T.J.I.F.A.
THANK JESUS IT’S FRIDAY AGAIN!
PASS IT ON…& ON…& ON…& ON.
NOVEMBER 9, 2007

 

TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS WE APPRECIATE YOU AND HOPE THAT YOU HAD A GREAT VETERANS DAY, ON NOVEMBER 4, 2007.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

 

SUBJECT:  “DO YOU KNOW HIM?” 
IF YOU’RE ASKED THIS QUESTION, HOW WILL YOU REPLY?  JESUS SAID THAT, ‘IF YOU ARE ASHAMED OF HIM BEFORE MEN, HE WILL BE ASHAMED OF  YOU BEFORE  HIS FATHER.’  THIS IS NOT A GAME…DO YOU, OR  DO YOU NOT KNOW HIM?
NOTEWORTHY:  SUBSTITUTION
TRIVIA: HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
TJIFA’S BOOK SHELF:  FEATURING TWO AUDIO BOOKS - C.S. LEWIS.
FRIDAY’S WORD: KNOWLEDGE
IN THE MIRROR: DOES THE GOD OF THE BIBLE CAUSE YOU TO THINK ABOUT; OTHERS?
O TASTE AND SEE!  PUMPKIN CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

 

LOOKING FORWARD

 

SEE YA NEXT TIME! – DON’T FORGET YOUR TESTIMONIES FOR THE THANKSGIVING ISSUE.  YOU MAY HAVE A PRAYER; A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE; OR POEM;  LET US HEAR FROM YOU, OK?

 

AFTER THE THANKSGIVING ISSUE, WE’LL BE RESTING OUR PRINTING PRESS UNTIL THE FOURTH FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY.  YOU WILL GET A CHRISTMAS CARD FROM THE MINISTRY. 

 

TER & STAFF

 

 

 

DO YOU KNOW HIM?

 

John 17:14-26 (KJV)
14I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
15I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.
16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.
19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
25O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.
26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.
If you want to hear some of the most insignificant, irreverent, and trivial responses you’ve ever encountered; try asking this question.  “Do you know Him?  Do you know Jesus?”  Here are some of the answers that you will encounter:
Do you know Him?  I go to Church. 
Do you know Him?  I sing in the choir, at my Church. 
Do you know Jesus?  I feel that is a personal question, and my religion is my personal business. 
Do you know Jesus?  I believe in GOD. 
Do you know Jesus?  I was baptized when I was young. 

 

Do you know Him?  I’m Catholic, or Jewish, or Protestant, or Baptist, or Methodist, or Inter-denominational, or Non-denominational. 
Do you know Him?  I make sure that my children go to Church every Sunday.
Do you know Him?  I was raised in a religious family; my father was a Preacher, and my mother was a Bible Teacher. 

 

The operative word in each question is the word ‘know.’  To know is to have a working intimate relationship with the subject.  To know math is to have a good understanding of the fundamentals of mathematics; to know journalism is to have a good understanding of the in’ and out’s of the journalistic world.  To know Jesus, is to have an intimate relationship with Him.  It is to try to comprehend the Love   which brought Him to this wicked and perverse generation to seek and save the lost. 

 

Is it necessary to know Him?  Answer: ‘Absolutely!’ 

 

Jesus wants us to know Him, in the same manner that He knows the Father.  His knowledge of the Father is such that He was able to witness to earth-bound creatures about the goodness of GOD.  To know Him, is to have the ability to witness to our fellow humanity the; ‘Mercy, Grace, and Goodness of Our Loving Father, GOD.’ 

 

John the Baptist was ordained and sent from GOD to be the ‘Witness to, The Light that all men might believe’ (John 1:6-9).   John knew about “That Light.” If you asked John about The Light, he would tell you that he was not “The Light,” but was sent to declare Him.  He would also say that he, John, was not worthy even to untie His shoe’s latchet (John 1:27).   He, John, knew “The Light,” who was Jesus.

 

GOD wants that intimacy with man, WHICH is why He made man in the likeness of Himself.  His witness to us is that love by which He sent His Only Begotten Son to us to become the “Lamb of GOD” who was sacrificed for all man’s sin.   

 

Readers, it is time for all of us to take up the Cross and follow Him  (Mark 10:20-22).  That is the only way that we can ever get to know Him.  What is your Cross?  Is it the Cross of Mourning?  You shall be comforted.  Is it the Cross of Meekness?  You shall inherit the earth.  Is it the Cross of Hungering and Thirsting after Righteousness?  You shall be filled.  Maybe your Cross is that of Mercy.  Then you shall obtain Mercy  (Matthew 5:4-7).  Whatever your Cross, the time is here and now. 

 

When we take up the Cross; the lessons to know Him, will begin.  The Cross brings into our reality the suffering, persecution, love, and the righteousness through the faith of Christ.  Paul writes: 
Philippians 3:7-10 (KJV)
7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 

9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
 
Do you know Him?  Do you have His Presence, His Peace, in a war torn society?  Do you have the assurance that we sing about in the song, “Blessed Assurance?”   Do you depend on Him for answers to questions that perplex you?  Have you spent time with Him in His Word?  Are you afraid of being alone with Him? 

 

Readers, we’re at the end of another year, this is most likely the last letter that I will write to you under the TJIFA Umbrella; and it is very important to me, that I know…DO YOU KNOW HIM? 

 

How will you answer that question?  Will you give some of the answers that were disingenuously specified in the very first paragraph of this article? 

 

I pray not, Readers; I pray not! 

 

Some of you we know, others we don’t; but whether we know you or not, our most relished thought is that you do not perish; but that you come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.  This Newsletter is a labor of Love; not just for your entertainment, but for your exercise in the things of GOD, through Jesus Christ.  It will mean nothing for us to continue to put out these love letters only to entertain you or to prove our prowess in putting words together, for some kind of praise.    It is of the utmost importance that YOU KNOW HIM. 

 

Let’s Pray:

 

Our Father, which art in Heaven, I repent of all sin.  I forgive all who have anything against me and mine, as You have promised to also forgive me.  Lord, it is with an open mind and heart that I bow myself to You. You said that if I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus Christ from the dead, and confess with my mouth that He is my Lord, I will be saved.  Lord, I believe, and do confess Jesus Christ. 
I want to know more about You, Dear Jesus; I want to set aside every weight that prevents me from running in this race.  I give up my own self righteousness; because I know that it is but filthy rags.  I thank You for Your Righteousness and Your Resurrection and Redeeming Power that has saved my life from destruction. I count all things that I have clamored for in the past as dung, as I take up my Cross and follow You. 
Thank You for Grace and Mercy, Lord.  AMEN.

 

LOOKING FORWARD

 

SEE YA NEXT TIME!  (REMEMBER TO E-MAIL OR MAIL YOUR TESTIMONIES TO: TINYO999@aol.com  BEFORE NOVEMBER 15, 2007.  TJIFA’S PRESSES ROLL ONE WEEK BEFORE PRINTING DATE.  WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOUR TESTIMONY.) 

 

TER

 

NOTEWORTHY: Substitution
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
The modern view of the death of Jesus is that He died for our sins out of sympathy for us. Yet the New Testament view is that He took our sin on Himself not because of sympathy, but because of His identification with us. He was “made … to be sin … .” Our sins are removed because of the death of Jesus, and the only explanation for His death is His obedience to His Father, not His sympathy for us. We are acceptable to God not because we have obeyed, nor because we have promised to give up things, but because of the death of Christ, and for no other reason. We say that Jesus Christ came to reveal the fatherhood and the lovingkindness of God, but the New Testament says that He came to take “away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). And the revealing of the fatherhood of God is only to those to whom Jesus has been introduced as Savior. In speaking to the world, Jesus Christ never referred to Himself as One who revealed the Father, but He spoke instead of being a stumbling block (see John 15:22–24). John 14:9, where Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father,” was spoken to His disciples.
That Christ died for me, and therefore I am completely free from penalty, is never taught in the New Testament. What is taught in the New Testament is that “He died for all” (2 Corinthians 5:15)—not, “He died my death”—and that through identification with His death I can be freed from sin, and have His very righteousness imparted as a gift to me. The substitution which is taught in the New Testament is twofold—“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” The teaching is not Christ for me unless I am determined to have Christ formed in me (see Galatians 4:19).

 

 

 

TJIFA’S BOOK SHELF:

 

HOLY BIBLE
Readers, we are still going through the Bible with the Bible Bus.  Right now, we have entered and completed 1st Kings and we’ve just started 2nd Kings.  This has been a wonderful tour of the Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee.  I pray that while we are gone on vacation during the months of December and January, (Back the last Friday in February) that you’ll continue to study The Word of GOD. 

 

It is not just because we encourage you to study; but it is that it is so edifying and no matter how many times you read the Bible, you’re going to find something that you didn’t know or couldn’t receive in other readings. 

 

Keep going through the Bible.

 

“THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA”
By: C. S. Lewis
“The Biography of C.S. Lewis”
By: Day of Discovery (a DVD).

 

Readers, we have talked about the Chronicles of Narnia before, but I’ve been introduced to the ‘Dramatization of the Chronicles of Narnia,’ by ‘Focus on the Family.’  This book is on CD-Rom.  There are 27 discs, and are well worth the price. 

 

Just as a suggestion, why not get this wonderful series, and play it during dinner time to your youngsters; and even adults.  The riveting movement will keep you glued to the listening as you enjoy your holiday times together. 

 

Then, Day of Discovery has put out a wonderful book on DVD on the life of C.S. Lewis.  It too is interesting and once you’ve heard the Chronicles of Narnia and heard C.S. Lewis’ life history, you’ll get a more satisfying understanding of what made this wonderful writer of the twentieth Century. 

 

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis on CD-Rom were purchased at; http://www.christianbook.com/, or call 1 800 CHRISTIAN. The price was approximately $27.00.

 

These are books on tape that you should have in your collection.

 

TER

 

TRIVIA: Helpful Cooking Tips

 

Tea Lovers:
When you use loose tea, you can eliminate the proliferation of the tea leaves floating in your drink by using a coffee filter as follows:
-Place two or three teaspoons of loose tea into a coffee filter without a hole in the center, (Preferably a funnel shaped filter).
-Gather all edges together and secure with a COOKING TWINE.  (Note: You can use this same method for a cup of tea, by only using a teaspoon of loose tea, and making the twine length long enough to dunk it into your cup. 
-Place this secured bundle into the waiting tea pot.
-Pour boiled hot water over the bundle, and let set until the desired strength is reached. 
From: “Cooks Illustrated”   Page 5.

 

Speedy Dough Rising:
Equipment needed: 1 neck wrap, (which can be heated in microwave oven).
It is easy to speed up bread rising by taking the warmed up neck wrap and wrapping it around the bowl of rising bread dough.  This warmth increases the temperature gradually; but constantly and yields a faster rising dough. 

 

To prevent unsightly oil stains:
Wrap sweat ban around the base of oil bottle or use secured paper towel and discard when soiled and replace. 

 

Ginger:
A way to keep fresh ginger ready to use when needed. 
Cut into one inch pieces.
Place pieces into plastic bag.
Store in freezer.

 

Starch and Chicken.
Sprinkle two teaspoons of corn starch over chicken.
Use skewer to poke holes in the skin.
Lay chicken parts in baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F
The fat comes through the skin making a crispy tasty chicken meal without added flour. 
You can get real creative by adding your own spices. 
From: “Cooks Illustrated” Submitted by: WHS

 

FRIDAY’S WORD:  
KNOWLEDGE Translation of several Hebrew and Greek words covering a wide range of meanings: intellectual understanding, personal experience, emotion, and personal relationship (including sexual intercourse, Gen. 4:1, etc.). Knowledge is attributed both to God and to human beings.
God’s knowledge is said to be omniscient . He knows all things (Job 21:22; Ps. 139:1-18); His understanding is beyond measure (Ps. 147:5). He knows the thoughts of our minds and the secrets of our hearts (Ps. 44:21; 94:11). He knows past events (Gen. 30:22), present happenings (Job 31:4), and future events (Zech. 13:1; Luke 1:33).
The knowledge which God has of nations and human beings indicates that He has a personal interest—not merely an awareness—of people (Ps. 144:3). To be known by God may mean that a nation or individual is chosen by God to play a part in God’s purposes in the world (Jer. 1:5; Amos 3:2; Gal. 4:9).
The Bible speaks often about human knowledge. Knowledge of God is the greatest knowledge (Prov. 9:10) and is the chief duty of humankind (Hos. 6:6). In the Old Testament, the Israelites know God through what He does for His people (Ex. 9:29; Lev. 23:43; Deut. 4:32-39; Ps. 9:10; 59:13; 78:16; Hos. 2:19-20). This knowledge of God is not simply theoretical or factual knowledge; it includes experiencing the reality of God in one’s life (compare Phil. 3:10) and living one’s life in a manner that shows a respect for the power and majesty of God (compare Jer. 22:15-16).
In the New Testament one knows God through a knowledge of Jesus Christ (John 8:19; Col. 2:2-3). The apostle Paul closely connected knowledge to faith. Knowledge gives direction, conviction, and assurance to faith (2 Cor. 4:14). Knowledge is a spiritual gift (1 Cor. 12:8) which can grow, increase, be filled, and abound (Phil. 1:9; Col. 1:9-10; 2 Cor. 8:7). It consists in having a better understanding of God’s will in the ethical sense (Col. 1:9-10; Phil. 1:9), of knowing that God desires to save people (Eph. 1:8-9), and of having a deeper insight into God’s will given in Christ (Eph. 1:17; 3:18-19).
But though Paul recognized the importance of knowledge, he also knew that it could be a divisive factor in churches such as at Rome and Corinth where some Christians claimed to be more spiritual because of their knowledge of spiritual matters (Rom. 14:1-15:6; 1 Cor. 8:1-13). Paul argued that knowledge puffs up but love builds up, and the knowledge exercised by the “strong” in faith could cause the “weak” in faith to go against their Christian conscience and lead to their spiritual ruin. Knowledge can be misused (1 Cor. 8). Love is more important than knowledge (1 Cor. 13), yet knowledge is still a gift, necessary for Christian teaching (1 Cor. 14:6) and for Christian growth toward a mature faith (1 Cor. 8:7; 2 Pet. 1:5-6; 3:18).
In the Gospel of John, knowledge is a key concept, although the noun “knowledge” itself never occurs in John’s Gospel. John instead frequently uses the verbs “to know.” Jesus and the Father have a mutual knowledge (John 10:14-15), and Jesus’ knowledge of God is perfect (John 3:11; 4:22; 7:28-29, for example). Jesus brings to lost humankind the knowledge of God which is necessary for salvation (John 7:28-29; 8:19), but which humankind has distorted through sin (John 1:10). God’s knowledge of Jesus consists of giving Jesus His mission and the power to perform it (John 10:18). Jesus’ knowledge of the Father consists of His hearing God’s word and obediently expressing it to the world.
Knowledge of God is closely related to faith, expressing the perception and understanding of faith. Full knowledge is possible only after Jesus’ glorification, since the disciples sometimes failed to understand Jesus (John 4:32; 10:6; 12:16). In John, knowledge is expressed in Christian witness which may evoke belief in Jesus (John 1:7; 4:39; 12:17-18) and in love (John 17:26). Whereas Jesus’ knowledge of the Father is direct, the disciples’ knowledge of Jesus is indirect, qualified by believing. The Christian’s knowledge of Jesus is the perception of Jesus as the revelation of God which leads to obedience to His word of love. So the Christian is caught up into God’s mission of love to the world in order that the world may come to know and believe in Jesus as the revelation of the Father’s love for the world.
Roger L. Omanson
FROM: HOLMAN’S BIBLE DICTIONARY 
IN THE MIRROR:
Why the Child of God Should Study the Word of God
At first glance it would seem totally unnecessary to discuss reasons for studying God’s Word. One might assume that, upon conversion, the most natural thing for a new believer to do would be to begin a lifelong study of that Book which originally brought him to Christ. But personal observation, as well as church history, proves the facts to be quite the opposite. The truth is, most Christians know very little about the Bible! Here then are some sound reasons for studying the Scriptures.
I. Because of its Author.
Often God is thought of as a Creator, a Redeemer, a Shepherd, a Judge, etc. This is correct thinking, of course, for he does indeed function in all these roles. But there is one great accomplishment of God which is almost always left off the divine attribute lists compiled by men. This wonderful but forgotten role is that of Author! God has written a book, and that profound and priceless book is the Bible. As testified to by any human author, the nicest thing one can say to an author is, “Oh, yes, I’ve read your book.”
It is a tragic but true fact that many of the Christians who will someday (along with all believers) stand before the judgment seat of Christ will be sadly forced to admit that, while they were saved by heeding the salvation message in God’s Book, they nevertheless failed to take the time to read it. Thus, if for no other reason, the Bible should be carefully read to allow the believer to proclaim to Christ on that day: “Dear Jesus, there were many things I did not do on earth that I should have done, as well as other things I did do that I should not have, but one thing I did—I read your book!”
II. Because of the often-repeated command to read it.
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Josh. 1:8).
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15).
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Mt. 4:4).
Especially to be noted is this last verse. Jesus said every word.
III. Because the Bible is God’s chosen way to accomplish his divine will.
A. Sinners are saved through the message of the Bible.
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:13-17).
“But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words” (Acts 2:14).
“Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city” (Acts 8:4-8).
“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:23).
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth—that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures” (Jas. 1:18).
B. Saints are sanctified through the message of the Bible.
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn. 17:17).
“As newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2).
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication” (1 Thess. 4:3).
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Ps. 119:9-11).
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:5, 6).
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (Jn. 15:7).
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).
IV. Because our enemy the devil has read it.
During the account in Matthew 4, Christ is tempted three times by the devil. On each occasion the Savior answered Satan with the phrase, “It is written,” and then proceeded to quote from the Word of God as found in the book of Deuteronomy. But what is almost always overlooked is the fact that the phrase “it is written” is repeated four times in Matthew 4, and that the fourth time it is the devil using it to quote Scripture to Christ! Note the background at this point.
“Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone” (Mt. 4:5, 6).
Here Satan quotes from Psalm 91:11, 12. It is taken completely out of context, to be sure, but how did Satan know about it in the first place? The answer is painfully obvious. One day when the devil had nothing better to do, he must have sat down and studied Psalm 91. Many Christians today have probably never even read this Psalm, but the devil apparently has it memorized! Thus, we need to read God’s Word lest Satan get an advantage upon us.
V. Because of the example of Paul.
Paul was probably the greatest Christian that ever lived. His spiritual accomplishments are nothing short of staggering. Here was a man who made the first three missionary journeys, who founded and pastored the first fifty or more Bible-believing churches, who wrote over half of the New Testament, and who on five occasions saw the resurrected Christ, and at least once was actually caught up into the third heaven itself! But then he was arrested, condemned to death, and placed in prison. Note carefully his final words to Timothy just prior to his execution.
“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments” (2 Tim. 4:6-8, 13).
What were these parchments? They were his copies of the Old Testament scrolls. The point to be made here is that in spite of all his marvelous achievements, the old apostle still felt he could profit from studying the Word of God on the eve of his death.
VI. Because the Bible alone provides answers to life’s three sixty-four-trillion-dollar questions. These questions, pondered by every generation, are:
A. Where did I come from?
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them” (Gen. 1:26, 27).
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture” (Ps. 100:3).
B. Why am I here?
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13).
“Thou are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created” (Rev. 4:11).
C. Where am I going?
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (Jn. 3:16-18).
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Ps. 23:1, 6).
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15).
VII. Because we’ll never have the opportunity to apply many of its verses after we leave this earth.
A. There will be no opportunity to apply 1 Corinthians 10:13 in heaven.
“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).
Reason: In heaven there will be no temptation.
B. There will be no opportunity to apply 1 John 1:9 in heaven.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Reason: In heaven there will be no sin.
C. There will be no opportunity to apply Philippians 4:19 in heaven.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19).
Reason: In heaven there will be no need.
D. There will be no opportunity to apply John 14:1-3 in heaven.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (Jn. 14:1-3).
Reason: In heaven there will be no sorrow.
E. There will be no opportunity to apply Psalm 23:4 in heaven.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4).
Reason: In heaven there will be no death.
VIII. Because the only ultimate proof for our faith is the Bible.
To introduce the eighth and final reason for studying God’s Word, the following imaginary situation is proposed. Often the unbeliever hurls the following accusation at the believer: “Oh, you Christians—you’re all alike! You’re so dogmatic. You think you alone are right and everybody else is dead wrong. How can you possibly be so sure what you believe is true?” This question, though often asked in a scoffing manner, is nevertheless a fair one. How does the child of God know his faith is the only correct one?
Let us suppose that you are invited to an important social function in your hometown. Attending this gathering are people from all over the world. As the introductions are being made, it slowly dawns upon you that the only professing Christian there is yourself. You are subsequently introduced to a Buddhist, a Confucianist, a Shintoist, a Moslem, and other individuals, all belonging to various non-Christian religions. After a pleasant dinner, the conversation gradually turns to matters of religion. Your hostess, realizing this subject to be of general interest, suddenly announces:
“I have a wonderful idea! Since everyone here seems to have a great interest in religion, may I suggest that we share with one another by doing the following: Each person will be allowed to speak uninterrupted for ten minutes on the subject, ‘Why I feel my faith is the right one.’”
The group quickly agrees with this unique and provocative idea. Then with no warning she suddenly turns to you and exclaims, “You go first!” All talk immediately ceases. Every eye is fixed on you. Every ear is turned to pick up your first words. What would you say? How would you start? Let us quickly list a few arguments which you could not use.
1. You couldn’t say, “I know I’m right because I feel I’m right! Christ lives in my heart!”
This, of course, is a wonderful truth experienced by all believers, but it would not convince the Buddhist, who would doubtless feel that he was right too.
2. You couldn’t say, “I know I’m right because Christianity has more followers in this world than any other religion.”
This is simply not true today. Actually, the sad truth is that evangelical Bible-believing Christianity is a distinct minority in the world today. The Moslem would doubtless quickly point this out to you.
3. You couldn’t say. “I know I’m right because Christianity is the oldest of all religions.
Ultimately, of course, this is true. But the Confucianist might contend that Confucius presented his teachings centuries before the Bethlehem scene. Of course, he would not understand the eternal existence of our Lord Jesus Christ. These then are arguments you could not use. What could you say? In reality you would have at your disposal only one single argument. But that argument, that weapon, used in the right way, would be more than enough to overwhelmingly convince any honest and sincere listener at that social gathering. That wonderful weapon, that unanswerable argument, is one’s own personal copy of the Bible! What could you say? Well, you could hold up your Bible and confidently proclaim the following:
“Look at this! I know I’m right because the Author of my faith has given me a Book which is completely unlike any of the books of your faiths.”
You could then continue (until your time ran out) by pointing out the unity, the indestructibility, and the universal influence of the Bible. You could discuss its historical, scientific, and prophetical accuracy. Finally, you might relate exciting examples of perhaps the greatest single proof of the supernatural nature of the Bible, that is, its marvelous life-transforming power!
Of course, it must be pointed out that neither the Word of God nor the God of the Word can be scientifically analyzed in a laboratory test tube. The divine Creator still desires and demands faith on the part of his Creation. (See Heb. 11:1-6.) But he has presented us with a heavenly textbook to aid us in this needed faith. In fact, the Gospel of John was specifically written “…that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” Jn. 20:31).

 

This was taken from: Willmington’s Guide To Study The Bible.

 

Someone found this to be a good source of information for the serious, or the person whom just wants to learn a little more about the Bible and why it is such a vital part of life and the Christian Faith. I am already beginning to feel a void during our separation over the holiday season, and the preceding will help me a lot while we’ll be using much of our time thinking and praying over ways to come to you again with a deeper and a stronger determination to share with you the most valuable and significant event known to mankind.

 

Just in case you may have missed the article where we told you of A.W. Tozer’s words:
“What we think about when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
Maybe, you may say that today, “I have much more important issues going on in my life right now,” but I don’t know of a more essential thought than, ‘Where is God in all of that?’

 

Please allow me to again stress something to you why we want to know our eternal future, and why it is nothing to take lightly. When I’m writing to you I’m not writing you concerning myself. My message is always about in some respect or another the young men and women thousands of miles away from home fighting in a war they don’t even understand, or about two thousand homes in California that were all some people had, or seven young college kids who evidently had a bright and inspiring future, and if you happen to see the 6: or 11:oclock news, you will more than understand my point right now.

 

Sometimes I find myself wondering, “Why am I so against many of the messages that come across the airwaves today?” Well, I may not have figured it all out, but I would like to tell you what I have come to discover. Don’t take my word for it, but listen for the ‘self-centered-ness’ in what you’re hearing and is it designed to help YOU, or is it aimed towards helping OTHERS? God uses everybody that calls upon the name of Jesus as an ‘arrow’ whose target is ANYONE and EVERYONE in need of a Savior. Many people may know you, but what do they know about Who reached down and Saved you one day?

 

God cares about, and Loves others to the degree He doesn’t care about how much He strips us of our time, money, or attention. He just wants other people all over this globe to know how Infinitely He loves us. When you profess your love for Jesus, and give your life to Him, you must believe He is more than Life can ever give you now, and what Death can take from you later. That’s the key to learning how to sacrifice your life. . . (I say this humorously, and it’s alright to take me very seriously, but ‘This is the part where I have the option as a writer to inject a corresponding scripture, but open your Bibles and read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,’ they’re powerful!) It’ll be more than worth your time.

 

If God has spoken to your heart, and if you care anything about anybody, please consider the need for young and old alike to know about the only truth that can make a difference, Today, Tomorrow, and Forever. There’s still Power in Prayer!!!  God Bless, SLC

 

O TASTE AND SEE!

 

PUMPKIN CAKE
(WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING)
INGREDIENTS:
3 CUPS SUGAR
1 CUP VEGETABLE OIL
4 LARGE EGGS
3 CUPS ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
3 TSPS. BAKING SODA
2 TSPS. GROUND CINNAMON; 1/2 TSPS. GROUND GINGER
1 TSPS. BAKING POWDER; ½ TSPS.  SALT
3 CUPS PUMPKIN PUREED; OR MASHED PUMPKIN
½ CUP CHOPPED PECANS

 

DIRECTIONS:  PRE-HEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES. GREASE AND FLOUR CAKE PANS.
COMBINE SUGAR, VEGETABLE OIL AND EGGS IN LARGE MIXING BOWL – MIX WELL.
SIFT DRY INGREDIENTS INTO ANOTHER BOWL THEN STIR INTO OIL MIXTURE, SCRAPING SIDES OF BOWL FREQUENTLY – BEAT WELL.
ADD PUMPKIN PUREE.  MIX UNTIL COLOR IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED.  POUR INTO CAKE PANS. COOK  APPROX.  30 TO 35 MINUTES. 

 

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
¼ CUP BUTTER
1 PACKAGE 8 OZ. CREAM CHEESE (ROOM TEMPERATURE)
1 POUND CONFECTIONERS SUGAR (SIFTED) 
3 TSPS. VANILLA EXTRACT

 

DIRECTIONS: 
COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN LARGE MIXING BOWL, BEAT UNTIL SMOOTH.
THIS IS ENOUGH FROSTING TO ICE THE PUMPKIN CAKE. 
GARNISH WITH CHOPPED WALNUTS. 

 

ENJOY THIS COLORFUL HARVEST TIME DESSERT. 
(RECIPE FROM THE INTERNET) LET US KNOW HOW IT TASTES . . .  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!  TER