Alone

Good Morning,


Matthew 14:23  “...he was there alone.”

Jesus had sent away the crowds, and now He was alone.  

Jesus was often alone — this was not uncommon.  He was alone on Calvary.  He was alone in the mountains in prayer.   Jesus was alone when He was arrested; all His loyal friends fled for their lives.  He was alone when His own Father turned His back on Him — God’s Only Begotten Son.  The cry went out, “My God, My God Why hast Thou forsaken me?”

Do not be surprised if friends abandon you, especially if being near you causes a risk to their lives or possessions.   Paul was alone as he stood in court.  Moses was alone when he pled for the lives of the backslidden people.  Elijah was alone when he stood against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.  

A single parent can be very alone when facing the pressures of each day.  Many a faithful believer walks away from the cemetery and back into the reality of life being terribly alone.   

Pastors will find themselves alone when staff and formerly-loyal workers walk out — it is a fact; sad and discouraging, but real.  Good people may get scared or depressed and simply walk out on you.  Some will leave you alone because they cannot stand conflict.  They choose to remove themselves from the situation (nothing personal) because they just cannot withstand the pressure or discomfort.   When you need someone, anyone near you, they will be gone.  We may slander them and use the old term “fair-weather friends,” but there are many good people who just do not know what to do when the battle begins.  

Alone is a terrible word — it eats away at our inner strength; the strength we all need and reach for in times of trouble — but it is a very real visitor in our lives.  Alone describes the businessman when circumstances go wrong or the law enforcement officer who is falsely accused; loneliness visits some of God’s choicest servants.  

Paul mentioned several situations to Timothy.  Perhaps, he knew that Timothy was also facing or about to face abandonment.

2 Timothy 1:15 “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”

2 Timothy 4:10  “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

vs. “16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”

Our Lord faced the worst case of being alone.

Mark 14:50 “And they all forsook him, and fled.”

I make no attempt to explain the situation; I simply admit that it is real.  When medical tests begin to reveal a handicapped child, a terrible loneliness may flood the soul.  When someone sits with a needle in his arm and feels the poison of chemotherapy flooding his body, though surrounded by others, he can feel very alone.   

When financial or medical trouble comes and a spouse walks out, loneliness walks in to fill their place.  In early married life, a good young man began to have seizures (from one or two at first to dozens a day).  His job was lost and his children were still young.   Keeping the rent paid became impossible, and one day, his wife left him.  Being alone is ugly but a reality.  How we need His Divine presence and comfort in those hours, days, and even years.  

Only one thing can be said for sure:  you may be alone in your moment, but the finest of God’s servants have visited the same era in life in which you have found yourself living.  You may be alone, but you are in very good company.

Pastor

Old Things

Old Things

Good Morning,

My wife and I noticed the decorating styles of young people and are amazed at how many will buy new IKEA furniture and bypass used solid wood or well-built pieces that will last for decades.  IKEA will not last the next few years or even until the next yard sale, let alone for decades to be passed down to children.   I am not saying there is anything wrong with this kind of idea when it comes to furnishing a home — just an illustration; but, no one will say, "This cool piece of furniture was my grandmas; it came from IKEA."  Can you imagine the antique stores of the future?  

Old things might be called time-tested.  Many people have read a recently written book on John Adams.  Nothing personal against the author, but why read a book written in 2001 about our second president when there are so many other writings available from 150 years earlier (written prior to the influence of modern thinking and anti-American sentiment)?

I obtained a digitally copied biography on George Muller.  It was written twenty years after his death. This book, written in the mid-1800s, is more likely to be more accurate than anything people might write today. I was thrilled to find the PDF available online for next to nothing.

I had the opportunity to walk through John Adams’ personal library. I took notes of what books I saw in his collection. I looked through the gift shop for books that were written in the time period of Adams, knowing I could find used copies later.  I cherish old books; time-tested and proven. I find it strange how many pastors clamor after newly-written books when they have yet to read a fraction of those written by R.A. Torrey, D.L. Moody, C.H. Spurgeon, or even Baptist history books that were written in the 1600s -1800s.   

Sadly, this lack of love and respect for solid, old things also fits into the preachers many are following. I love to read and listen to men who are in Heaven.  They have finished their course. They have stood the test of time.  I need their guidance and example.   No offense, but youth has not been tested; too often they are like IKEA: fashionable, trendy, temporary, and will provide little to pass on to future generations. 

Jeremiah 6:16 “...ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…"

Pastor

Why Follow?

Good Morning,

While living in our world, we ought always to guard what we hear as well as what sources we allow to have our ear.  We must also consider and think through what we heard before we repeat it.  Most of us have heard something on the radio or television and thought, “That is stupid.”  With a little outside knowledge, logically, we realize how ridiculous the statement was.  Most of us have also found ourselves repeating something and later realizing how faulty our thinking was.  Such is the case with loyalty. 

Someone mocked folks who were so loyal, they would follow another “over a cliff.” That, of course, is an illustration of the wrong kind of loyalty.   Older folks would remember Jim Jones and his leading a group of followers to kool-aid suicide in Guyana.  All of us would agree that his followers had a stupid and illogical kind of loyalty.  That kind of loyalty was nothing close to the loyalty of a Bible-believing church; and anyone I know also knows that that kind of thinking is wrong. Let us consider seriously the statement.  Think with me of the most loyal person in your church.  Then ask yourself if you believe that man would go with the pastor to pick up prostitutes or get drunk.  You know that person would not do such a deed.  Would that person be loyal enough to help out with a big day?  Surely he would.  Is that person loyal enough to tithe or attend a prayer meeting?  Absolutely.  Someone who is loyal enough to follow the leader to good things is wonderful.  Loyalty to do wrong is stupid, and no one ought to entertain the idea that his church friends are stupid. I do not believe I could get one man in our church to go have a drink with me, unless he was a man who already drinks alcohol.  I believe this could be said of most good, Bible-preaching churches. Whoever suggested to you that the opposite is true is wrong and most likely has seriously flawed motives. 

Allow me to suggest why Satan would start such foolish rumors.  Among many other reasons, an attack on loyalty is a vote for anarchy. I will follow my national President until he violates our nation’s laws.  I will follow state laws, even if I disagree with many of them; I will abide by them (at least until they violate the Bible or a law that carries more authority).  

In a place of business, I believe in honoring the wishes of the boss until those wishes violate moral or civil laws.  Though I never served in our military, I am sure the same would be true in our military.  Subordinates should honor and follow the leader until he violates a higher law or authority.   

The attack on loyalty is a vote for anarchy and lawlessness — tyranny will follow.  When everyone tosses out leadership, the one with the biggest gun, the biggest mouth, or the biggest fighter makes the rules — that is tyranny. 

Let me give you some church doctrine.  Churches that see many folks saved and baptized are almost always led by a strong pastor.  That would include any denomination. Another church philosophy pushes for board-run or elder-run churches.  These churches rarely win souls or baptize converts.  They may be orderly, organized, and perhaps, seem trouble-free in the eyes of men, but they miss the very purpose for the church.   

The Satanic motive behind this ideal is peace over purpose; souls of men, or order without use.

Check out the amazing businesses around us, and you will almost always find one strong leader over the successful ones.  Compare those successful businesses to the success of a “government job.”  (We have all heard the jokes about those.)  If the government ever gets productive, it will be because some situation allows a good leader to take the reins as might happen in our military.  In the long run, boards and multi-headed organizations are rarely useful.

Regarding church (at least in my experience), the ideas and knowledge of the group are vital; input from our members has always been of the highest importance to me.  But once the ideas are on the table and direction is set, someone needs to be given leadership to run the job, whether it be the coach, the music director, or the pastor.

If loyalty is removed and every leader is forced to submit to the constant opinions of everyone who walks by, not only will his leadership be shackled but also his productivity — that would be true in business, sports or the military.  

Paul makes the importance of spiritual leadership very clear:

2 Thessalonians 3:7 “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;”

Paul said that the people in that church OUGHT TO FOLLOW; not to follow aimlessly, but rather because the leader behaves himself in an orderly manner — that is why the folks can follow their leader.  Personal behavior earns the right to leadership.  Paul brings that same instruction to the Corinthian church: 

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

If a leader does not follow Christ, then no one should follow him! The leader’s loyalty to Christ is the very foundation of any follower’s trust or loyalty.  

Likewise, the book of Hebrews follows the same reasoning when it comes to following someone. Righteous living is ALWAYS the basis for loyalty.

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

The urging is to “remember” the things taught by spiritual leaders, but the prerequisite is clear... “considering the end of their conversation.”  We can take our time to watch and see how their ideas unfold.  We should consider the end or the result of their instruction.  It is that way in coaching. Who follows a coach’s instructions and never wins a game?  (If that were the case, surely, that coach will quickly lose his job.)   

The scandal in the DOJ and FBI centers on people who had a cause greater than their loyalty to their duty. Any decent Christian knows that “right” is our focus and loyalty in marriage or church, politics or employment, is to be subordinate to what is right.  

Pastor

Adultery

ADULTERY

Good Morning

Popularity has never been my goal in the ministry. I have tried to teach right and wrong as God demands of any decent preacher.

Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Leviticus 10:10 “And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;”

Leviticus 14:57 “To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean…”

Ezekiel 22:26 “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.”

Ezekiel 44:23 “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”

The pastor’s job is to show people their sins just as the devil tries to make sin acceptable. I am not advocating hatred or unkindness, but sin should be made exceedingly sinful.

Romans 7:13 “…that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.”

Showing the difference between right and wrong is the preacher's duty. We need no blurred lines as to right and wrong. With all that said, let me address adultery. The first mention of the word is in the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 20:14 “Thou shalt not commit adultery. We need go no farther! It is sin, wrong and violates the law of God. It needs to be confessed, repented of and spoken of as we do of stealing, or any other sin.”

Warnings about adultery are repeated often in Scripture.

Leviticus 20:10 “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”

Deuteronomy 5:18 “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.”

Ezekiel 16:30 “How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;”

Americans (American Christians being little different) have begun regarding adultery just as they regard marriage; their view is that marriage is wonderful for a couple who finds their “soul mate.” Television shows glorify couples "moving in together" to live as barn yard animals. When illegitimate children are conceived, many individuals throw baby showers and have parties for children conceived in fornication.

When one commits adultery, God views the situation very differently.

Psalm 50:18 “When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.”

It bothers God when we “have been partakers with adulterers.” When we act as though it is permissible to lie or steal or commit adultery, we are partakers with them. There have always been young people who cross the lines of wisdom and find themselves in inappropriate positions resulting in immorality. There has always been fornication; it is a part of society. But we need not congratulate people as if it is wonderful that they wounded themselves, violated the very soul of another, and forfeited something they can never regain. To be kind to a sinner is obvious, but to honor their sinful deed before innocent young people is imprudent and sows the seeds of future shame.

God wants us to fight against immoral deeds and to literally kill or “mortify” these actions in our lives.

Colossians 3:5 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

vs. 6 “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”


Wrath is promised for those who follow the deeds of the flesh.

Proverbs 6:32 “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”

Adultery brings “wrath” and “destroyeth” the soul? That is no reason for congratulatory words.

A very unwise person commits adultery. The act is destructive beyond our imagination. I could go on and on telling stories of the incredible harm done to people because of conceiving children out of wedlock (there is a Bible term for the child conceived illegitimately in Hebrews 12:8). The future hurt done to a marriage for years to come because of sinfulness before marriage would take hours to explain. Our earthly view on the subject is nothing when compared to what the Creator of the universe says about immorality.

All through the Scriptures, warnings about immoral activity are written. Just as drinking booze or any other sinful deed, we should grieve over the sin and shame that has crept into the life of a friend.

Proverbs 6:26 “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”

One of the reasons for judgment on Israel is because of their lying preachers and adulterous people:

Jeremiah 29:23 “Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.”

Hosea 4:14 “I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.”

God said He was done trying to correct their shameful morals and would allow their nation to simply fall! The society that acts as if living together is fine is sending our nation to hell, bringing a curse upon those we love, and tearing down the moral walls of propriety God has established to protect our youth.


Of course, we are not to be ugly or hateful, but neither are we to congratulate the drunk for his ability to consume liquor, or to write notes of “I’m so happy for you” when someone robs a bank. Terrible is when one posts on Facebook that he got “so drunk” and the stupid, shameful, godless friends “like” the exaltation of shame. Worldly people congratulate shame; but believers who try to be so kind that they, too, begin congratulating shameful deeds is just as wrong.

We all know the Scripture passage of Jesus addressing lust:

Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Jesus did not want men looking with lust, for it is as adultery in their hearts.

God has very strong words about the unchaste lady:

Deuteronomy 23:17 “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.”

God places whores and sodomites in the same category.

Are we going to post happy emojis for the young person who becomes a queer or commits murder? Are we going to have a party for the friend who finally divorces a spouse? No. We will not hate them either; but instea, we should offer prayer, grief, sorrow, and remorse.

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”


God promises to judge the adulterer. Period! It is not good! Let us put the situation into context: “Wow, I’m so happy for you. Unless you repent and confess the deed as sin and shame, you will now be under the wrath of God; your relationship to this child and the child’s other parent will be damned! ‘LIKE,’ ‘SHARE,’ and repost with smiling emoji.”

I will love the broken soul. I will sorrow with him. I will even try to help with needs if they have openly called their deed wrong and repented of their shame; but as long as he or she continues to live in adultery (as if God is going to bless the relationship), they will not share my table or fellowship with me. Wow, Preacher, you are hateful, ugly, and unChristian! Really? Let us see what God says about the Christian’s relationship to the adulterer.

1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

Do not keep company or eat with them; that is how God says we are to treat the adulterer. Of course, we are to be kind. Yes, we are to love people, and even more so if they are not saved.

1 Corinthians 5:9 “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:”

vs. 10 “Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.”


If someone is not saved, I am to treat him like any other sinner in need of salvation. But a brother or sister in Christ, a child of God, who commits adultery needs to be set apart from fellowship until they are willing to admit their sin, confess it, and turn from their wrong.

Make no mistake, God hates sin and loves sinners; but as believers, if we do not show a difference between right and wrong in our daily lives, the sin will spread like a cancer and be picked up by others. The crab grass of filth will grow in the hearts of the innocent.

At our church, we do not have “church weddings” for those who are living together. We are happy when a couple realizes they need to do the right thing and marry. When a couple will confess their wrong, seek counsel for reconciling their relationship to God, and seek the best way to right a wrong, that is wonderful. We will share in a small wedding in private with a handful of friends or family, as we have done so many times. We have made a sweet moment with a group in an adult Sunday school class or in my office. But the, “HERE COMES THE BRIDE,” the “Walk down the aisle,” the “white dress” picturing purity, the “Who gives away the bride,” the sacred music, the God-honoring ceremony, the reception, the cake, and all its beauty are reserved for the couple who is about to vow for life, move in together, and start a life together. 

How do I, as a pastor say, “Who gives away the bride?” She is already taken! How do our ladies have the intimacy of a private shower with gifts for the consummating of their relationship when they are living as if they are already married? How do we bring our young ladies into the wedding as brides maids and bring others into the church to sit dreaming of their wedding day, and lift up this sacred moment when everyone in the room knows the girl is six months along with a child and living with the father already.

Forgiveness is always available for those whose heart breaks over their sin, not for those who glory in it. Reconciliation is for the repentant child of God who cannot stand the foolishness of his past, unchangeable choices. Closeness is welcomed when other girls see the loss of showers and the forfeiture of the splendor of a wedding ceremony and reception. Our Lord’s words, “Go and sin no more” are the guide. Move out, stop sleeping together as if you were married. Confess the wrong of your actions to family and friends who know the situation. Have a small, but legitimate marriage ceremony, and then seek the mercy of God.

In the Bible, more death and destruction over adultery can be found than any other sin. Do not act as though sleeping together unmarried, conceiving children, and living like the lost world around us is okay. Unless the couple repents and labors to conquer the seeds of ruin, divorce is inevitable, and single parenthood is on the way. A child will grow up without parents and no smiling face is appropriate in this scenario.

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

—Pastor Goddard

The Difference

Good Morning,

Many different philosophies exist in churches today.  The biggest difference is in one simple thought:  “Is it for me or is it for others?”  

We tend to ask ourselves, “Is my church ministry all about making me feel good?  Is it all about how to have a happy home and good children?  Or is the church ministry about souls being saved and lives being changed for the glory of God?”

We should ask ourselves, "What do I like about my church?"  Is it that the baptistry waters are stirred weekly or that you feel so good when you leave the service?  Do you like your church because you can relax and enjoy the music or because you have learned to teach the Bible to others and help others in their Christian lives?  Do you like your church and school because the children grow up and find good jobs and succeed in college and secular jobs?  Or, do you like it because there are young people out serving God as pastors and missionaries, as well as others who come back to serve in your church after they marry and start careers?

Mark 8:34 “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

The idea of passionately clinging to our homes and families and carefully guarding them so there is no harm or risk is far from biblical Christianity.  In fact, Jesus taught about forsaking the warm ties of home for the ministry as honorable and pleasing to God.  

Matthew 19:29 “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Some people have the church philosophy of sitting together in church with the whole family, guarding every moment of their child's life, protecting their children from anything with gluten, sugar or preservatives.  Yet, all the while, the children grow up never pushing themselves or doing anything difficult.  They never learn to care about other children or to sing in a children's choir.  As these perfectly protected children grow up, they are never allowed to go to rest homes, to go soul winning with their youth department, or to work on buses.  This selfish philosophy of living is far from biblical.  

Yes, care for your children physically, and guard who has influence on them, but every soul belongs to God, and all should learn to serve Him.   Danger and risk is difficult to avoid when we follow the steps of a Savior Who was hated, abused, and crucified.  

Romans 14:7 “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”

vs. 8 “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

What missionary do you know who did not leave home?  Serving God as a missionary usually means grandparents are going to miss grandchildren at holidays and birthdays.  Who do you know who started a church and did not sacrifice comfort, financial security, and often basic supplies of food and family provision?  Church is to make God happy not men.  Church is to glorify the King of Glory not help families live in a no-risk world of perfect security and walk a smooth path without injustice or risk.  

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

God is looking for surrendered, sacrificial vessels, not securely-protected families.  The very purpose of our Christian lives is clear:

2 Corinthians 5:15 “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”


We are not to live for ourselves but for Him!  Life is not about me, but about others; and I matter very little.  

Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Many believers think that if they are in the will of God, they will be happy and healthy, and their children will be fine; yet that is so far from Bible truth.

Philippians 1:20 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

vs. 21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”


Paul said that he wanted God to be glorified in life or in death.  His desire was not to be safe and secure and to avoid death.  Death is gain; life is a place of service — this ends the subject of “life’s purpose.”  

The song, How Firm a Foundation tells us…

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

What is the difference in churches or in family values?  The answer is easy; self or others, Christ or comfort and health. 

Christ came to lose His life, and we should do no less.

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Acts 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

2 Timothy 2:12 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

Philippians 1:29 “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

May the words, "It makes me feel good" be erased from our vocabulary.  May safety and security be drowned under the words of self-sacrifice and surrender.


Pastor

Knowledge & Wisdom

Good Morning,

Over two years ago, many conservatives and countless Bible believers said that we were being lied to about health mandates, and that fear mongering was inaccurate at best.  Slandered, criticized and attacked, many of these conservatives stuck to their guns.  Now, after the nation has been ripped apart educationally, socially, religiously, and of course in areas of health, they admit they were wrong. 

The Epoch Times, 2373 wrote the following:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its COVID-19 guidance on Aug. 11, stating that the United States should move away from quarantines and social distancing and focus on treating severe disease caused by the virus.

New guidelines from the federal agency no longer recommend staying at least six feet away from other people to reduce exposure. The six-foot social distancing recommendation had been intact since early 2020, although some public health officials have raised questions about whether the measure is actually effective.

In another major change, the agency stated that it’s no longer recommending unvaccinated people to quarantine after exposure. Unvaccinated people who have been in close contact with an infected person aren’t advised to go through a five-day quarantine period if they haven’t tested positive or shown symptoms, according to the revised guidelines.

From the first weeks, countless preachers, doctors, and conservatives knew there was a hidden agenda, and to back off now does not undo the damage that was done to our nation.   From the beginning, many people challenged the extreme society-destroying recommendations.  Many good churches simply said, “No” and went back to church. I know of no church that regrets that decision.  

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” 

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

These two verses represent countless others that teach the same principle; the godless advisors are missing the target on knowledge and wisdom.  

Be careful whose counsel you hear.  Guard your mind when it comes to information – even regarding health care.  Have we not seen the law used to hurt good people?  In recent years, have we not seen the clear introduction of a two-tiered legal system? Of course, we have.  The trouble is, Americans without any knowledge of the Bible are also short of wisdom and knowledge.  

The answer is the same: go back to Sunday school, church, daily Bible reading, and learning to fear God.  Then we will clearly see the right and wrong as well as the good and evil.  Putting our trust in godless, or even anti-God political leaders is extremely unwise.

Pastor

God Gets Fed Up

Good Morning,

Although God is merciful beyond words, long-suffering, patient, and so very much more, make no mistake, God is holy, just, and righteous as well.  God does get "fed up" (using our terms) with mankind at times.  

Korah was in the tribe of Levi. His family members were not priests, but they were involved in the work of the Tabernacle.  

Numbers 16:1 “Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi…”

vs. 9 “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?”

vs. 10 “And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?”

It appears that Korah and the others were not satisfied with their roles; they wanted to be in charge and to have the most important jobs.  These men, who were important among the people of Israel, came to Moses and were critical of his leadership.  

Numbers 16:3 “And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?”

Now people make many statements that are stupid, but this is one of the winners in the "stupid olympics”: Verse three says,  “…seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them…”   In our church congregation, I would not venture to say they were all saved, let alone righteous; yet, in this verse, these men (with several million people) said they were ALL righteous.   These men were only concerned about their chance to be the leader. They certainly did not want any others to be in charge.  They simply selected those terms to get the approval and support of the group.  

In verse three, Korah says another stupid statement, “…wherefore then lift ye up yourselves…” Korah accused Moses of promoting himself to be the ruler.  Remember how Moses pushed himself into leadership in Egypt and how he fought to be in charge?  Of course not! None of us do.  What we remember is his begging God to leave him alone to watch his sheep.  Remember how the Red Sea parted? Remember the twelve plagues? Remember the bitter water made sweet?  How about daily manna from Heaven for years?  Yet, Korah said Moses made himself leader — one more statement to add to the "stupid encyclopedia."

In verse thirteen, Korah gets really stupid (like a liberal reporter) and said, “…thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey…”  He called Egypt a land of milk and honey!  The same people who killed their babies and enslaved the nation!  That nation is not exactly a land of blessings.  

In verse fourteen, Korah continues his idiotic ranting: "Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards..."  People with big mouths usually have a little truth in their corrupt conversation. It is true they had not yet come into the land of Canaan; but if we were to go back two chapters to Numbers fourteen, we would read that they stood at Kadesh Barnea and refused Moses’ exhortation to enter the land. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb urged everyone to go into the land. Korah was correct in saying they were not in a land of plenty, but it was he and the princes of the land who turned away from the blessed land God had promised.  To speak well of Egypt and criticize the blessed life God had for them was very unwise. When people begin defending their old lives in the world and attacking their new lives in Christ, you can be sure they are on a slippery slope to ruin. 

Back to the story of Israel, stupidity had pushed itself too much in front, and God was ready to kill the entire group; but Moses and Aaron interceded for the people, and the nation was spared.  

Numbers 16:21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”

vs. 22 “And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?”

Moses tells the people to watch and see what happens, and they would know whom God had called and which of the two men was a deceiver.  Not long after, the earth opened and swallowed Korah and his followers (vs. 31).  It was surely clear that God was the One in charge and that Moses was simply His servant.  With Korah dead, being swallowed by the earth, you might think that all the stupid thinking died with him — but not while men still walk the earth.  The people blamed Moses for killing Korah.  Wow!  That was a stretch; but humanity loves to blame, and pointing a finger at God is difficult.

Numbers 16:41 "But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.”

To be clear, Korah did wrong and was punished, but now everyone was angry at Moses.  Be careful; God is in Heaven watching, and He does have a hand in the affairs of our lives. 

At this point, stupidity had been just a little too prevalent, and God was done; He was sure to kill them now.  God told Moses to get away from the people.

Numbers 16: 45  “Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.”


Even though the people gave Moses no end of trouble, once again, he talked God out of killing them.  

God gets impatient, or in our vernacular, ”fed up” or "sick and tired" of stupidity pouring out of the mouths of people.  We ought to walk in fear. We should humbly walk before God, keeping our mouths shut as much as possible.

We can be sure that God does hear and will care for the evil around us.  Rest in Him, and guard your words.

Pastor

Remember & Understand

Good Morning,

Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan.  Forty days later, they returned with not only the wonderful fruit of the land but also with the fearful news of giants and walled cities.  We look at Israel with a measure of disdain for their refusal to continue on the path God had for them; but sadly, many believers today, through fear, walk away from their "promised land" as well.  

In my four decades of ministry, I have watched many a family turn from the path before them because of fear: fear of legal issues, fear of financial sacrifice, fear of social isolation, or fear of their children not being able to fit into the collegiate world or the secular college graduate world. Out of fear of joblessness or social stigmas, many parents have directed their children away from ministry training.  Unaccredited high schools or colleges have brought fear as well; yet, many people are comfortable choosing medical training which, although it may provide economic stability, will surely pull them from faithfulness to church and serving God.  

The fear of walled cities is little different from fear of being a part of a soul-winning church with some stigma attached.  

How does it happen?  What went on in the heart of the Israelites that turned them from the future God had planned for them?

Psalms 106:7 “Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.”

Israel made two mistakes that led them to turn back from wonderful opportunities at Kadesh (Numbers 12-14).  They "understood not,” and they "remembered not."  These elements are certainly present in the modern Christian world.  Some of our own church members fail to understand what God is doing; they fail to see the wonders God is achieving in the lives of those around them. They do not understand.  They do not grasp the miracle of children getting saved week after week.  Many do not understand what a wonder it is to consistently have thirty to forty young people in Bible college.  Some people who attend church do not understand how amazing it is to have over one hundred people a week going out into local neighborhoods and telling others about Christ.  To hear of people getting saved and to enjoy big days is more of a miracle than many understand.  "Our fathers understood not thy wonders..."

The next trouble is not remembering:  

Psalms 106:7 "...they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies..."

The Israelites forgot the wonders that were done in Egypt, such as plagues that exalted God and abased the gods of Egypt.  Israel simply forgot how many awesome things God had done.  Flies, lice, frogs, and water to blood to name a few.   We cannot afford to forget what God has done.  Men who never dreamed it would happen have found themselves in front of crowds preaching the wonderful words of God.  Families have been involved in big days when thousands heard the story of salvation.  From our little children, came pastors and missionaries; these miracles among us can be forgotten.   We do not make a big deal about it, but a dozen or more babies (who are now adults) were born when doctors said the parents could have no children.  We have witnessed miracle healings and miracle conversions.  We have seen a few of our own walk away, but we trust too that God is faithful and will restore them to fellowship one day.  When believers forget the wonders God has done, and when they fail to understand the amazing work God has achieved in their presence, it is then that people walk away back to their old lives.  

Believers cannot afford to forget all God has done among them.  We have started churches and sent missionaries from our own children’s classes, and dozens of young people are getting married and staying married who once attended our Sunday schools.   A grave danger exists in forgetting what God has done.  Look what Israel ended up doing.  

Psalm 106:13 "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:”


When believers forget how good God has been, they soon fail to wait on His instruction, and they do make their own choices without including God.

The result was the desire for the goods of the old world. They wanted the possessions they left in Egypt; for modern believers, it is the joys of the old life.  They desired the comforts their unsaved friends might have had.  

Psalm 106:14 “But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."

If we fail to understand the great things God is doing and to remember His wonders, it will not be long before we become casual Christians.  We may attend church sporadically, but to live sacrificially for others or serve and invest time, talents, and treasure is rarely done as it once had been.   

The next step is conflict with leadership.

Psalm 106:16 "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.”

They understood not, they remembered not, and they forgot His works; they failed to listen to God's counsel, and they struggled with their leaders.  

God reminds them again of their problem: remembering.

Psalm 106:21 "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;”

vs. 22 “Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.”

May we each seek to remember and to understand that we might gain the future blessings God has in store for us.

Pastor

Things I Do Not Want to Become

Good Morning,

Years ago, I read an article in which a pastor wrote that he did not want to become an old grump; that sounded good to me, and it got me thinking.

As the years pass, I see the path many believers have taken, and I see the warning signs for my own life.  Good people can take paths that are easily within my reach.  I could travel the same road they have, and in so doing, I could end where they ended. As the years pass, I have to determined what I want.  With all that said, there are some kinds of people that I do not want to become.

I do not want to become... A non-Bible reader.  I want to keep reading my Bible daily.

I do not want to become...Someone who never passes out a tract or witnesses for Christ.  I have watched good people never witness and certainly never knock on a door.

I do not want to become...Someone who looks for the bad in people. I want to be a hopeful believer, not a critical scorner.

I do not want to become... A church attendee who never does anything: never teaches, never helps in Vacation Bible School, never sings in the choir, or never plays in an orchestra. I want to be a help to the ministry. I wast to be someone who invests in the work of God, not a spectator who does nothing.

I do not want to become...A believer who never sacrifices for the cause of Christ.  For years, many people gave sacrificially from their limited finances, and then as years passed, they became fearful or selfish and many ended up never giving to the work of God.

I do not want to become... A comfortable church member, one who attends a church in which everyone is comfortable; no one is pushed to do more, to be more, or to accomplish great works for Christ.  

I do not want to become... A person whose daily conversation matches that of the lost world around me rather than that of the children of God.  Many believers grow worldly as they age.  Their social life is the same as their unsaved neighbors, their conversation consists of basically whatever is on television, their recreation is no different from the world, and their casual "religion" is no different from a Catholic (they attend church once or twice a month, but their life is not changed).

I do not want to become... A fraud.  I long to be what God desires me to be, and at least part of that means to present myself a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2)

What do I want to be?  God gives clear directions. 

Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Pastor

Rewards For Trials

Good Morning,


Trials are most often received as something bad – the result of our own wrong or that of another – but God says so much about trials that goes against our personal reasoning.


1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”


In this verse, we see that the TRIAL of our faith is precious; not faith itself, but the trying of our faith — according to the Lord, that trial is precious.


Just as the heating of gold purifies and increases value, so the trying of our faith makes it more valuable.  The faith we possess without trials will remain in its current state; but when that faith is tried in the fires of life, the value increases exponentially.  


When the Lord returns, the gold used as an example will perish and be gone, as will all earthly things.

2 Peter 3:10 “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”


Our faith, though tested in the fires of life, will endure forever.  As the passage teaches, that faith will be found very important.


1 Peter 1:7 ”... might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ..."


When the Lord returns, faith that has been tried, tested, and found true will be rewarded by "praise and honour and glory."    Not the praise, honor, and glory of God, but it will be to our praise, honor, and glory, just as the Lord said in John 12:26:  "... if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."


No one enjoys the trying of his faith, but the Scriptures urge him to hold fast to his profession.


Hebrews 4:14 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”


Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”


When our faith is tried, it can waver.  In times of trial, some believers walk away from their faith; but God is pleased when we “hold fast” our profession. Our Lord prayed in the Garden as He faced such a tragic hour and asked if that hour might pass from Him; yet, He desired most the will of God and trusted His circumstances to the Heavenly Father saying, “not my will, but thine be done.”

What has been true for decades is still true in trials.   Recently, one of our missionaries wrote about converts who were going to face severe persecution from their families and friends for their newfound faith.  He requested prayer for these new Christians who were about to be tried.  These young believers who knew so little were going to be tried, and how precious will be their reward when Christ appears! 

1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”


May we rest in the loving arms of our Father and trust Him through our trials.

Pastor

The Path of Success

Good Morning,


God created a perfect world; no place could be more wonderful than the blessed creation of God.  Man and woman were placed into this wonderful world, and it was not long before they sinned and turned against God in disobedience. 


God could have quit right then and dropped the entire idea of humanity, but He did not.  The plan progressed with frail humanity.

How often could we count the times when men failed at their most basic instructions? Cain offering his sacrifice, Abraham bringing Lot with him as he traveled, and Jacob lying about who he was to his father; the stories are numerous.

The church was founded upon the perfect Son of God, but He regularly corrected the thinking of His followers.  The “Sons of Thunder” wanted to call down fire upon men who were not traveling with Jesus.  Some disciples argued about who would be greatest in the kingdom; yet all, of course, fled and abandoned the Lord in is His hour of suffering.  

The work of God is built upon God, not the perfect actions of men.  Read through the book of Acts and see how often these men drifted from the right path. They chose an Apostle, which they had no business choosing; they had folks lying about their giving, and soon the church fussed about the care of widows, and on and on the stories go.  

God uses frail men, sinful men.  Israel was so sinful that they were carried away to other nations; yet, God had a plan for the Saviour. He was born in Bethlehem right on schedule (as was announced hundreds of years before in the book of Micah).  Sinful leaders in Israel or in heathen nations could not thwart the plan of God.  

We act as if the world stops when a sinner shows up; when, in fact, the entire sovereign plan of God includes the worst of mankind with all their corruption and still sees fit to accomplish His will in life.  We act as if the success of life depends upon men all being good and right, but, in reality, the entire plan of God works with sinners every day.

Proverbs 16:4  “The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.”

Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, and others had enjoyed success in reaching natives in South America, but they felt the Lord leading them to reach into the Auca people, who were well-known for their violence toward outsiders.

On a few occasions, these men had made contact with the Auca people, and they thought they had found a friendly reception, but within a few days, they saw a group of Auca warriors with spears raised and ready to be thrown. Jim Elliot had a gun in his pocket, but each of the missionaries had promised he would not kill an Auca who did not know Jesus in order to save himself from being killed.

The death of these faithful men was not the end of the story. In less than two years, Elisabeth Elliot, her daughter Valerie, and Rachel Saint (Nate's sister) were able to move to the Auca village. Many Aucas became Christians, and the tribe eventually became friendly. Missionaries, including Nate Saint's son and his family, moved in to live among the Aucas.

How different from the vindictive spirit among so many who call themselves Believers.  Just because heathen men acted a certain way does not erase the involvement of a wonderful God.  When we are hurt, never doubt that God is in control as much as He was when Daniel was carried away to Babylon.  

Simeon was held in an Egyptian prison (Genesis 42) while his brothers returned to their families in Canaan.  Picture the returning group of men and the heart of the family waiting. The story was tragic, heart-wrenching, and so terribly wrong; yet, when the story is told, we understand that God had all things in control and never, even for a moment, did anything happen outside the care of a loving Father.  Why do we act as though tragedy exists? We all do at one time or another, but we should not. God is real; He is faithful, good, and worthy of our trust.  

God's presence is a wonderful possession. He promised it to the people through the prophet Haggai. God’s presence was to be as real in rebuilding the temple as it was when Israel left Egypt one thousand years before.

Haggai 2:5 “According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not." 

God also promised it to us in the Great Commission:

Matthew 28:20 "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

That blessed promise of God's presence, "...lo, I am with you alway..." is "even unto the end of the world." We have no need to fear, but much reason to simply "be strong and of good courage." (Joshua 1)

We live among a fallen race–a people, who are prone to sin and shame, even though some are redeemed.  We live among sinners, by choice and by nature.  Yes, we obtained a new nature when we were saved, but do not think that the old nature was eradicated as some might teach.  Live among other people, even for a short time, and you will see that as Paul wrestled with his flesh, so do all of God's precious children.  

The Good News is not based upon the good lives of the people around us but rather on the presence of God among us. When God promised "good success," (Joshua 1:8) He did so knowing that we live among sinful humanity.  Rest in Him, not in the frail lives of men.  

Pastor

Temper Tantrums

Good Morning,

In recent years, we have watched protesters fight and cause great havoc, and all was done for one reason, they did not get their way. Whether it be a two-year-old wanting a candy bar in the store, or a Democrat wanting Hillary to be President, throwing a fit is common when you fail to have logic, reason, and facts.

Notice the events surrounding the arrest of Jesus:

Luke 23:13 “And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,”

vs.14 “Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:”

vs. 15 “No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.”

vs. 16 “I will therefore chastise him, and release him.”

Both Pilate and Herod were willing to release Jesus; they knew He had done nothing worthy of death. The story continues…

vs. 20 “Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.”

vs. 21 “But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.”

vs. 22 “And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.”

vs. 23 “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”

vs. 24 “And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.”

Pilate was willing to release Jesus; the truth was not hard to see. But blinded, selfish men cannot see truth or reason, nor do they have logical dialogue. When all reason and logic escapes one, he screams!!

vs. 23 “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”

Notice: loud voices prevailed, not logic or reason.

Wise leaders may hear screams, but should only listen to facts and truth — whether it be a teenager trying to spend the night at a friend’s house or a child wanting ice cream when mom thinks it is not the right time. When a leader gives in to a follower who causes trouble, or when tantrums get results more than logic and facts, the leaders are creating a society of anarchists. If a child finds he does not get his way by reasonable request and dialogue, but that fighting and causing trouble gets his desired result, it is only logical that he will follow the same procedure the next time his requests are denied.


In the 60s, we saw rebellious college students have “sit in’s” in protest for various reasons. They would block hallways to administration offices, take college administrators captive, and some groups even burned buildings. At that point, if parents had pulled every cent of support from their children, and if colleges had shut down the schools and had forbidden those students from ever attending college again, we would be living in a much different society today. 

Understand that the students of the 60’s are the veteran professors today. These professors are rebels and anarchists who learned to get their way by using the tool of civil unrest. (The authorities were the key to making it succeed.) Many people in that era burned draft cards and left the country for Canada. Leadership cannot prevent people from doing these things, but if leaders had recorded the names and put those names on a watch list so that upon entering the country again they would be jailed and unable to ever attend college, hold public office, or be trusted with any position of trust, we would never have had a Bill Clinton in the White House.

A follower will get louder and louder until he gets his way or until the leader stops him. The end of the story is entirely up to the leader. In my home, loud sighs brought about correction; stomping feet or slamming a door would have brought about capital punishment. Perhaps that is the reason that when tension arises in my marriage, I have found it wise to deal calmly and with carefully chosen words.

In Pilate’s situation, the yelling, screaming people got their way, and for eternity, Pilate will remember giving in and allowing the Son of God to be murdered, when he had the chance to save the life of the Saviour. When someone breaks the law, they should face the clearly-written punishment of the law. Whether the punishment be jail or fines, laws are the basis for civilized people. If one does not follow the law, he creates a primitive society ruled by the bullies.

Luke 23:23 “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.”

When your child throws a fit, explain to him the punishment that will be his every time he fights and yells. The next time emotions rise, be sure to do exactly as you said you would do, and do so again and again until the follower learns that no one gets his way by anger, violence, and public disturbance. When a child finds out that ruining the shopping for everyone in the store brings him candy or that tossing food around a restaurant gets the dinner with the family friends to end earlier, he will begin a life of fighting, yelling, and violence. Have you ever wondered why a man yells or hits his wife when situations or outcomes do not end according to his plan? This reaction was trained into him by his parents.

Teach everyone to think and to have law-abiding logic on their side. Teaching followers to know the rules, obey them, and to reason with those around them will solve the domestic violence, the child abuse, and the civil unrest.

Rioting should be treated with the most severe punishment, not rewarded with giving in to the whim of the rioters. College students needing play dough and comfort pets because they do not like the results of an election are going to end up as terrible husbands and wives who depend on counselors, sedatives, and government support. Rioters who destroy property because they do not like election results need to be jailed, forced to repay every cent of damage they incurred, and right every wrong they committed; if this does not happen, those same people will resort to violence the next time they do not get their way.

In answer to some questioning thoughts…

Yes, America did rebel against England. It was a well-planned, national decision after years of logic, reason, and countless attempts at a solution. It was not a mindless, violent revolt by a few against innocent neighbors.

Yes, there are situations in which citizens might stand against unjust laws, but not by burning down a neighbor’s store or by beating up someone who differed on an opinion.

Flattery may change decisions and violence may change choices made by leaders, but logic and reason are the method that wise men use in leading and ruling.

2 Samuel 23:3 “…He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.”

God said much about leaders and judges, and in every case, the instructions God gave were in regard to justice and to truth, not to try to find peace and stop violent reactions.

Exodus 23:6 “Thou shalt not wrest the judgment of thy poor in his cause.”

vs. 7 “Keep thee far from a false matter; and the innocent and righteous slay thou not: for I will not justify the wicked.”

vs. 8 “And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous.”

Deuteronomy 16:18 “Judges and officers shalt thou make thee in all thy gates, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, throughout thy tribes: and they shall judge the people with just judgment.”

vs. 19 “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”

vs. 20 “That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.”

If we will start this teaching when our children are toddlers, we will not have trouble on our college campuses in the future. (It would also help to jail professors who incite riots and teach treason!)

Pastor

Modesty

Good Morning,

While we were in Israel, we saw many historical places and gained insight into the culture and people — the trip was great! On our last day, we spent much of the day wandering through a shopping area in downtown Jerusalem. There were many ladies’ clothing shops that carried an amazing assortment of modest, fashionable clothing. While a few ladies in our group shopped, I began talking to the shop owner. He said that his father had the business for decades, and many years ago, he determined to not carry "immodest clothing." Those were his words. Their business card read, "Modest Trendy Clothing." He said that even in Israel, many people wear indiscreet clothing, and business was hard for a while after they limited their selection to modest items; but now, after many years, people come from all over town to buy from his shop because of the modest quality styles.

As we talked, he asked who we were (seeing that our ladies were dressed so modestly). It is not lawful to witness, but I could at least answer questions. Explaining that we were Bible-believing Baptists who stayed true to the modesty lessons taught in the Bible, he listened intently and was very pleased. He said he had met people from Calvary Chapel who did not look at all like our ladies. He had read about them on their website; he quoted "come as you are,” and felt the Lord deserved better. Remember that I am speaking to a Jew, not a Christian. I assured him we believed in "come as you are," but also leave with the Lord in your heart, systematically changing your life, inside and out. We talked about Bible verses and the love of God, he felt we had a divine appointment and wanted to visit our website and learn more. To him, it made sense that when someone met the God of the Bible, it would change one's outside as well as inside. I quoted a verse and he quoted others right back, all in agreement with one another. He was a Bible-reading man.

Immodesty has always been around; Solomon wrote of the woman in Proverbs seven who wore the attire of the harlot (and yes, this was in Jerusalem about 900 B.C.). For those who are interested, I have listed several simple thoughts to guide the appearance of a woman. (Because men are totally visual in their response, God talks much about women's dress and rarely about that of men.)

1. Not as a harlot - clothing that accents the sensuous are to be avoided.

Proverbs 7:10 “And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot…"

What does a woman wear to show off her body? What are styles and fits that follow the fashion statement of a whore?

2. Not "pertaining" to a man. Any clothing that is similar to a man’s clothing should not be worn by a lady.

Deuteronomy 22:5 “The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”

Pertaineth....clothing that implies or resembles those of the opposite gender. The Bible does not say when or where, it simply states that a man should wear nothing that resembles a lady’s clothing nor the other way around (simply, that one should dress in the fashion of the gender God made you).

3. Modest - Modest meaning simple and a cloak to the shape.

1 Timothy 2:9 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”

vs. 10 “But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”

vs. 11” Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.”

Here we see women instructed to be careful in their appearance and to model their dress after godly women (not fashion models or Hollywood whores). I find it interesting that, in this passage, men are to be taught to pray in verses 1-8; and in verses 9-12, women are to be taught to dress modestly and live submissively. In the eyes of God, ladies dress goes hand-in-hand with submission. (Older people can remember the phrase, "Who wears the pants in the family?” Dress and authority go together.)

So, yes, our outward appearance does matter. As my Israeli friend quoted, “The inside is important, too, or they will be like a ring in a pig’s nose.” He wrestled with the right English words, but I knew to what he was referring. Remember, to the Jews, pork is more than a dirty animal to be smoked and enjoyed as bacon; they have no bacon in their lives. The woman without virtue was forbidden, just as pork is forbidden!

As my Jewish friend noticed, God cares about how we look. I am hoping as he looks to our website that the Gospel is noticed. We also exchanged email addresses, and I will follow up on him that way as well.

Pastor Goddard

Where Does Trouble Come From

Good Morning,

Trouble comes into our lives, “as the sparks fly upward,” according to Job.  There is trouble in this world, for both the rich and the poor, the popular and the recluse.  Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.”   Trouble comes from living on a sin-cursed planet. That which we might call a natural disaster or health trouble is not of our own making.

Paul was very accepting of the struggles that came his way. Whatever circumstance he faced, his focus was the mission of preaching salvation.

Philippians 4:12  “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.”

Trouble comes often to the active Christian because the devil hates when we shine the light of God on a dark world.

1 Cointhians 4:12  “And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.”

Even politicians face more trouble when they stand for good (as President Trump experienced).

When we make the decision to follow Christ, we gain His enemies – and they are many.  

Philippians 1:29  “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”

When the devil sees you get saved, that bothers him; but when you begin to allow God to influence your home,  job, or community, his fury will be unleashed against you.  Satan hates the Christian life, and he will do all in his power to discredit it.

1 Thessalonians 3:4  “For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.”

You are citizens of a new and better world, and as such enemies of darkness.

2 Thessalonians 1:5  “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:”

1 Timothy 4:10  “For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

Many a Christian has been pushed away from family gatherings, ignored at holidays, or even spoken against by loved ones for their outspoken faith.  

2 Timothy 1:12  “For the which cause I also suffer these things…”

2 Timothy 2:9  “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”

vs. 12  “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

The Lord promises special rewards to those who suffer for His name. We should labor to keep our eyes on the end of the race, and not focus on the daily difficulties.  

There is no telling where your trouble will come from, but one thing is sure; if you live a godly life, you will face tribulation.  

2 Timothy 3:12  “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

I remember memorizing this passage early in my Christian life and wondering if I was not a very good Christian because I felt no persecution.  Although, not many years passed before the wrath of the wicked one began to circle my world like a lion hunting it’s prey.  (1 Peter 5:8)

Pastor 

Envy (Part 2)

Good Morning, 

Some people have a bigger dose than others, but it seems that everyone possesses some measure of envy. When someone sees another person with something they do not have, they want it. The feeling is not just covetousness, it is an evil intention; it is covetousness with a dose of spitefulness; it is a desire for something with malice attached.

Envy is a rotten desire deep inside the soul.  Children are envious of those who get more attention from the teacher or seem to be more popular on the playground. What we do with that envy determines what it becomes.

We all have a little jealousy, or a little covetousness of the nicer hair or better athletic ability, or perhaps for the person who seems to get good grades all of the time. Who does not want a little more of any of those things? How we respond to those childhood feelings seems to be like how a seed develops in nature. Where I grew up, you can find many grapevines and wild apple trees in the forest, but none of them are to be desired, because they have not been tended. The vines are tangled, the tree branches are broken, and the fruit is small and often undesirable.  The garden of one who has been diligent in its care, with vines and branches trimmed and pruned regularly, will yield fruit that grows bigger and sweeter. With enough attention and cultivation, one can yield really good fruit from the same kind of plants that barely yield fruit in the woods.

So is envy.

When a child feels a little jealousy, a little envy, or a little covetousness, they dwell upon it and nurture it; this cultivates and fertilizes the soil in which envy grows.

While many teenagers turn to their own area of skill, there are some who seem to embrace envy, jealousy, and covetousness. While many children accept that they are all different from one another and that each one has their own area of importance, some seem to glory in their struggle, while the bitterness of soul begins to grow in their heart, growing from childhood jealousy to teenage covetousness and then to mature and thriving envy coated with evil and maliciousness.

Proverbs 14:30 “…envy the rottenness of the bones.”

The covetous person sees another person’s happy marriage, and they begin to despise those people. They see another person’s business prosper, and their anger begins to smolder. They see another person who is simply happy, with very little reason to be but happy nonetheless and often possessing less than the one who is envious, and it nurtures the corruption within. 

Proverbs 27:4 “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?”

Do you want to know where an unbelievable action came from?  It often stems from the well-trimmed garden of envy.  Where does vengeful behavior begins?  You will often see it in the heart of one who hates another for possessing “life” when they themselves possess emptiness.  The world is surprised at the hateful deeds towards those who loved the person, yet upon close examination, they find there is an unsatisfied void, a cavern of unfulfilled expectations. 

This seems to be the reason that Jesus was hated and why the brothers of Joseph sold him.

Matthew 27:18 “For he knew that for envy they had delivered him.”

Acts 7:9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,”

The putrid fruit of the soulless heart of envy caused the Jews to kill Stephen. 

Acts 17:5 “But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.”

Notice that murder (and many other terrible actions) is the companion of envy.  Envy is no significant emotion, and worst of all, it seems to multiply with time as devil grass in the lawn.  

Romans 1:29 “Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,”

Before we are too harsh on others, may we remember that we have all had the roots and perhaps the beginning of envy in our lives, but by the grace of God, we were delivered.  Do not forget that we all have had some of our own envy (probably more than once). No one is a superior saint.

Titus 3:3 “For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.”

Pastor 

Envy

Good Morning, 

Some sins are easy to cover and easy to categorize as “not so bad."

Envy and covetousness are easily hidden and frequently justified, but God says much about these sinful attitudes of the heart.  

Was it not a desire for that which God forbade that cursed the human race in the Garden of Eden?  Was it not covetousness that damned Achan and his family at Jericho? (Joshua 7)

Proverbs 14:30 “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.” 

In the Ten Commandments, we read of covetousness:

Exodus 20:17 “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s."

In Genesis 34, Shechem brought about the death of his entire city by desiring Dinah and convincing the men of his city that all the property of Jacob and his twelve sons would one day be theirs if they were to follow the instructions of  Simeon and Levi.  Covetousness or perhaps envy brought about their destruction and resulted in great wrong.

Romans 13:9 “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

When we consider envy, we read of Joseph being sold by his envious brothers. The brothers wished for the favor he had with their father, or they desired the peace and courage Joseph had to stand for right; his brothers lived lives of compromise.  

Often, you will find someone looking at the blessings on another, whether their children, their marriage, or their spiritual stand, and the envy moves them to dislike the one who is blessed.  

Is it so difficult to rejoice in the blessing another receives?  Yet envy stirs many to bitterness.  

“And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him.”  (Acts 7:9) 

Of the many infections spread by social media, covetousness and envy are two of the most subtle and corrupt. Like the longing for fame or money that is spread by television and movies, social media often causes people to wish for that which belongs to another (or they look at their own life with discontentment rather than rest).  

Paul writes that we ought to kill the desire for that which is not our own, whether it be popularity or the happy home next door.  

Colossians 3:5 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

Ephesians 5:3 “Let it not be once named among you…"

Idolatry....

Like Proverbs 2, “Seek her as silver…,” we seek things when we ought only to seek God.

We seek after fame or position when we ought to surrender to the Lord and His perfect plan. Sometimes we ask ourselves why we cannot have that job, sing that solo, or get that promotion at work.

These things belong to God, not to our personal whim - this is idolatry because we allow our desire for things or position to be paramount in our hearts rather than yielding our lives totally to His sovereign will.

Luke 3:14 says to be content with our wages.

1 Timothy 6:8 says we ought to be content with food and clothing. 

One last verse reminds us that we have the Lord Jesus Christ, and that His presence ought to be adequate to bring contentment - no matter our condition.  

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Contentment will come when we grasp the unfathomable wonder of Christ’s presence. Knowing Him will keep envy and covetousness in check.

Pastor

Busy

Good Morning,

Most of us understand that life is busy, although, some people think they are busy because they cannot sleep when they want, play when they want, and watch television when they want.

I do not know much, but I do know this:  if you want something good, then it will take time.  A good home requires tireless work.  Good children, a good marriage, and an orderly and well-cared-for house all require an enormous amount of time.  Even keeping your body well takes time.  Time is necessary to plan good meals, to get exercise, and to assemble a well-planned wardrobe.

I can personally say that my life includes almost no relaxing time.  The desire to minister to people requires lots and lots of time.  Rearing good children took every moment I could squeeze out of life.  To stay married and like it requires time.

We cannot do what we feel like doing.  If we relax all day and exert ourselves only when it involves some personal pleasure, we should not expect anything good to come from our lives — this is the recipe for failure. 

I have watched successful college-age young people (those who have worked their way through school, served in ministries, and worked to do right), and in watching them, I can tell you, they were tired — they had no extra time.  When I was in college, I worked six blocks from the Sears Tower in Chicago and never once got to go inside the building.  The first time I ever entered the doors of the Sears Tower was after I was already in the ministry and took a group of young people with me.   When I was in college, I had no time to play; but I never missed my bus route, never slept through a class, and never dreamed of missing a church service (except for Wednesdays when I had to work nights to pay my college bill).   (Student loans are the government’s way to indoctrinate young people in their globalism, secularism, and immoral mentality.  Try getting a student loan to a private, Christian college that teaches the Bible and biblical morals — that school will not qualify.)

Mark 1:10 “And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:”

Mark 1:18 “And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.”

Mark 1:20 “And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.”

Mark 1:21”And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.”

Nineteen times in the book of Mark, the word straightway is used. This word is only used eight times in the book of Matthew (a book almost twice as long), four times in the book of Luke, once in the book of John, four times in the book of Acts, and once in the book of James.  Straightway does not appear in any other New Testament book.   Why was this particular word used so often in the book of Mark?  It is the book that portrays Christ as the servant; and a servant has no time to waste. 

Do you want great children?  Training children will take every free moment — none to waste.  Do you want a great marriage?  No free time is available to the couple wanting a great relationship; a couple must work constantly at making marriage better.  Do you want a great church?  Having a great church requires your getting off the golf course, shutting off the ball games, quitting sitting around eating with friends, and getting to work!  A millionaire once said, “You make a living from 8-5, but you make a success between 5 and 8.”  I know pastors who have been in the ministry for several years who do not run any children's or teen’s activities.  That is why they have no young people; they simply do not care to work at it.  We ran our first teen activity with two teens, and the activity was held only two weeks after starting the church.  Since the first day of our ministry, we have had bike races, ball games, and countless children’s and teen activities — it takes work, but it also pleases God.  I may be accused rightly of being unorganized and terrible with numbers and schedule, but no one will accuse me of being lazy.  In case you have not noticed, God blesses work!!

I am in favor of leisure if it involves walking with my wife or fishing with my son.  I am for leisure if it includes a board game with children or reading a story at bedtime.  Ladies, sleeping in half the day is a recipe for a messy home, an unhappy husband, and sorry children.  Get up and get to work!!  

"Work" and doing it "straightway" is one great key to success.

Genesis 5:29 “And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.”

Exodus 20:9 “Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:”

Exodus 23:12 “Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest”

Exodus 31:15 “Six days may work be done;”

Exodus 34:21 “Six days thou shalt work”

Exodus 35:2 “Six days shall work be done”

Leviticus 23:3 “Six days shall work be done”

Deuteronomy 5:13 “Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:”

So how many days are we supposed to work?

Do you spend your time playing Pokemon, spending hours on video games, or sleeping in half the day?  When do you have time to train your children to work when you are sleeping all the time?  Watching TV every night is hardly fellowship nor is it a part of child training.  I walked in on my daughter-in-law the other day, and she had her 8 year old carrying a small vacuum up the stairs to clean the carpets; and the next thing I knew, she was using two rags to dust all the wood along the stairs.  My sons were mowing the lawn long before they were as tall as the mower handle.  What is wrong with children cleaning their own rooms, or washing and vacuuming the car inside and out?  The big issue is that it takes work to teach children to work, and most parents are too lazy to teach their children.

The average parents would rather toss their child into a public school and let the state tell the child he is free to choose his gender.  Allowing heathen people to train your children to think that the government owes them a living and that there is no God is being a lazy parent.   

To make a living for the family, to teach a Sunday school class, and to run a bus route for God and the eternal souls of men takes WORK.  Some churches would rather have a rock concert and entertain people rather than work at changing lives.

Do you want your children to attend the Christian school?  Your children could attend the Christian school if cans were collected all summer or sign twirling was done one day a week.  One of our men was out of work, and as a father of four, he walked house-to-house with a lawn mower and tools to wash cars — he paid his bills that way for several weeks until a job came along.  This dedication involves humble, hard work!  Work long hours; work till you drop; work two full-time jobs if necessary.  With hard work, anything can be accomplished!

Work!  Labor!  A few years ago, I talked to a single lady, whose story was not unusual.  She worked 20-30 hours a week and could not pay her bills and wanted my help.  I felt like making her follow my wife around for three days and see what the word WORK meant.  A single person could work 80 hours a week and still have 80 hours a week to do the rest of their duties. (I wanted to tell her, “Starve, you lazy rascal!”)  I know Christian school teachers who teach full-time and work another 20-30 hour a week to pay bills because they want to serve God. 

We live in a cursed world.  If we want to make anything a success, work and toil is our lot.  Rest will come when we enter Heaven.  I have to say, if there is any fear in my life (with the exception of sin), it would be the day when I can no longer work long hours and make a difference — to sit unable to work would kill me.

Pastors, read, study, write, visit, and run activities for young people!

Pastor

Pardon

Good Morning,

Isaiah 1:2 “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.”

vs. 3 “The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.”

vs. 4 “Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward.”

For generations, Israel had received the most amazing blessings from God, not of their own merit but of grace, a gift from God.  Now, after turning away from God over and over, God asks the rhetorical question as a parent to a foolish child, “Why did you do that?”  There is no answer that is appropriate.  Rebellion is born in the heart of men and no matter how good God has been, we are prone to wander.

Watching the invocation of the political conventions in recent years has revealed much.  An invocation, by definition, is the request for assistance from a superior power.  One side had a humble spirit of bowed heads as solemn and needy words were spoken to a Superior Power.  The other had cheers, boos, and irreverence similar to a party or live band show at which some attendees liked the music and others disliked it.   

The first was, at least outwardly, symbolic of a people who knew their need; the other appeared to be a group of 60s college students who wanted more beer. 

The statement from God in Isaiah 2:1 reads, “…I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.”

Then God points out that their rebellion against Him was accompanied by a terrible price.

vs. 7 “Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.”

It appears that one of the things God does when a nation forgets Him is to let strangers ruin the land.  Whether it be terrorists or criminal immigrants, certainly, America is being devoured by strangers.  The amount of money being spent on imprisonment, education, and health care of non-citizens has become absurd.  If the trouble caused by terrorists within our borders is added, then yes, "your cities are burned with fire: your land, strangers devour it in your presence, and it is desolate" can be said of our land without stretching the text at all.  We can also point out the political and legal overthrow of some European nations by Islam and see that they are "overthrown by strangers."

Considering the moral shame of the people, God calls Israel, “Sodom,” and urges them to get back to the Bible.

vs. 10 “Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.”

The result of their rebellion was a lack of safety.  Israel became vulnerable like a cottage in a vineyard, unprotected. 

vs. 8 “And the daughter of Zion is left as a cottage in a vineyard, as a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city.”

vs. 9 “Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.”

When we think we are safe, due to our own abilities, we are in grave danger; for there is no way to defend an entire nation, especially not with modern travel and communications.  No matter the candidate, the safety of America will rest in the hands of the Lord and no one else. 

Psalm 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”

Proverbs 21:31 “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”

Accusations and questions continue:

Isaiah 1:21 “How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers.”

God asks, “How did this happen?”  The nation went from being a land of righteousness to a land full of murder.  How much more so could God be asking these questions of America with our millions of abortions annually? 

Continuing in His accusations against the rebellious land, God points to political leaders who seek after the biggest donation; contributions are no more than bribes, whether it be from a foreign nation or a U.S.-based business:

vs. 23 “Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards:”

The hope comes later in the chapter with a bright spot like the early dawn:

vs. 25 “And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin:”

vs. 26 “And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city.”

Where does it start?  With God, in mercy, giving us good judges!  Wow, this example mirrors our nation!  Is that not what we need in order to turn the nation back to decency?  I do not know if that is God’s intent for America, but it would be well worth praying for, knowing we need to be purged and cleansed of our shame.  Of course, this is a promise to Israel, but might God see fit to apply it to America as well.  If God would care to purge and pardon our nation, how grateful we all should be that the Creator might even consider us worthy of His attention.  We truly need to seek the Lord, while He is near.

Isaiah 55:6 “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:”

Pastor 

Right & Wrong

Good Morning,

Life is not about expediency, comfort, ease, or worldly success but about RIGHT AND WRONG.

Obedience and disobedience are the watchwords of believers.  Does the Bible tell us to do this and not do that? If so, there are no questions as to our response.  We must do the right and shun the wrong in every area!  Some people might say they would fight for the doctrine of pure salvation by grace, but so many other things are not worthy of standing and fighting.  These people would say to “Choose carefully your battles,” but I disagree!

Why was Daniel thrown into to the lions’ den?  Was it over the doctrine of salvation?  No, it was a matter of being caught in prayer.  Why were his friends thrown into the fiery furnace?  Was it over salvation by grace?  Of course not; they were punished for not bowing to a stupid statue.  Why did Joseph get in trouble with his brothers?  For many reasons perhaps, but for one, he reported his brothers unfaithfulness in business.  Why was Jeremiah placed into the mire of the dungeon prison?  He was penalized for telling the people that the Babylonians were going to win and that they should surrender.  Why was Stephen stoned?  He was stoned for blaming the Jews for the death of Christ.  Why were the Apostles beaten and jailed?  They were beaten for helping the cripple and casting out a demon.  None of these people were in trouble over the doctrine of the Gospel.  These men ruffled the feathers of the established church, and in going against the religious lifestyle of the day, they were in trouble with the religious leaders — and therefore, they became heroes.

If we stand firm on only the most basic principles of the Gospel, we would miss much of the Christian life, and our Bible heroes would be normal men without influence on eternity.

What was all the fuss about in 1 Corinthians?  Morals, lawsuits, divisions, exaltation of spiritual gifts in wrong ways:  none of these are really about the Gospel.  Right is worthy of our stand.  If each generation does not stand for right, no matter what our wives or friends think, the next generation is destined to crumble from the foundation.

When John wrote and named a man causing trouble, he made it clear what evil was.

3 John 9 “I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”

vs. 10 “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”

vs. 11 “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good.”

The evil was a man in the church wanting to be in charge and pushing away proven, godly leadership.

Many other reasons are more worthy of our attention and stand.  When Jude said, contend for the faith, he not only spoke of salvation alone, but he also referred to right and wrong associated with our belief (as is mentioned in all the passages above).

Right and wrong matter; and the free world in which we live grants freedom of conscience, but that same freedom is granted to us to stand for right and against wrong.  Every generation needs someone to stand.

Deliver me from this generation of pastors who are afraid of differing with their peers, terrified of being called narrow-minded, or of being accused of fanaticism.  God help the generation of pastors who let their wives set the standard of modest dress.  Forgive me, but most ladies have no clue of how depraved a man’s mind is.  Men need to look at clothing and the Scripture and say, “This is too short; this is too tight; that is too low; and that shows too much flesh.”  Men know but are too cowardly to stand and say anything about it.

1 Timothy 2:9 “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”

Separation from the world matters, or the Bible would not have made such a fuss about it.

2 Corinthians  6:17 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you…”

Jude 23 “And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.”

Pastors, if we are more concerned about fitting in with the brethren than we are standing for right and against wrong, then we are a sorry lot of leaders.  Give up the position of leader and undershepherd, and step into the flock with the sheep and do what everyone else is doing.

No great leader in history did what the rest were doing; whether it was George Patton or Moses, leadership demands that someone step out in front, risk failure and humiliation, and say and do what others are afraid to say or do.   I would like to leave one last thought: What was the reason that John the Baptist was arrested?  If I am not mistaken, he was arrested for preaching to powerful people about adultery.  Hmmm… it seems as though Paul felt that distinguishing right from wrong was worth standing for.  If it is right, do it; if it is wrong, stop it.  It is not complicated.

Pastor

Which Came First?

Dear Friends,

Do you remember the age-old question, "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" (To me, it matters little, as long as we have fried chicken and omelets!) This question nicely illustrates a marriage situation: "Which came first, the neglect or the lack of affection?"

One spouse gets busy with work and focuses little on their spouse, and after a while, the lack of attention affects the conversation and intimate life. Or it could be the birth of a child and increased labor accompanying the care of children, and at bed time, the wife is simply worn out, without an ounce of energy remaining. If an outside job is added to the responsibility of children, a wife may be unlikely to have the emotional strength available for what her husband desires. Therefore, he works more hours, focuses his attention on other things, and she then begins to feel unloved and gains her satisfaction in children and friendships with other young mothers. He then starts spending time with perhaps the husbands of those same ladies — while sort of being together, sort of not. The snowball of neglect is now rolling and their two lives are slowly being pulled apart.

He may be a pastor, who is busy with people, ministry, and serving God. She may be a faithful wife at home, watching her husband run a late-night call, or investing focused attention on that needy teen or family. She sees herself missing that focus, time, and attention, and resentment starts to build, resulting in little submission, respect, and perhaps diminishing affection. He finds himself respected everywhere except at home. He notices everyone loves him, except his wife — never realizing that he started this whole series of events.

Another scenario: A wife was never very good at domestic duties; she had played sports, been the homecoming queen, and loved to help out at church. When the husband came home and found that the house was a wreck, he was unkind. He challenged her on duties at home, therefore she felt overwhelmed. He pressured her to get chores done that seemed so trivial to him. She escaped the pressure by getting a job, rearing her children, and filling any extra time with church activity. He felt totally ignored and thus worked more hours, succeeded at his profession, and everyone thought he was awesome, except for the one person that mattered the most — his wife.

The scenario is the same in business or in the ministry — as is the answer. God called us to be and do certain things.

Deuteronomy 30:17 “But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;”

vs. 18 “I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.”

vs. 19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

vs. 20 “That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

If we turn away from the instructions God told us to follow, we will suffer the consequences. Draw near to God, obey the rules of life He has set up, and He will bless you. Loving God includes honoring His commands: such as "dwell with your wife,” or "honor your husband,” or "defraud ye not." It does not matter who started the problem — the chicken or the egg —following God’s recipe is necessary if we hope to be blessed over the long haul in life.

I know godly people who go through the same marriage trouble as the unsaved, yet they blame their problems on their Fundamental Baptist background. They forsake their spiritual training and head off to some contemporary church and think it will solve their trouble. If they begin to focus on each other and through the change begin to implement the principles God lays out for married couples, perhaps the change will help — but the issue is always Bible obedience, not the fact that we are members of a Fundamental Baptist church.

One lady blames the ministry for coming between her husband and herself. She draws away and basically threatens to forsake their marriage unless he gets out of the ministry. So the light turns on, he realizes he has been too busy and now, out of the ministry, he begins trying to help his wife and provide a secure environment for her. She thinks it was the ministry, but it was really the same trouble the unsaved business man has — neglect of the marriage principles God has established. In a failed marriage scenario, both people find someone who, likewise, has been hurt. A second marriage takes place, and the husband and wife both find themselves basically out of the ministry and maybe out of church. Both now hate the loss and hurt and focus on their homes. Marriage is better. The old religion is blamed for tearing apart their home, when in reality, it was a lack of Bible obedience that did the tearing.

What part of Psalm 1 and Joshua 1 do we not understand?

Read what God promised Israel, and understand that the promises of God are available.

Deuteronomy 30:19 “I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:”

vs. 20 “That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

When we choose to love, obey, and meditate upon the Scriptures, we enter into a covenent with God — He promised to bless us! This covenant is not like one’s athletic ability and another’s artistic touch, this is simply fact. A fact for all. God desires to bless His people, but we neglect His Word and His work — causing our own failure.

Pastor