SHE SHALL BE PRAISED…DAYS OF PRAISE,Institute For Creation Research

She Shall Be Praised
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

 Proverbs 31 is identified as “the words of King Lemuel” (v. 1). Since it is divided into two distinct parts, some have proposed that it has two different authors. The first part (vv. 1–9) consists of “the prophecy that his mother taught him” (v. 1), while the second part (vv. 10–31) describes “a virtuous woman” (v. 10). Perhaps it is better to understand the woman as Lemuel’s mother, for “her children rise up and call her blessed” (v. 28).

 “Many daughters have done virtuously” (v. 29, same word as in v. 10). Recognizing that the only other woman described as “virtuous” in the Bible was Ruth (Ruth 3:11) gives us more complete insight into such a woman’s character. The woman described in Proverbs 31 is one who has achieved in all its fullness the glories of her womanhood, both in the home as wife and mother and in her community. Not only do her children bless her, but her husband has absolute confidence in her (v. 11), appreciates the bounty which she brings (v. 12), has the freedom to be an effective leader in the community (v. 23), and praises her virtue to others (v. 28).

 Without question, the key to her accomplishments is found in our text. Her fear of the Lord blossoms into such inner beauty and diligence that, by wisdom and devotion, she so trains her children and so lovingly provides for her husband’s needs that when they leave the home which she has fashioned and have occasion to speak of her, their words will be blessing and praise.

 On this day when so many of us remember and are thankful for our godly wives and/or mothers, let us rekindle our own fear of the Lord and by so doing develop similar qualities and habits. JDM

 

  

A NEW BOOK AT ICR-THE DESIGN AND COMPLEXITY OF THE CELL by Jeffrey P. Tomkins, Ph.D.

    

The Design and Complexity of the Cell

by Jeffrey P. Tomkins, Ph.D.

The majority of scientifically trained biologists and geneticists are taught that the apparent design that is observed in cells is the result of only random chemical and energy processes operating over eons of time. Such a belief system prompts their thinking to rest on purely natural logic, producing materialistic conclusions—and often ignoring or marginalizing the implications of careful engineering and design.

There are, however, multiple thousands of scientists who accept the Bible’s message that there is a Creator who planned the creation, designed the intricate engineering efficiencies into that creation, and then built the product: our planet and its wonderfully unique life and functions. That belief system not only fits empirically with what is observed (design, precise function, operational efficiencies, etc.), but provides insight that enables creation-based scientists to grasp the significance of the information more readily—without having to invent a supposed eons-long story for the development of what is actually observed.

Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and his contributing colleagues have provided an excellent resource that documents and helps explain the intricate processes of cells, and gives keen insight for “clearly seeing” the obvious hand of the Creator in the “things that are made” (Romans 1:20).

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Click here for more information about Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and contributing authors.

Primary Author

Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins

Research Associate

Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins earned a master’s degree in Plant Science in 1990 from the University of Idaho, where he performed research in plant hormones. He received his Ph.D. in Genetics from Clemson University in 1996. While at Clemson, he worked as a research technician in a plant breeding/genetics program, with a research focus in the area of quantitative and physiological genetics in soybean. After receiving his Ph.D., he worked at a genomics institute and became a faculty member in the Department of Genetics and Biochemistry at Clemson. He had become a Christian as an undergraduate at Washington State University in 1982, with a goal to eventually work as a scientist and author in the creation science field. In 2009, Dr. Tomkins joined the Institute for Creation Research as Research Associate. He is the primary author of The Design and Complexity of the Cell.

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 Contributing Authors

Dr. Nathaniel Jeanson

Deputy Director for Life Sciences

 Contribution:

• Chapter 9: The Biology of Stem Cells

• Chapter 10: Processes and Implications of Stem Cell Research

For more information about Dr. Jeanson, click here.

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Dr. Brad Forlow

 Contribution:

• Appendix 2: The Development of Pharmaceutical Therapeutics

Dr. Randy Guliuzza

National Representative

 Contribution:

• Life’s Indispensable Microscopic Machines

• Life-Giving Blood

• Human Reproduction

• Immune Systems, The Body’s Security Force

• Darwinian Medicine: A Prescription for Failure

For more information about Dr. Guliuzza, click here.

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Brian Thomas

Science Writer

 Contribution:

• Have Scientists Created a Synthetic Cell?

• Where Did Flesh-eating Bacteria Come From?

• Brain’s Complexity “Is Beyond Anything Imagined”

• The Mysteries of Stunning Soft Tissue Fossil Finds

For more information about Mr. Thomas, click here.

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Frank Sherwin

Research Associate, Senior Lecturer, and Science Writer

 Contribution:

• Cells: Sophisticated and God-Designed

For more information about Mr. Sherwin, click here.

Click here to read the Foreword by Dr. Henry Morris III.

Foreword

The functions within the cells of our bodies are foundational to our existence. Understanding these functions has made the environment and the processes of our lifestyles healthier, more enjoyable, and more productive. All of humanity has benefited from the life sciences and the scientists who have dedicated their considerable skills to uncovering the functions and processes of the multifaceted variety of cells.

Although scientists have discovered, documented, and developed wonderful insights about the complex information, precise sequential processes, and unique interwoven controls within cells, there is a huge chasm among scientists when they try to understand how these highly efficient processes got started in the first place.

The majority of scientifically trained biologists and geneticists are taught that the apparent design that is observed in cells is the result of only random chemical and energy processes operating over eons of time. Such a belief system prompts their thinking to rest on purely natural logic, producing materialistic conclusions— and often ignoring or marginalizing the implications of careful engineering and design.

There are, however, multiple thousands of scientists who accept the Bible’s message that there is a Creator who planned the creation, designed the intricate engineering efficiencies into that creation, and then built the product: our planet and its wonderfully unique life and functions. That belief system not only fits empirically with what is observed (design, precise function, operational efficiencies, etc.), but provides insight that enables creation-based scientists to grasp the significance of the information more readily—without having to invent a supposed eons-long story for the development of what is actually observed. Dr. Jeffrey Tomkins and his contributing colleagues have provided an excellent resource that will document and help explain the intricate processes of cells and give some keen insight for “clearly seeing” the obvious hand of the Creator in the “things that are made” (Romans 1:20).

Each chapter is written for technical accuracy. Most high school biology students will find the information similar to what is in their textbooks—but more carefully explained regarding the clear presence of design. Interspersed throughout the book are short articles that will provide specific examples of the cellular functions as they impact system operation. These examples will provide observable applications of how these marvelous processes insure that the purpose of each design is fulfilled.

At the end of each chapter is an information summary that will reinforce the science discussed and outline the design characteristics easily identified by the discoveries.

This book is designed as a scientific resource and ready reference, as well as an apologetic tool to use as a witness of the omnipotent and omniscient Creator and Savior. Our prayer at the Institute for Creation Research is that you will find both of these purposes fulfilled in your life.

Henry M. Morris III
Chief Executive Officer
Institute for Creation Research

Click here to see the Table of Contents.

Table of Contents			Page
Contributors			7
Foreword			9
Introduction			10
Chapter 1	Dogma and Science Surrounding Cell Origins		13
		Abiogenesis	13
		The Evolutionary Problem of the Cell	17
		Have Scientists Created Artificial Life?	18
		Summary	19
		Application: Have Scientists Created a Synthetic Cell?	20
Chapter 2	A Basic Description of Cells and Cell Types		23
		A Basic Definition of Cells	23
		Two Basic Cell Types in Biology	25
		Prokaryotic Cell Characteristics	27
		Development of a Model System for Cell Biology	30
		E. coli: The Prokaryotic Model for Evolution	30
		The Role of Cells in Biological Creation	31
		Summary	33
		Application: Life’s Indispensable Microscopic Machines	34
Chapter 3	Eukaryotic Cells and Multicellularity		37
		The Highly Engineered Eukaryotic Nucleus and Mitochondria	38
		Mitochondria: The Evolutionary Model of Symbiosis Is Unsupported	40
		Plant Cell Chloroplasts	41
		Additional Eukaryotic Cell Characteristics	42
		Summary	45
		Application: Life-Giving Blood	46
Chapter 4	Genes and Proteins		49
		DNA: The Cell’s Genetic Blueprint	49
		Making a Protein	50
		A Masterpiece of Design and Purpose	53
		Summary	54
		Application: Where Did Flesh-Eating Bacteria Come From?	55
Chapter 5	Cell Division and DNA Replication: How Life Is Engineered to Perpetuate		57
		Cell Division: The Basic Biological Process Required for Life	57
		Mitosis	59
		Meiosis	60
		Summary	64
		Application: Brain’s Complexity “Is Beyond Anything Imagined”	65
Chapter 6	Cell Signaling: The Miracle of the Biological Network		67
		Cell Surface Receptors	67
		Neurons	69
		Summary	71
		Application: Human Reproduction	72
Chapter 7	The Cytoskeleton and the Extracellular Matrix: How Biology Achieves Shape, Form, and Movement		75
		Actin Filaments and Microtubules	75
		Junctions between Cells	77
		The Extracellular Matrix	79
		Summary	80
		Application: The Mysteries of Stunning Soft Tissue Fossil Finds	81
Chapter 8	Cells in Creation, Sin, and Redemption		83
		Plants	83
		Photosynthesis and Respiration	84
		Water, Air, and Land Creatures	85
		Consequences of the Curse	86
		Summary	87
		Application: Immune Systems, the Body’s Security Force	88
Chapter 9	The Biology of Stem Cells		91
		The Biology of Adult Stem Cells	91
		Cellular Mechanisms of Self-Renewal and Differentiation	93
		Molecular Mechanisms of Self-Renewal and Differentiation	94
		The Biology of Embryonic Stem Cells	95
		How Embryonic Stem Cells Work: Mechanisms of ESC Self-Renewal and Differentiation	95
		The Origins of Human Cellular Diversity: The Fact of Creation and the Insufficiency of Evolution	96
		Summary	97
		Application: Darwinian Medicine: A Prescription for Failure	98
Chapter 10	Processes and Implications of Stem Cell Research		101
		Reprogramming and Cloning	103
		Stem Cells and Medicine: Cell Therapy	105
		Stem Cell Ethics	106
		Conclusion	109
		Summary	110
		Application: Cells: Sophisticated and God-Designed	111
Appendix 1	Biology and the Bible		113
Appendix 2			117
		Therapeutic Intervention	117
		Pharmaceutical Drug Discovery and Development	118
		Pharmacological Inhibition	123
		Conclusion	124
Glossary			125
Credits			128
Index			129

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This beautiful, full-color book in hardcover is only $19.99 (plus shipping and handling). Click here to order your copy today!

DAYS OF PRAISE-That Which Endures Forever-Institute for Creation Research

That Which Endures Forever

   September 17, 2012

“But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.” (Psalm 9:7)

 This world will eventually pass away. The law of entropy assures us, in fact, that everything decays and dies. Atheistic scientists have even calculated that the very protons of which matter is composed will eventually disintegrate. And the Bible itself also tells us that the present earth and heaven “shall wax old as doth a garment” and “shall perish” (Hebrews 1:11).

 But God Himself is eternal! As our text confirms (and many other texts agree), “the LORD shall endure for ever.”

And that is not all! His glory will remain! “The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works” (Psalm 104:31).

 And His great name will never change. “His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him” (Psalm 72:17).

That also means that His righteousness will never change. “His righteousness endureth for ever” (Psalm 112:3).

 Then also “His mercy endureth for ever.” All 26 verses of Psalm 136 end with this wonderful assurance, and the same promise occurs 16 other times as well. If God’s perfect righteousness will last forever, then His great mercy must also endure forever, and we shall continue to thank Him for His everlasting mercy in all the ages to come.

 Next, God’s Word will endure. “For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you” (1 Peter 1:25).

 Finally, because God is forever, we also shall live forever. “His seed shall endure for ever” (Psalm 89:36). “The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17). HMM

Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

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DAYS OF PRAISE-Those Who Depart-Institute for Creation Research

Those Who Depart

September 12, 2012

 “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 John 2:19)

 One of the most hurtful experiences in the life of a Bible believing fellowship is when an ostensibly Christian leader, teacher, or pastor decides to abandon his faith and even to teach against it. This sort of thing does happen all too often, and it obviously raises difficult questions.

 Can a true believer, a teacher of the Word, a soul-winner, actually lose his salvation? Can a born-again Christian go back and be unborn? Can one who has received everlasting life through faith in Christ not really have eternal life?

 If so, what about the many promises which have assured us that “ye may know that ye have eternal life” (1 John 5:13) and that we “shall never perish” (John 10:28)?

 The answer to this vexing question is apparently in our text verse above. When such people, who once seemed to be genuine Christians become apostates, denouncing the truth they once taught, it is because “they were not of us” at all, no matter what they professed at one time.

 This fact implies a sober warning. When professing Christians fall away, assuming they have truly understood the facts and evidences of the Christian faith, it is impossible “to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame” (Hebrews 6:6).

 How important it is, therefore, for all professing believers to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Peter 1:10). We must be “rooted and built up in him” (Colossians 2:7), “ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). HMM

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DAYS OF PRAISE-The Foundation of the Gospel-Institute for Creation Research

The Foundation of the Gospel

September 7, 2012

 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

 The foundation of the gospel is God’s character and nature, a foundation laid right at the start of Scripture. Genesis 1 states most of God’s attributes implicitly or explicitly. For example:

 (1) His freedom: “In the beginning God created” implies that, before the beginning of time, space, and man, only God was. No one was present to compel or instruct God to create; He did it of His own, un-influenced free will.

 (2) His sovereignty, omnipotence, and rule: “God said . . . and it was so” (Genesis 1:9, 11, 24, etc.). We never find a verse that says “God said…and it failed.” The entire universe obeys His commands.

 (3) His omniscience: Before the universe was created, it existed only in His mind–He knows all things!

 (4) His omnipresence: Since God created space and time, He is not bound by it.

 (5) His transcendent holiness: Is there any being or substance with these attributes? Our God is far above and distinct from His creation!

 (6) His goodness: “God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good”--a comforting thought for children of this absolute, sovereign Monarch. Thus, Genesis 1 eminently displays the glory of God.

 What does His nature have to do with the gospel? Consider that the only logical responses of created beings to this glorious God are to glorify Him as the God that He is and to give Him thanks for His goodness and creation. Our inborn failure to do this (Romans 1:21) earns us just punishment–the eternal wrath of the glorious God (Romans 1:18). Only by hiding behind the sacrifice of the obedient Christ are rebels like us saved from the holy wrath of the transcendent Creator. NTJ

Institute for Creation Research| 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

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DAYS OF PRAISE-The Lord Jesus Christ- Institute for Creation Research

The Lord Jesus Christ

August 5, 2012

 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1)

 It is significant that in this first verse of what may have been Paul’s first inspired epistle, he twice identified the Son of God as “the Lord Jesus Christ,” thus giving Him the honor and recognition to which He is entitled.

 Paul used this “full name” of Christ at least 19 times in the two brief Thessalonian epistles, as he often did also in his other epistles. Likewise James, in his first verse, called himself “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). Jude warned against any who would deny “the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4). Peter began his first epistle with “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3). The apostle John closed the last book of the Bible with the benediction: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:21).

 In the New Testament epistles, He was also frequently called “Jesus Christ,” “Christ Jesus,” “the Lord Jesus,” “the Lord,” or simply “Christ.” Once He was called “the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:24). It is significant, however, that He was never called merely by His human name “Jesus” except when the writer was referring strictly to His human incarnation. In the gospels, the name “Jesus” was used very often in relating His words and deeds, but never did His followers address Him as “Jesus.” Always when speaking to Him they addressed Him as “Lord” or “Master” (note John 13:13).

 Perhaps modern Christians are too careless when they speak or sing of Him or pray to Him using only His human name. As Peter said, “God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

He is now our risen and glorified Lord Jesus  Christ!

HMM by Henry Morris, Ph.D. |

 Institute for Creation Research| 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

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DAYS OF PRAISE -TOGETHER IN CHRIST- Institute for Creation Research

Together in Christ

 “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matthew 18:20)

 This is a wonderful promise. Whether believers come together in church or a home Bible study or even just two together (like husband and wife) to fellowship around the name of the Lord Jesus, He is there also!

 The Scriptures often speak of our togetherness with Him and therefore with one another. When we followed Him in baptism, we were “planted together in the likeness of his death” (Romans 6:5). Similarly, when He rose from the dead, God “hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:5-6). One day, we are told, “if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:17).

 In our Christian walk right now, we are being “fitly framed together” as a “holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:21-22). We ought, therefore, to be “knit together in love” (Colossians 2:2), “perfectly joined together in the same mind” (1 Corinthians 1:10), and “striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

 Then one day, when Christ returns and the dead in Christ are raised, “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” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

 So, when we are together with Him, through the indwelling Spirit of Christ, whether in a congregation of thousands, or just together with one or two Christian companions, we rejoice in His presence, for He is our mighty Creator, our loving Savior, our caring Comforter, our unerring Guide, and our soon-coming King.

by Henry Morris, Ph.D.

HMM July 20, 2012

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DAYS OF PRAISE-WITH CHRIST-Institute for Creation Research

 
With Christ

July 23, 2012

 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)

 One of the greatest doctrines of the Christian faith is the identification of Christ with His people in all the key events of His great work of salvation. For example, we are considered by God as dying with Him since He died for us. As Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20).

 Furthermore, when Christ was buried, we were in effect buried also. “We are buried with him by baptism into death” (Romans 6:4). Then we are also resurrected with Christ. “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead” (Colossians 2:12).

 But that is only the beginning of our great salvation. Christ then ascended to heaven, sat down on the right hand of the Father, and we are there with Him! “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ. . . . And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:4-6).

 Not even is this the end, for we are joint-heirs with Christ, as our text assures us. He has been “appointed heir of all things” (Hebrews 1:2), and we share His inheritance. “It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:11-12).

 Identified with Christ in His suffering, His death, His burial, His resurrection, His ascension, and then in His eternal reign! This is our position by faith. When He returns, it will become actuality, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

by Henry Morris, Ph.D.HMM

Institute for Creation Research| 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

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DAYS OF PRAISE-Lukewarm Laodicea-Institute for Creation Research

Lukewarm Laodicea

July 14, 2012

 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; . . . I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” (Revelation 3:14-16)

The Lord Jesus used intense language to rebuke this church, the last of the seven He had John write to in the book of Revelation. Laodicea was dangerously near the brink of being disavowed by He who is the Head of the church.

 Such churches believe they “have need of nothing” (Revelation 3:17). Worldly wealth, extensive property, and popular recognition blinded these members and their leaders to their true spiritual condition. They failed to understand that, from the Lord’s perspective, they are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17).

 The cause of this terrible spiritual destitution is being spiritually tepid. It’s like expecting a glass of cold water or a cup of hot tea but finding everything at room temperature. This church “tasted” just like the world around them. They were neither godly nor in rebellion–just “nice people” who blended in well with the community. Their spiritual reputation did not smell either like life or death (2 Corinthians 2:16).

 Despite the Lord’s distaste for such a condition, He loved and counseled them to “buy” from Him the gold of the kingdom’s true wealth, righteous clothing that would cover their shameful exposure of worldly behavior, and to anoint their spiritual eyes so that they could see eternal values rather than temporal things.

 As the Lord graciously closed His letter, He “stands at the door” of the church, waiting for anyone to open and let Him in (Revelation 3:20). Tepid spirituality keeps the Lord outside. What a shame that such could ever be said about any church.

by Henry Morris III, D.Min.

 Institute for Creation Research| 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

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Archive of Days of Praise Articles

Lukewarm Laodicea

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 14, 2012

Strong Philadelphia

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 13, 2012

Dead Sardis

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 12, 2012

Tolerant Thyatira

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 11, 2012

Permissive Pergamos

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 10, 2012

Faithful Smyrna

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 9, 2012

Careful Ephesus

Days of Praise | Henry Morris III, D.Min. | Jul 8, 2012

DAYS OF PRAISE-Strong Philadelphia-Institute for Creation Research

July 13, 2012 by ioan17 | Edit

 Strong Philadelphia

 July 13, 2012

 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; . . . I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” (Revelation 3:7-8)

 Philadelphia and Smryna are the only churches that did not receive warnings from the Lord in the seven letters recorded in Revelation. Philadelphia had “a little strength” because they had built their church on the two foundations of the Word of God and the name of the Lord Jesus.

The foundation of Jesus Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation of the writings of the “apostles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20) which are inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16) make the church “the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15). Philadelphia had faithfully held these eternal principles and were therefore given an “open door.“

 The Lord’s introduction to Philadelphia cites the “Key of David,” suggesting a reference to the treasure house of the king (1 Kings 7:51) and to Christ’s authority as the heir to the kingdom (Isaiah 22:22). The treasure of the eternal kingdom is not physical riches, but the gold, silver, and precious stones of God ordained work for the kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:12-13).

 But just as the talents and the pounds granted to the servants in the parables (Matthew 25; Luke 19), the open door is an opportunity to use the resources of the King for His benefit–not a guarantee of success. The Lord grants the resources, but the work and the use of those resources are our responsibility. We will be held accountable.

 If we use those resources well, even those of the “synagogue of Satan” will “come and worship” (Revelation 3:9) and “every tongue |will| confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11). HMM III

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DAYS OF PRAISE-FAITHFUL SMYRNA -Institute for Creation Research

Faithful Smyrna

July 9, 2012

 “And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; . . . I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) . . . Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer . . . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Revelation 2:8-10)

 The Lord Jesus recognized this struggling church, which is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament, as one of only two churches mentioned in the book of Revelation that did not receive any warning or condemnation.

 He saw them very differently than our “church growth” movement might today. Many tend to envy the churches with big auditoriums or grand building programs. Most of the world praises those churches that are “emerging” from the restraints of godliness and churches that are “driven” to attract and please the ungodly.

 Smyrna was poor, troubled by those who hated God’s message, and suffered tribulation for their works. Some were thrown into prison for their willingness to be identified with the truth. Generations have passed since anything like that has happened to churches in the Western world. Those countries that persecute Christians today seem only like scattered incidents that have little bearing on the day-to-day life of “civilized” nations. May God protect us from such attitudes.

 But the One who walks among the “candlestick” churches of Revelation (His churches) saw Smyrna as rich and worthy of a crown of life. He praised this little church and encouraged them to remain “faithful unto death” (Revelation 2:10). When the King gives out His rewards from the great judgment seat, these faithful, poor, persecuted, troubled, and imprisoned souls will enter eternity with great riches and joyful liberty in the “general assembly and church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). HMM III

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DAYS OF PRAISE-FROM DISCIPLES TO BRETHREN

DAYS OF PRAISE-FROM DISCIPLES TO BRETHREN

From Disciples to Brethren June 9, 2012  “Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.” (John 20:17)  It is interesting to note that our Lord never called His disciples “brethren” until after His resurrection, and our text, which identifies them as such, was the first thing He uttered after rising from the dead, at least as recorded in Scripture.  Until then He had referred to them in a variety of ways, including “little children” (John 13:33), “brethren,” in the sense of brothers in a family (Matthew 12:49), and even “friends.”  ”Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). Certainly the disciples held a special place in Christ’s heart.  But it was not until He had risen from the dead, He who was “the firstborn from the dead” (Colossians 1:18), the “firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20), that His disciples, and indeed all who would “believe on |Him| through their word” (John 17:20), could be made “sons of God” (Romans 8:14). “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and jointheirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17). This high standing comes as a fulfillment of His determination to “be the firstborn among many brethren” (v. 29).  He has relabeled the “great congregation” (Psalm 22:22, 25 quoted in Hebrews 2:12) the “church,” identifying the individual members as His “brethren,” and is not “ashamed” to do so (Hebrews 2:11). As we see in our text, His God is our God, His Father is our Father; in all ways, we who have believed on Him are His brothers. Oh, what a standing is ours! JDM

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DAYS OF PRAISE-THE SAINTS

The Saints

November 30, 2009

"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are

at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 1:1)

In the opening salutations to the churches at Rome, Corinth, Ephesus,

Philippi, and Colosse, the apostle Paul addresses the "saints" in those

churches—a term essentially synonymous (as in our text above) with

"the faithful in Christ Jesus." The Greek word (hagios) is also translated

even more frequently as "holy." Evidently "saints" are "those who are

holy." For example, just three verses later Paul speaks thus of believers:

"He hath chosen us in him |Christ| before the foundation of the world,

that we should be holy |same word| and without blame before him in love"

(v. 4).

This immediately raises an obvious question. Paul's rebukes to the "saints"

in these churches (especially Corinth) certainly would indicate that the lives

of many in them were anything but holy! How can sinners be called holy?

The answer to this problem must be, of course, in the fact that Christians are

"saints in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:1), not necessarily saintly in behavior.

It is a wonderful truth that God deals with us, not in our sins, but in Christ.

In His sight, we are even seated "together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus"

(Ephesians 2:6).

We have surely been "blessed . . . with all spiritual blessings in heavenly

places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3), and it would surely please Him if we would

seek to become as holy in our practice as in our position. "I beseech you

therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a

living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing

of your mind,that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect

, will of God"

(Romans 12:1-2). HMM

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