Msg #1752 Jesus Comes to Our House

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

In my childhood on vinyl in high-fi, Red Harper sang a song, “If Jesus came to your house to spend a day or two, If he came unexpected, I wonder what you'd do…. would you hide some magazines, put the Bible where they'd been?…” When the Only Begotten Son of God came into our world to visit for awhile, consider the plight that was placed in each life that was involved. The New Testament opens with the plight of Joseph and his espoused wife. Its 22^nd verse calls out the plight of the prophets who each could say, “Who hath believed our report, and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?” The Gospel of Luke opens with the plight of Zacharias (Hbrw- Jehovah remembers) who at first couldn't believe, and then the plight of Mary who immediately did. The plight of the shepherds, whether to go and see; the wise men, of course, and how to find him. The plight of Herod needs consideration, it tells how depraved humanity can get. The plight of just and devout Simeon (Hbrw- a rock or stone) and Anna widowed son of Phanuel (Hbrw- grace & facing God), each would not see death till they had seen the Lord's Christ. A favorite of mine, often overlooked, is the plight of the doctors who were both hearing the twelve year old, and asking him questions; none should get a doctorate until they have at least done that. Any, or all ten, of these plights are good studies for those celebrating the birth of the Only Begotten Son of God, born in the barn, in that manger, in those swaddling cloths, under that star. And therein you have only touched the hem of his garment. Merry Christmas.

An Essay for week #52 Dec 24, 2017

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If Jesus Came to Your House by Red Sovine

If Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two.

If he came without warning, I wonder what you'd do.

Yes if Jesus came to your house, to spend a day or two.

If he came unexpected, just dropped in on you.

Ahh I know you'd give your nicest room, to such an honored guest.

And all the food you'd serve to him, would be your the best.

And you would keep reassuring him, that you're glad to have him there.

That serving him in your home, is joy beyond compare.

But when you saw him coming, would you meet him at the door,

With arms out stretched in welcome, to your heavenly visitor.

Or would you have to change you clothes, before you'd let him in.

Or hide some magazines, and put the bible where they had been.

Would you turn off the radio, and hope he hadn't heard.

And wish you hadn't uttered, that last loud hasty word.

Would you hide your worldly music, and put some hymn books out.

Could you just let Jesus walk right in, or would you rush about.

And I wonder, if the savior spent a day or two with you.

Would you go right on doing, the things you always do.

Would you go right on saying, the things you always say.

Would life for you continue, as it does from day to day.

Would your family conversations, keep up its normal pace.

And would you find it hard each meal to say a table grace.

Would you sing the songs you always sing,

And read the books you read.

And let him know the things on which you mind and spirit feed.

Would you take Jesus with you everywhere you planned to go.

Or maybe would you change your plans, for just a day or so.

Would you be glad for him meet your very closest friends.

Or hope that they'd stay away, until his visit ends.

Would you be glad to have him stay forever on and on.

Or would you sigh with great relief, when he at last was gone.

It might be interesting to know the things that you would do,

If Jesus came in person, to spend some time with you.

If Jesus came to your house, I wonder what you'd do.

Songwriters: Craig Starrett / Lois Blanchard

If Jesus Came to Your House by Red Sovine

Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church

Msg #1753 Down But Not Out

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

As one steps into a new year it is not unusual, even for the Believer, to leave the celebration and step into depression. Clinical depression, called manic, or bi-polar, by psychiatrists, is all to common in our world, but the Apostle Paul writes that it should never be present in the Believer. The darkness of depression leaves one so dismayed that they cease to function. The Born-Again always have a light that can pierce that darkness, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2Cor 3:6). This treasure is in “earthen vessels” (we are only human), so God clarifies, “that the excellency of the power (i.e. the light of the knowledge of His glory) may be of God, and not of us” (vr. 7). Be very careful here, the counsel of the ungodly is to use the power of pharmaceuticals to treat depression (and everything else). The Light shining in the face of Jesus Christ is the genuine cure. Ergo, “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body” (vr.8-10). For a Believer there is a line drawn that we dare not cross. To stay on this side of the line, read your KJ Bible, and pray everyday, memorize to meditate, journal your thoughts to cogitate, and rub shoulders with Believers thrice weekly for edification and accountability. Those incidentally, are the five RU Recovery (.com) principles which have rescued innumerable lives from addictions.

An Essay for week #53 Dec 31, 2017

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs171231.mp3

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Copyright © 2018 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

Our mailing address is:
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Msg #1750 The Incarnation of Christ

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The incarnation of Christ is a study directly linked to a believer's Christmas celebration. When the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth, we must stand in bewildered wonder at an infant wrapped in swaddling cloths. The Prophet, The Priest, and The King so aptly promised in prophecy is first announced in New Testament Scripture, “The book of the generation (singular) of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). He was a Hebrew, a Jew, the promised seed, and descendant of King David. As Matthew shows the face of this Lion he presents the royal lineage from Abraham, through King David, and up to his stand-in father Joseph. As Mark shows the face of this Servant he presents no lineage whatsoever. As Luke shows the face of this Man, of whom God says, “Thou art my beloved son; in thee I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22b), he lists the lineage of the Seed of Woman from Mary's father Heli, all the way back to the first Adam, the son of God (Luke 3:23-38). We worship the last Adam, the Son of God, as so aptly described in 1Cor 15:45-47. Therein Romans 5:12&18 depicts Christ as the only remedy for man's sin. This birth of the Lamb of God, wherein The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, robed himself in flesh, likely occurred during lambing season, while shepherds watched their flocks by night, but as we celebrate it in North's longest, ergo darkest, night comprehend the incarnation of Christ that the Apostle John so aptly portrays, “In the beginning was the WORD,… and the WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1). Merry Christmas.

An Essay for week #50 Dec 10, 2017

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs171210.mp3

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1751 Have a Very Merry Marriage

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Happy Holy-Days are marked by many couples as less than happy, and far less than holy. We have a dysfunctional nation springing from dysfunctional homes, rooted in dysfunctional marriages. A Bible believing Christian has ample opportunity to be a testimony and witness in these days, ergo it is wise to first take a healthy inventory of our own marriages. It is sobering to discover that many “Christian-Homes” having the wall plaque “A Family that Prays Together, Stays Together,” does not have a husband led family altar where they pray together! Dr. Coomer, of Hope Biblical Counseling Center (.com), supposes that Christian homes are plagued with four major failings; 1) A lacking intimate, personal, passionate relationship with our Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ; 2) Immature emotion led, feeling dominated individuals; 3) “Christians” living their lives for lusts and not for Christ, slefishness vs selflessness; and 4) Broken vows and broken trusts. He spring-boards from Ephesians 5:17-25 to develop a Biblical marriage manual that addresses all four of these, but I especially like (and need) his capstone about our communications in the home. All of us need a reminder, an emphasis, and more learning on keeping our communications Godly (Christlike), edifying, and altogether loving. That takes effort, maturity, and practice. No corrupt or corrupting communication, as required by Eph. 4:29-32, now requires a television off switch, and so much more. Corruption has multiple inroads to our brain and home. Consequently anger opens to many conversations, edification to few. Spiteful vengeance leads much talk and Christ's compassion far less. Idle jesting gets to much focus, the glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, far to little. Fix your marital communications and be that testimony of light in these days of darkness, you will be amazed how far a little candle light reaches.

An Essay for week #51 Dec 17, 2017

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1748 Saul's Type-A Personality

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

There were three signs in King Saul's calling and three sins in King Saul's falling. In 1Samuel 13 God staged Israel's great victory over the Philistines. The new king and his Type-A personality was nervous, but he was in his place,… until he stepped out of his place. Saul's first sin was well thought out and very practical. He rationalized it superbly, it was pragmatic. At first glance it seems that God completely overreacted…. Barred from the kingdom for one burnt offering? “Thou hast done foolishly; thou has not kept the commandment of the LORD thy God, which he commanded thee” (1Sam 13:13). God wanted “a man after his own heart;” Saul was not that man; he could get things done, alright, but didn't do them God's way. God places utmost importance on HOW things get done, Type-As on THAT things get done. Israel won the victory over the Philistines, but not via Saul, it was Johnathan who slew the Garrison of Philistines (Chap. 14).

In 1Samuel 15 God staged the annihilation of the Amalekites. Saul's Type-A personality stepped in to do the job and his second sin was well thought out, very practical, rationalized superbly, pragmatic,… and disobedience. The next victory over the Philistines was secured, not by Saul, but by a shepherd boy, a man after God's own heart, who slew a giant. Saul's third sin was opposing God's man. The Type-A personality is competitive, aggressive, organized, fast talking, ambitious, impatient, and a good time manager. Type-B is more relaxed, non-competitive, non-aggressive. I re-wrote the song “Learning to Lean” with lyrics “Learning to “B”, Learning to “B”, I'm learning to “B” like Jesus. Finding more power than I ever knew, I'm learning to “B” like Jesus. God makes us new creatures, conformed to Christ, some are slow learners.

An Essay for week #48 Nov 26, 2017

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1749 There is Much in a Name

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

Christology must be the Bible believer's favorite “ology,” and my favorite part is learning how God uses various titles for his Only Begotten Son. It is important to pay close attention. First note that all modernist bibles have stripped the name “Jesus” from 47 verses, “Christ” from 37 verses, and 'Lord” from 40 verses. Twice they had the audacity to strip “Lord Jesus Christ” out of their copyright bibles (Col 1:2, 1Thes 1:1). For this study you must use an Authorized KJB. Jesus is his name before his death and resurrection, before salvation was made complete; it is his earthly name; it speaks of his humiliation, his humanness, his finiteness; it means saviour. Consequently the Gospels use Jesus 612 times, Epistles 71 times, while Christ is used only 56 times in the Gospels, 256 times in the Epistles. Before his crucifixion he was never called Jesus to his face, they called him Master or Rabbi, believers called him Lord, thus a Christian is not one who believes in Jesus– the world believes there was a Jesus – but a Christian is one who believes in “The Lord Jesus Christ.” The word Christ (Hebrew Messiah) means the Anointed One, and is the official title of the Son of God. He is the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King. When the compound name Jesus Christ is used, the emphasis is on what he was over what he is, when Christ Jesus is used it emphasizes him exalted who was once humiliated. He is Lord when he owns you. His fullest title is the Lord Jesus Christ. Differentiate between the Son of God and the Son of Man, the Son of Abraham and the Son of David. Discover the seven “I AM” titles in John… be a student of his names, in a KJB.

An Essay for week #49 Dec 3, 2017

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs171203.mp3

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1746 Called to be Faithful Till Death

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

It is striking how the signs assuring Saul's anointing are so very specific; so much so that they tell a story in themselves. Two men meeting Saul near Rachel's sepulcher highlights the importance of those who went before us, at the border of Benjamin, the importance of stepping out of a comfort zone. The father caring for Saul has evident significance, and one cannot miss the irony that Saul chasing after stubborn asses was now called to lead stiffnecked Israel. The next sign took place at the plain of Tabor, where Deborah had to take Barak by the hand and lead him into battle. Much could be said about God's demand for male leadership here, but let it suffice that three men going up to God to Bethel was Saul's sign. There are the kids, the bread, and the wine showing that God won't buy you the farm, but will provide your daily bread. The third sign involved the hill of God and the garrison of Philistines. We are in a battle, and the enemy has us outnumbered, and outgunned. The company of prophets with psaltery, tabret, pipe and harp tells something about our music and the new song he puts in our heart. It is not just the old song with new lyrics crammed in, note the difference. God gave Saul another heart and all these signs came to pass that day. Is Saul among the prophets? Turns out not. We know Saul's obedience was short lived. The signs were so sure, God's call and anointing so certain, yet Saul's terrible fall was such a tragic failure. He became an opposer of God. This accounting is meant to be sobering. So many great starts for God end like Saul. Lord, may I be faithful till death.

An Essay for week #46 Nov 12, 2017

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1747 Thanksgiving

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Bible reveals a couple interesting things about our thanksgiving. For the Bible believer thanksgiving is not a mere suggestion. Philippians four connects it to a peace that passes all understandings. The Psalmist reveals its spontaneity in a quickened soul, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name” (Psalm 100:4). But the Bible makes mentions of the sacrifice of thanksgiving, “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. … I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. … By him (Christ) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Psalm 107:22, 116:7, Hebrews 13:15). Recall that King David said he would not offer a sacrifice “which doth cost me nothing” (2Samuel 24:24). Thanksgiving is commanded, has great promise attached, and is often spontaneous, but sometimes it might be a sacrifice that costs you something. Note also that its lack is one of the steps that spirals us down and away from our God. Romans chapter one describes that spiraling stairway, but note that first God shows man as being without excuse. God does not believe in atheists. Every man knows internally about the Godhead and the wrath he is deserving of (Rom 1:18-20). So the staircase has a top step, “When they knew God,” a first step down, “they glorified him not as God,” and the next step down, which holds our attention here, “neither were thankful.” This stairway spirals down to a pretty disturbing depth of depravity, but this week just focus on this one step, and don't even go there. Happy Thanksgiving.

An Essay for week #47 Nov 19, 2017

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Copyright © 2017 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg #1802 God Save America

What The Bible Says – Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

When one hears “God bless America” the thought must rise “He has blessed America,” and hearing “God save America” should elicit “save her from her pride, her arrogance, and her pernicious, progressive ways.” Isaiah 25 succinctly promises that salvation, “Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth… therefore shall the strong people glorify thee, the city of the terrible nations shall fear thee” (Isa 25:1,3). Democrats think they are the strength to the poor and down-trodden, Republicans suppose they are the strength of economic conservatives, but God says there is a vail over their understanding, a reprobate heart in their chest, “And he will destroy in this mountain (i.e. Zion, i.e. Jerusalem, where we properly place our Israeli embassy) the face of the covering cast over all people, and the vail that is spread over all nations” (25:7). The salvation of a nation that preaches Evolution as their creator and god, sodomy as their alternate lifestyle, and murder in the womb as their privilege will first be a day of darkness, a terror-able day, the Day of the Lord. “He shall spread forth his hands in the midst of them… and he shall bring down their pride together with the spoils of their hands” (Isa 25:11). Days are short in this January of 2018. The believer longs for his salvation because “He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from off all faces, and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the LORD hath spoken it” (25:8). That upcoming “Earth Day” is in reality the upcoming “Day of the Lord.” “God bless America, God save America, but first save my children, save my family, save my neighbor.” Preach the gospel, the Lord is soon returning.

Msg #1802b Worship Canceled

What Your Pastor Says – Good Samaritan Baptist Church Pastor Ed Rice

Dear Member/Guest

The frozen water pipes from our two broke furnaces kept me from preaching what God had laid on my heart for the second Sunday of 2018. The attached Penny Pulpit must suffice for that, but God has other lessons for GSBC to take away from the cancellations. For those that gathered at 10 am and shared a song and a prayer, God blessed your short and stunned worship and gave safe travels in bitter cold. Thanks for not flushing.

For those alerted of the dilemma and averted from cold travels, God blessed you with a longing for Christian fellowship on a Lord's day, and an answer to your prayer. It was simply a reset on the oil burner, a new fuse on the gas furnace, and not a single pipe was broken.

For those to ill, or old, or hospitalized to tackle twelve degrees of cold we missed you, and prayed for you, knowing you missed us and prayed for us.

To those with no intention of attending this 2^nd worship service of 2018, the cancellation can still be a blessing because you hold this letter, and perhaps a new appreciation of the importance we place on our gathering with other believers on the first day of the week, the Lord's Day, the day God rose his Christ, our Lord, from death to life.

On the twentieth anniversary of my pastoring Good Samaritan Baptist Church I must say that this Sunday, with frozen pipes, the breath of saints visible in the cold air, and the singing of three verses of “Jesus Loves Me” was a memorable blessing. Be blessed, and I'll see you when the heat is back up.

 Pastor Rice

An Essay for week #2 Jan 14, 2018

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Copyright © 2018 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

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Msg#1803 The Three Veils

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Bible reveals three veils that were removed because Christ gave his life for the remission of sin. The most familiar is found in Exodus 26, “And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet,… and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy” (vr. 31,33). The holy and sanctified were separated from the most holy presence of the LORD God himself and it is marvelous that that separation is rent in twain by the cross of Christ (Matt27:51, Mark15:38, Luke23:45). A second vail is found in Exod 34, “Behold the skin of his face shone and they were afraid and (Moses) gave them in commandment all that the LORD had spoken with him in mount Sinai. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. But when Moses went before the LORD to speak with him he took the vail off” (vr. 30,32-34). The Apostle Paul writes, “(Israeli) minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ… Seeing then we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech” (2Cor 3:14, 12). The Holy Bible is not veiled in Christ. The third vail covers the face as a maiden offers herself to her beloved. Rebekah shows it such in a beautiful picture in Genesis 24:64. Tamar shows it ugly, soiled, and polluted in 38:14,19. But the picture is redeemed forever in the Ruth 3:15. Most do not understand the song, “Sweet Beulah Land” (Isa 62:4), but a Christian is married to Christ, and like Ruth our vail is off and filled with six measures of barley to sustain us “until the morning.” Three beautiful portrayals.

An Essay for week #3 Jan 21, 2018

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs180121.mp3

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Copyright © 2018 Good Samaritan Baptist Church, All Public Domain
A weekly 300 word essay- The Penny Pulpit

Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church