We so often think of “sin” as being some horrible act like committing a murder; but really “sin” can be something as simple as a heart desire for something wrong; an attitude, or an improper emotion or affection.

Genesis Chapter 6 shows us:

I. The Character of Sin
II. The Consequence of Sin, and
III. The Contrast to Sin

I. The Character of Sin (verse 5)

“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” – Genesis 6:5

Sin is Intense. “God saw the wickedness of man was great…” Because He saw it, it is clear that it was not something which He had created in the first place. The word “great” speaks of both how widespread and how intense sin had become upon the earth.

Sin is Inward. He saw that the thoughts and imaginations of men had become “only evil continually.” Sin begins in the heart and mind. It is a rejection of God which causes the thoughts and desires of the flesh to grow. This occurs before it is acted out upon another person. Corruption begins in the mind and heart.

Sin is Iniquitous. “Only evil continually…” The root of the Hebrew word we translate as “evil” means noisy, thunderous, publicly perverse, brazen, shameless.” Unbelieving “evil” is active, toxic, and tumultuous.

Sin is Incessant “Only evil continually…” All day, every waking moment. It even invades our dreams at times! Our flesh is never satisfied.

II. The Consequence of Sin (verses 6 & 7)

“And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (7) And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” – Genesis 6:6-7

Divine Displeasure. Verse 6: The word “repented” describes the heart-rending disappointment of God in man’s evil desires and behavior. The Hebrew word speaks of “a deep breath taken in extreme pain.” The word for “grieved” means to stab oneself or to be stabbed. It has a connotation of idolatry, as God being stabbed in the heart by seeing His image-bearers worshipping false gods. (See Genesis 1:27)

Divine Disaster Verse 7:

It is Intensive. “I will destroy…” means to blot out or wipe away with the connotation of using a fluid of some kind to blot out or erase an entry in a ledger. This is a clear reference to the Flood of Noah which God would soon send to blot out evil mankind.

It is Extensive. “…man… beast… creeping things… fowls of the air.” Notice that the inclusion of lower life forms shows that the entire organism of nature had been infected by sin. (See Romans 8:22)

I. The Contrast of Sin (verses 8-10)

“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. (9) These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. (10) And Noah begat three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” – Genesis 6:8-10

Noah was Forgiven! “Grace” is God’s free gift of salvation and it is available to all who ask for it. It is God’s free gift of kindness to those who have no claim to it or compensation by which to purchase it. We have no right to ask for it or the means to pay for it. But He offers it to those who simply believe and humbly come to Him and ask for it.

Inherent in the word “Grace” is the concept of God condescending to give us something we do not deserve. This is the first mention of “grace” in the Bible and it comes in the face of man’s colossal failure! (See Romans 5:20) The only place to find grace is in the all-seeing eyes of the all-knowing holy God!

Noah was Faithful.

~ He was “just” in his relationship with God. To be “just” is to be viewed by God as being in a right relationship with Him.

~He was “perfect in his generations,” meaning his relationships with his family members, his peers, and his contemporaries. The word “perfect” means complete or whole. It does not mean flawless or sinless.

~Noah walked with God. This expresses an intimacy of relationship, his obedience and service to God. Noah’s faith in god was the sum and substance of Noah’s life!

Hoah was Fruitful. The fact that Noah’s son entered into the ark is proof that they were also godly believing men. The strongest influence upon a child, even in the midst of a perverse and disintegrating culture is the child’s parents! Even though evil was eliminated, the faithful were emancipated!

There is great hope in the account of Noah’s faithfulness. For as the last days will be like the days of Noah, we can rest in the truth that even in wicked times we can influence the next generation to love God, live for God, and be counted with God!

For more information click on any of the following links to other pages in this website:

Are You Sure you are Saved?

Now What do I Do?

Other Studies

Tel: (478) 955-5100
Email: fhenzler@juno.com

Under Authority of:
Hardison Baptist Church,
Byron, GA
Charles R. Odum, Pastor

October 26, 2011

I do not know who coined the term “On Cloud Nine”. It must have been someone who was like me when I was a little boy and I thought you could sit and play on a cloud. But I found out being in a cloud is like the worst fog you have ever seen. I have to admit that I sometime feel like I am in a fog.

CLOUD NINE

If we mean that “Cloud Nine” is a state of bliss, I have been on cloud nine every Sunday and Tuesday for three weeks. The services and Bible studies have been wonderful. Last night they again set up the chairs in a semi circle around me. The front row filled up fast. A fellow who had been in the first row at other services, walked around behind me and said “I wanted to sit there.” Several of those in the front row pointed to a chair in the middle of the second row. When they set up the chairs, they do not make an aisle and the end of the rows often close in. He started climbing over both chairs and men. He sat down and said, “This is good.” Several men smiled and two men patted him on the back. I thought, “This is not the normal Jailhouse behavior. This is wonderful.”

IT IS NOT ME…

I know it is not my fantastic preaching or teaching that is bringing about these changes. It is the Word of God, the working of the Spirit of God and your prayers!

AN ADDED INGREDIENT

I found out last night that there is another reason for the success of the services. A number of men take their recreation time and use it to read the Bible and pray together.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Thanks for your prayers.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

October 12, 2011

SUPER WEEK

So far this has been a Super Week. Sunday, I had my second service in K Pod. It is the new 80 inmate Pod that has just opened. They did not have enough money to have tables with seats attached. So they have plastic chairs. They arrange the chairs in a semi circle with the front row at my arms length. It is great. About 50 men were there. At the end of the message, they clapped. One guy even whistled.

HARD MESSAGE

I do not coddle them. The mega church builders tell us; do not preach on sin, judgment or punishment. I do the opposite. To me; it makes the Gospel the real good news.

BIBLE STUDY

Tuesday night, they set up the chairs just like they had them on Sunday and we had about the same number of men. Questions for pastors & Sunday School teachers. How would you like to have a congregation with:

1. That many men
2. With a full front row.
3. Paying attention.
4. Taking notes
5. A Bible study where they asked good questions and had good answers?

OFFICE HOURS

We both had good office hours too but this e-mail is getting too long.

Thanks for your prayers.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

September 15, 2011

Smiley came into the office this morning (9/14) with his banana smile and an escort. I still cannot understand the escort unless he has me completely snowed on his charges or is a Houdini impersonator. Our jail is not a small town lock up. Anyone committing a crime in our county is brought here. Right now, we have those charged with murder (Hit men and baby killers.) big time drug dealers, violent gang members and Pedophiles. If they want to see me, they come into the office alone.

SENTENCED

Smiley has been sentenced. His civil sentence will soon be served BUT his military sentence is thirteen years.

HIS FEARS

He is fearful that since he was sentenced as a Sex Offender, he could be killed, beaten or even if he defended himself have to do more time or lose other benefits. He is not afraid of death but the new problems for his parents, wife and family.

HIS GOAL

He has already memorized over 200 Bible verses since he was arrested. He would like to learn 3,000 in the next 13 years. He said, “Not just to memorize them but to help me to be a victorious Christian.”

PLEASE PRAY FOR HIM AND US.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

August 6, 2011

I have been around computers for a long time. When I pastored my first church, starting in 1954, I worked as an armed security guard on the Atlas missile program. One needed to have “Crypto” clearance to even enter the main frame computer room. The computer seemed to be mostly vacuum tubes. I had to keep a watch on the temperature and other things from Midnight to eight when no one else was there.

NOW I HATE COMPUTERS

Years later, I got a Radio Shack little thing that could not do anything unless you programmed each line but it was fun. I had the forerunner of the laptop. A Commodore 64 that folded up. I never thought I would hate computers.

FROM A DIFFERENT AGE

Computers are in the fast track and I am stuck in a pit stop. Things really got bad for me when the hinge on my laptop broke. I took it to the computer store and the man said, “Wow, this thing is old. I didn’t know anyone was still using this?”

NEW LAPTOP

Our son, Rick works in the electronics department at Wal Mart and he always sends us Gift Cards. In December, I bought a new laptop with the help of all his cards. This laptop has things I never dreamed of but it does not have a big screen, internal modem and other things I am used to like a lot of USB ports.

I SAID ALL THIS

to let you know how much we need your prayers. Our e-mails to you and your prayers are the things that keep us going. I would not even get within 10 yards of a computer these days unless I was using it to request prayer. We often get compliments about our ministry. That is encouraging but we know without Him we can do nothing (John15:5) and He uses His Word and the Holy Spirit brings the conviction. We are just the messengers. We can’t even do that unless you pray. Thanks so much to all of you who do pray for us. Please pray too that I will at least be able to send out our prayer e-mails.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

July 20, 2011

Yesterday (7-19-11) we did not go anywhere. We were both worn out.
Friday, we were at the main Sheriff’s Office, 911 Center and the Juvenile Division in Warner Robins during the day and to the Jail at night, Saturday morning we were at the Jail and then went to see one of our deputies who was in the hospital out of town. Sunday was busy but I got a break. There was an “incident” in the women’s Pod and Marie could not go in. An incident is a nice way of saying a fight. One women had to be taken to the hospital. The break for me was that we got to leave early.

That was a blessing because I had to preach in the evening service in a supporting church.

BACK TO JAIL:
Today, it was back to Jail this morning.

This afternoon our neighbor cut down a huge limb that fell from one of our oak trees last night. He is about my age and has a heart problem. When we got back from the Jail, he stopped to say he would cut it up. We carried all the branches across the street and he pulled the cut up big limb (The size of most large tree trunks…) and pulled it with his pick up. It would have been impossible for me to do without a chain saw. What a blessing!

OUR RELEASE IS OVER…
It is back to Jail tonight. Please pray for us.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

May 20, 2011

I hope you will keep us in your prayers although you do not get a prayer e-mail. I have been having a lot of problems with both computers. I think our Computer Whiz is frustrated. He is a very good Sunday School teacher, a faithful deacon, has a family and some health problems. He helps other people with their computer problems but I keep giving him the most problems. Pray for him.

BUSY TIME
We have been very busy. We have been extra busy the last two weeks. Our pastor was away on Sunday (5-15) Marie taught the kids in Sunday School and had the Jail service. I preached in both church services and spoke in Jail for an hour and a half. That meant extra preparation for us, last week. Monday we tried to rest up but it turned out to be a busy day.

ON IT GOES
Tuesday is always busy answering inmate’s requests, giving out Bibles and Christian books and both having office hours. At night, we are back in the Pods for our Bible studies. Wednesdays, I continue to have office hours while Marie goes to the store and pays any in town bills. In the evening, we go to church and she helps with the youth.

CRIMESTOPPERS

This week, Wednesday was the annual Crimestoppers luncheon and meeting. We were asked to come and I was asked to pray. We have done this for the last six years. Crimestoppers now covers nine counties. This means nine Sheriff’s Offices, every police department in those counties, (Our county has three.) the U. S. Marshals and the GBI have representatives there.

BIG CROWD
We had an extra large attendance. I think it was because Governor Sonny Perdue was the Featured Speaker. Several DA s, Judges and their staffs were there. They are usually there but not in such large numbers.

TODAY
It was back to Jail as usual. Sorry we cannot get out the e-mails like we used to do but please keep praying.

-Love in the Lord, Fred and Marie

January 19, 2011

I don’t like to send out two prayer e-mails in one week but I wanted to give you this request.

FUNERAL

Last week we attended the funeral of the Perry Police Department Chief of Police who retired in 1988. He was a Christian and his pastor gave a wonderful presentation of the gospel. Law Enforcement makes honoring their own, very important. Not only was there a large part of the PPD present but police from many other departments. Troopers from the State Patrol were there and one dressed like he would be in a DVD, played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes. Our Sheriff’s Office had a large delegation with the Sheriff and right down through the ranks down to us, the unranked.

We were told we must sit in the Law Enforcement section, so we sat with the PPD. We were praying especially for those we had witnessed to and for the two officers that were saved during our time with the PPD. Please pray with us for them.

MARIE
I was so proud of Marie. The last LE funeral we attended, I officiated. Although we were in our Class A uniforms there too, entering and leaving the funeral home and at the grave site; she just walked with me. This time, we had to march out in order, stand at attention, salute, go to parade rest before we were dismissed. She was a good soldier. I ask her how she did it, she said, “I just did what everyone else did.”

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

January 17, 2011

I feel I can say what Paul said in II Timothy 1:3 “I thank God, … that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.” Never before have I been so conscious of our Prayer Warriors. Never before have we had such a fruitful ministry. We know it is because of the prayers of God’s people. All during our ministry, Marie has taught Sunday School, VBS, Children’s Church, and worked with the youth but now she has Sunday services, weekly Bible studies and weekly counseling with the women inmates. We could both talk of many decisions but we strive for genuine conversions and spiritual growth. We are seeing this, because of your prayers. It is amazing to us. Please keep praying.

NEW EXPERIENCE FOR US

On New Years Eve and New Year’s Day we rode with our deputies. We had so many calls that the 911 Center had to sort them out according to the need. Both of our units responded to a home invasion where the home owner was shot. We searched for some time looking for the perpetrator. Each of our deputies instructed us to be on the look out but to get low, if he was spotted. Then my deputy said, “If things get bad, here is a shotgun.” That was a new one on me.

NEW ANSWER TO PRAYER

We were just about out of Bibles and our old (1994) pick up was having problems. The church that provides the Bibles is in Bainbridge, GA almost to the Florida line. That is almost 150 miles away. Rev. Tom and Barb Harriman came to the rescue. With less than a handful of Bibles on hand, Tom called and said they could come and bring us over 600 pounds of Bibles. Praise the Lord! Please pray that these Bibles will be read, understood and believed.

NEW LAPTOP

I had no idea that my laptop was so old and out of date. (Sounds like its owner.) It will take me a while to learn how to use the new one. Hart Jordan is an electrical engineer and is our computer guru. He keeps the Church Web site and computers going and helps all of us when we have computer problems. He has spent many hours helping us. He also is a faithful deacon and a great Adult Sunday School teacher. Please pray for Hart.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we look back on 2010, we think of joys and sorrows. We had a family member and friends die. We have heard or read that many of you have had the same kinds of experiences. My misdiagnosis of a heart problem was a difficult experience but some of you have had serious heart problems and other physical needs.

PRAYER has kept us going. We depend on your prayers. The ministry with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office is much more than many of you can imagine. It is a large agency. They employ nearly 1,000 people. Beyond the two Sheriff’s Offices in two different cities, they have two jails and the 911 Center that handles all the calls for the three police departments, four fire departments and all the EMS.

PRAISE THE LORD we have the acceptance and support of the leadership. Just this week, we sat in four different offices and at different times with the new Commander of the Perry office, the new Captain of the Juvenile division, the Captain of patrol (Twice) and the Commander of the 911 Center, all at their invitation. With the completion of the four new Pods in the Perry Jail, we are now well over 500 inmates. We could double that because we have the room and have many inmates farmed out to other counties. Because of the economy, we just cannot afford to hire the personal to staff the new Pods.

MORE THAN WE CAN HANDLE

If we were a young couple and employed, we could not keep up. We both feel that anything we accomplish is a result of your prayers. We feel our e-mails and your prayers are vital to are ministry. Some folks have told us they saw our e-mail on their phone. Seeing is not enough to keep us going. PLEASE PRAY!

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Went I left the Jail Chaplain’s Office on Thursday afternoon I had a few more requests to see the Chaplain. I went in on Friday morning, expecting to see these inmates. As I looked through a big pile of requests, I was shocked to see so many requests to see me. I thought, “Oh no! I’ll never get out of here.” I started calling men to my office and soon I was having a great time talking to each one about the Lord as they came in.

MURMURING

As I was waiting for the last man to come in, the Lord convicted me. I was now doing something that I would have loved to do when I was a pastor. Then it was seldom and unusual for me to have men come into my office to talk about spiritual things. Now, I found myself not only taking it for granted but murmuring to myself about how many men want to see me.

SO MUCH TO DO

This is so different from the police department. There is always much more to do than we could ever do. Just in recent weeks the Captain of the 911 Center said, “I wish you could come in everyday.” The new Lieutenant over the Perry Sheriff’s said, “I want you to come in my office as often as you can.” Several deputies, said something like, when are you going to do a ride-along with me.

PRAYER REQUEST

Please pray that we can always see this ministry as the great opportunity that it is and not a burden. We both want to “Serve the LORD with gladness.” Psalm 100:2

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

Monday, August 9, 2010

I finally saw our doctor on Friday. This is the first time I saw him since July 12, when he told me not to go to the Jail, lift or exercise.

He prescribed nitro pills. He did call me on the phone but then he seemed more concerned with my back injuries than my heart.

I went to the heart doctor today. I took the tread mill test. He asked me several times if he should slow it down and then if he should stop. I said “No” each time, so I guess I did OK but I will not get the results until the 18th. I hate the waiting and not knowing what to do.

We have been able to do the Bible and book distribution, Bible studies and I have kept my office hours at the Jail. Please keep praying for us.

Love in the Lord,
Fred & Marie

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

I finally saw our doctor on Friday. This is the first time I saw him since July 12, when he told me not to go to the Jail, lift or exercise.

He prescribed nitro pills. He did call me on the phone but then he seemed more concerned with my back injuries than my heart.

I went to the heart doctor today. I took the tread mill test. He asked me several times if he should slow it down and then if he should stop. I said “No” each time, so I guess I did OK but I will not get the results until the 18th. I hate the waiting and not knowing what to do.
We have been able to do the Bible and book distribution, Bible studies and I have kept my office hours at the Jail. Please keep praying for us.

Love in the Lord,
Fred & Marie

Sunday, June 27, 2010

DEATH

This subject has been on my mind. Monday when I got in I heard a female Shift Lieutenant’s sister was in an auto accident early that morning and was not expected to live. The next day when I walked in the main office, the secretary looked upset. I asked her what was wrong. She told me her son who is a deputy in another county was with his partner and that deputy was killed that morning.

Wednesday, when I had office hours, Andrew came in. He is the inmate that I had to give a death notification to after the Sunday service on June 6. He just got the news his brother was shot and killed in Florida. I used to avoid reading or preaching out of Job. Andrew feels overwhelmed and that no one is being tested like him. We spent some time in the book of Job.

UNUSUAL MEETING

Thursday our church was going to eat at a Mennonite restaurant just about 20 minutes south of us. We met them there. The place was crowded. There were church vans and a big tour bus. It would be hard to find anyone in that mob. As I was leaving, I walked right into Alan Yoder. Alan was a kid at Haddon Heights Baptist Church in New Jersey when I was the Assistant Pastor. We were at his wedding in Atlanta when he married the daughter of my friend Hank Scheltema. The whole family was there including the parents of their son’s new bride. Their children are all following the family tradition and are with ABWE. (Association of Baptists for World Evangelism.)

END OF THE WEEK

Friday it was back to Jail for office hours and Saturday Tom and Barb Herrimann brought a big load of Bibles to the Jail.

ANOTHER DEATH

Friday afternoon, I got a call from the pastor of Grace Baptist Church. His mother had a stroke and they were calling in the family. His father is the associate pastor and teaches the Adult Sunday School class. He asked me to teach and preach. His mother died on Saturday.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Shift Lieutenant Perry’s sister has been moved to Atlanta.
The wife and baby of Richard Daniels, the Deputy that was killed.
Howard Street and his family. Deputy Street was with Richard.
Inmate Andrew as he goes through testing with the death of his father and brother.
Pastors Paul and Waldo Mullins with the death of their mother and wife.
Grace Baptist Church. They have a number of law enforcement families in that church. They were having VBS during this difficult time.

Love in the Lord,
Doc and Marie

Thursday, June 3, 2010

GOD’S APPOINTMENTS
It always amazes me how that the Lord works things out almost to a second. On Tuesday (6/1), I had to walk over to the Sheriffs Office in Perry. I just came out the steel jail door when I saw a deputy leaving.

Later at the SO, I was talking to the secretary when a deputy walked behind me and grabbed my arm. Both of these men where deputies that sat at our table at the Crimestoppers luncheon when we talked about the Lord.
It was so good to see both of these men. Please pray for our Christian deputies.

BIBLE DISTRIBUTION

When we gave out books and Bibles that morning, we both had many opportunities to talk to and pray with inmates in the Pods, Marie with the women and I with the men.

BIBLE STUDIES

That evening we both had excellent attendance and attention in our Bible studies. That is an answer to prayer. Both of us had many more inmates that wanted to talk to us than we could talk to. They all go on lockdown right after the Bible study.

OFFICE HOURS

Wednesday when I went in to the office, I had a number of requests. One was from Michael; the inmate who when he first came to the office had leg irons, a belly chain, cuffs and two big deputies. He was in the Bible study last night. It was so interesting to see how that so many of the others clustered around him. I noted that some of them were also charged with murder. When he walked in the door, he spread his arms in the position for “No chains.”. He said, “Most of the questions I had, you answered in the Bible study.” He went on to say, “Ellis wanted me to tell you that when he did what you said, “The Bible made sense to him for the first time.”

TESTIMONY

I said, “Since I told you not to just accept the Lord in the office with me; how did you get saved?” He said “I tried to remember everything you said and that night, I just cried to the Lord.” I wish I had his testimony on video. What a blessing!
PRAY FOR MICHAEL. He can be a greater testimony in G Pod than I could ever be.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

Thursday, April 15, 2010

WHAT DO YOU DO?

Tuesday night after my Bible study, they told me an inmate had been asking to see me. He is on what they call, “Super High Max Security”. He is charged with kidnapping and murdering another man. The deputy said he didn’t know what to do. He finally allowed me to go up to the second level with him. How do you talk to a man through a door made out of two sheets of steel with a small window, all bulletproof? The deputy was not even allowed to open the “Flap” (the food tray slot) so we could talk through it. I told the deputy that he would have to come to my office.

BLESSING!

Wednesday morning as I was about to go to the jail, the phone rang. I was in a hurry and didn’t want to answer it. It was the disbarred lawyer who memorized over 100 verses in one year while he was incarcerated. He said he felt like singing the Doxology and he thought of me. He went on to say that every morning he “texts” his mother and children a Scripture verse.
It gives him many opportunity to discuss it with them. What a change in a man who was full of himself and hate.

A WELCOME VISITOR.

At the jail for my office hours, I checked the requests that came in since yesterday. I recognized the first name. It was the inmate from “S.H.M.” security. I called control and two deputies brought him in and they stood at the door. He was cuffed with the cuffs chained to a belly chain and what looked like very short leg irons. Would you like to sit in a 10 by 12 office with a guy like that? Well, I was very happy. It was a lot better than trying to talk though the flap in the cell door down on my knees, as I often have done.

THE GOSPEL

I ask him, “What is on your mind?” He said, “Last night I was trying to ask you, ‘What is the gospel?’”. What an opening! I took almost an hour to present the gospel. I had him read Bible verses and explained that “believe”, “faith” and “trust” all come from the same root word in the language the New Testament was written in and is not just accepting a fact but “total reliance”. I asked him, “Do you understand?”

SOMETHING MANY OF YOU WOULD NEVER DO?

He said, “I want to be saved right now.” I told him that I was leery of “Jailhouse conversions” and explained why. I said that if he was serious, he could be saved walking back to his cell, in his cell or right now but I did not want to push him. Inmates are told everything they must do.

Christian groups go into jails and prisons and “lead 100s of people to the Lord”. When it happened in our jail, we saw little or no evidence of salvation.

PRAY

Your prayers make the difference. I will not send this out locally. The news papers and TV have been full of the story. But if you get this e-mail, please fervently pray for this inmate and the two deputies who had to hear the gospel. Each of them sometimes looked bored.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

February 27, 2010

On Tuesday (2/23) we got out of our sick beds (we are sleeping in separate beds because we’re both sick…) to go to the Jail and give out Bibles and books. When I walked into the Major’s secretary’s office, (Marie was putting our things in the locker…) the Secretary gave me bad news. One of our deputy’s apartments burned during the night and he was in the Burn Center in Augusta. Deputy Laffey Staton was kept on Life Support until Saturday morning so that the family could come to Augusta and to have a medical team remove his organs. An EEG showed no brain activity.

MR. “MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD.”
Among the deputies, he was my best friend. He always had a great smile and a joyful serving spirit. I sometimes said that if all Christians would have an attitude like him: many more people would want to know Jesus.

AVAILABLE.
In spite of our colds, we were at the Jail Tuesday through Saturday. I talked to three lieutenants , two sergeants and several other deputies. Marie talked to several of the women. Please pray for many who have been touched by this death.

NEIGHBOR.
Our door bell rang as we were getting ready to leave to go to the Jail yesterday, our neighbor died at 3 AM. Please pray for the Adams family.

TV NEWS.
This week’s TV News was about people we know. Two high profile trials were on TV. One of our inmates was charged with shooting a code enforcement officer and another inmate was on trial for a horrible sex crime. The Jail shares the parking lot with the Court House, so it was hard to find my parking place.

D. A. RESIGNS.
Another top TV story was that our DA resigned to run for a public office.

BORED?
Is your life dull and boring? Come follow us around for a week! “Boring”
might sound interesting.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

February 8, 2010

Everyday, I wish we could have you right beside us to pray for us. Each day we face new challenges and problems. The death notification last Thursday was a nightmare with implications I cannot reveal. Our dealing with the problem spanned Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Both the mother and the father of the baby that died were already incarcerated in our jail.

The only apparent good thing was that the mother has been coming to Marie’s services and Bible studies. Just the week before the child died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the mother requested to have Marie
privately talk to her. So there was that personal contact.

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

1. The mother of the child.
2. The father who professed to be saved shows no evidence of it. He has a foul mouth and a very selfish attitude.
3. The child’s foster parents. The boy (Six months old.) was in their home.
4. The DFACS (Department of Family and Children’s Services) worker who was in my office at the notification. He had never been to a death notification. He was stressed and told a lieutenant that he wished he could have stayed and talked to me.
5. The female deputy from the Juvenile Division that is prosecuting the case. She said she didn’t want to be there for the notification.
6. Pray for us.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

January 23, 2010
This is a POST SCRIPT to my last entry… Then I told about a deputy who came over and talked to us in a restaurant and introduced us to his family. I did not know his name. This week were at the 911 Center and the Main Sheriff’s Office in Warner Robins. One of the first people we saw was this deputy. With almost 100 deputies assigned to that building, this has to be of the Lord. As we talked, my old mind started to remember that I had talked to him well over a year ago. At that time, he was looking for another church because he felt he was not accepted in the church where they were members because of his job. Police and deputies constantly deal with the bad, mad and sad. It is hard for them to relate to those who do not understand this. He is a Christian but still is having problems finding Christian fellowship and handling the people he deals with everyday. Please pray for Scott and all the Christians in law enforcement.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

January 19, 2010

BIRTHDAY:
Last week was my birthday but what I had planned to do did not work out.
The economy is bringing change. The restaurant where we have gone many times for my birthday is no longer serving lunch because of the economy.

They gave us the names of three other eating places. Two had signs thanking their customers for their business but they had to close because of the economy. I had a hot dog for my birthday but we had a good time.

It was a nice day off but we were reminded that America needs our prayers.

TREAT:
Marie thought I ought to have a nice dinner, so we went to a local restaurant, ordered water and spilt a meal, as we often do. As we were finishing, a good looking young man came to our table and said, “Hi Doc! I haven’t seen you for awhile. I guess it is because I am on days.” Then I realized he must be a deputy from patrol. He had his little 3 year old girl with him and she wanted me to pick her up and sit on my lap. His wife and third grade boy came over.

The girl switched over to Marie and his boy talked to her. Now, we know his wife’s and children’s names but we still don’t know his. We had a nice time with them. If you don’t know law enforcement people, this may not seem unusual but most of them never make or have friends outside the law enforcement community. This made our day

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

January 2, 2010

ROLLING THUNDER TASK FORCE:
If I were to write everything that took place on New Years Eve and the next morning, think it would become a book.

WE HAD SURPRISES, THRILLS, BOREDOM AND FUN:
SURPRISES. I thought we would just report and go on the road. When we reported, the sergeant said, “You go to the dinner at Centerville City Hall.

There were people from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, GA State Patrol, police from all three municipalities and our deputies. Then they asked me to say the blessing. After the meal, I won a door prize.

THRILLS:
The Deputy I was riding with had just made two drug arrests and we were processing them at the jail when we got a “Shots Fired” call.

Going through town at a high speed in a dense fog was a thrill. Marie was in another unit and she enjoyed it too.

BOREDOM:
After 2 AM, they set up two road blocks. Marie was at one and I was at the other. A lot of arrests were made; cars were searched and towed away but after a couple of hours it got boring. No one tried to crash the road block.

FUN:
Just before midnight, we were told to report to one of the mobile “Command Centers” with our prisoners. One of our Lieutenants had his wife riding with him. She is a WR detective and was on call. She also teaches the Ladies Sunday School Class in her church. We talked since we had nothing else to do. She kept looking at her watch and saying, “If I don’t get a call in (So many minutes.) I will be able to be with my husband and kiss him on NY Eve for the first time in 20 years. The more she talked, the more I wanted Marie to be there. Her unit pulled in at 3 minutes before midnight. The Governor’s Office had a photographer there. He took a picture of the two couples kissing but said he would not put that on the Web site. This was serious business.

WITNESS:
The deputy I rode with is a Christian and I got to know him when he worked in the jail, Marie got to share her testimony with her deputy.

Love in the Lord, Fred & Marie

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…” (my emphasis added) – The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America

OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU!

If you believe in today’s distorted definition of the phrase “Separation of Church and State” our standing challenge to you is to personally read the Constitution of the United States of America and the other Founding Documents for yourself, including the preambles to the constitutions of each of our fifty states.



We challenge you to find even the faintest concept which prohibits the free exercise or expression of the Christian faith in the public arena. If you are one who thinks today’s current misaplication of the phrase is correct, you will probably not like what you won’t find in any of these documents.

Was our Nation founded upon Judeo-Christian principles?

Here are the Facts… You Decide:

It is a matter of historical record that the phrase “wall of separation between the church and the state” is found only in a private letter written by Thomas Jefferson to the First Baptist Church of Danbury, Connecticut, in which he expresses his thoughts for the need of such a “wall” to protect the church from intrusion by the state; not the other way around. Unfortunately, when a lie is repeated enough, people begin to believe it may be true…

In 1963 the US Supreme Court banned public prayer to the God of the Bible in our public schools. As a matter of fact, before that time our public schools actually sponsored and led students in prayer to the God of the Bible! It was not viewed as an “establishment of a religion” issue at all. We simply recognized the value of honoring the God of the Bible and the morals of the Judeo-Christian faith: morals and Biblical Truth upon which this nation was originally founded, and upon which a law-abiding society functions smoothly.

Since that ban in 1963, the statisics of major crimes occurring in schools and our society have literally skyrocketed. After the massacre at Columbine, many atheists sarcastically asked how God could allow such a thing to happen. Don’t blame God! You banned him from campus back in 1963, remember?

It isn’t even about “separation of church and state” as much as it is about the world’s hatred for Jesus Christ and the Truth of His Word. (Read these verses of Scriptre: John 7:7; John 15:18; 1 John 3:13)

It is a clear sign of the times when our society will go to extraordinary lengths to tolerate, accommodate, and actively champion the rights of religious expression for those of any faith other than that of historic Biblical Christianity.

DID YOU KNOW?

- The preambles to each of our fifty states contain clear, specific, and undeniable acknowledgements of God and His sovereignty in the forming of their state constitutions.

- William Penn said, “Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants.”

- As Governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry said, “It cannot be emphasized too clearly and too often that this nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

- The Supreme Court of the Unites States of America has statues of the world’s lawgivers affixed near the top of the building. Front and center is found the likeness of Moses holding the Ten Commandments.

- As one enters the Supreme Court courtroom, the two huge oak doors have the Ten Commandments from the Bible engraved on each lower portion of each door. Displayed upon the wall above and behind where the Justices sit can again be seen the Ten Commandments .

- There are Bible verses etched in stone all over the federal buildings and monuments in Washington, D.C.

- James Madison, the fourth president and known as “The Father of our Constitution” said, “We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.“

- Every session of Congress begins with a prayer prayed by a paid preacher, whose salary has been paid by the American taxpayer since 1777.

“O Lord our Heavenly Father, high and mighty King of king, and Lord of lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers on earth and reignest with power supreme and uncontrolled over all the kingdoms, empires and governments; look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these our American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth dependent only on Thee. To Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause; to Thee do they now look up for that countenance and support, which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Heavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care; give them wisdom in council and valor in the field; defeat the malicious designs of our cruel adversaries; convince them of the unrighteousness of their cause and if they persist in their sanguinary purposes, of own unerring justice, sounding in their hearts, contstrain them to drop the weapons of war from their unnerved bands in the day of battle! — Be Thou present, O God of wisdom, and direct the councils of this honorable assembly; enable them to settle things on the best and surest foundation. That the scene of blood may be speedily closed; that order, harmony, and peace may be effectually restored, and truth and justice, religion and piety, prevail and flourish amongst the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and vigor of their minds; shower down on them and the millions they here represent, such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in this world and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son and our Savior. Amen.” – The first prayer offered in Congress, September 7, 1774 by Jacob Duche

- Fifty-two of the 55 founders of the US Constitution were members of orthodox Christian churches in the colonies.

- The very first Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Jay, said, “Americans should select and prefer Christians as their rulers.”

- Abraham Lincoln said, “Study the Constitution. Let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in the legislatures, and enforced in the courts of justice.”

- Daniel Webster said, “Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.”

- Thomas Jefferson said, “The reason that Christianity is the best friend of Government is that Christianity is the only religion that changes the heart.”

Trying to separate Christianity from the foundation of the Constitution of the United States of America is impossible.


SO WHY THE CONTROVERSY?

From childhood the two things we are taught never to discuss in public are politics and religion; yet for some reason there is still no concerted legal effort in America to ban political discussion in public, at least not to the degree we see applied to religious discussion.

Shortly after the attacks on 9/11 we saw and heard a lot of public “God talk,” but that quickly died down. Most people are comfortable talking about “God” in a public conversation, but the line in the sand is quickly crossed when the name of Jesus Christ is mentioned. He is the burr under the saddle.

Thomas Jefferson’s original concept of “Separation of Church and State” was intended to protect the church from governmental intrusion; not the other way around. It is clear from the historical record that personal faith in Jesus Christ and the belief in the principles of Biblical Christianity by the majority of our nation’s Founding Fathers formed the foundational bedrock of our Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, and all of our nation’s founding documents.

The purposeful distortion of Jefferson’s original intent in his use of the phrase “Separation of Church and State” has evolved into a rampant phobia of the Biblical Christian’s involvement in government to the extent that it has now somehow become a Constitutional concept applied and enforced to the exact opposite of Jefferson’s original intent. This has happened in our culture largely because people do not want to be held accountable to a holy God for their sin. They deny His existence and censor any public acknowledgement of His Name, believing that if they can remove Him from public areas by legislation, then that somehow solves their problem (Exodus 9:16; 2 Chronicles 7:14).

One would think that if God does not really exist, then disproving His existence would not require legislative action…

You have probably heard the old saying, “There are no atheists in foxholes,” and you know it’s true; but when death is near, whether in combat on the streets or on the military battlefield; or even in a hospital bed, most people pray. Some pray out loud; others pray silently. But most people pray.

They pray because the human soul knows by itself the existence of its Creator without having to be told. That awareness is written on our hearts. The Bible says that human beings are image-bearers of the Living God (Genesis 1:27; Romans 1:19-22). People who refuse to believe in the existence of God have an absolute right to do so. However, they do not have the right to silence or punish those who do believe, nor do they have the right to deceive others by repeating a text out of context.

WHERE WE ARE TODAY

It is stunning to see the all-out assault on Biblical Christianity in this country because of the deliberate distortion and misapplication of a simple phrase. Today we have “civil liberty” groups trying to have all crosses removed from federal property! Imagine the millions of military graves that would have to be desecrated to accomplish this task.

In 2003, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore was removed from his position for refusing to remove the Ten Commandments from his courtroom. (Does it not make you wonder just which one of those commandments it is that gives our society so much trouble? Is it the part about not lying or stealing? Maybe it’s the one about not committing adultery or the one about not bowing down to graven images…)

It is not the commandments themselves that trouble men as much as it is the authority of the One who gave them in the first place… “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

WHERE DO YOU STAND?
People often ridicule and reject those who have chosen to receive God’s free gift of mercy and grace through Jesus Christ. So many people hate those who have chosen to live their lives by faith, obeying the Truth of His Word, but Jesus told Christians not to be surprised if the world hates and mistreats them. It does that because it hated Him first (I John 3:13).

Romans 13:1-4 gives some great news of encouragement to law enforcement officers. Your job is ordained by God Himself. The Biblical Chaplain is a resource for officers; not a requirement. Although the presence of a Biblical Chaplain in a time of crisis can often be a source of tremendous encouragement and strength to his officers, his mere presence may be an uncomfortable and convicting reminder to others of their continued rebellion against God (Luke 21:12-17; Revelation 3:8).

If you are still personally rejecting the Saviour, I want to share with you the fact that He loves you and desires to redeem you to Himself through the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (See “Are You Sure?“). It’s not too late for anyone to repent and to receive the mercy and forgiveness of the Lord (John 6:37).

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Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

]]> http://ipministries.org/2011/07/23/on-the-separation-of-church-and-state/feed/ 0 http://ipministries.org/2011/03/05/on-the-death-of-a-fellow-officer/ http://ipministries.org/2011/03/05/on-the-death-of-a-fellow-officer/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 02:31:56 +0000 Chaplain Tim Sherman http://ipministries.org/?p=164 As a street cop in southern California back in the late 70′s and early 80′s, I attended my share of funerals for fallen comrades-in-arms. Some were close partners. After all these years it is still difficult for me to maintain my composure when those bagpipes start to play Amazing Grace…

I know that you are probably asking yourself questions like, “Why did this officer have to die? What was the point? Was it worth it?”

When a fellow officer dies, the whole family of law enforcement mourns. It has lost one of its own. But we all are also confronted with the stark reality of our own mortality. It causes you to realize that everyone dies at some point in time and your day is coming. Most people don’t usually like to think about that. But in this line of work, it’s wise to be ready for it.

Somewhere down the line you will be the guest of honor at your own funeral. Death is a fact of life. Someday it will be you over whom friends, loved ones, and fellow officers gather to pay their last respects. But do not lose heart because of this officer’s death! (Click Here Immediately if you are in despair!)

Here are some encouraging words for you:

• First of all, this officer most likely gave his life doing what he had an abiding passion to do.
• He knew the risks up front.
• He chose to take up the badge of honor.

Law Enforcement is a calling of passion for most of us. It is a unique vocation because it is one of only three institutions in all of Creation which God Himself ordained and established.

The institution of Civil Authority:

Consider Romans 13:1-4 which says: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers [authority]. For there is no power [authority] but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. (2) Whosoever therefore resisteth the power [authority], resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. (3) For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: (4) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Our Fallen Officer Was an Ordained Minister of God’s Institution of Civil Authority, just as all sworn officers are. The calling to a career in law enforcement is God-given. The Law Officer goes about doing the Lord’s work when he puts on the uniform and places himself in the way of danger to protect and defend society from those who would do evil against its citizens. That is what God ordained him to do.

An officer’s death does not take God by surprise:

No matter what the circumstances or timing of this officer’s recent death may have been, he was doing the Lord’s work, and God was in complete control of the situation at all times.

Hebrews 9:27 says: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

We who are left behind must believe that God’s timing is never wrong. It is always perfect. We may not see that now, but our limited perspective makes it impossible for us to see the broader things of eternity like God sees them.


Death is a Fact of Life. Are You Really Ready for It?

The reality of death causes us to ask some uncomfortably deep questions about life as we look for truth to help us understand just what has happened to our fellow officer, and what will happen to us in the days to come.

Each of us has our own appointment coming, just as our fallen fellow officer had his.

Because the Scripture says judgment comes when we die (Hebrews 9:27), the question is no longer why did he have to die, but rather will you be ready for judgment by God when it’s your time?

When we stand before God in judgment on that appointed day, we must realize that our badge won’t clear us with God and get us into Heaven. We have to trust the One who paid the penalty of our sin with His own blood (Hebrews 9:12).

Consider these truths:
• 1. We are all guilty of breaking God’s law and deserve eternal separation from Him in hell.
  
  
  “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” - Romans 3:23

  “For the wages of sin is death [both physically and spiritually]; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23




• 2. God’s Mercy and Forgiveness comes only from being spiritually born again, starting with your deliberate decision to change your mind about sin and turn from it, towards God’s Remedy for Sin.
  
  
  “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

  “I [Jesus] came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” – Luke 5:32

  “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” – Romans 5:1-2
  
  
  
  
  

• 3. Christ offers Salvation to you right now.
  
  
  He paid your sin debt with His precious blood. Would you now surrender your whole life to Christ and ask Him to save and forgive you? The Peace and Joy He brings will flood into your heart and soul the moment you sincerely surrender your heart and soul to Him. The following are three elements which are necessary for God to save you.

1. Purposefully and truly change your mind and agree with God about your sin and your urgent need of His forgiveness. This is called repentance.

2. Truly believe in your heart that Christ died and paid the full and complete debt for your sins on the cross; also that He rose to life again, bodily, on the third day conquering death and sin for you so that you can have the hope of eternal life.

3. Confess directly to Him with your mouth in prayer that you agree with the Truths of His Word, and that you believe in your heart that Christ died and rose again. Surrender fully to Him and receive Him as your own personal Lord and Saviour!

4.By faith, claim His mercy and forgiveness and receive His Peace! This is how to be born again.

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

Click on any of the following for more information:

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Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

The same applies in our walk with the Lord.

I. We Should Wait for the Lord’s Direction

As tempting as it can be, we shouldn’t run ahead of God’s will and direction in any situation in life. In verse 1 of the following passage, David declares what he will do.

Psalms 62 “ (1) Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

David was on the run and surrounded by his enemies. His back was against the wall, yet he waited upon the Lord before he made any move.

“(2) He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.”

David put his trust in the Lord and waited confidently upon God’s direction. He foretells the outcome of those who sought to destroy him with their lies and imagined crimes! They will all be slain as a bowing wall or a tottering fence is torn down. These people seek to sin. They put up false images of themselves as men who bless others, but their inward cursings will bring them down!

” (3) How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. (4) They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.”

David admits that his hopes are completly bound in Who God is and in His sovereignty! In verse 5 he documents his gladness that he did, in fact, wait upon the Lord! He doesn’t regret it for a minute! In fact, he confesses that God is his salvation and his glory!

“(5) My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. (6) He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. (7) In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.”

How clear is that? David waited only upon God.

II. We Should Wait for the Lord’s Provision

Just as the entry team in a tactical situation must wait until they are ready to enter, so should we be patient and wait for God’s direction in all things. Is God a refuge for you? Is He a place of safety and peace in your life? He should be! For the truly born-again child of God, He IS your salvation, your rock, your defense, your glory and strength, and your refuge!

Do you put your faith in Him in all areas of your life? If you trust Him in only certain areas and not in others, then you are not really trusting Him at all!

“(8) Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

It is hard for many officers not to buy into the facade they put up for the public, isn’t it? In my day it was a constant battle for me to remind myself that I was really only the normal human being and not the super-cop who had all the answers and who was always above the realm of common mortals with their emotional weaknesses and average abilities…

Read what David reminds us:

“(9) Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. (10) Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.

Just when we think we have it all under control and can charge in and handle the situation, then is when we should stop and confess that God is in control. He provides us with our power and abilities.

“(11) God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. (12) Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.”

All power belongs to God!

IV. We Must Be Aware of the Elements of Waiting

Waiting involves TRUSTING in the Lord. Trusting means acting upon the belief that something will be or do what it says it will!

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6

It involves PRAYING regularly! Prayer is the believer’s communication with God the Father by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ whose death on the cross removed the barrier of sin that separated us from Him.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” -Romans 5:1-2

And it involves RESTING in the Lord, not trying to manipulate things so that they will happen the way we want them to.

If Jesus Christ is not your Lord and Saviour, then He is your first need. Click Here for more info on how you can receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.

Please feel free to contact me at any time!

-Tim.

24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-336-9030
Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

]]> http://ipministries.org/2010/07/23/on-waiting/feed/ 0 http://ipministries.org/2010/01/20/a-miracle-or-not-you-decide/ http://ipministries.org/2010/01/20/a-miracle-or-not-you-decide/#comments Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:44:21 +0000 Chaplain Tim Sherman http://ipministries.org/?p=148 From the Word of God, the Gospel of Mark:

The Doubters of the World:

Some have recently suggested that this may not have been a miracle after all because the boat may well have been so near to the shore that Jesus was really only walking in ankle-deep water along the shoreline. They say the original Greek text of this passage suggests that Jesus walked “on the water” much like we would say that a home is located “on the lake” when, in fact, it is next to the shore and not out in the water. Some in the internet circles have even gone so far as to suggest that Jesus was really walking on ice!

They present us with seemingly rational-sounding and plausible theological and grammatical explanations of why this may not have been an actual miracle (even thought the Scripture clearly indicates it was) and simply leave it up to us to decide for ourselves what we wish to believe (as if God’s Word were a salad bar from which we are free to pick and chose what we like and dislike).

The Backdrop:

Just prior to this event on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus had fed a crowd of 5,000 men (plus all of the women and children who were present) by blessing and miraculously multiplying five loaves of bread and two small fishes. After all 5,000 men plus the others had eaten “until they were filled,” the disciples gathered twelve baskets full of leftover scraps! Verse 52 identifies this as a miracle, and nobody denies that fact.

The Scenario:

Then the passage says Jesus “constrained” or physically compelled His disciples to board the ship to sail to the other side of the sea to the town of Bethsaida while He stayed behind to disperse the crowd of more than 5,000 people whom He had just fed. Verse 46 says that Jesus then went up into a mountain to pray.

Later, well after midnight, He noticed that the disciples’ ship was “in the midst of the sea.” It says He saw His disciples “toiling in rowing” because of the contrary wind they were fighting against. Here is where the Lord Jesus comes out to them walking upon the water!


Some Questions to Ponder:

1. If this were not an actual miracle, why did the Holy Spirit see fit to include this account in His inspired Word at all?

If this is not the documentation of a genuine miracle, then the entire account is nothing more than an absolutely pointless anecdote which only makes the disciples look somewhat stupid.

2. If this were not an actual miracle, why did the disciples react the way they did?

Verse 49 says the disciples thought they were seeing a ghost walking upon the sea. They were in great fear to the point of crying out loud. Once the Lord joined them in the boat (v. 51) they were “sore amazed beyond measure.” The Greek is loosely translated, “They were scared spitless!”

Many of these disciples had been professional fishermen from their youth and were intimately familiar with the Sea of Galilee. It is absolutely inconceivable that they could ever confuse the shoreline with the middle of the sea! They knew exactly where they were, and to see Jesus walking on top of the water totally freaked them out. Verses 51 and 52 together clearly indicate that the disciples should not have been surprised by this miracle, since they had just witnessed Jesus perform a huge one only a few hours before!

Further, Matthew’s account of the same event (Matthew 14:22-32) includes Peter’s request to Jesus to allow him to also walk upon the water. The Lord granted to Peter his request. Then, in verse 30 of Matthew’s account, we see that when Peter started to worry about the boisterous wind and waves, he took his eyes off of Jesus and he began to sink! It is unfathomable that he would begin to sink if he were walking in shallow water along the shoreline as the doubters have suggested.

3. If this is the Holy Spirit’s documenting of an actual miracle, why would anyone attempt to rationalize it away?

Verse 52 answers this question succinctly: their hearts were hardened. Is your heart hardened, too?

The First Test of Faith:

When one suggests that a miracle recorded in the Bible may have some plausible physical, theological, or grammatical explanation, he not only sins by unbelief (Hebrews 3:12), he undermines the Word of God and causes others’ hearts to harden and be deceived.

The very first test of anyone’s faith is found in the first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” -Genesis 1:1

If you believe that verse is true, do you also believe He created it all in six literal 24-hour solar days as the Scriptures say He did? (See Genesis Chapter 1, verses 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31).

If any part of God’s Word can be questioned or doubted in any way, then none of it is trustworthy, including all those verses about salvation, forgiveness of sin, and eternal life. Satan tries hard to sow seeds of doubt about the recorded miracles because he knows that if he can weaken the foundation of the Truth in a man’s heart, then he can lead him astray.

What Do You Believe?

My friend, you are completely free to believe what you want to believe; but when it’s all said and done you will be judged by God’s Word. There will be no excuses. God’s Word is either the complete inerrant Truth, or it’s all a lie.

Are You Ready to Face Eternity?

Matthew 7:21-23 tells us that religion is not the way to Heaven. It is found only in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ by faith. He prayed this for us:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” - John 17:17

If you have been involved in a “religious system” which undermines the Truth of God’s Word in any way, why don’t you repent and trust Jesus Christ alone as your Lord and Savior today? Instead of engaging in dead religion, you can have peace and assurance through a joy-filled, vibrant, born-again personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that His Word is sure!

1. Purposefully change your mind about your sin and realize your urgent need of Christ’s forgiveness. Turn from sin and turn to Him. This is called repentance.

2. Believe in your heart that Christ died on the cross and paid the full and complete penalty for your sins; also that He rose again on the third day conquering death and sin for you so that you could have His lasting Peace and eternal life with Him in Heaven!

3. Confess with your mouth in prayer to God that you believe Jesus died to pay for your sin and that He rose again on the third day. Surrender fully to His authority and receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior!

4. By faith, claim His mercy and forgiveness and receive His Peace! This is how to be born again.

Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” - John 3:3

I would be honored to answer any questions you may have. Contact me at any time.

-Tim.

24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-336-9030
Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

When the Bible speaks of our “hope” in Christ, it means the joy and confidence we possess in our born-again relationship with the God of the universe! It’s knowing that a certain thing is going to take place, and, in fact it ALREADY has! The born-again believer already possesses eternal life! As a result, he has that joy and confidence which cannot be shaken! What tremendous hope this brings to our lives here and now no matter what the circumstances may be!

This kind of hope isn’t just a strong wish, like a kid might wish for a special toy for his birthday. That kind of vain “hope” has no basis! The HOPE found in the Bible is being able to look forward to our “prize.” It’s knowing that when this life is over, we have an incorruptible Heaven yo look forward to! And that FACT changes how we live our lives here on earth: we live without fear of what may happen! Our perspective become one of eternity, not the here and now.

• I Peter 1:13 “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the race that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”

• Titus 2:13-14 “[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; [14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

THE BREVITY OF LIFE:

The Bible says that our days here on earth are like a vapor; we’re here today and gone before you know it (James 4:14). What is your hope beyond this life? Can it really be that when you die it’s just over? Do the lights just go out and you never wake up? Do you just cease to exist? I don’t think so. There has to be more than that.

If death does not open a door to an eternal existence, then what could there ever be that would ever be worth dying for? Why do we wear that uniform and risk our lives for anything?

When the bragging and posturing is stripped away, the human soul acknowledges its eternal existence. Don’t be fooled by others’ opinions. Go to the Truth of God’s Word for the real deal on what’s coming (Hebrews 9:27).


ARE YOU READY FOR IT?

We go out of our way to prepare ourselves for certain calls. We anticipate what we’ll face when we go on scene. Will you be ready for that personal meeting with the Lord Jesus Christ?

Just as a defendant in a criminal trial wants to meet with his attorney before the day of trial, so must every man meet with his Saviour and repent of his sin and be saved before it’s too late. Here is your opportunity. But be sure you do it His way and not trust somebody’s own idea of how it’s done.


When you read these verses, it becomes very clear:

We are all sinners. We can’t badge our way into heaven (Romans 3:23).

Sin takes us to Hell by default (Romans 6:23) but Jesus, in his mercy, can save repentant sinners from that doom (Luke 5:32, Luke 13:3, Acts 17:30, Revelation 3:19).

We are saved by grace alone. It’s a gift from God, now of our own good works. We can do nothing to earn salvation (Titus 3:5;6, Ephesians 2:8-9).


THE ANSWER:

The only way to get to Heaven is for our sin to be paid by the only One Whose life and blood was totally sinless. It had to be human blood, but it had to be God’s because there are no sinless humans. Here are further readings to show you the way!

On Repentance
So Now What do I Do?
Are You Sure You’re Saved?
On Being Born Again
Evidence of Salvation I
Evidence of Salvation II
On Spiritual Growth – I
On Spiritual Growth – II

If I can help you with this decision that has eternal ramifications, please contact me any time.


-Chaplain Tim Sherman
24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-336-9030


Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

Chaplain Tim Sherman (left) and Pilot Dave Bass preparing to fly in Pomona PD’s new 2008 MD-500 air unit.

Above: On the pad ready for boarding

Above: Flying over the City of Pomona, CA, Pilot Dave Bass

Click Here to Select A Video Clip: (May take a few moments to load)

Tactical Flight Officer Tim Cooper boards Air-1

View Take off from Brackett Field.

Over the City of Pomona, CA.

The lights of the City of Pomona from 600 feet…

A hard starboard U-Turn…

The Victoria Arms Apartments was a very old three-story house which had been converted to apartments. Standing outside of the locked door of the second floor apartment, I smelled natural gas coming from inside. I pounded on the door loudly and identified myself as a Police Officer. No answer.

An attempt to locate the manager with a key was unfruitful. As Eddie the paramedic and his partner arrived, their eyes almost popped out of their heads as I kicked the door in, doing substantial damage to the jamb and the door itself.

There, in the empty single room apartment, we discovered that the breeze from a nearby open window had extinguished the stove’s pilot light. As Maxwell Smart always said, “Sorry about that, Chief…”

Sometimes we just can’t get around the fact that we’re not super-human. We all make mistakes from time to time. But when we do make them, we can persevere and learn some great lessons from them.

Mistakes are made for a variety of reasons, but they all result in a wrong conclusion, action, or judgment.

The Anatomy of a Mistake

I. Panic-Prompted Mistakes (Genesis 12:10-20). There was a famine in the land, so Abraham panicked and moved his household to Egypt. The sin of not trusting God to see him through the famine led Abraham to make another mistake and lie about his wife Sarai, telling Pharaoh that she was his sister. This brought great plagues upon Egypt resulting in Abraham & Sarai’s deportation.

What mistakes have you ever made out of panic? Maybe nobody else noticed you were panicked, yet you knew you weren’t thinking straight when you blew it. The way to avoid a panic response is to follow what you know to be true. In tactical situations, revert to your training. In all of life’s situations, you can rely upon the Truth of God’s Word to guide you through.

II. Good-Intentioned Mistakes

It was a good intention which led to homicide (Acts 7:20-27, Exodus 2:11-12). Moses, as you recall, was a Jew who was rescued as an infant by Pharaoh’s own daughter from her father’s decree that all Jewish males under the age of two be killed. Moses’ mother had placed him in a little basket and put him in the Nile river to escape this mass execution. Pharaoh’s daughter found him and raised him as her own child.

When he was grown up, Moses avenged one of his Jewish brethren who he had seen being mistreated by an Egyptian slave master. Moses supposed that his fellow kinsmen would then understand and respect him when he tried to stop them from fighting amongst themselves the next day. “Man, who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?” they asked him. Slap down! God had a plan to free His people through Moses. But Moses wanted to try his own way first.

Sometimes our “good intentions” are blatantly in violation of God’s will. We often do them anyway and reap the consequences. It’s so much better when we follow God’s Word and receive blessings instead of consequences!

III. Mistakes of Negligence

King David’s fourth son, Adonijah, had never been properly disciplined by his father. As a result of David’s negligence in this area of parenting, Adonijah was a spoiled brat. When David was very old and Adonijah was now in his 30′s, Adonijah decided on his own that he wanted to be the next King of Israel. His efforts to usurp the throne almost destroyed the Kingdom. David had fallen to passive negligence in raising this son, never instructing him and holding him to accountability.

It always begins with spiritual negligence. When we neglect to acknowledge and submit to Christ’s authority in every area of our life, we begin to make our own decisions and choices. When we “compartmentalize” our lives into those areas that do and those that don’t fall under Christ’s authority, we are heading for disaster. It’s like driving at night with dark sungalsses on. We think we can see just fine, but the crash is inevitable. If Christ is not in a position of ultimate authority in every area of your life, you’re kidding yourself by thinking He is OK with that. To be a Christian is to yield your entire life to His will.

IV. Mistakes of Unrestrained Curiosity

In 1 Chronicles 10:13-14, Samuel the Prophet had died, and King Saul of Israel was about to engage in a battle against the Philistines. It was always the plan to inquire of God through His Prophets before engaging in battle to see what the outcome of the battle would be. Although he knew it was forbidden by God, King Saul consulted a “medium” to make contact with the spirit of the dead Prophet to see what the outcome of this next battle would be. His curiosity in this matter caused him to sin against the Lord, and it cost him his life.

Have you ever been curious about something that you had no business knowing? How many times have we heard about officers who have broken the law, violating a suspect’s rights of privileged communication by listening in on a conversation between the inmate and his attorney? Isn’t “Data Privacy” the big thing these days?

Although, in my opinion, the whole Data Privacy thing is taken to a foolish extreme nowadays, following the rules is still very important in our business. If we misuse our authority or resources, we become the very people against whom we are sworn to protect our society.

Unrestrained curiosity leads to a destiny with destruction of our careers, our system, and our integrity.

V. Blind Spots

In John 8, we read of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day who came to him with a woman who had been caught in the very act of adultery. Their intent was not to bring this woman to justice; it was to trap Jesus and give them some grounds to arrest Him. They taunted Him saying, “Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?”

The Bible says that Jesus acted like He had not heard them, squatting down and writing something in the dirt with His finger. We are not told what it was that He wrote, but I often wonder if it weren’t something like this: “Oh really? So what were you perverts doing peeking through the window?”

In the final analysis, Jesus told the men, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”

Do not make the mistake of thinking that Jesus meant only sinless people can bring lawbreakers to justice! That is simply not the case!

What disqualified these hypocrites from bringing this women to justice was their evil intent to trap Jesus. They had a huge blind spot. They could not see their hypocrisy in the matter.

When we bring a suspect to justice, let’s be absolutely sure we’re doing it for the right reason. God reads the hidden, secret intents and motives of our hearts.

Conclusion

When we make mistakes, we can go to the Lord for mercy and forgiveness. Nobody understands us like He does. He views us realistically; He sees us as we really are (Jeremiah 17:9). He views us thoroughly (Hebrews 4:15). And, although He sees us accurately, He does not totally reject us!

As God sees His born-again children, He instructs them in a context of trust, not suspicion; and He teaches them in the context of privacy, not in front of others (Psalm 31:19-20).

I hope this study has given you some hope and encouragement in the mistakes you have made in the past, and a direction for preventing future ones! Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

-Tim.

24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-336-9030
Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

]]> http://ipministries.org/2008/11/30/on-mistakes/feed/ 0 http://ipministries.org/2008/09/05/on-love-2/ http://ipministries.org/2008/09/05/on-love-2/#comments Sat, 06 Sep 2008 01:35:27 +0000 Chaplain Tim Sherman http://ipministries.org/?p=129 As a street cop in southern California long before AIDS came on the scene and those great little CPR microshields with the one-way air valves were invented, I would occasionally come across situations where initiating CPR on some dead or unconscious victim was absolutely necessary.

I’ll tell you straight up; if you’ve never done the old direct mouth-to-mouth lip-lock on some unconscious victim and got a surprise mouthful of his partially-digested lunch, you haven’t missed anything…

We always vowed that we would only do CPR on two types of people: kids and fellow cops. Period. The rest of society could wait for the ambulance. But it rarely seemed to work out that way.

With no back-up available, ambulance and fire still 5 minutes out, and thirty of the victim’s homeboys expecting you to do something to bring their dead compadre back to life or they’ll commence to thumping you on the spot…. sometimes you just have to do what you have to do.

It wasn’t that the thought doing CPR on a small child or a fellow officer was a particularly pleasant idea. It’s just that we really believed nobody except fellow cops and little innocent kids were worthy of us going out of our way to do direct mouth-to-mouth on them. You see, we judged the value of their lives by what we thought of them. We were playing God.

We felt that little children were “innocent” in some way and therefore worthy of our heroic efforts. We felt their lives were worth saving because they hadn’t been corrupted by the evils of this world yet. And we had to save the life of a fellow officer because he was one of the brotherhood.

You see, our “love” for people was conditional.

HERE’S THE POINT:

There are different types of “love.” You probably “love” your favorite food differently than the way you love your wife.

You probably love your wife differently than the way you “love” being a cop!

And you probably love your mom and dad in yet another way.

Some types of “love” are physical cravings, such as in the case of me and pizza & Mexican food; while another type of “love” may be a driving and consuming passion in life, which is what most cops mean when they say they “love” being a cop. Then there is the special love we have for our mate.

But all of these types of “love” are conditional and are subject to our emotional mood swings, personal biases, or getting something in return.

A DIFFERENT AND UNIQUE TYPE OF LOVE:

God’s Word tells us about His unconditional love that He has for all people. It is what compelled Him to die in our place to save us, even while we were still sinners. Even when we did not love Him.

“Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” – Matthew 22:36-39

The Bible teaches that we are all sinners; from the moment of conception to the oldest person alive. It says that there is none righteous, no, not one! (Romans 3:10, Psalm 51:5)

“But God commendeth [demonstrated, exhibited] his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

This is how we are supposed to love all people. Not an easy task, for sure, because our emotions and feelings get mixed in. But I’m glad that God’s love for me was unconditional!

You’re probably thinking that I am saying you have to be soft on criminals. Not at all. God Himself has ordained you to do your job. (See “Some Common Misconceptions“)

But if you reach a point where you lose your ability to feel a simple measure of human compassion for another human being’s tragedy, no matter who or what he is, you’re on thin ice. I’ve been there.

That is exactly why I am so glad that God doesn’t love me with the conditions I sometimes have placed on others in order to earn my love for them as human beings.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

There is no way possible for a person to make himself worthy of God’s love. We have all fallen short of God’s standard and have sinned against Him.

“For all have sinned,and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: – Romans 3:23-24

You see what verse 24 said? You can be justified by God’s grace and receive His mercy through redemption in Christ. (Click Here for how you can receive this for yourself!)

Justification is God’s work that transforms people from lost and guilty sinners to righteous, innocent, forgiven saints. This is made possible only by being born again and trusting in Christ’s shed blood on the Cross as the all-sufficient payment for sin. His blood alone was the only effective and permanent payment-in-full for our sins and for the sins of the whole world! We couldn’t do it for ourselves!

Grace is undeserved favor from God upon our lives. When we become recipients of His grace, we receive forgiveness of sin, escape from Hell, and eternity in Heaven. In our here-and-now lives, we also receive His wisdom, peace, joy, blessings, protection, direction, and so much more! We get what we could never earn!

Mercy is when God withholds what we truly deserve for our sin: death and eternal separation in Hell; eternally separated from his love and presence with no recourse.

Grace, Mercy, and Justification work together. They are products of God’s unconditional love. When we love others in the same way, to the greatest extent humanly possible, we honor and serve God, and we fulfill God’s calling of Law Enforcement upon our lives.

There is a tremendous amount of Scripture about “love,” but of all the passages, perhaps 1 Corinthians 13 is the clearest. You can click on the blue reference and read it for yourself. It’s not long and it will give you some great understanding about how we are to love one another. By the way, the word “love” is translated as “charity” in the King James version.

DO YOU WANT IT?

If you have never experienced God’s unconditional love for you, it’s not that it isn’t available to you. It is available to everyone! But you can’t have it your way like at Burger King. You must come to Christ on His terms. (John 3:3; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-6)

Do you want God’s love, grace, mercy, and justification? Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I can show you from God’s Word how to be saved. Make today your day of salvation!

-Tim.

24/7 Toll-Free: 1-866-336-9030
Email: tsherman26@yahoo.com

Additional Reading:
Basic Training
So Far So Good; A Message for Peace Officers

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