you don't put your email addresses directly on your site, then the spammers cannot get it using their harvesters. If you still want to have your email address on your website, you can use a javascript like this to break up the address in to small pieces that are assembled again in your visitor's browser. While this isn't a guaranteed fool-proof method, it is an effective one in most cases. See in Next Text Box

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="javascript"> var first = 'ma'; var second = 'il'; var third = 'to:'; // example: user554554 var address = 'tips'; // example: hotmail var domain = 'bravenet'; var ext = 'com'; document.write('<a href="'); document.write(first+second+third); document.write(address); document.write('@'); document.write(domain); document.write('.'); document.write(ext); document.write('">'); document.write('Email Me!</a>'); </script>

----- Original Message ----- From: Beverly W. To: Undisclosed-Recipient:; Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2003 8:39 AM Subject: THIS IS THE BEST EMAIL I'VE EVER READ - THINK ABOUT IT THIS IS THE BEST EMAIL I'VE EVER READ It's a Wednesday night and you are at a church prayer meeting when somebody runs in from the parking lot yelling, "Turn on a radio, turn on a radio!" And while the church listens to a little transistor radio with a microphone stuck up to it, the announcement is made: "Two women are lying in a Long Island hospital dying from a 'mystery' flu." Within hours it seems, this thing just sweeps across the country. People are working around the clock trying to find an antidote. Nothing is working! California, Oregon, Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts. It's as though it's just sweeping in from the borders. And then, all of a sudden, the news comes out. The code has been broken. A cure can be found. A vaccine can be made. It's going to take the blood of somebody who hasn't been infected, and so, sure enough,all through the Midwest, through all those channels of emergency broadcasting, everyone is asked to do one simple thing: Go to your downtown hospital and have your blood type taken. That's all we ask of you. When you hear the sirens go off in your neighborhood, please make your way quickly, quietly, and safely to the hospitals. Sure enough, when you and your family get down there late on that Friday night, there is a long line, and they've got nurses and doctors coming out and pricking fingers and taking blood and putting labels on it. Your wife and your kids are out there, and they take your blood type and they say, "Wait here in the parking lot and if we call your name, you can be dismissed and go home." You stand around, scared, with your neighbors, wondering what in the world is going on and if this is the end of the world. Suddenly a young man comes running out of the hospital screaming. He's yelling a name and waving a clipboard. What? He yells it again! And your son tugs on your jacket and says, "Daddy, that's me." Before you know it, they have grabbed your boy. Wait a minute! Hold on! And they say, "It's okay, his blood is clean. His blood is pure. We want to make sure he doesn't have the disease. We think he has got the right type." Five tense minutes later, out come the doctors and nurses, crying and hugging one another ... some are even laughing. It's the first time you have seen anybody laugh in a week, and an old doctor walks up to you and says, "Thank you, sir. Your son's blood type is perfect. It's clean, it is pure, and we can make the vaccine." As the word begins to spread all across that parking lot full of folks, people are screaming and praying and laughing and crying. Then the gray-haired doctor pulls you and your wife aside and says, "May we see you for moment? We didn't realize that the donor would be a minor and we need ....... we need you to sign a consent form." You begin to sign and then you see that the number of pints of blood to be taken has been left blank. "H-how many pints?", you ask. And that is when the old doctor's smile fades and he says, "We had no idea it would be little child. We weren't prepared. I'm sorry sir, we need it all!" "But but .. You don't understand." "We are talking about the world here. Please sign. We need it all!" "But can't you give him a transfusion?" "If we had clean blood we would. Can you sign? Would you sign?" In numb silence, you do. Then they say, "Would you like to have a moment with him before we begin?" Can you walk back? Can you walk back to that room where he sits on a table saying, "Daddy? Mommy? What's going on?" Can you take his hands and say, "Son, your mommy and I love you, and we would never ever let anything happen to you that didn't just have to be. Do you understand that?" And when that old doctor comes back in and says, "I'm sorry, we've GOT to get started! People all over the world are dying. Can you leave?" Can you walk out while he is saying, "Daddy? Mommy? Daddy? "Why, why have you forsaken me?" And then next week, when they have the ceremony to honor your son some folks sleep through it ... some folks don't even come because they go to the lake or the seashore ... some folks come with a pretentious smile and just "pretend" to care. Would you want to jump up and say, "MY SON DIED FOR YOU! DON'T YOU CARE?" Is that what GOD wants to say? "MY SON DIED FOR YOU. DON'T YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I CARE?" "FATHER, Seeing it from YOUR eyes breaks our hearts. Maybe now we can begin to comprehend the great Love YOU have for us." *You can now spread the GOSPEL ..... or just delete this email. If you are not ashamed of GOD or what HE has done for you pass this on. A friend is someone who fills our lives with Beauty, Joy and Grace and makes the world we live in a better and happier place. A very intersting exchange:

Sola Scriptura? And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25 Although God’s word has never stated that the place and position in the church of Jesus Christ today of Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, healing and tongues, has ceased because the church has not ceased, fallible false men have dispensed with such things. Then these same fallible men or church fathers (The Romans Church sees the Fathers as the successors of the apostles, the closest source to the apostolic teaching and tradition, and therefore authoritative) canonized the scriptures and they became what we know as the bible. (Mind you the Protestant Bible has fewer books than the Catholic Bible.) For some Christians the Church Fathers are a wonderful source of rich and rewarding material. But they cannot be read uncritically. It is obvious from the New Testament that doctrinal confusion, legalism, sacerdotalism, and gnostic error found their way into the church even before the canon was closed. The writings of the Church Fathers were not free from such influences. Moreover, the next three centuries after the original apostles died there were a long chronicle of doctrinal conflict, and these men whom we call Church Fathers did not always agree with one another. Yet these men canonized the infallible scriptures and we can trust them with our lives? (Mind you while Jesus taught us to trust the Old Testament Scriptures and the person of the Holy Spirit, He never told us to trust the New Testament or that He would cause one to be written?) Sola Scriptura is Latin for "Scripture alone" or "only Scripture." The doctrine carries with it approximately two connotations. First, by way imposing the least controversial feature, it is that the Bible is materially sufficient (totum in Scriptura) for guiding all matters of doctrine and religious practice. The doctrine of sola Scriptura suggests that the Scriptures are formally sufficient. The Bible serves as the (i) exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material, and (ii) the sufficient source of infallible doctrinal material. At this point it is incumbent upon me to qualify this definition so that no misunderstanding will result. Sola Scriptura is temporally contingent in that it is a post-Apostolic doctrine following the era of inscripturation. (3) The Bible affirms that Scripture is the sufficient and exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material. (a) In the much celebrated passage in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the Apostle Paul's dynamic words to Timothy about the nature of written revelation: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV). All those who are born again and filled with the Spirit of God are an epistle of Christ, ministered by others, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. So Paul’s epistles to specific church are not unique nor outstanding nor are they to be used as a general prescription to make general doctrines. Rather we are all to be dependent on the Holy Spirit who created us to be epistles, empowered Paul to write his epistles and empowers us to do the same! "What does the Bible is inspired mean?" is a question theologians and bible scholars have debated for centuries. The problem lies in what we know experientially by human reason apart from divine revelation. As Christians, we look to the Scriptures for truth and understanding, but always with dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our own reasoning and intellect. Some believe that God dictated to the individual writers what they should say, but that His Holy Spirit so guided and controlled the writers that what they wrote was true and was the particular truth that God wanted to be communicated to His people. God allowed the writers to use their own intellects, language, and style, but when they wrote, His Holy Spirit supernaturally kept their writing free from error and rendered it the exact truth which God wanted conveyed down through the ages. The Bible thus becomes a unit, parts of which cannot be cut off without irreparable injury to the whole. Hence we have in Christianity fundamental Christians who advocate the “Divine plenary Verbal Inspiration” of scriptures. "Plenary" means full and complete, "ALL scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16) - that is all scripture that can be called "scripture", critically careful to include minute details. "Verbal" means that the very words of the scripture were given to the writers, and not just the ideas they convey. In other words in theory the writers were not left to choose the words. At the same time God did not destroy or ignore their different personalities. The writings of Paul may differ in style from the writings of John or James. However the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth with the words of his mouth gave his words through men, using their individual personalities and traits without changing the doctrine or the truth that these are the very words that proceedeth out of his mouth. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) But in reality did the words that Paul write proceed from God? The problem with ‘Verbal Inspiration’ of scriptures is that it sounds wonderful in theory but in fact we do not have any original manuscripts to show what the very words of the scripture were given to the writers of the New Testament. Paul wrote his epistles in Hebrew and Luke translated them into Greek. And it's a fact that things always get lost in the translation process. However we are told we have to accept all of this by faith? But the reality is that both the Greek and King James versions of the bible have words that mean different things to different folks, leaving only the Holy Spirit to convey to each person the ideas that He was conveying through the scriptures? The expression "Thus saith the Lord" or "The Lord spake saying" and similar phrases occur some 560 times in the Pentateuch, some 300 times in the historical and poetic books, 1200 times in the prophets and 24 times alone in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. But Apostle Paul never used in his epistles the phrase “thus says the Lord” especially when talking about that women are not allowed to speak or will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control? (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Catholics and Protestants all agree that the Scriptures are theopneustos or "God-breathed." This gives divine significance to the Apostolic message. But there are two extremes about Scriptures in Christianity. The Protestant Church today is a book-worshipper. It makes a fetish out of a book. The Catholics are little for the Bible, and ever have. They say, "Take away the whole book if you like, and the church will still remain in all its power. The book is the creation of the church, not the church the creation of the book." The Protestants, finding themselves confronted with an infallible church, had to oppose it with an infallible book. And they made a book infallible, which before had not been considered so. And well they might for they were compelled to. It is commonly the case that the overthrow of one superstition is only accomplished by the establishment of another in its place. The Catholics had the prestige of antiquity, and of being considered the only true Church of God, and they threatened with eternal damnation every man who followed Luther. The masses of the people of the North, ignorant and superstitious, were naturally terrified by the awful threat, and the only wonder is that they ever challenged this religious juggernaut. To meet the challenge, Luther, Calvin, and others said that the Bible was "supernaturally inspired." The origin of the books having been forgotten, men, credulous and in trouble, came to think that because the books were written of God they were written by God. The reformers declared that the Bible and not the church was the sole source of authority. This succeeded, and the decrees of the Vatican were answered by such reasoning by the Protestants. The doctrine of the divine and infallible inspiration of the New Testament spread as did the military advances through Europe. Hence we had the following ridiculous decree, adopted by the Calvinistic council of Switzerland in 1675 A. D.: "Almighty God not only provided that His word, which is the power of every one who believes, should be committed to writing through Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, but also has watched over it with a fatherly care up to the present time, and guarded it lest it might be corrupted by the craft of Satan or any fraud of men...The Hebrew volume of the Old Testament, which we have received from tradition of the Jewish church, to which formerly the oracles of God were committed, and retain at the present day, both in its contents and in its vowels, the points themselves, or at least the force of the points, and both in its substance and its words is divinely inspired, so that, together with the volume of the New Testament, is the single and uncorrupted rule of our faith and life, by whose standard, as by a touchstone, all versions which exist, whether Eastern or Western, must be tried, and whenever they vary, be made conformable to it" (Neimeyer, Collection Confessionum, p. 730). But nothing could be further from the truth for we have three things indicate the grim ferocity of this dogma: 1. It says the God has guarded the Bible from corruption; yet Griesbach collected one hundred and fifty thousand various readings in the New Testament manuscripts alone (B. A. Hinsdale, M.A., Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels, Cincinnati, 1872 ,p. 130), the greater part of which must, of course, be corruptions, since there can be but one correct reading for any passage. 2. It says the vowels were inspired, whereas the ancient Hebrew literature had no vowels. 3. It says that the vowel-points were inspired; whereas they did not come into use until the seventh century after Jesus, and were not perfected until four centuries later. This last article is a relic of that ancient belief that the translators, the copyists, and all the men who had aught to do with the transmission of the Bible from century to century, were inspired. It is to be noted that the words of Jesus were authoritative in the Church from the first, and scanty attention is paid to the words or works of Jesus in the earliest Christian writings, Paul's letters, the later Epistles, Hebrews, Revelation, and even Acts have little to report about them. The New Testament, as we have it, is much more dominated by Paul. Although Jesus Christ is center of attention in the gospels, Paul’s views and opinions about others dominate most of the epistles. Its unfortunate the Apostle Paul, the great propagator of the Christian faith, fails to pay more attention to the words of Jesus and their application in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result many Christian fundamentalists seem to worship and follow the words of Paul rather than Jesus Christ. One of the main problems with man is that he does not read nor know the Word of God. Then when he does read it, he does not allow the Holy Spirit to teach and show them the true meaning and truths in the word of God. Rather he leans to the presumed half truths that others have taught him and which do not work any way when tested in the fires of life. Only the Holy Spirit who is the author, inspirer and interpreter of the Word of God is the one who is capable for revealing truth and its true meaning. With out the Holy Spirit insights it’s not only a waste of time to interpret the word but extremely dangerous. For as any good navigator knows off reading charts, an inch off on the chart could have disastrous results and end up being miles off. Jesus clearly stated that He would send the Spirit of truth to His own: "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:15-21 For those who truly love Jesus and keep His words and commandments, the Father would give another Helper the Spirit of truth who will abide with them for ever and He will love them. For those who would abide in Him, Jesus would also love them and manifest Himself to them and by the Holy Spirit He will talk to them and tell them of things to come. God’s word records: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit would make the Word of God real to God’s people so that what Jesus said would be true: But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:4 Man is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and made real by the Holy Spirit. It must be a Rhema word and not just a logos word. So that the Word of God will be fulfilled: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. "Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. Deuteronomy 28:1-10 Editor’s note: In that last three hundred years denominationalists have made Paul's epistles to be at the same level or above the words and teachings of Jesus in the gospel. Paul's epistles were written for a specific date and time and are not general epistles with general applications as applied by man. God has others writing specific epistles for today's generation. It is a fact that many of today’s Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptists know more about Paul's teaching than the teaching of Jesus ignoring some very important verses in the gospels: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-6 Being poor in spirit means lacking the Holy Spirit and without being filled with the Spirit no one shall have the kingdom of heaven. And that is why Jesus stated: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 It's a fact that many Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptist use the canonization of scripture to deny the Baptism of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit based on: Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it ill vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The PERFECT being in their carnal thinking the bible. How foolish can you be and still breathe and deny what God has never denied but rather confirmed? Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 When the church of Jesus Christ ceases on earth then Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit will have ceased and Jesus Christ would have returned! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ There is never too many words or deeds as far as God is concerned! Check out A LAWYER EXAMINES THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY John Warwick Montgomery is Professor of Apologetics and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, UK and Europe, Trinity College and Theological Seminary (Indiana); Senior Counsel, European Centre for Law and Justice; and Emeritus Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Luton (England). Professor Montgomery holds ten earned degrees, including the LL.B.; LL.M. from Cardiff University, Wales; the A.B. with distinction in Philosophy (Cornell University; Phi Beta Kappa); B.L.S. and M.A. (University of California at Berkeley); B.D. and S.T.M. (Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio); M. Phil. in Law (University of Essex, England); Ph.D. (Univeristy of Chicago), and the Doctorat d'Université from Strasbourg, France. Before moving to the United Kingdom, he served on the faculty of the University of Chicago and was Chairman of the Department of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: josephine_melrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:43 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Having very little to go on in order to determine the "Who, What, Why, When or Where" of this article I can only come up with, "So?" Would I likely trust what God has given yesterday, or would I prefer to place Eternity in the hands of today's politically correct crowd? I think / know in whom I have believed and realize that we are challenged to believe as little children to find eternity. Too many words in this article. A difficult read . . . Bob Craig ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: josephine_melrose To: rcraig5@cox.net Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:21 AM Subject: Sola Scriptura? Sola Scriptura? And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25 Although God’s word has never stated that the place and position in the church of Jesus Christ today of Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, healing and tongues, has ceased because the church has not ceased, fallible false men have dispensed with such things. Then these same fallible men or church fathers (The Romans Church sees the Fathers as the successors of the apostles, the closest source to the apostolic teaching and tradition, and therefore authoritative) canonized the scriptures and they became what we know as the bible. (Mind you the Protestant Bible has fewer books than the Catholic Bible.) For some Christians the Church Fathers are a wonderful source of rich and rewarding material. But they cannot be read uncritically. It is obvious from the New Testament that doctrinal confusion, legalism, sacerdotalism, and gnostic error found their way into the church even before the canon was closed. The writings of the Church Fathers were not free from such influences. Moreover, the next three centuries after the original apostles died there were a long chronicle of doctrinal conflict, and these men whom we call Church Fathers did not always agree with one another. Yet these men canonized the infallible scriptures and we can trust them with our lives? (Mind you while Jesus taught us to trust the Old Testament Scriptures and the person of the Holy Spirit, He never told us to trust the New Testament or that He would cause one to be written?) Sola Scriptura is Latin for "Scripture alone" or "only Scripture." The doctrine carries with it approximately two connotations. First, by way imposing the least controversial feature, it is that the Bible is materially sufficient (totum in Scriptura) for guiding all matters of doctrine and religious practice. The doctrine of sola Scriptura suggests that the Scriptures are formally sufficient. The Bible serves as the (i) exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material, and (ii) the sufficient source of infallible doctrinal material. At this point it is incumbent upon me to qualify this definition so that no misunderstanding will result. Sola Scriptura is temporally contingent in that it is a post-Apostolic doctrine following the era of inscripturation. (3) The Bible affirms that Scripture is the sufficient and exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material. (a) In the much celebrated passage in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the Apostle Paul's dynamic words to Timothy about the nature of written revelation: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV). All those who are born again and filled with the Spirit of God are an epistle of Christ, ministered by others, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. So Paul’s epistles to specific church are not unique nor outstanding nor are they to be used as a general prescription to make general doctrines. Rather we are all to be dependent on the Holy Spirit who created us to be epistles, empowered Paul to write his epistles and empowers us to do the same! "What does the Bible is inspired mean?" is a question theologians and bible scholars have debated for centuries. The problem lies in what we know experientially by human reason apart from divine revelation. As Christians, we look to the Scriptures for truth and understanding, but always with dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our own reasoning and intellect. Some believe that God dictated to the individual writers what they should say, but that His Holy Spirit so guided and controlled the writers that what they wrote was true and was the particular truth that God wanted to be communicated to His people. God allowed the writers to use their own intellects, language, and style, but when they wrote, His Holy Spirit supernaturally kept their writing free from error and rendered it the exact truth which God wanted conveyed down through the ages. The Bible thus becomes a unit, parts of which cannot be cut off without irreparable injury to the whole. Hence we have in Christianity fundamental Christians who advocate the “Divine plenary Verbal Inspiration” of scriptures. "Plenary" means full and complete, "ALL scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16) - that is all scripture that can be called "scripture", critically careful to include minute details. "Verbal" means that the very words of the scripture were given to the writers, and not just the ideas they convey. In other words in theory the writers were not left to choose the words. At the same time God did not destroy or ignore their different personalities. The writings of Paul may differ in style from the writings of John or James. However the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth with the words of his mouth gave his words through men, using their individual personalities and traits without changing the doctrine or the truth that these are the very words that proceedeth out of his mouth. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) But in reality did the words that Paul write proceed from God? The problem with ‘Verbal Inspiration’ of scriptures is that it sounds wonderful in theory but in fact we do not have any original manuscripts to show what the very words of the scripture were given to the writers of the New Testament. Paul wrote his epistles in Hebrew and Luke translated them into Greek. And it's a fact that things always get lost in the translation process. However we are told we have to accept all of this by faith? But the reality is that both the Greek and King James versions of the bible have words that mean different things to different folks, leaving only the Holy Spirit to convey to each person the ideas that He was conveying through the scriptures? The expression "Thus saith the Lord" or "The Lord spake saying" and similar phrases occur some 560 times in the Pentateuch, some 300 times in the historical and poetic books, 1200 times in the prophets and 24 times alone in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. But Apostle Paul never used in his epistles the phrase “thus says the Lord” especially when talking about that women are not allowed to speak or will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control? (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Catholics and Protestants all agree that the Scriptures are theopneustos or "God-breathed." This gives divine significance to the Apostolic message. But there are two extremes about Scriptures in Christianity. The Protestant Church today is a book-worshipper. It makes a fetish out of a book. The Catholics are little for the Bible, and ever have. They say, "Take away the whole book if you like, and the church will still remain in all its power. The book is the creation of the church, not the church the creation of the book." The Protestants, finding themselves confronted with an infallible church, had to oppose it with an infallible book. And they made a book infallible, which before had not been considered so. And well they might for they were compelled to. It is commonly the case that the overthrow of one superstition is only accomplished by the establishment of another in its place. The Catholics had the prestige of antiquity, and of being considered the only true Church of God, and they threatened with eternal damnation every man who followed Luther. The masses of the people of the North, ignorant and superstitious, were naturally terrified by the awful threat, and the only wonder is that they ever challenged this religious juggernaut. To meet the challenge, Luther, Calvin, and others said that the Bible was "supernaturally inspired." The origin of the books having been forgotten, men, credulous and in trouble, came to think that because the books were written of God they were written by God. The reformers declared that the Bible and not the church was the sole source of authority. This succeeded, and the decrees of the Vatican were answered by such reasoning by the Protestants. The doctrine of the divine and infallible inspiration of the New Testament spread as did the military advances through Europe. Hence we had the following ridiculous decree, adopted by the Calvinistic council of Switzerland in 1675 A. D.: "Almighty God not only provided that His word, which is the power of every one who believes, should be committed to writing through Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, but also has watched over it with a fatherly care up to the present time, and guarded it lest it might be corrupted by the craft of Satan or any fraud of men...The Hebrew volume of the Old Testament, which we have received from tradition of the Jewish church, to which formerly the oracles of God were committed, and retain at the present day, both in its contents and in its vowels, the points themselves, or at least the force of the points, and both in its substance and its words is divinely inspired, so that, together with the volume of the New Testament, is the single and uncorrupted rule of our faith and life, by whose standard, as by a touchstone, all versions which exist, whether Eastern or Western, must be tried, and whenever they vary, be made conformable to it" (Neimeyer, Collection Confessionum, p. 730). But nothing could be further from the truth for we have three things indicate the grim ferocity of this dogma: 1. It says the God has guarded the Bible from corruption; yet Griesbach collected one hundred and fifty thousand various readings in the New Testament manuscripts alone (B. A. Hinsdale, M.A., Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels, Cincinnati, 1872 ,p. 130), the greater part of which must, of course, be corruptions, since there can be but one correct reading for any passage. 2. It says the vowels were inspired, whereas the ancient Hebrew literature had no vowels. 3. It says that the vowel-points were inspired; whereas they did not come into use until the seventh century after Jesus, and were not perfected until four centuries later. This last article is a relic of that ancient belief that the translators, the copyists, and all the men who had aught to do with the transmission of the Bible from century to century, were inspired. It is to be noted that the words of Jesus were authoritative in the Church from the first, and scanty attention is paid to the words or works of Jesus in the earliest Christian writings, Paul's letters, the later Epistles, Hebrews, Revelation, and even Acts have little to report about them. The New Testament, as we have it, is much more dominated by Paul. Although Jesus Christ is center of attention in the gospels, Paul’s views and opinions about others dominate most of the epistles. Its unfortunate the Apostle Paul, the great propagator of the Christian faith, fails to pay more attention to the words of Jesus and their application in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result many Christian fundamentalists seem to worship and follow the words of Paul rather than Jesus Christ. One of the main problems with man is that he does not read nor know the Word of God. Then when he does read it, he does not allow the Holy Spirit to teach and show them the true meaning and truths in the word of God. Rather he leans to the presumed half truths that others have taught him and which do not work any way when tested in the fires of life. Only the Holy Spirit who is the author, inspirer and interpreter of the Word of God is the one who is capable for revealing truth and its true meaning. With out the Holy Spirit insights it’s not only a waste of time to interpret the word but extremely dangerous. For as any good navigator knows off reading charts, an inch off on the chart could have disastrous results and end up being miles off. Jesus clearly stated that He would send the Spirit of truth to His own: "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:15-21 For those who truly love Jesus and keep His words and commandments, the Father would give another Helper the Spirit of truth who will abide with them for ever and He will love them. For those who would abide in Him, Jesus would also love them and manifest Himself to them and by the Holy Spirit He will talk to them and tell them of things to come. God’s word records: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit would make the Word of God real to God’s people so that what Jesus said would be true: But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:4 Man is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and made real by the Holy Spirit. It must be a Rhema word and not just a logos word. So that the Word of God will be fulfilled: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. "Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. Deuteronomy 28:1-10 Editor’s note: In that last three hundred years denominationalists have made Paul's epistles to be at the same level or above the words and teachings of Jesus in the gospel. Paul's epistles were written for a specific date and time and are not general epistles with general applications as applied by man. God has others writing specific epistles for today's generation. It is a fact that many of today’s Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptists know more about Paul's teaching than the teaching of Jesus ignoring some very important verses in the gospels: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-6 Being poor in spirit means lacking the Holy Spirit and without being filled with the Spirit no one shall have the kingdom of heaven. And that is why Jesus stated: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 It's a fact that many Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptist use the canonization of scripture to deny the Baptism of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit based on: Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it ill vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The PERFECT being in their carnal thinking the bible. How foolish can you be and still breathe and deny what God has never denied but rather confirmed? Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 When the church of Jesus Christ ceases on earth then Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit will have ceased and Jesus Christ would have returned! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I have a problem with the fact that Jesus never said when He would go away and send back Pastors and Preachers and the Greek Version of the bible that would lead and guide us into all truth! Rather He said the Holy Spirit would lead and guide us into all truth! I have a problem with the fact that as per Deuteronomy 28 and Revelation 2:7 ,2:11,2:17. 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, & 3:22, our blessing or cursing is dependent on our real ability to hear and head the voice of God and most Christians ignore these facts. I have a problem with an idiot this morning who told me that based on Pauline doctrines a woman cannot teach a men and that she is only saved by childbirth. (Yes, it's true that a woman saved the world by giving birth to Jesus and in Christ there is no male or female and woe to those who say otherwise.) ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: JosephineMelrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 1:05 PM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Again, I say "Wordy." and I get more words. I would have to be convinced that my salvation was in jeopardy because of my undying faith in the Inspired Words of my God to explore this any further. I have already seen what these 'latter day re-interprets would do to our hymnals and Scriptures to be convinced there is a problem with Scripture (Old or New). Indeed, what part of (what I understand to be Scripture) don't you like, or have a problem with? Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: JosephineMelrose To: Bob Craig Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:58 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? There is never too many words or deeds as far as God is concerned! Check out A LAWYER EXAMINES THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY John Warwick Montgomery is Professor of Apologetics and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, UK and Europe, Trinity College and Theological Seminary (Indiana); Senior Counsel, European Centre for Law and Justice; and Emeritus Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Luton (England). Professor Montgomery holds ten earned degrees, including the LL.B.; LL.M. from Cardiff University, Wales; the A.B. with distinction in Philosophy (Cornell University; Phi Beta Kappa); B.L.S. and M.A. (University of California at Berkeley); B.D. and S.T.M. (Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio); M. Phil. in Law (University of Essex, England); Ph.D. (Univeristy of Chicago), and the Doctorat d'Université from Strasbourg, France. Before moving to the United Kingdom, he served on the faculty of the University of Chicago and was Chairman of the Department of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: josephine_melrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:43 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Having very little to go on in order to determine the "Who, What, Why, When or Where" of this article I can only come up with, "So?" Would I likely trust what God has given yesterday, or would I prefer to place Eternity in the hands of today's politically correct crowd? I think / know in whom I have believed and realize that we are challenged to believe as little children to find eternity. Too many words in this article. A difficult read . . Bob Craig ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: josephine_melrose To: rcraig5@cox.net Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:21 AM Subject: Sola Scriptura? Sola Scriptura? And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25 Although God’s word has never stated that the place and position in the church of Jesus Christ today of Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, healing and tongues, has ceased because the church has not ceased, fallible false men have dispensed with such things. Then these same fallible men or church fathers (The Romans Church sees the Fathers as the successors of the apostles, the closest source to the apostolic teaching and tradition, and therefore authoritative) canonized the scriptures and they became what we know as the bible. (Mind you the Protestant Bible has fewer books than the Catholic Bible.) For some Christians the Church Fathers are a wonderful source of rich and rewarding material. But they cannot be read uncritically. It is obvious from the New Testament that doctrinal confusion, legalism, sacerdotalism, and gnostic error found their way into the church even before the canon was closed. The writings of the Church Fathers were not free from such influences. Moreover, the next three centuries after the original apostles died there were a long chronicle of doctrinal conflict, and these men whom we call Church Fathers did not always agree with one another. Yet these men canonized the infallible scriptures and we can trust them with our lives? (Mind you while Jesus taught us to trust the Old Testament Scriptures and the person of the Holy Spirit, He never told us to trust the New Testament or that He would cause one to be written?) Sola Scriptura is Latin for "Scripture alone" or "only Scripture." The doctrine carries with it approximately two connotations. First, by way imposing the least controversial feature, it is that the Bible is materially sufficient (totum in Scriptura) for guiding all matters of doctrine and religious practice. The doctrine of sola Scriptura suggests that the Scriptures are formally sufficient. The Bible serves as the (i) exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material, and (ii) the sufficient source of infallible doctrinal material. At this point it is incumbent upon me to qualify this definition so that no misunderstanding will result. Sola Scriptura is temporally contingent in that it is a post-Apostolic doctrine following the era of inscripturation. (3) The Bible affirms that Scripture is the sufficient and exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material. (a) In the much celebrated passage in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the Apostle Paul's dynamic words to Timothy about the nature of written revelation: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV). All those who are born again and filled with the Spirit of God are an epistle of Christ, ministered by others, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. So Paul’s epistles to specific church are not unique nor outstanding nor are they to be used as a general prescription to make general doctrines. Rather we are all to be dependent on the Holy Spirit who created us to be epistles, empowered Paul to write his epistles and empowers us to do the same! "What does the Bible is inspired mean?" is a question theologians and bible scholars have debated for centuries. The problem lies in what we know experientially by human reason apart from divine revelation. As Christians, we look to the Scriptures for truth and understanding, but always with dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our own reasoning and intellect. Some believe that God dictated to the individual writers what they should say, but that His Holy Spirit so guided and controlled the writers that what they wrote was true and was the particular truth that God wanted to be communicated to His people. God allowed the writers to use their own intellects, language, and style, but when they wrote, His Holy Spirit supernaturally kept their writing free from error and rendered it the exact truth which God wanted conveyed down through the ages. The Bible thus becomes a unit, parts of which cannot be cut off without irreparable injury to the whole. Hence we have in Christianity fundamental Christians who advocate the “Divine plenary Verbal Inspiration” of scriptures. "Plenary" means full and complete, "ALL scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16) - that is all scripture that can be called "scripture", critically careful to include minute details. "Verbal" means that the very words of the scripture were given to the writers, and not just the ideas they convey. In other words in theory the writers were not left to choose the words. At the same time God did not destroy or ignore their different personalities. The writings of Paul may differ in style from the writings of John or James. However the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth with the words of his mouth gave his words through men, using their individual personalities and traits without changing the doctrine or the truth that these are the very words that proceedeth out of his mouth. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) But in reality did the words that Paul write proceed from God? The problem with ‘Verbal Inspiration’ of scriptures is that it sounds wonderful in theory but in fact we do not have any original manuscripts to show what the very words of the scripture were given to the writers of the New Testament. Paul wrote his epistles in Hebrew and Luke translated them into Greek. And it's a fact that things always get lost in the translation process. However we are told we have to accept all of this by faith? But the reality is that both the Greek and King James versions of the bible have words that mean different things to different folks, leaving only the Holy Spirit to convey to each person the ideas that He was conveying through the scriptures? The expression "Thus saith the Lord" or "The Lord spake saying" and similar phrases occur some 560 times in the Pentateuch, some 300 times in the historical and poetic books, 1200 times in the prophets and 24 times alone in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. But Apostle Paul never used in his epistles the phrase “thus says the Lord” especially when talking about that women are not allowed to speak or will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control? (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Catholics and Protestants all agree that the Scriptures are theopneustos or "God-breathed." This gives divine significance to the Apostolic message. But there are two extremes about Scriptures in Christianity. The Protestant Church today is a book-worshipper. It makes a fetish out of a book. The Catholics are little for the Bible, and ever have. They say, "Take away the whole book if you like, and the church will still remain in all its power. The book is the creation of the church, not the church the creation of the book." The Protestants, finding themselves confronted with an infallible church, had to oppose it with an infallible book. And they made a book infallible, which before had not been considered so. And well they might for they were compelled to. It is commonly the case that the overthrow of one superstition is only accomplished by the establishment of another in its place. The Catholics had the prestige of antiquity, and of being considered the only true Church of God, and they threatened with eternal damnation every man who followed Luther. The masses of the people of the North, ignorant and superstitious, were naturally terrified by the awful threat, and the only wonder is that they ever challenged this religious juggernaut. To meet the challenge, Luther, Calvin, and others said that the Bible was "supernaturally inspired." The origin of the books having been forgotten, men, credulous and in trouble, came to think that because the books were written of God they were written by God. The reformers declared that the Bible and not the church was the sole source of authority. This succeeded, and the decrees of the Vatican were answered by such reasoning by the Protestants. The doctrine of the divine and infallible inspiration of the New Testament spread as did the military advances through Europe. Hence we had the following ridiculous decree, adopted by the Calvinistic council of Switzerland in 1675 A. D.: "Almighty God not only provided that His word, which is the power of every one who believes, should be committed to writing through Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, but also has watched over it with a fatherly care up to the present time, and guarded it lest it might be corrupted by the craft of Satan or any fraud of men...The Hebrew volume of the Old Testament, which we have received from tradition of the Jewish church, to which formerly the oracles of God were committed, and retain at the present day, both in its contents and in its vowels, the points themselves, or at least the force of the points, and both in its substance and its words is divinely inspired, so that, together with the volume of the New Testament, is the single and uncorrupted rule of our faith and life, by whose standard, as by a touchstone, all versions which exist, whether Eastern or Western, must be tried, and whenever they vary, be made conformable to it" (Neimeyer, Collection Confessionum, p. 730). But nothing could be further from the truth for we have three things indicate the grim ferocity of this dogma: 1. It says the God has guarded the Bible from corruption; yet Griesbach collected one hundred and fifty thousand various readings in the New Testament manuscripts alone (B. A. Hinsdale, M.A., Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels, Cincinnati, 1872 ,p. 130), the greater part of which must, of course, be corruptions, since there can be but one correct reading for any passage. 2. It says the vowels were inspired, whereas the ancient Hebrew literature had no vowels. 3. It says that the vowel-points were inspired; whereas they did not come into use until the seventh century after Jesus, and were not perfected until four centuries later. This last article is a relic of that ancient belief that the translators, the copyists, and all the men who had aught to do with the transmission of the Bible from century to century, were inspired. It is to be noted that the words of Jesus were authoritative in the Church from the first, and scanty attention is paid to the words or works of Jesus in the earliest Christian writings, Paul's letters, the later Epistles, Hebrews, Revelation, and even Acts have little to report about them. The New Testament, as we have it, is much more dominated by Paul. Although Jesus Christ is center of attention in the gospels, Paul’s views and opinions about others dominate most of the epistles. Its unfortunate the Apostle Paul, the great propagator of the Christian faith, fails to pay more attention to the words of Jesus and their application in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result many Christian fundamentalists seem to worship and follow the words of Paul rather than Jesus Christ. One of the main problems with man is that he does not read nor know the Word of God. Then when he does read it, he does not allow the Holy Spirit to teach and show them the true meaning and truths in the word of God. Rather he leans to the presumed half truths that others have taught him and which do not work any way when tested in the fires of life. Only the Holy Spirit who is the author, inspirer and interpreter of the Word of God is the one who is capable for revealing truth and its true meaning. With out the Holy Spirit insights it’s not only a waste of time to interpret the word but extremely dangerous. For as any good navigator knows off reading charts, an inch off on the chart could have disastrous results and end up being miles off. Jesus clearly stated that He would send the Spirit of truth to His own: "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:15-21 For those who truly love Jesus and keep His words and commandments, the Father would give another Helper the Spirit of truth who will abide with them for ever and He will love them. For those who would abide in Him, Jesus would also love them and manifest Himself to them and by the Holy Spirit He will talk to them and tell them of things to come. God’s word records: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit would make the Word of God real to God’s people so that what Jesus said would be true: But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:4 Man is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and made real by the Holy Spirit. It must be a Rhema word and not just a logos word. So that the Word of God will be fulfilled: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. "Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. Deuteronomy 28:1-10 Editor’s note: In that last three hundred years denominationalists have made Paul's epistles to be at the same level or above the words and teachings of Jesus in the gospel. Paul's epistles were written for a specific date and time and are not general epistles with general applications as applied by man. God has others writing specific epistles for today's generation. It is a fact that many of today’s Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptists know more about Paul's teaching than the teaching of Jesus ignoring some very important verses in the gospels: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-6 Being poor in spirit means lacking the Holy Spirit and without being filled with the Spirit no one shall have the kingdom of heaven. And that is why Jesus stated: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 It's a fact that many Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptist use the canonization of scripture to deny the Baptism of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit based on: Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it ill vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The PERFECT being in their carnal thinking the bible. How foolish can you be and still breathe and deny what God has never denied but rather confirmed? Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 When the church of Jesus Christ ceases on earth then Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit will have ceased and Jesus Christ would have returned! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ What Must I Do To Be Saved?" "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 In the 20th Century there arose a gimmick of "get saved" religion where by repeating or giving ascent to a few scriptures mean the person was saved, and not only saved but ‘once saved always saved.’ Even though the word of God teaches that obedience of the voice of God until the end brings great blessings and disobedience to God’s word brings curses many have refused to accept this truth. But the fact remains that stubborn, disobedient believers will not be saved, but condemned by Christ Jesus in the judgment. God’s word is unchanging: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 "But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: "Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. "Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:15-18 The false ones who espouse the doctrine of demons of once saved always saved conveniently reject the words of Jesus who told all: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. John 15:5-9 They conveniently forget that king Saul the anointed one who prophesied with the prophets and had a supernatural miraculous change of heart and was filled with the Spirit of God was rejected by God and the Spirit was removed from him because he rejected the word of God that was given to him. He committed the sin of omission which many evangelicals have done and still do. He omitted the parts of the word of God that were not to his liking even though God’s word states: Samuel also said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the LORD. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 'Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' " 1 Samuel 15:1-3 The end is here…again. At every calendar milestone, self-proclaimed modern-day "prophets" arise to stir up a furor rivaled only by the impending apocalypse they predict. This doom-and-gloom prognostication is not only spread by a few fanatics, but millions of Christians, including some of the most recognized names in mainstream Christianity, are caught up in the latest "last days" frenzy. Seduced by the popular craze, they are driven not to action, but to radical inactivity, ineffectiveness, and lethargy while waiting for the easy-out "end."[i] But the other side of the coin is that there are Christian leaders who are busy spinning their wheels preaching the gospel and going no where because they are doing it all in their own strength and wisdom and are not being led by the Holy Spirit just like king Saul. Saul, the first king of Israel, was not seeking to serve God, he was only concerned about lost donkeys. So when he received the spirit of God and was anointed as king, he was not inwardly prepared. Because of this, he soon lost both. King Saul was not a bad king. Rather he was an excellent king who had the favor of his people until he died even though the Lord was upset with him and had turned his face from him. Saul was no different than most prominent religious leaders of our day who pick and choose what parts of the bible they will obey. Saul attacked the Amalekites and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword but Saul and the people spared king Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. All this caused the word of the LORD to come to Samuel:, "I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night. 1 Samuel 15:11 Sins of omission like King Saul are very common amongst Christian leaders in America today. Case in point is William R. "Bill" Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, the world's largest Christian ministry, who died July 19, 2003 from complications related to pulmonary fibrosis. He was 81, according to a news release from DeMossNewsPond.com. But for some Bill Bright was no different from King Saul as he didn’t do specifically what Jesus instructed him to do? Jesus was very clear in His commands: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:14-20 In the Christian world there are many doctrines of demons including ‘once saved, always saved,’ ‘universal salvation,’ miracles, tongues and the gifts of the Spirit have ceased, and the local church is God’s representative on earth. It’s all hogwash because none of it matches the words of Jesus who said that "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelations 21:5- . Those who are overcome shall not inherit all things and to say anything else is to be a liar! And liars don’t go to heaven but to hell. It's only those who abide in Jesus word are His disciples indeed: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. John 8:31 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:4-8 The problem we have today is that too many of God’s people are listening to pastors, priests and preachers who know only slightly more than them. They listen to pastors, priests and preachers who have a form of godliness but deny its power. Pastors, priests and preachers who don’t do what Jesus has commanded them to do! It’s a fact that people need real miracles and healing and not just words that are dead the moment they are spoken because they don’t have life in them. Life comes from God and His Spirit and not from them. Life gives life and not just empty promises of a pie in the sky! God’s word is unchanging: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know- Acts 2:22 "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:5-8 Phillip was not an apostle but an ordinary layman filled with faith and the Spirit of God chosen to serve upon the widows. And if Philip could have a miracle ministry than any pastors, priest and preacher can if he is a true man of God. For the same Spirit that was on Jesus is available to be on all His servants. God’s word is unchanging: There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. Isaiah 11:1-5 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Luke 4:18-19 Yes, the same anointing that was upon David, Jesus and all the Apostles is to be on all of God’s servants today! Yes, they can have the same Spirit of the LORD resting upon them, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. As a result their delight will be in the fear of the LORD, and they shall not judge by the sight of their eyes, nor decide by the hearing of their ears; But by the Spirit of the LORD with righteousness they shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; they shall strike the earth with the rod of their mouths, And with the breath of their lips they shall slay the wicked. God’s word is unchanging: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:4-8 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [i] Last Days Madness, Obsession of the Modern Church, by Gary DeMar Josephine Melrose Orlando, Florida

What Must I Do To Be Saved?" "And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 10:22 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. Mark 16:16 In the 20th Century there arose a gimmick of "get saved" religion where by repeating or giving ascent to a few scriptures mean the person was saved, and not only saved but ‘once saved always saved.’ Even though the word of God teaches that obedience of the voice of God until the end brings great blessings and disobedience to God’s word brings curses many have refused to accept this truth. But the fact remains that stubborn, disobedient believers will not be saved, but condemned by Christ Jesus in the judgment. God’s word is unchanging: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:1-6 "But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you: "Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the country. "Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the produce of your land, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:15-18 The false ones who espouse the doctrine of demons of once saved always saved conveniently reject the words of Jesus who told all: "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. "As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. John 15:5-9 They conveniently forget that king Saul the anointed one who prophesied with the prophets and had a supernatural miraculous change of heart and was filled with the Spirit of God was rejected by God and the Spirit was removed from him because he rejected the word of God that was given to him. He committed the sin of omission which many evangelicals have done and still do. He omitted the parts of the word of God that were not to his liking even though God’s word states: Samuel also said to Saul, "The LORD sent me to anoint you king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, heed the voice of the words of the LORD. "Thus says the LORD of hosts: 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he ambushed him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 'Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But kill both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' " 1 Samuel 15:1-3 The end is here…again. At every calendar milestone, self-proclaimed modern-day "prophets" arise to stir up a furor rivaled only by the impending apocalypse they predict. This doom-and-gloom prognostication is not only spread by a few fanatics, but millions of Christians, including some of the most recognized names in mainstream Christianity, are caught up in the latest "last days" frenzy. Seduced by the popular craze, they are driven not to action, but to radical inactivity, ineffectiveness, and lethargy while waiting for the easy-out "end."[i] But the other side of the coin is that there are Christian leaders who are busy spinning their wheels preaching the gospel and going no where because they are doing it all in their own strength and wisdom and are not being led by the Holy Spirit just like king Saul. Saul, the first king of Israel, was not seeking to serve God, he was only concerned about lost donkeys. So when he received the spirit of God and was anointed as king, he was not inwardly prepared. Because of this, he soon lost both. King Saul was not a bad king. Rather he was an excellent king who had the favor of his people until he died even though the Lord was upset with him and had turned his face from him. Saul was no different than most prominent religious leaders of our day who pick and choose what parts of the bible they will obey. Saul attacked the Amalekites and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword but Saul and the people spared king Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed. All this caused the word of the LORD to come to Samuel:, "I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments." And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the LORD all night. 1 Samuel 15:11 Sins of omission like King Saul are very common amongst Christian leaders in America today. Case in point is William R. "Bill" Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, the world's largest Christian ministry, who died July 19, 2003 from complications related to pulmonary fibrosis. He was 81, according to a news release from DeMossNewsPond.com. But for some Bill Bright was no different from King Saul as he didn’t do specifically what Jesus instructed him to do? Jesus was very clear in His commands: And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. Mark 16:14-20 In the Christian world there are many doctrines of demons including ‘once saved, always saved,’ ‘universal salvation,’ miracles, tongues and the gifts of the Spirit have ceased, and the local church is God’s representative on earth. It’s all hogwash because none of it matches the words of Jesus who said that "Behold, I make all things new." And He said to me, "Write, for these words are true and faithful." And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. "He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death" (Revelations 21:5- . Those who are overcome shall not inherit all things and to say anything else is to be a liar! And liars don’t go to heaven but to hell. It's only those who abide in Jesus word are His disciples indeed: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. John 8:31 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. John 15:4-8 The problem we have today is that too many of God’s people are listening to pastors, priests and preachers who know only slightly more than them. They listen to pastors, priests and preachers who have a form of godliness but deny its power. Pastors, priests and preachers who don’t do what Jesus has commanded them to do! It’s a fact that people need real miracles and healing and not just words that are dead the moment they are spoken because they don’t have life in them. Life comes from God and His Spirit and not from them. Life gives life and not just empty promises of a pie in the sky! God’s word is unchanging: "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know- Acts 2:22 "how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. Acts 10:38 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city. Acts 8:5-8 Phillip was not an apostle but an ordinary layman filled with faith and the Spirit of God chosen to serve upon the widows. And if Philip could have a miracle ministry than any pastors, priest and preacher can if he is a true man of God. For the same Spirit that was on Jesus is available to be on all His servants. God’s word is unchanging: There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the LORD, And He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears; But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, And faithfulness the belt of His waist. Isaiah 11:1-5 "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Luke 4:18-19 Yes, the same anointing that was upon David, Jesus and all the Apostles is to be on all of God’s servants today! Yes, they can have the same Spirit of the LORD resting upon them, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. As a result their delight will be in the fear of the LORD, and they shall not judge by the sight of their eyes, nor decide by the hearing of their ears; But by the Spirit of the LORD with righteousness they shall judge the poor, And decide with equity for the meek of the earth; they shall strike the earth with the rod of their mouths, And with the breath of their lips they shall slay the wicked. God’s word is unchanging: And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; "for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." Acts 1:4-8 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. 1 Corinthians 1:17 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [i] Last Days Madness, Obsession of the Modern Church, by Gary DeMar Josephine Melrose Orlando, Florida Again, I say "Wordy." and I get more words. I would have to be convinced that my salvation was in jeopardy because of my undying faith in the Inspired Words of my God to explore this any further. I have already seen what these 'latter day re-interprets would do to our hymnals and Scriptures to be convinced there is a problem with Scripture (Old or New). Indeed, what part of (what I understand to be Scripture) don't you like, or have a problem with? Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: JosephineMelrose To: Bob Craig Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:58 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? There is never too many words or deeds as far as God is concerned! Check out A LAWYER EXAMINES THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY John Warwick Montgomery is Professor of Apologetics and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, UK and Europe, Trinity College and Theological Seminary (Indiana); Senior Counsel, European Centre for Law and Justice; and Emeritus Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Luton (England). Professor Montgomery holds ten earned degrees, including the LL.B.; LL.M. from Cardiff University, Wales; the A.B. with distinction in Philosophy (Cornell University; Phi Beta Kappa); B.L.S. and M.A. (University of California at Berkeley); B.D. and S.T.M. (Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio); M. Phil. in Law (University of Essex, England); Ph.D. (Univeristy of Chicago), and the Doctorat d'Université from Strasbourg, France. Before moving to the United Kingdom, he served on the faculty of the University of Chicago and was Chairman of the Department of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: josephine_melrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:43 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Having very little to go on in order to determine the "Who, What, Why, When or Where" of this article I can only come up with, "So?" Would I likely trust what God has given yesterday, or would I prefer to place Eternity in the hands of today's politically correct crowd? I think / know in whom I have believed and realize that we are challenged to believe as little children to find eternity. Too many words in this article. A difficult read . . . Bob Craig ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: josephine_melrose To: rcraig5@cox.net Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:21 AM Subject: Sola Scriptura? Sola Scriptura? And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25 Although God’s word has never stated that the place and position in the church of Jesus Christ today of Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, healing and tongues, has ceased because the church has not ceased, fallible false men have dispensed with such things. Then these same fallible men or church fathers (The Romans Church sees the Fathers as the successors of the apostles, the closest source to the apostolic teaching and tradition, and therefore authoritative) canonized the scriptures and they became what we know as the bible. (Mind you the Protestant Bible has fewer books than the Catholic Bible.) For some Christians the Church Fathers are a wonderful source of rich and rewarding material. But they cannot be read uncritically. It is obvious from the New Testament that doctrinal confusion, legalism, sacerdotalism, and gnostic error found their way into the church even before the canon was closed. The writings of the Church Fathers were not free from such influences. Moreover, the next three centuries after the original apostles died there were a long chronicle of doctrinal conflict, and these men whom we call Church Fathers did not always agree with one another. Yet these men canonized the infallible scriptures and we can trust them with our lives? (Mind you while Jesus taught us to trust the Old Testament Scriptures and the person of the Holy Spirit, He never told us to trust the New Testament or that He would cause one to be written?) Sola Scriptura is Latin for "Scripture alone" or "only Scripture." The doctrine carries with it approximately two connotations. First, by way imposing the least controversial feature, it is that the Bible is materially sufficient (totum in Scriptura) for guiding all matters of doctrine and religious practice. The doctrine of sola Scriptura suggests that the Scriptures are formally sufficient. The Bible serves as the (i) exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material, and (ii) the sufficient source of infallible doctrinal material. At this point it is incumbent upon me to qualify this definition so that no misunderstanding will result. Sola Scriptura is temporally contingent in that it is a post-Apostolic doctrine following the era of inscripturation. (3) The Bible affirms that Scripture is the sufficient and exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material. (a) In the much celebrated passage in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the Apostle Paul's dynamic words to Timothy about the nature of written revelation: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV). All those who are born again and filled with the Spirit of God are an epistle of Christ, ministered by others, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. So Paul’s epistles to specific church are not unique nor outstanding nor are they to be used as a general prescription to make general doctrines. Rather we are all to be dependent on the Holy Spirit who created us to be epistles, empowered Paul to write his epistles and empowers us to do the same! "What does the Bible is inspired mean?" is a question theologians and bible scholars have debated for centuries. The problem lies in what we know experientially by human reason apart from divine revelation. As Christians, we look to the Scriptures for truth and understanding, but always with dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our own reasoning and intellect. Some believe that God dictated to the individual writers what they should say, but that His Holy Spirit so guided and controlled the writers that what they wrote was true and was the particular truth that God wanted to be communicated to His people. God allowed the writers to use their own intellects, language, and style, but when they wrote, His Holy Spirit supernaturally kept their writing free from error and rendered it the exact truth which God wanted conveyed down through the ages. The Bible thus becomes a unit, parts of which cannot be cut off without irreparable injury to the whole. Hence we have in Christianity fundamental Christians who advocate the “Divine plenary Verbal Inspiration” of scriptures. "Plenary" means full and complete, "ALL scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16) - that is all scripture that can be called "scripture", critically careful to include minute details. "Verbal" means that the very words of the scripture were given to the writers, and not just the ideas they convey. In other words in theory the writers were not left to choose the words. At the same time God did not destroy or ignore their different personalities. The writings of Paul may differ in style from the writings of John or James. However the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth with the words of his mouth gave his words through men, using their individual personalities and traits without changing the doctrine or the truth that these are the very words that proceedeth out of his mouth. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) But in reality did the words that Paul write proceed from God? The problem with ‘Verbal Inspiration’ of scriptures is that it sounds wonderful in theory but in fact we do not have any original manuscripts to show what the very words of the scripture were given to the writers of the New Testament. Paul wrote his epistles in Hebrew and Luke translated them into Greek. And it's a fact that things always get lost in the translation process. However we are told we have to accept all of this by faith? But the reality is that both the Greek and King James versions of the bible have words that mean different things to different folks, leaving only the Holy Spirit to convey to each person the ideas that He was conveying through the scriptures? The expression "Thus saith the Lord" or "The Lord spake saying" and similar phrases occur some 560 times in the Pentateuch, some 300 times in the historical and poetic books, 1200 times in the prophets and 24 times alone in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. But Apostle Paul never used in his epistles the phrase “thus says the Lord” especially when talking about that women are not allowed to speak or will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control? (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Catholics and Protestants all agree that the Scriptures are theopneustos or "God-breathed." This gives divine significance to the Apostolic message. But there are two extremes about Scriptures in Christianity. The Protestant Church today is a book-worshipper. It makes a fetish out of a book. The Catholics are little for the Bible, and ever have. They say, "Take away the whole book if you like, and the church will still remain in all its power. The book is the creation of the church, not the church the creation of the book." The Protestants, finding themselves confronted with an infallible church, had to oppose it with an infallible book. And they made a book infallible, which before had not been considered so. And well they might for they were compelled to. It is commonly the case that the overthrow of one superstition is only accomplished by the establishment of another in its place. The Catholics had the prestige of antiquity, and of being considered the only true Church of God, and they threatened with eternal damnation every man who followed Luther. The masses of the people of the North, ignorant and superstitious, were naturally terrified by the awful threat, and the only wonder is that they ever challenged this religious juggernaut. To meet the challenge, Luther, Calvin, and others said that the Bible was "supernaturally inspired." The origin of the books having been forgotten, men, credulous and in trouble, came to think that because the books were written of God they were written by God. The reformers declared that the Bible and not the church was the sole source of authority. This succeeded, and the decrees of the Vatican were answered by such reasoning by the Protestants. The doctrine of the divine and infallible inspiration of the New Testament spread as did the military advances through Europe. Hence we had the following ridiculous decree, adopted by the Calvinistic council of Switzerland in 1675 A. D.: "Almighty God not only provided that His word, which is the power of every one who believes, should be committed to writing through Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, but also has watched over it with a fatherly care up to the present time, and guarded it lest it might be corrupted by the craft of Satan or any fraud of men...The Hebrew volume of the Old Testament, which we have received from tradition of the Jewish church, to which formerly the oracles of God were committed, and retain at the present day, both in its contents and in its vowels, the points themselves, or at least the force of the points, and both in its substance and its words is divinely inspired, so that, together with the volume of the New Testament, is the single and uncorrupted rule of our faith and life, by whose standard, as by a touchstone, all versions which exist, whether Eastern or Western, must be tried, and whenever they vary, be made conformable to it" (Neimeyer, Collection Confessionum, p. 730). But nothing could be further from the truth for we have three things indicate the grim ferocity of this dogma: 1. It says the God has guarded the Bible from corruption; yet Griesbach collected one hundred and fifty thousand various readings in the New Testament manuscripts alone (B. A. Hinsdale, M.A., Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels, Cincinnati, 1872 ,p. 130), the greater part of which must, of course, be corruptions, since there can be but one correct reading for any passage. 2. It says the vowels were inspired, whereas the ancient Hebrew literature had no vowels. 3. It says that the vowel-points were inspired; whereas they did not come into use until the seventh century after Jesus, and were not perfected until four centuries later. This last article is a relic of that ancient belief that the translators, the copyists, and all the men who had aught to do with the transmission of the Bible from century to century, were inspired. It is to be noted that the words of Jesus were authoritative in the Church from the first, and scanty attention is paid to the words or works of Jesus in the earliest Christian writings, Paul's letters, the later Epistles, Hebrews, Revelation, and even Acts have little to report about them. The New Testament, as we have it, is much more dominated by Paul. Although Jesus Christ is center of attention in the gospels, Paul’s views and opinions about others dominate most of the epistles. Its unfortunate the Apostle Paul, the great propagator of the Christian faith, fails to pay more attention to the words of Jesus and their application in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result many Christian fundamentalists seem to worship and follow the words of Paul rather than Jesus Christ. One of the main problems with man is that he does not read nor know the Word of God. Then when he does read it, he does not allow the Holy Spirit to teach and show them the true meaning and truths in the word of God. Rather he leans to the presumed half truths that others have taught him and which do not work any way when tested in the fires of life. Only the Holy Spirit who is the author, inspirer and interpreter of the Word of God is the one who is capable for revealing truth and its true meaning. With out the Holy Spirit insights it’s not only a waste of time to interpret the word but extremely dangerous. For as any good navigator knows off reading charts, an inch off on the chart could have disastrous results and end up being miles off. Jesus clearly stated that He would send the Spirit of truth to His own: "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:15-21 For those who truly love Jesus and keep His words and commandments, the Father would give another Helper the Spirit of truth who will abide with them for ever and He will love them. For those who would abide in Him, Jesus would also love them and manifest Himself to them and by the Holy Spirit He will talk to them and tell them of things to come. God’s word records: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit would make the Word of God real to God’s people so that what Jesus said would be true: But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:4 Man is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and made real by the Holy Spirit. It must be a Rhema word and not just a logos word. So that the Word of God will be fulfilled: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. "Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. Deuteronomy 28:1-10 Editor’s note: In that last three hundred years denominationalists have made Paul's epistles to be at the same level or above the words and teachings of Jesus in the gospel. Paul's epistles were written for a specific date and time and are not general epistles with general applications as applied by man. God has others writing specific epistles for today's generation. It is a fact that many of today’s Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptists know more about Paul's teaching than the teaching of Jesus ignoring some very important verses in the gospels: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-6 Being poor in spirit means lacking the Holy Spirit and without being filled with the Spirit no one shall have the kingdom of heaven. And that is why Jesus stated: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 It's a fact that many Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptist use the canonization of scripture to deny the Baptism of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit based on: Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it ill vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The PERFECT being in their carnal thinking the bible. How foolish can you be and still breathe and deny what God has never denied but rather confirmed? Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 When the church of Jesus Christ ceases on earth then Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit will have ceased and Jesus Christ would have returned! Somehow I knew there was a difficulty in your relationship to Jesus Christ and His Church. I pray that you will find what it is that your are looking for. Search the Scriptures . . . " Regards, Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.cox.net/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: JosephineMelrose To: Bob Craig Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 2:15 PM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? I have a problem with the fact that Jesus never said when He would go away and send back Pastors and Preachers and the Greek Version of the bible that would lead and guide us into all truth! Rather He said the Holy Spirit would lead and guide us into all truth! I have a problem with the fact that as per Deuteronomy 28 and Revelation 2:7 ,2:11,2:17. 2:29, 3:6, 3:13, & 3:22, our blessing or cursing is dependent on our real ability to hear and head the voice of God and most Christians ignore these facts. I have a problem with an idiot this morning who told me that based on Pauline doctrines a woman cannot teach a men and that she is only saved by childbirth. (Yes, it's true that a woman saved the world by giving birth to Jesus and in Christ there is no male or female and woe to those who say otherwise.) ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: JosephineMelrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 1:05 PM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Again, I say "Wordy." and I get more words. I would have to be convinced that my salvation was in jeopardy because of my undying faith in the Inspired Words of my God to explore this any further. I have already seen what these 'latter day re-interprets would do to our hymnals and Scriptures to be convinced there is a problem with Scripture (Old or New). Indeed, what part of (what I understand to be Scripture) don't you like, or have a problem with? Bob C ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: JosephineMelrose To: Bob Craig Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:58 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? There is never too many words or deeds as far as God is concerned! Check out A LAWYER EXAMINES THE CASE FOR CHRISTIANITY John Warwick Montgomery is Professor of Apologetics and Vice-President for Academic Affairs, UK and Europe, Trinity College and Theological Seminary (Indiana); Senior Counsel, European Centre for Law and Justice; and Emeritus Professor of Law and Humanities at the University of Luton (England). Professor Montgomery holds ten earned degrees, including the LL.B.; LL.M. from Cardiff University, Wales; the A.B. with distinction in Philosophy (Cornell University; Phi Beta Kappa); B.L.S. and M.A. (University of California at Berkeley); B.D. and S.T.M. (Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio); M. Phil. in Law (University of Essex, England); Ph.D. (Univeristy of Chicago), and the Doctorat d'Université from Strasbourg, France. Before moving to the United Kingdom, he served on the faculty of the University of Chicago and was Chairman of the Department of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada. ----- Original Message ----- From: Bob Craig To: josephine_melrose Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 11:43 AM Subject: Re: Sola Scriptura? Having very little to go on in order to determine the "Who, What, Why, When or Where" of this article I can only come up with, "So?" Would I likely trust what God has given yesterday, or would I prefer to place Eternity in the hands of today's politically correct crowd? I think / know in whom I have believed and realize that we are challenged to believe as little children to find eternity. Too many words in this article. A difficult read . . Bob Craig ~Craigs On The WEB http://members.coxnet/rcraig5/CraigHome.html http://members.cox.net/rbcraig5/pageofblessings.html ----- Original Message ----- From: josephine_melrose To: rcraig5@cox.net Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 10:21 AM Subject: Sola Scriptura? Sola Scriptura? And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen. John 21:25 Although God’s word has never stated that the place and position in the church of Jesus Christ today of Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit, including miracles, healing and tongues, has ceased because the church has not ceased, fallible false men have dispensed with such things. Then these same fallible men or church fathers (The Romans Church sees the Fathers as the successors of the apostles, the closest source to the apostolic teaching and tradition, and therefore authoritative) canonized the scriptures and they became what we know as the bible. (Mind you the Protestant Bible has fewer books than the Catholic Bible.) For some Christians the Church Fathers are a wonderful source of rich and rewarding material. But they cannot be read uncritically. It is obvious from the New Testament that doctrinal confusion, legalism, sacerdotalism, and gnostic error found their way into the church even before the canon was closed. The writings of the Church Fathers were not free from such influences. Moreover, the next three centuries after the original apostles died there were a long chronicle of doctrinal conflict, and these men whom we call Church Fathers did not always agree with one another. Yet these men canonized the infallible scriptures and we can trust them with our lives? (Mind you while Jesus taught us to trust the Old Testament Scriptures and the person of the Holy Spirit, He never told us to trust the New Testament or that He would cause one to be written?) Sola Scriptura is Latin for "Scripture alone" or "only Scripture." The doctrine carries with it approximately two connotations. First, by way imposing the least controversial feature, it is that the Bible is materially sufficient (totum in Scriptura) for guiding all matters of doctrine and religious practice. The doctrine of sola Scriptura suggests that the Scriptures are formally sufficient. The Bible serves as the (i) exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material, and (ii) the sufficient source of infallible doctrinal material. At this point it is incumbent upon me to qualify this definition so that no misunderstanding will result. Sola Scriptura is temporally contingent in that it is a post-Apostolic doctrine following the era of inscripturation. (3) The Bible affirms that Scripture is the sufficient and exclusive source of infallible doctrinal material. (a) In the much celebrated passage in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the Apostle Paul's dynamic words to Timothy about the nature of written revelation: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (NIV). All those who are born again and filled with the Spirit of God are an epistle of Christ, ministered by others, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. So Paul’s epistles to specific church are not unique nor outstanding nor are they to be used as a general prescription to make general doctrines. Rather we are all to be dependent on the Holy Spirit who created us to be epistles, empowered Paul to write his epistles and empowers us to do the same! "What does the Bible is inspired mean?" is a question theologians and bible scholars have debated for centuries. The problem lies in what we know experientially by human reason apart from divine revelation. As Christians, we look to the Scriptures for truth and understanding, but always with dependence on the Holy Spirit and not our own reasoning and intellect. Some believe that God dictated to the individual writers what they should say, but that His Holy Spirit so guided and controlled the writers that what they wrote was true and was the particular truth that God wanted to be communicated to His people. God allowed the writers to use their own intellects, language, and style, but when they wrote, His Holy Spirit supernaturally kept their writing free from error and rendered it the exact truth which God wanted conveyed down through the ages. The Bible thus becomes a unit, parts of which cannot be cut off without irreparable injury to the whole. Hence we have in Christianity fundamental Christians who advocate the “Divine plenary Verbal Inspiration” of scriptures. "Plenary" means full and complete, "ALL scripture" (2 Timothy 3:16) - that is all scripture that can be called "scripture", critically careful to include minute details. "Verbal" means that the very words of the scripture were given to the writers, and not just the ideas they convey. In other words in theory the writers were not left to choose the words. At the same time God did not destroy or ignore their different personalities. The writings of Paul may differ in style from the writings of John or James. However the Almighty God who created the heavens and the earth with the words of his mouth gave his words through men, using their individual personalities and traits without changing the doctrine or the truth that these are the very words that proceedeth out of his mouth. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4) But in reality did the words that Paul write proceed from God? The problem with ‘Verbal Inspiration’ of scriptures is that it sounds wonderful in theory but in fact we do not have any original manuscripts to show what the very words of the scripture were given to the writers of the New Testament. Paul wrote his epistles in Hebrew and Luke translated them into Greek. And it's a fact that things always get lost in the translation process. However we are told we have to accept all of this by faith? But the reality is that both the Greek and King James versions of the bible have words that mean different things to different folks, leaving only the Holy Spirit to convey to each person the ideas that He was conveying through the scriptures? The expression "Thus saith the Lord" or "The Lord spake saying" and similar phrases occur some 560 times in the Pentateuch, some 300 times in the historical and poetic books, 1200 times in the prophets and 24 times alone in Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. But Apostle Paul never used in his epistles the phrase “thus says the Lord” especially when talking about that women are not allowed to speak or will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control? (1 Timothy 2:11-15). Catholics and Protestants all agree that the Scriptures are theopneustos or "God-breathed." This gives divine significance to the Apostolic message. But there are two extremes about Scriptures in Christianity. The Protestant Church today is a book-worshipper. It makes a fetish out of a book. The Catholics are little for the Bible, and ever have. They say, "Take away the whole book if you like, and the church will still remain in all its power. The book is the creation of the church, not the church the creation of the book." The Protestants, finding themselves confronted with an infallible church, had to oppose it with an infallible book. And they made a book infallible, which before had not been considered so. And well they might for they were compelled to. It is commonly the case that the overthrow of one superstition is only accomplished by the establishment of another in its place. The Catholics had the prestige of antiquity, and of being considered the only true Church of God, and they threatened with eternal damnation every man who followed Luther. The masses of the people of the North, ignorant and superstitious, were naturally terrified by the awful threat, and the only wonder is that they ever challenged this religious juggernaut. To meet the challenge, Luther, Calvin, and others said that the Bible was "supernaturally inspired." The origin of the books having been forgotten, men, credulous and in trouble, came to think that because the books were written of God they were written by God. The reformers declared that the Bible and not the church was the sole source of authority. This succeeded, and the decrees of the Vatican were answered by such reasoning by the Protestants. The doctrine of the divine and infallible inspiration of the New Testament spread as did the military advances through Europe. Hence we had the following ridiculous decree, adopted by the Calvinistic council of Switzerland in 1675 A. D.: "Almighty God not only provided that His word, which is the power of every one who believes, should be committed to writing through Moses, the Prophets, and Apostles, but also has watched over it with a fatherly care up to the present time, and guarded it lest it might be corrupted by the craft of Satan or any fraud of men...The Hebrew volume of the Old Testament, which we have received from tradition of the Jewish church, to which formerly the oracles of God were committed, and retain at the present day, both in its contents and in its vowels, the points themselves, or at least the force of the points, and both in its substance and its words is divinely inspired, so that, together with the volume of the New Testament, is the single and uncorrupted rule of our faith and life, by whose standard, as by a touchstone, all versions which exist, whether Eastern or Western, must be tried, and whenever they vary, be made conformable to it" (Neimeyer, Collection Confessionum, p. 730). But nothing could be further from the truth for we have three things indicate the grim ferocity of this dogma: 1. It says the God has guarded the Bible from corruption; yet Griesbach collected one hundred and fifty thousand various readings in the New Testament manuscripts alone (B. A. Hinsdale, M.A., Genuineness and Authenticity of the Gospels, Cincinnati, 1872 ,p. 130), the greater part of which must, of course, be corruptions, since there can be but one correct reading for any passage. 2. It says the vowels were inspired, whereas the ancient Hebrew literature had no vowels. 3. It says that the vowel-points were inspired; whereas they did not come into use until the seventh century after Jesus, and were not perfected until four centuries later. This last article is a relic of that ancient belief that the translators, the copyists, and all the men who had aught to do with the transmission of the Bible from century to century, were inspired. It is to be noted that the words of Jesus were authoritative in the Church from the first, and scanty attention is paid to the words or works of Jesus in the earliest Christian writings, Paul's letters, the later Epistles, Hebrews, Revelation, and even Acts have little to report about them. The New Testament, as we have it, is much more dominated by Paul. Although Jesus Christ is center of attention in the gospels, Paul’s views and opinions about others dominate most of the epistles. Its unfortunate the Apostle Paul, the great propagator of the Christian faith, fails to pay more attention to the words of Jesus and their application in the church of Jesus Christ. As a result many Christian fundamentalists seem to worship and follow the words of Paul rather than Jesus Christ. One of the main problems with man is that he does not read nor know the Word of God. Then when he does read it, he does not allow the Holy Spirit to teach and show them the true meaning and truths in the word of God. Rather he leans to the presumed half truths that others have taught him and which do not work any way when tested in the fires of life. Only the Holy Spirit who is the author, inspirer and interpreter of the Word of God is the one who is capable for revealing truth and its true meaning. With out the Holy Spirit insights it’s not only a waste of time to interpret the word but extremely dangerous. For as any good navigator knows off reading charts, an inch off on the chart could have disastrous results and end up being miles off. Jesus clearly stated that He would send the Spirit of truth to His own: "If you love Me, keep My commandments. "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever- "the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. "At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him." John 14:15-21 For those who truly love Jesus and keep His words and commandments, the Father would give another Helper the Spirit of truth who will abide with them for ever and He will love them. For those who would abide in Him, Jesus would also love them and manifest Himself to them and by the Holy Spirit He will talk to them and tell them of things to come. God’s word records: "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. "He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. "All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you. John 16:13-15 The Holy Spirit would make the Word of God real to God’s people so that what Jesus said would be true: But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' Matthew 4:4 Man is to live by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God and made real by the Holy Spirit. It must be a Rhema word and not just a logos word. So that the Word of God will be fulfilled: "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. "And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: "Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. "Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. "Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. "Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. "The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. "The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. "The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. "Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. Deuteronomy 28:1-10 Editor’s note: In that last three hundred years denominationalists have made Paul's epistles to be at the same level or above the words and teachings of Jesus in the gospel. Paul's epistles were written for a specific date and time and are not general epistles with general applications as applied by man. God has others writing specific epistles for today's generation. It is a fact that many of today’s Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptists know more about Paul's teaching than the teaching of Jesus ignoring some very important verses in the gospels: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Matthew 5:3-6 Being poor in spirit means lacking the Holy Spirit and without being filled with the Spirit no one shall have the kingdom of heaven. And that is why Jesus stated: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 28:19 It's a fact that many Fundamentalists and Conservative Baptist use the canonization of scripture to deny the Baptism of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit based on: Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it ill vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The PERFECT being in their carnal thinking the bible. How foolish can you be and still breathe and deny what God has never denied but rather confirmed? Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:27-28 When the church of Jesus Christ ceases on earth then Apostles, prophets and gifts of the Spirit will have ceased and Jesus Christ would have returned! Interesting exchange

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