Category: Penny Pulpit

Msg #1814 Sinless Perfection – NOT

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Apostle John carefully dictates some principles to determine the authentic conversion of professed believers around us. They are the same as those used to self-authenticate ones own conversion, obedience of Christ's commandments, a holy walk, and an authentic love for the brethren. But when rehearsing these he seems to over emphasize, perhaps because one cannot know another's heart as one's own. In this profound emphasis for authenticating a new-birth a person should abide in Christ and NOT abiding in sin. 1John 3:9 is the capstone of that emphasis. Be careful with this verse, even though a dozen verses earlier John says, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1:8). Many use 1John 3:9, taken out of context, to support errant teachings about sinless perfection. Like some take Nebuchadnezzar's tree, or Satan's pinnacle to suppose that the world is flat! And some even suppose that it was half-angel half-human giants that caused God to destroyed the world with a flood The half-breed angles are the problem, they say, not man's depravity! False teachers take a verse out of its context and develop a whole system of error around it. Acts 2:38 might suppose ones baptismal regeneration, but the rest of the Bible cannot support it. Use great care in your Bible study and great criticism of charismatic teachers. Be a Barean (Acts 17:10-11) with your Bible. Don't be led down a crooked garden path. It is painstakingly Scriptural and obvious that believers still sin, but we now have an advocate with the Father, and he is the propitiation for sin. The point being (for 1 John 3:9) true believers use that advocate and do not continue in sin,..Every man that hath this hope in him is truly changed.

An Essay for week #14 Apr 8, 2018

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs180408.mp3

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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 #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:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church

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

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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 #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

Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church

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

Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church

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

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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 #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

Our mailing address is:
Good Samaritan Baptist Church