...AND IN AN IRONIC AND ALMOST COMEDIC TURN OF EVENTS...

I just bought this truck. It has everything a guy could want in an old truck. It has power steering, power disc brakes, a built 350ci engine, a 700r4 overdrive automatic transmission, and a tilt steering wheel.It's even tubbed, so there is literally no limit to the size tires I can stuff under it. There is one thing that it doesn't have, though... It doesn't have turn signals.

ENTIRELY SATIRICAL, but read it anyhow.

Normally,while speaking in a spiritual context, I try never to make statements that cannot be clearly proven by at least one Scriptural text. However, I am about to go against that rule of thumb, and set forth a carefully reasoned opinion that, while I can't readily point to a proof-text, I still hold to be a self-evident and logical conclusion.

Before I reveal my sincerely held conviction, I must set the context. Many times, over the years, I have heard it said that when the rapture of the Church takes place, there will be mass chaos. Airplanes will fall from the sky. People will disappear before the very eyes of their loved ones. Also there will be multiple car crashes when the saved drivers are caught away. Makes sense, I guess.

However, it is my most dogmatically held opinion that, if you are driving an automobile on any public roadway when the rapture occurs, and if at the moment of the rapture you happen to be making a turn that requires you to signal your intention to other motorists, and you do not signal, you will not be going in the rapture!

I'm sorry! Really, I am! However, after years of driving on Florida streets and highways, I have concluded that there is no place for you in heaven."Then, what shall be my fate?" You may ask. I'm not sure, but I suspect that you are probably gonna go to the same place where professing Christians who don't correctly use "there","their",and "they're in their writing go. To the place where those who confuse "two, "too",and "to" go, and "your" and "you're", and those so-called Christians who voted for Obama go. I don't have any Scripture on where that place is, but I'm sure it's gonna be horrible. I'll bet they all drive Fords there.(SHUDDER)

REJOICE!

HAPPY RESURRECTION DAY, everyone! I certainly hope you will all have a joyous celebration with your Church family today.

While multitudes around the world are struggling to achieve salvation through the rites and rituals of a false religion; and still others, in so-called Christian religions will have themselves whipped or even crucified, we will rejoice in a salvation already completed!

The whipping has already been done. The Crucifixion is over.My sins have been forever punished. The cross is bare. For the One who hung there has left it. He has passed into the grave and out again with complete life and victory for His people. He is "The Author and Finisher of our faith."

There are some in more 'mainstream' denominations believing that if they can "hold out and hang on and endure to the end..." then they might be able to make it through to eternal life. To them, I say: The only one who could hold out, hang on and endure to the end, has held out and hung on and has come through victorious in the end! REJOICE!

PRELIMINARY CONCIDERATIONS CONCERNING "TONGUES"

I have been preaching through the book of 1st Corinthians in the Sunday morning services at the Church, and I am now in ch.12. As you know this chapter deals with the "gifts of the Spirit". Right now, I am concentrating on each of the gifts that are named in verses 8-10.

Ever since I began dealing with these gifts individually, I have had the "gift of Tongues" in the back of my mind. I realise that this is a very divisive issue, however, there are a couple of things that I believe need to be considered no matter what ones orientation is concerning tongues.

The first is this: Before you get too concerned about 'another tongue', learn first to control the one you have. As James said "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity; so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell."(James 3:6) As a matter of fact, in verse #2 of the same chapter, he implies that if a man were able to control his speech, he could control his whole body. I mean, what does it profit me to be able to speak in 'other tongues' and at the same time, be enslaved to my fleshly appetites?

The second thing that I wish professing Christians would consider is that you should educate yourself sufficiently in Scripture so that what you say with your tongue will be doctrinally sound. I'm pretty sure that Paul is going to make the point in ch.14, that speaking truth in a way that is understood by the hearers trumps an 'unknown tongue' in every case.

Maybe if everyone who claims the Christian faith would start here, the issue of 'tongues' could be put in a proper perspective.

This ain't all I'm gonna say about it. I'm just thinkin'.

NO EXLANATION REQUIRED

CAN YOU SPOT THE IMPOSTER?

SCROLL DOWN

INDECISION

I wanted to get that ugly post off the top of my bloggypoo, but I am undecided about what I should put on here. Sooo...anyhoo... see if ye c'n figger this 'un out.

SHUT THE "F" UP!!!

I mean it! I'm tired of hearing it! Sick and tired! There is almost no refuge left, it seems, where one is not blasted by the "F" bomb. The word has become an adjective, adverb, noun, verb, and gerund in every day usage by multitudes.

Evidently, it has to embody all those parts of speech, because the empty headed people who use it so profusely, don't have a large enough vocabulary to express themselves adequately. I can understand a lack of language skills in those who are unlearned or mentally deficient. However, being ignorant does not give anyone a pass for uttering such vile rubbish.

The appalling thing, to me, is that so many otherwise articulate people who occupy leading roles in society (Teachers, Politicians, Business men, Entertainers, Parents) use it openly without hesitation or shame. They seem to give no thought to who might hear them, nor do they care who may be offended by it. I seem to remember a time when, even those who were even a little over the line in their use of "color" in their language, would, at the very least, take note of who was within ear-shot before they used questionable language. But not any more!

Evidently, it is no longer possible for a comedian to "make it" in the "business" unless he incorporates the most vile language and subject matter that the human mind is capable of conjuring, into his/her act.

I enjoy watching some of the motorcycle/auto reality shows in which they build cars or bikes, but even in those shows, I am constantly subjected to "that word". Oh, sure, they bleep it out, but it comes through almost as plainly as if they didn't bleep it. I know that much of what goes on in those shows is staged, but what kind of message are the viewers supposed to get from hearing an employer flinging the "F" word at his employees, or a father shouting it at his sons?

For the last couple of years, I have been driving a school bus. I had to pick up the side job in order to get the health insurance that it provides. Having been basically living a sheltered life for the last 30 years, I was totally caught off guard by both the conduct and the language that kids use. To hear young boys and girls throw that "word" around so carelessly, breaks my heart. After rebuking one grammar school girl for her shameful vulgarity, I asked her, "Does your mother know that you talk like that?" She replied, "Who do you think taught it to me?"

By the way, I would never, never, no never ever send my children to a public school. I mean, never! Not under any circumstances. Nope! Not a gonna do 'er. Unh, uh.

I believe that this coarseness is an indicator of where our society is, morally. The problem is more than just an ignorance problem. It is a serious spiritual problem. To a crowd of blasphemous people, Jesus said, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." (Matt.12:34) According to what Jesus said in this verse, the reason people say the things that they say, is because whatever is in the the heart comes out through the conversation. People speak evil because they are evil.

Some would love to be able to separate what they are from how they speak, but, alas! that is not possible. Not long ago, I was talking to a professing Christian who is known to be very loose in his language and down right nasty in his humor. He said, " You know, brother Garry, I like to have a good time. I like to tell jokes and see people laugh. Sometimes I'll tell one that might be a little off color, but I don't mean anything by it. God knows my heart. I'm His 100%." I opened my handy little New Testament and read him the preceding verse and said, " Jesus said what you talk about is what you are! " He didn't seem to get too mad at me, but either way, mad or not mad, it is the truth.

While I'm at it, I may as well hit those "sanitized" versions of the "F" word that are so widely used by many, such as: Flippin', frickin', friggin' and other similar words that are just close enough to let everyone know what you mean and just different enough that you can't be tied to a naughty word. Well, I'm tying you to it! You use those forms of the "F" word because you wish you could say the word for real. It is only a thinly disguised substitute for language that no child of God should be associated with.

I'm sorry to keep ranting on and on. And I'm sorry to even deal with such an issue that is bound to leave my readers feeling a little degraded. I know I feel that way, but I really am fed up! So,in conclusion, GET A VOCABULARY! And remember, when you use profanity, it reveals at least two very embarrassing things about you,: (1)That you have an empty head. And (2) You have a wicked heart. The first can be easily remedied by learning the use of a dictionary. The other can only be fixed by a living relationship with God.

IF I HAD $200,000 ...

I'D BUY ME ONE OF THESE!!! according to a TIMES ON LINE article , the flying car will be ready for testing in about a month. I wonder how it would look with a set of Corvette rallye wheels!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY LOVELY WIFE, JAN, WHO IS _ _ YEARS OLD TODAY!

CONGRATULATIONS ARE IN ORDER

A hardy congratulations to Jan Weaver who is celebrating the 36th anniversary of her wedded bliss (To me).

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, YOU LUCKY GIRL, YOU!

THE TROUBLE WITH OUR POLITICAL LEADERS

The main problem with our political leaders is, that we must choose them from among ourselves.

Merry Christmas

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

THE LITTLE RED HEN REVISITED

Do you remember this story? I first heard this adaptation of it in a message that Dr. Adrian Rogers preached many years ago. It has never been more relevant!

Once upon a time, on a small U.S. farm , there was a little red hen who scratched about the barnyard until she uncovered quite a few grains of wheat.
She called all of her neighbors together and said, "If we plant this wheat, we shall have bread to eat. Who will help me plant it?"
"Not I," said the cow."Not I," said the duck."Not I," said the pig."Not I," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen.
And so she did; The wheat grew very tall and ripened into golden grain.
"Who will help me reap my wheat?" asked the little red hen.
"Not I," said the duck."Out of my classification," said the pig."I'd lose my seniority," said the cow."I'd lose my unemployment compensation," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen, and so she did.
At last it came time to bake the bread. "Who will help me bake the bread?" asked the little red hen.
"That would be overtime for me," said the cow."I'd lose my welfare benefits," said the duck."I'm a dropout and never learned how," said the pig."If I'm to be the only helper, that's discrimination," said the goose.
"Then I will do it by myself," said the little red hen.
She baked five loaves and held them up for all of her neighbors to see.
They wanted some and, in fact, demanded a share. But the little red hen said, "No, I shall eat all five loaves."
"Excess profits!" cried the cow."Capitalist leech!" screamed the duck."I demand equal rights!" yelled the goose.The pig just grunted in disdain.
And they all painted "Unfair!" picket signs and marched around and around the little red hen, shouting obscenities.
Then a government agent came, and said to the little red hen, "You must not be so greedy."
"But I earned the bread," said the little red hen.
"Exactly," said the agent. "That is what makes our free enterprise system so wonderful. Anyone in the barnyard can earn as much as he wants. But under our modern government regulations, the productive workers must divide the fruits of their labor with those who are lazy and idle."
And they all lived happily ever after, including the little red hen, who smiled and clucked, "I am grateful, for now I truly understand."
The liberals smiled for ‘Fairness’ had been established, but her neighbors were very disappointed in her, and wondered why she never baked bread again.

NO RESPECT!!!

Have you ever noticed that if you are known to embrace the doctrines of grace, that you get no credit for evangelism from those who do not accept your views? It's true! No matter how much you preach about our responsibility to "...preach the gospel to every creature..." No matter how faithfully you personally "... do the work of an evangelist..." No matter how many years you spend on the foreign mission field... People who embrace a more arminian soteriology (Even those who never bring a single person to Church), will look you straight in the face and tell you that the doctrines you believe will hurt evangelism. I'm not Rodney Dangerfield, but I get no respect, I'm tellin' ya! No respect!

I HAVE NEW PARTS!

In an attempt to keep you informed,( as well as a shameless attempt to grab some sympathy) I am writing this. For several months, now, I have not felt very well. Around the end of April, I had a slight episode with my heart that seemed to be not too serious. However, it seemed that I just couldn't recover from it. I was just forcing myself to do the things I had to do and then I would go straight back to bed(Maybe that's why I ain't been blogging much lately?). So, anyhoo, I went to a different cardiologist who quickly scheduled me for a heart catheterization. This past Wednesday, I went to Florida Hospital, in Orlando for the procedure. Turns out that one of my main coronary arteries was 80% blocked with bacon, pork chops, country ham, and not a small amount of fried shrimp. The good doctor opened up the artery and put in a shiny new stainless steel stent to help keep it open. According to him (the doctor), I will now feel like a new man. I'm excited about that prospect! Only, it hasn't kicked in just yet. I'll try to let you know when it does.

MORE IMPORTANT NEWS ABOUT...ME

The Lord willing, this coming Sunday, Oct. 5th, I will be preaching at the First Baptist Church of Lake Garfield, Florida. The Church is located just outside Bartow on Eighty Foot Road. Yep. That's right. Eighty Foot Rd. (Seems longer than that to me, 'cause the Church is about a mile down the road. How many foots is in a mile? More'n 80, right?)

I'm excited about the opportunity to fellowship with pastor Garnett Pitts and the folks at FBCLG. If any of you who read this blog are in the area and have the time, come by and say hi.

Services are at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. See you there!

FLYIN' OUT ON A JET PLANE

In case you're interested, beginning this thursday, September 4th and continuing through Sunday September 7th, I will be preaching at the Liberty Baptist Church in Payneway Arkansas. I'm excited about being in meetings with Bro. Jimmy Strickland and his people. Payneway is about an hour from Memphis, so, if either of my faithful readers happen to be in the Memphis, Tn. area, come fellowship with us.

LIVING DANGEROUSLY: DR. AL MOHLER

Steve posted a link on his blog to the sermon Dr. Mohler preached yesterday in the opening chapel service of the new academic year at Southern Seminary. Everyone should listen to this sermon, but especially those of us who are either in the ministry or are aspiring to the ministry. Ocassionally I hear a sermon that so convicts me and forces me to re-evaluate my service for Christ, that continuing in the status quo of my life becomes impossible. This is truely one of those sermons. Listen to it and then let me know if you agree.

WHY DO THE SAINTS HAVE ENEMIES?

In his commentary on Psalm 64, James Montgomery Boice said: "It is not very often that David finishes a psalm without mentioning his enemies." It doesn't take a very in-depth study of the psalms that David authored, to see the truth of that statement. David's enemies seem to have been a very persistent part of his every day life. It appears that his entire life was a series of conflicts with those who, through ceaseless verbal, political, and physical attacks, sought to either destroy or depose him.

Of course, we would expect a man in his position to acquire a few enemies along the way. He doubtless produced a few enemies through the wars he fought against rival nations who were the perpetual enemies of Israel. He had political enemies as every leader has, and he also garnered some hard feelings through his own personal failings.

All of these types of enemies we can easily understand. However, David had other enemies too. People who should not have been his enemies at all. They had no reason to hate or oppose him at all, but they did. Many who should have respected and admired him, despised him. I say they should have admired him because there was much about him to admire, regardless of his short-comings.

For the most part, he had been a careful man. He was called "a man after God's own heart", and most of his life, he lived in conscious awareness of God's presence. He was a brave man. He courageously, and selflessly, as mere youth, went against a lion and a bear to protect his father's sheep. Again as a teen, he fought and defeated the giant, Goliath, who had caused the whole Israeli army to cower. He did it single-handedly believing that the battle was the Lord's. When Saul became jealous of him and sought his life unjustly, David would not avenge himself nor take advantage of multiple opportunities to harm, capture, or kill him. He preferred to let God take care of Saul in His own time and in His own way. As king, rather than seeking the destruction of Saul's family, he sought to show them mercy. Also as king, he brought the Ark of God to Jerusalem and openly worshiped God.

These things should have sparked nothing but respect from all those who witnessed them. However, not everyone was impressed with David's spirituality. Some actually hated him even more because of it (Some of them from his own family 2Sam.6:14-23). How can that be? Here is where we can learn something about many of David's enemies as well as our own. They had no reason to hate him except for this fact: In their own hearts, they were at war with the God that David so passionately worshiped. Their problem was not with David at all. Their real problem was with David's God. So, they attacked David with all the pent-up resentment with which they would attack God, if they could just get at Him.

That's how it was then and that is how it is even now with modern-day saints. There are people who are in rebellion against God(Often they are of our own families Matt.10:34-36). They don't like His authority, His demands, or His ways. They would attack Him personally if they could, but they can't. So... they attack those who love and serve Him, and the closer to God you live, and the more fervently you serve Him, the more stubborn will be the opposition.

Jesus articulated this principle in Jn.15:18-25, then He lived it out before the very eyes of His followers just a few hours later. Neither Rome nor the Jews had any reason to hate Him, but by their unreasoning determination to brutalize, torture, and crucify Him, they put on display, for all the world to see, their deep, cruel, and abiding hatred for God. Someone has described what happened at Calvary by transposing the words in the title of Jonathan Edwards' famous sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God" like this: God in the hands of angry sinners. That makes my point perfectly.

Christ on the cross was, on one hand, God's goodness, God's mercy, God's love in it's most magnificent display. On the other hand, it was man's depraved rebellion against God in it's fullest revelation. This explains, at least to my satisfaction, why even the sweetest of Christians have enemies. Our enemies are real, their attacks and abuses are painful, but we must remember that their issue is with God. Therefore our response should be to:
1: Love them
2: Do good to them
3: Pray for them (Matt.5:43-48)
If anything else is required, leave that up to God. After all, the battle is the Lord's.