 Think on these things.
Philippians 4:8-13 gives us very important insights into applying the mind of Christ in our lives. The most important event in anyones life is
that of salvation in Christ. Next, it’s up to the Christian to learn what truth has been given to us today. Finally
, we are instructed to “think on these things”. The mind is the place where we battle Satan for every thought that comes forth. As we wage war with him,
sin continues to be Satan’s ally as it wrestles for control over our thoughts to be filled with anything but Christ. However, Paul gives us the heavely weapon
of choice to defeat this attack by appyling Phil. 4:8 (KJV) “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This list demonstrates the
practical aspect of the doctrine we’ve been given. Sin is what causes us to miss the mark and the birthright of the natural man. The flesh cannot receive
or comprehend the spirit of God or can it spiritually discern the mind of Christ. Satan, as the god of this world, want’s to
continually blind the natural man to the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. Yet, the new man, the new creation we receive
as members of the body of Christ is capable to think on these things. It’s the new creation that energizes us to be a witness for Christ as we are faithful to our calling. As Paul says in Phil 4:9 (KJV) “Those things, which ye have both
learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” The lesson on 05-05-2002 teaches on this classic passage in Philippians where we learn “I can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me”.   Click here to listen now.
“Every wise woman builds her house.” We learn so much from mothers. Someone once
said that they learned religion from their mom when she said “You better pray that this comes out
of the carpet!” The wise mother knows that Betty Crocker is a cookbook for the kitchen but the
bible is the cookbook for the soul. A child first receives wisdom from their parents. As Proverbs
4:1-3 (KJV) states “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know
understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father's son,
tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.” Worldly wisdom shifts from day to day yet
the wisdom found in the bible is eternal. Children will be a blessing if they listen to their mother
and impart wisdom as they grow. Proverbs 23:19-26 (KJV) says “Hear thou, my son, and be
wise, and guide thine heart in the way. Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of
flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. Hearken unto
thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old. Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and
instruction, and understanding. The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall
have joy of him. Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” Click here to listen to the lesson on 05-12-2002 for Mother’s Day.
Ever wonder about the history of the English Bible? After Jerusalem was destroyed in
AD70, God has passed his written word down through the ages under various political and
religious authority of the time. For appx 1,600 years, the written word was only available to a
few… the political and religious elite until it finally was made available in English for all to have
free access. The Bible is a compilation of works by more than 40 authors, written during a
period of about 1,600 years, yet it is unified in spirit, outlook and inspiration because God kept
his protection over it during all these years. We know from 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God,  and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be
perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The earliest parts of the Bible were written in approximately 1500 B.C.; the most
recent around A.D. 63 and the original languages of the Bible were Hebrew (Old Testament),
Aramaic (a few scattered parts of the Old Testament), and Greek (New Testament). The Bible
is composed of 66 books (39 Old Testament, 27 New Testament) which is the complete Bible.
These 66 books came to be called canonical, from the Greek word for a measuring stick (kanon
). Today, we have free access to God’s word and are encouraged to study so we can be
approved unto God (and not man). Ignorant of scripture? What’s your excuse? Click here to
listen to the lesson on 05-19-2002 and learn about the history of the English Bible.  Be sure and download the presentation as well to view while you are listening!
Memorial Day usually conjurs up thoughts of swimming and a nice three day weekend to kick off the summer. Most
pools open on Memorial Day for the summer so everyone is excited to break out their new swimsuits and dive in. Polls indicate most Americans treat this day as just another day off. Another poll found that only 28% of the people who were
asked knew the real meaning of Memorial Day. Everyone should take time to remember those who have died for our
country and the freedoms we  share... even the pool opening for the summer. Just as we remember those who lost their
lives in battle over our country, let’s not forget as Christians the blood spilled for us by Jesus Christ
as he was nailed to the cross for our sins. God often establishes memorials in scripture to help us
remember what He has done for us. Passover was established (Exodus 12:11) as a memorial for
the nation of Israel to remember how the death angel passed over them in Egypt right before they
were set free from slavery. Rocks were placed in the dry riverbed (Joshua 4:1-9) when Israel
passed over the river Jordan and into the promised land. This was to remind them that the river
was parted and made dry to allow Isreal to easily enter the land. Yet, in Judges 2:7-11 we see in just one generation after
Joshua passed away, did Israel do evil and worship Baalim. How soon people forget and turn to evil. Today, christians have a special calling in The Mystery as revealed by Paul unto the gentiles and most of christianity has forgotten. We need
to be thoughtful and remember what God has done for us not only with salvation but with our calling and inheritance as
well. Further, remember those who died for our freedoms in this country and pray we will not take for granted those who died for us. Click here to listen to the lesson on 05-26-2002 to honor Memorial Day.
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Audio Lessons for this Month
