DON WEBB NOW WITH THE LORD

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(Mat 25:21) "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'

(2 Cor 5:8) We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

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PORNOGRAPHY

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

PORNOGRAPHY

Pornography is a multi-billion dollar industry. And guess who’s the top video porn producer in the world? You guessed it…the U.S. The pornography industry is larger than the revenues of the top technology companies combined: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, eBay, Yahoo!, Apple, Netflix and EarthLink. Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography. Every second - 28,258 Internet users are viewing pornography. Every second - 372 Internet users are typing adult search terms into search engines. Every 39 minutes: a new pornographic video is being created in the United States.

Porn affects male and female, young and old. It’s a growing problem that brings sexual addiction. It destroys individuals. It wrecks marriages. It devastates families. It brings instant gratification but long term problems. The Internet has become a net to trap multitudes. How can people get free from this bondage to their sexual cravings? The Bible gives the answer!

Fornication is the Biblical word for sexual immorality. It comes from the Greek word porneia and indicates sexual practices that lie outside the circle of God’s revealed will. It’s a broad term that would include adultery, pre-marital sex, homosexuality, pornography, etc. The teachings of the apostle Paul especially uses this word because the Roman empire was so filled with sexual immorality. And like our world today Christians needed to be instructed that our bod is for God!
What was God’s original intent in regards to sex? (Gen 2:24) Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Gen 1:28) Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth…(Heb 13:4) Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. God created sex…not Hollywood!

The teaching of the Bible is clear in regards to sexual purity: (1 Th 4:3-4) For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; {4} that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor. Our bodies were meant to glorify God: (1 Cor 6:19-20) Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? {20} For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

How can a person handle their sex drive? (Gal 5:22-23) But the fruit of the Spirit is…self-control… What about sexual fantasies? (2 Cor 10:5)…bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ... Steer clear of doorways to temptation (Mark 9:43-48; Rom 13:14). Still having a problem? Lean hard on Jesus. (John 15:5)…for without Me you can do nothing. Bring in a trusted person to pray with you (Eccl 4:9-12; Mat 18:19-20). You can get the victory! (Rom 6:14) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Louie

THAT'S MY KING!

THE TRINITY (early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE TRINITY

DEFINITION OF THE TRINITY - The word Trinity (Trinitas) was first employed by Tertullian (2d century). The Trinity is the Biblical doctrine that God exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who are united in one substance or being.

SCRIPTURES ON THE TRINITY

- (Gen 1:26) Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness . . .
- (Num 6:24‑26) "The LORD bless you and keep you; {25} The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; {26} The LORD lift up His countenance upon you…
- (Isa 6:3) And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts…
- (Mat 3:16‑17) When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. {17} And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
- (Mat 28:19) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
- (2 Cor 13:14) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
- On the deity of the Persons of the Trinity (Father – 1 Cor 8:6; Son – John 1:1; Holy Spirit – Acts 5:3-4)

THE TRINITY (3 in 1) ILLUSTRATED:

- Water: frozen, liquid, gas
- Egg: yoke, white, shell
- Human family: husband, wife, child
- St. Patrick used the shamrock (three-leaf clover)

ATTACK ON THE TRINITY - All the major religions and cults today deny the Triune nature of the Godhead. But the historical Christian church position concerning the deity of Christ was confirmed at the First Council of Nicea (325 AD): “I believe…in one Lord Jesus Christ…God of God…being of one substance with the Father…” Not believing in the deity of Christ is serious! (John 8:24) …for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."

Do I understand the Trinity? Who really can? But I can trust the Scriptures and I am happy to serve a God that I can’t figure out but loves me through the cross! Salvation: The Father thought it, Jesus bought it, and the Holy Spirit brought it. Now the question is…do you got it? God in three persons, blessed Trinity!!

Louie

THE CROSSWALK

THE CROSSWALK

We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is
preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.


(Mat 16:24) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

COUPLE'S VALENTINES DINNER

KEITH AND JULIA KOSOBUCKI

(One of many precious couples at our church)

(Eccl 4:9) Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor.

TONY AND GRACIE FASANO

(Lead our marriage ministry at CCNorco)

(Jer 3:15) "And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.

TONY SHARES ENCOURAGEMENT TO MEN

(Eph 5:25) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,

KEVIN AND KATHY SMITH

(Married, divorced, remarried by the grace of God)

(Mat 19:6) "So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."

MICHAEL AND ASHLEY LEAD WORSHIP

They are engaged to be married in April! : )

(Jer 29:11) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

KEVIN SMITH LEADS US IN "HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD"

THANKS TYLER AND AMBER FOR THE PICTURES!

(Gen 1:27) So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

YOU ARE LOVED!

YOU ARE LOVED!

(1 John 3:1) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Have you heard the greatest news on earth? YOU ARE LOVED! The Father loved you so much He sent His only Son to die on the cross for you. Now how does that make you feel? He ever lives to love you and nobody can love you like Jesus!

Are you single with no prospects for a meaningful relationship? Nobody can love you like Jesus!

Are you married but don’t feel close or connected with your husband or wife? Nobody can love you like Jesus!

Are you in your golden years but don’t sense that support and affirmation you were expecting? Nobody can love you like Jesus!

Have you recently experienced a falling-out with a good friend and your heart is aching? Nobody can love you like Jesus!

Do you feel alone, lost, lonely, separated, distant, hurt, disappointed, anxious, depressed, oppressed, even possessed with a sense of sadness? Like nobody cares? Like nobody gives a hoot? That if you died just the graveyard gardener would attend your funeral? I think we’ve all felt a portion or part of the above at one time another. You might feel that way even now. But you’ve got to know one thing . . . YOU ARE LOVED and nobody can love you like Jesus!

Feast your heart on these love letters from the Lord from His Word:

(Jer 31:3) The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

(Rom 5:8) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

You are loved! How fulfilling, how satisfying, how healing, how glorious! It’s the message the world needs to hear. (Rom 2:4)

Don’t let the devil get you down with his lies that no one cares because you are loved by Jesus. And His love is extravagant! (Eph 3:17-19) And God’s people care if you will give them a chance to demonstrate the amazing love of God to you (John 13:34).

Louie

P.S. You are loved!

THE REAL VALENTINE’S DAY

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

THE REAL VALENTINE’S DAY

. . . the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

HERE IS THE HISTORY OF VALENTINE’S DAY AS WE KNOW IT:

Valentine’s Day started in the time of the Roman Empire. Under the rule of Emperor Claudius II ‑ Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular military campaigns. Claudius the Cruel, as he was known at the time, was having a difficult time getting soldiers to join his military leagues. He believed that the reason was that Roman men did not want to leave their loves or families. As a result, Claudius cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome.

This was when a Christian priest named Valentine came to defend love in the empire. Valentine began to secretly marry couples despite the emperors orders. When Emperor Claudius was informed of these ceremonies Valentine was sent to prison where he remained until his death on February 14 in the year 270.

It wasn't until a few hundred years later when Valentine's Day began to develop as we know it. At the time Christianity was beginning to take control of Europe. As part of this effort the Church sought to do away with pagan holidays. Valentine's Day came to replace a mid‑February fertility festival called Lupercalia. In honor of his sacrifice for love Valentine was made a saint and Lupercalia renamed in his honor.

BUT HERE’S A GREATER STORY OF LOVE THAT GOES BACK EVEN FARTHER . . . the real Valentine’s Day!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

NOW WE CAN LOVE GOD BASED UPON WHAT JESUS DID FOR US ON THE CROSS:

We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19)

AND NOW WE CAN TRULY LOVE ONE ANOTHER:

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you . . . (John 13:34)

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. (John 15:13)

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. {8} He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:7‑8)

Brethren...let us love one another!

Louie

A GODLY HERITAGE (early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

A GODLY HERITAGE

(Psa 61:5) …You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.

Happy birthday George Washington! This week is your birthday and the kids even have the day off of school for President’s Day! Oh, but we remember you for so much more. Along with many of our founding forefathers you have given to us a godly heritage. Unprincipled men are trying to rewrite history to say you did not fear God but we know history is clear on this matter:

FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON'S PRIVATE PRAYER BOOK. "O most glorious God...Direct my thoughts, words and work, wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb, and purge my heart by thy Holy Spirit…Daily frame me more and more into the likeness of thy Son Jesus Christ…Thou gavest thy Son to die for me, and hast given me assurance of salvation..."

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR 1754 – 1763 - Washington was the only officer not shot off of his horse. He found four bullet holes in his clothes and he was not wounded. He stated, " By the all powerful dispensations of providence, I've been protected beyond all human probability or expectation: for I had four bullets through my coat and two horses shot from under me." (The account of this battle appeared in American textbooks for nearly 150 years, but hasn't been seen in one for over 40 years.)

EXCERPT FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON'S FAREWELL ADDRESS: Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports…reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

So thank-you George. We don’t have a dollar of your money but we have been enriched by your legacy. There’s a battle going on for America’s morals currently but you still are a major figure we look up to and your face is still on our currency. They’re trying to take God out of everything but we are praying to the Lord that your strong example will prevail and that we will not cash in our godly heritage in exchange for our own selfish ways and pride. There are still some of us who believe what the scriptures say…Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. (Prov 14:34)

A godly heritage…pass it on!

Louie

WHAT WILL THE MILLENNIUM BE LIKE?

This is a follow-up to my message on Sunday, February 8, 2009. It's a great study and I encourage your perusing.

CHARACTERISTICS AND EVENTS OF THE MILLENNIUM

A. Physical characteristics

1 Topography and geography of the earth changed (Isa. 2:2; Ezek. 47:1-12; 48:8-20; Zech. 14:4, 8, 10)
2. Wild animals tamed (Isa. 11:6-9; 35:9; Ezek. 34:25)
3. Crops abundant (Isa. 27:6; 35:1-2, 6-7; Amos 9:13; Zech. 14:8)
4. Human longevity increased (Isa. 65:20-23)

B. Spiritual and religious characteristics and events
1 Satan confined in the abyss (Rev. 20:1-3)
2. Millennial temple built (Ezek. 40:5-43:27)
3. Animal sacrifices offered as memorials to Christ’s death (Isa. 56:7; 66:20-23; Jer. 33:17-18; Ezek. 43:18-27; 45:13-46:24; Mal. 3:3-4)
4.. Feasts of the New Year, Passover, and Tabernacles reinstituted (Ezek. 45:18-25; Zech. 14:16-21)
5. Nations worship in Jerusalem (Isa. 2:2-4; Micah 4:2; 7:12; Zech. 8:20-23; 14:16-21)
6. Worldwide knowledge of God (Isa. 11:9; Jer. 31:34; Micah 4:5; Hab. 2:14)
7. Unparalleled filling of and empowerment by the Holy Spirit on Israel (Isa. 32:15; 44:3; Ezek. 36:24-29; 39:29; Joel 2:28-29)
8. New Covenant with Israel fulfilled (Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 11:19-20; 36:25-32)
9. Righteousness and justice prevails (Isa. 9:7; 11:4; 42:1-4; Jer. 23:5)

C. Political characteristics and events
1. Israel reunited as a nation (Jer. 3:18; Ezek. 37:15-23)
2. Israel at peace in the land (Deut. 30:1-10; Isa. 32:18; Hosea 14:5, 7; Amos 9:15; Micah 4:4; 5:4-5a; Zech. 3:10; 14:11)
3. Abrahamic Covenant land—grant boundaries established (Gen. 15:18-21; Ezek. 47:13-48:8, 23-27)
4. Christ in Jerusalem rules over Israel (Isa. 40:11; Micah 4:7; 5:2b)
5. Davidic Covenant fulfilled (Christ on the throne of David, 2 Sam. 7:11-16; Isa. 9:6-7; Jer. 33:17-26; Amos 9:11-12; Luke 1:32-33)
6. Christ rules over and judges the nations (Isa. 11:3-5; Micah 4:2-3a; Zech. 14:9; Rev. 19:15)
7. Resurrected saints reign with Christ (Matt. 19:28; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; 20:6)
8. Universal peace prevails (Isa. 2:4; 32:17-18; 60:18; Hosea 2:18; Micah 4:2-4; 5:4; Zech. 9:10) 9. Jerusalem made the world’s capital (Jer. 3:17; Ezek. 48:30-35; Joel 3:16-17; Micah 4:1, 6-8; Zech. 8:2-3)
10. Israel exalted above the Gentiles (Isa. 14:1-2; 49:22-23; 60:14-17; 61:5-9)
11. The world blessed through Israel (Micah 5:7) (From the BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY)

A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Yesterday I was at the mail center getting some stamps. As I was waiting in line a young woman worker found a piece of paper with a child's writing and artwork on it that was left behind. (I guess the child was writing and drawing while waiting for mom or dad) The worker thought the colorful drawings were cute and began to read what the child had written. It was all about the love of Jesus and how He died on the cross for our sins and all we have to do is ask Him into our hearts and we will be saved. Everyone in the store heard what she was reading. And I was rejoicing... and praying.

God has His ways of getting His good news out to lost sinners.

(Isa 11:6)... And a little child shall lead them.

The Fast Eddie B. Gospel Dance (Hip Hop Stlye)!!!

I met Eddie last Sunday morning at Calvary Chapel York, England. He is a great brother in the Lord and I had a nice time getting to know him. Watch for the gospel presentation toward the end. Good job Eddie!

GREEN (early release of Shepherd to Sheep)

SHEPHERD TO SHEEP

GREEN

There’s a movement today toward going green. It says our environment is polluted and we need to preserve the earth for future generations. We all need to make a concerted effort to avoid blatant consumerism that would jeopardize our planet's health. We need to take practical steps to recycle and be careful about wasting energy so we can help renew the earth. Should Christians be concerned about such environmental matters? Is ecology the new theology that fails to take into account the Creation story? What does the Bible say about going green?

Reading the first chapter of Genesis speaks of God creating the earth. He made it beautiful so we could enjoy our surroundings and He made it productive so we could gain sustenance from it. He took six days to create the world and when all was finished it says: (Gen 1:31) Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good…

But then the fall came and man became selfish. Instead of just using the environment mankind began to abuse it. It finally began to catch up with us beginning with the Industrial Revolution and accelerating to our current day. When God gives us a gift we are supposed to take care of it. (1 Cor 4:2) Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. Like taking care of your body…your house…your car. (Luke 12:48) …For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. It’s our way of being grateful for the gifts we have received.
Mankind will be held accountable for misusing any divine gift. It says in Revelation 11:18 that God will destroy those who destroy the earth. Jesus taught…(Mat 25:29) 'For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. Remember not taking care of our things growing up and how our parents had to teach us a lesson by taking them away?

So yes, we should do our part in conservation and help keep our planet green. But let’s not make ecology the new theology. We worship Father Creator…not mother nature!! (Rom 1:25) … and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator… God sent His Son down to earth to solve the issues of the fall. And the top issue is to be reconnected to our Creator by the work that Jesus did on the cross for our sins. I guess I could explain it like this:

GREEN…God created the earth and placed man on it for fellowship with Him. BLACK…Man chose to rebel against God and introduced sin into the universe. RED…Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins. WHITE…Now our sins can be as white as snow!

Will our world last forever? No, but don’t be sad because the Bible says...we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Pet 3:13)

Louie

MADE IT HOME SAFELY FROM ENGLAND

We made it home safely from England by the grace of God and your prayers. People were worried about us because the news said it was snowing in England and flights were being canceled. But that was mostly flights down in London and did not affect the Manchester airport where we flew out of. See what happens when you pray? (James 5:17) Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

After we said goodbye to Lindsay we went back to the hotel and watched the Superbowl until 3:30am! (England is 8 hours ahead) Then up at 5:30am to shower and go. We had to scrape snow off the car. It was so beautiful to see the snow on the trees and housetops...I cannot describe it to you. (Psa 147:16) He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes;

The trip was slow but a good flow and accident free the 2 hours to Manchester airport. So thanks again for your prayers!!

Jetlag has not hit us today so keep praying for us. And thanks for praying for Lindsay at Bible college. You know, that she won't be too lonely and that she will meet some great friends that love the Lord and that she can hang out with and that she will learn the Word.

Thanks...and looking forward to seeing all of you soon!!

THIS WAS OUR RENTAL CAR. NOT REALLY! (Ford Mondeo)

THE SNOW AND SURROUNDINGS WAS LIKE THIS ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT.

SUPERBOWL & SNOW IN ENGLAND

LINDSAY OFF TO BIBLE COLLEGE

Today (Sunday) we went to church at Calvary Chapel York, England. The church location is also the Bible College location. The pastor is Dave Sylvester. We worshipped for a half hour and then had fellowship time which was about 5 minutes long and gave you time to chat a bit and extend Christ's love and meet someone new. Then a Psalm reading and then pastor Dave had a great message from 1 Chronicles 22 about David encouraging his son Solomon to step out and build the temple and how we should step out and do what God is calling us to do.

(1 Chr 22:11) "Now, my son, may the LORD be with you; and may you prosper, and build the house of the LORD your God, as He has said to you.

I thought this picture was cool because it says "King Jesus." I guess the English would know better than us what it is like to have a king and who is worthy to be the King of kings! (Rev 19:16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

VIDEO OF THE WORSHIP AT CALVARY CHAPEL YORK, ENGLAND

PASTOR DAVE SYLVESTER PREACHING THE WORD

VIDEO OF THE FELLOWSHIP TIME AFTER SERVICE

After church we brought Lindsay's luggage in and she put her stuff away in her dorm room. We walked down the street with snow flurries and had a traditional English meal of roasted pork and Yorkshire pudding.


We found a store and bought Lindsay some food items for her dorm, had prayer and eventually we had tearful goodbyes. We commited her to God's keeping for 4 months.


(2 Tim 1:12) For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.


Tomorrow (MON) we leave for home. Kelsey has to get back to school...and I have a dentist appointment!

FUNNY BUT INSIGHTFUL BIBLE COMICS

*Thanks to Clay Waegerle for sending me these comics.