Doctrine

Good Morning,

Just what does your church believe?

That is the question many people need to ask.  For if we talk to the folks in the church, there is little clarity as to their beliefs.  Can you get saved without good works?  Are you saved by faith, or is repentance from sin required? Are you ordained to be saved and have little or no part in the work of salvation? The questions go on and on.  Once you are saved, can you lose your salvation?  How much sin can you commit and still be saved? What about baptism? Do you need to be baptized to be saved?  Is baptism under water or is sprinkling adequate?  

We know there are many different ideas among churches, but the saddest thought to me is that it seems there are many ideas IN EACH church.  The churches have failed to articulate their beliefs.  When Jude said to earnestly contend for the faith, what was he talking about?  When Paul said to mark them who cause divisions and offensives contrary to the doctrine he had taught them, what doctrine was he referring to?  

Here is a simple question, yet a vital one, "How can I know that I am saved?"  Some people say that question is not appropriate, yet that very question is asked in Acts 16:30: "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"


The response is equally simple, but try asking that question of the average church goer. You will receive a vast number of answers, but the most common response would be one of questionable assurance.  Many would say, “Maybe,” or “If you do this or that you might,” and others might say, “You simply can not know for sure.”

Paul’s response was so simple: Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  Paul brought this man to be baptized the same night.  The answer is sure, simple, easy, and requires no special classes or personal one-on-one discipleship – nothing at all – just believe.  

America's churches (and therefore our church attenders) are weak on doctrine, ignorant on Bible truth, and unlearned in matters that make the difference in Bible doctrine and the stability of the church tomorrow.

Paul gave a strong warning about those who brought about various doctrines.

Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Galatians 1:8 “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Paul warned that some would bring wrong ideas:  

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Peter warned about false prophets:

2 Peter 2:1 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”


Wow!  "Damnable heresies," is rather harsh, yet I will choose to honor the way God speaks rather than the passive tolerant manners of those who hold to no doctrine but "come and get along."

Paul suggested Christians avoid company with those who do not follow the doctrine he taught them.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

The Bible places an urgency upon sound doctrine.  God wants us to know what we believe, to stand faithfully for the truth of the Gospel, and to separate from those who do not believe correctly.

2 John 10 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”

What do you believe?  If you do not know, read your Bible, attend church more often, and feel free to ask the pastor questions.  Our church offers a forty-eight doctrine study course to help people KNOW what they believe.  We desire that everyone be able to open their Bibles and show others what they believe.  

The directive is not to follow your feelings but to "Study to shew thyself approved.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Pastor

No Sword

Good Morning,

In the time of the judges, war came, and among the people, they basically had no weapons.  That was a serious problem!

Judges 5:8 “They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?”

Many years later, when the enemy came against Israel, Saul and Jonathan were the only ones with swords.  The enemy had intentionally disarmed the people so they could not fight back.

1 Samuel 13:19 “Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:”

vs. 20 “But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.”

vs. 21 “Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.”

vs. 22 “So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.”

When Jesus told the disciples about His leaving and how to prepare for the future, He said they needed a sword.

Luke 22:36 “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

You can identify the enemy by finding out who is trying to disarm the people.  It would be wise to remain armed, and not elect those who wish to take away a citizens’ ability to protect themselves.

Pastor

Children Dropping the Standard

Good Morning,

It is unlikely this message will get to those it would help most, but the truth should be printed and published to allow the Holy Spirit to direct people to it as He chooses.  

2 Chronicles 33:2 “But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."

vs. 3 “For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.”

Manasseh had grown up with a very successful father/king.  The nation prospered, the Lord was honored, and this boy and his siblings were the recipients of a blessed home and nation.  The dad died, and the son began to make changes.  (Changes probably already made in his personal life, but God did not see fit to print them, so we do not know for sure.)

Manasseh brought much wrong into the kingdom, and suffering followed. In his later years, after captivity, he returned to the Lord, but could not bring back his son or his kingdom (33:22).  Satan is happy to get your youth. If he loses you back to the Lord in your old age, he tolerates it; for your days of influence were used to tear down the good done by others.  His son was lost due to his carnal ways, but his grandson did right; perhaps in repentance, Manasseh influenced his grandson for good.  (33:12-13, 34:2)

Did anyone ever consider the great leaders whose children thought they had a better plan?  Samuel,  Solomon, Dwight Moody, Billy Sunday, and many more who have lived much closer to our day, all had children who chose a different path.  These youths felt they had better ideas. They thought their dad or pastor was too strong, too harsh, or too narrow, yet, what compromiser has ever improved on the home, church, or nation?

Lessons to consider:

1. They could see the successful end of their parents lives; their own is unsure, so why risk it?

2. In each case, the family was hurt by the poor choices of the child or children.

3. In each case, the nation was hurt by the "do it my way" kind of thinking that the children developed.

4. Returning to the Lord later in life does not make up for the wrong direction set for your children or for your influence on your nation.  

5. Dropping the standard of righteousness has never improved the church, the family, or the nation.

6. It just could be that the parents know more than the children.

Pastor

Do Not Become A Casualty

Good morning,

Having worked closely with God’s people for nearly fifty years, I have noticed certain things that cause people to become casualties on the road of spiritual living. These people are not bad. These people do not have drug, alcohol, or criminal problems. These people became casualties. A soldier who is a casualty ceases to fight; he is no longer able to stay in the fight and help the cause for which he enlisted. In regards to Christianity, you can be physically well, but be a spiritual casualty.

Long ago, I determined that with God’s help and His mercy,  I would not become a casualty. I have noticed several areas that cause people to leave the battle and to turn from the fight. Paul, the apostle said, “I have fought a good fight I finished my course I have kept the faith.”

I will not be a casualty by becoming a critic of God’s people. 

As David and his men left Ziglag and followed the Amalikites, some of the soldiers were too weary to go on. They had already gone through much, and were simply in need of rest.  After the battle, those who fought with David turned on their weary friends, and God called them children of the devil.  

Romans 14 says “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant.”  James says something similar, “Speak not evil one of another brother.”  Many people quit teaching their Sunday school class, running their bus route, and helping in jails and rest home services; many others quit carrying tracks and witnessing. Their ministry decline started when they became critics of the people of God. It might have been some weakness they saw or something they heard that was simply gossip, but whatever the case, they stopped serving and started criticizing. Regardless of their actions, these people are the children of God, dear to God, and should be dear to His people. Anyone can get out of the fight for right.  Remember David’s wife looking out the window? She looked at him with distain and embarrassment; circumstances did not go well for her. Remember the woman in John chapter 8 who was brought to Jesus by critics and accusers? Our Lord was on the side of the accused not the accuser.

By God’s grace, I have determined not to become a critic of the people of God. I may not agree with them, and I may not even have the same doctrinal ideas as them, but they are brethren.

Secondly, I will not be a casualty by becoming a critic of God Himself.

As Jesus hung on the cross, one thief accused Jesus and challenged him. (What kind of craziness was that?) In our times of hurt, we can say foolish things to God and about God.  I have seen people become casualties who began accusing God and blaming Him for things that went wrong.   I am reminded of Job, of whom was said, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”  

God does not always do things as we think He should. Remember how Daniel’s friends said they would not bow to the king’s statue, even if God did not deliver them.  

Proverbs 25:3 “The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.”

We are not going to understand why God does what He does, but we can understand that He is God, that He is good, and that He is worthy of our trust. Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and though we cry rivers of tears, He is still worthy of our trust.  May we not walk away from the service of God because we disagree with the way a situation turned out.  

Becoming a casualty is not difficult. Dropping out of the service of the King because we began to be critical of God’s people (or even of God Himself) causes us to travel down the path to becoming a casualty.

The third thing I have noticed that causes good Christian people to simply step out of the race instead of finishing their course is injustice.

I will not become a casualty through injustice.

By God’s grace, I will press on as Hebrews 12 says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

Of course, we all understand that we continue in His grace alone, but as God gives me grace, I will stand in times of injustice. Peter wrote of Jesus (1 Peter 2:23) that when He was reviled, He did not respond, and when our Lord was threatened, He did not return the threats. Injustice is in the hands of God as much as storms and drought.  I am not saying I like it; I am simply saying that faith will keep us looking up during injustice.  

Remember how Joseph forgave his crooked brothers. Remember how Daniel responded when he faced incredible injustice and suffering, yet through his faithfulness, he became second in command.  Nehemiah was also carried away as a slave in childhood (or perhaps born into slavery), yet through his great spirit, he became the king’s cup bearer and the one who was used to motivate and order the construction of the walls of a Jerusalem.  How about the story of Hannah who gave up her baby, her only child, in a world that had been very unfair to her, yet she believed, trusted, and found victory. 

There will be injustice, and there will be times God does things in a way that we do not understand (or do not like). Let us all determine not to be Christians who behave in such a manner that we can become critical and discouraged enough to quit serving God. May we serve God because it is right; not because it is convenient or prosperous, but because He is worthy of our service.

Pastor 

Affliction

Good Morning,

Every Christian faces tragedies, trials, and severe times of testing in life.

Consider the great people in the Bible like Joseph, Daniel, Abraham, and others who went through deep valleys. It would be wise to bring Jesus into the equation. Consider the great suffering of our Lord; He certainly did nothing to deserve the kind of treatment he received.  He offended neither God nor man, and yet, He suffered as no other man has suffered.

The tragedy worse than the suffering we experience is the wrong response and blame we attach to that suffering.

When we fail to understand the biblical principles, we handle our suffering in the flesh; and as such, we develop endless forms of corruption inside ourselves. Bitterness is born, wrath and vengeance begin to take root, and self-righteousness grows like crabgrass; all this and more develops when we point our fingers at others. The book of James says that when we judge others, we are judges of the law and not doers of the law. Without faithfully committing our suffering to the hand of a loving God, we fill ourselves with every form of malice and evil.

When we blame others for our suffering, we throw railing accusations against the character of God. We accuse God of being too weak to deliver us from the trouble, and not love us enough to keep us from facing the pain. The foolish slander we can throw at God is endless: “I’m not important to God,” or  “God loves other people more than me,” and on and on the vain and self-centered accusations continue.  

A self-righteous spirit takes root in blame as well.  We begin to claim that we know the way a situation ought to have been handled, and our self-righteous spirit convinces us that we know more than God Himself.  

Next, we commit scriptural folly.

When we blame others and pour out angry, slanderous attacks on those around us for our suffering, we find ourselves forced to deny Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

When we blame others, we fail to understand that God is “perfecting” us as James states in chapter 1. 

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”

vs. 3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

vs. 4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

If we fail to LET PATIENCE  have her perfect work, we will also fail to be “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”   The Scriptural price tag associated with blame and accusations is very high. 

Consider Romans chapter 5: 

vs. 3 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

vs. 4 "And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

vs. 5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Look at the list of benefits associated with tribulation (when received by faith).

• patience

• experience

• hope… and the end result is the love of God in our hearts. 

As long as we are living a life of blame, we will fail to grasp the deep love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

All these evils are born in a heart that blames others for the difficulties that we face.

No doubt, it was enemy soldiers that came and robbed Job of his flocks and murdered his servants, but we never see Job pointing fingers of blame.  Jesus was unjustly treated, but He did not rail accusations against anyone; He only spoke the gracious words, “into thine hands I commit my spirit.”  Peter writes about our Lord’s heart in suffering, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (1 Peter 2:23) 

This world of blame we live in is rooted, as all sin, in satanic motives to keep the people of God from living as children of the King.  Satan’s goal is that we would respond just as any unsaved person who knows nothing of the love of a Sovereign God and to act as though we have no loving Father Whose kindness and care is all sufficient.  

Consider David’s response to his trials: 

Ps. 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

vs. 71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

vs. 75 “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.”

Pastor

Refuge

Good Morning,

We all face trials.  Sometimes trials are very personal, and other times, trials involve finances or health troubles that enter every life — but no matter what, each trial is an assault.  

Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

vs. 2 “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”

vs. 3 “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.”

Notice one important phrase: "until these calamities be overpast."  God promises that the trial will pass.  Trouble may be our guest longer than we desire; but looking around, we understand that most of our friends have faced and gone THROUGH many difficult times.  The fact that tomorrow will come is sure; but the bigger question is, where will we be found tomorrow?

Notice David's clear statement of where he will be found;

 "...in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." 

When trouble comes, we usually run somewhere, mentally or physically.  Some people get angry at God and church and run from the spiritual refuge.  Some people blame their families or places of employment and run to seclusion.  Others TRUST their circumstances to the Holy One of Israel and run to Him "until these calamities be overpast."   

Where we run when circumstances get bad will determine where we will be when the trial passes.  I know that statement is obvious, but it is profound in reality.  Too often, we make choices based upon where we are, not on where we will end up.  I want to pick out where I want to end up, and then make whatever choices I need to make to ensure that I end the trial in the correct place.  

I will not choose to be angry and unkind to people.  When "these calamities be overpast," I am supposed to love my neighbor as myself.  I cannot become bitter toward the Lord; when "these calamities be overpast," I will desire to have His guidance and help.   I cannot slander and accuse the people of God; when "these calamities be overpast," they will remain the very best people on earth.  The best friends I and my family could have are found in the church, and I am not about to burn my bridges in anguish to find myself unable to cross back over them when "these calamities be overpast."   

We must remember that "these calamities" will be overpast.  In forty years of Christianity, I have faced troubles.  In thirty-seven years of marriage, we have faced dark hours.  In bringing up four children, trouble has visited our home more than a few times.  I am so thankful to God that, in these times, He helped me guard my lips and my heart so that when "these calamities be overpast," I still had a good relationship with my friends, my wife, and my children.   

Trials will pass.  The hurt will subside.  The anguish will be lost in the past, but where we run during our pain will determine where we will end up when "these calamities be overpast."  When the trial ends, we may want to keep the same job; therefore, we must be careful to run to God and not to attack our employer or to impulsively quit during the trial.  I want to end up with the right friends and the right church.  I do not want to have to find another church because I have hurt my own name and my church.  The trouble will pass.  Run to the Lord with your pain; and when "these calamities be overpast," you will be stronger and closer to the Lord.

Psalm 57:1   "...for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."

I want to end up nearer to God when trials pass.  I want to be close to my friends and children when trials pass.  I want to be a part of my church when trials pass. The safest place to run is to the Lord -- He will be my refuge!  I will end the trial in the same place I began, safely with friends, family, church, and the God Who saved me.  

Pastor

Majority

Good Morning,

We will often hear people make comments such as, “People agree,” or “The majority says,” or “Most fundamental leaders believe…” These statements invoke the theory that something is right if a group of people agreeing on it. (Now, we know better than that.)

Have you ever considered how often the majority was wrong? We could say that the majority the disciples were wrong when they walked out on Jesus.  John seems to have stayed close, and Peter made an attempt to do so, but the others did not even try - they fled.  Nine of the eleven disciples did not even make an attempt to stay right, and then Peter denied the Lord. The statistic actually included one man who killed himself, ten who fled, and one who appears to have stood faithful and been “right.”  No, the majority is not always right.

Exodus 23:1 “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”

vs. 2 “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”

The Bible states clear instructions. We are familiar with the Ten Commandments that were listed a few chapters earlier, but not many people are familiar with these simple principles. We are not supposed to follow the multitude not if the multitude is doing wrong or twisting judgment. We are supposed to stand for right even if we are the only one.

Standing for right when it was not popular is what made Daniel and his three friends heroes; they were willing to be the minority.  Most stories of heroes and villains that you read, old or new, have to do with someone standing against greater odds whether a numerical majority or majority with more fire power. We all know that standing with the majority may not always be the right choice.

Remember the twelve spies who went into Canaan. When they returned to the camp of people, the vote was ten to two against the command of God and obedience.

I guess the majority was wrong when Noah built the ark. During his 100 years of building, he was called a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), but the majority certainly did not enter the ark – and they were very wrong.

If you want to ponder the story from the garden of Eden, you would notice that a debate took place on whether they should eat the forbidden fruit or not. There were only three people Adam, Eve and the Lord, and the vote was two to one against God and obedience.  If you choose to add Satan into the formula, the odds change to three people saying eat the fruit and one saying no; the 25% minority (God) was right!

1 Samuel 14:6 “And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”

1 Samuel 17:47 “And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” 

2 Chronicles 20:15 “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s."

Over and over in the Scripture, you will find that the majority or the biggest crowd is not necessarily right. Let us be sure to walk with God, study the Scriptures, and stand for right whether alone or with the crowd. 

In discussing a situation and whether it was right or wrong, someone made the comment did you see how many views it had on social media? As if the number of people looking at something made it right? What kind of foolish things do we think and say? No, we are all quite aware of the fact that the majority is not always right – But God is! Let us stand for Him!

Pastor

Unity

Good Morning,

We consider many things to be important that have a tendency to get us in trouble.  Being flesh, we often stumble over certain principles regularly.  Identifying some of our weak areas might be a help.  One such principle that often causes problems is that of unity.  Unity is very important — as long as it is built upon truth.  

Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”


We need to be unified to effectively accomplish any goal; and often, we see this principle in the Scripture.  The Bible has many references to being “of one accord” and to being “one,” but to seek unity at the expense of right and truth is certainly a dangerous prospect.  

Notice the trouble Paul found when the Jewish Christian leaders felt unity was more important than truth.


Acts 21:20 “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law”

vs. 21 “And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs”

vs. 22 “What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.”

Here is the trouble:

The Jews they were trying to please were zealous about the Law, and that is no reason to do anything.  They were saved out of that world.

Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:”

Romans 10:12  “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”


Acts 15:9 “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”

The Jewish rituals were not to guide their lives anymore.

Acts 21:22 “…the multitude must needs come together.”  More compromises and even sins have been committed in the name of unity than I could name.  

Why MUST the multitude come together?  

We have to step back and ask “WHY?” if we hope to stay on track.  

Paul and many others taught about separation just as much as unity.  

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

2 Thessalonians 3:14 “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”


Separation is the way the church stays pure.  Separation is what keeps us wise (Proverbs 13:20) or turns us into fools.  Separation preserves the truth in a world in which the assault against truth is relentless.  


Unity at the expense of right is folly.  


Pastor 

Things I Know

Good Morning,




While out witnessing, a common response to hear is that no one can KNOW for sure they are going to Heaven.  From the perspective of a lost man who has no faith or trust in the Bible, perhaps that is true.   If we believe the Bible at face value, we can KNOW. 


We can know so much more if we lean on the Word of God.  



Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”


This verse assures us that we can KNOW that God is in control.  We need not panic (although we all do at times).



Job said he knew that God is alive and well:


Job 19:25 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”


vs. 26 “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”



According to Job, we are assured that when death takes us from this world, we can KNOW we will see Him with our own eyes and praise Him.

Paul talked about knowing some things:


2 Timothy 1:12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”



Paul faced countless troubles from shipwreck to betrayal and imprisonment to attempted murder, yet Paul KNEW Whom he had believed and was convinced that God was able to take care of him.  



We do not know about the outcome of the next doctor appointment or the moment at work when hiring or firing takes place, but we can know some things about God.  We do not know about the next auto accident or the next trouble our adult children will face, but never forget that God is an absolute in our lives.  We can KNOW some things about God.



In all of the verses above, notice that none instruct us to rest in men — all rest in God.  
Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”



Psalm 33:16 “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.”


vs. 17 “An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.”



Wait on the Lord and be of good courage; He is the ONE and ONLY sure thing in this life. 



The passage continues:


vs. 18 “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;”


vs. 19 “To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”
vs. 20 “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.”



I know I can trust in God!   



Pastor Goddard

Free Will

Good Morning, 

During our Wednesday Bible study, I spent a few weeks teaching some of the most basic thoughts about Calvinism.  I thought I might add an additional thought here, as there is always a draw toward doctrinal error.  

Consider this question: why would God give us instruction?  Why would God say “Do this, and not that?” There is only one explanation; we have a choice. Now, if you have common sense, read your Bible, and believe your Bible, you might want to stop reading now because the answer will be obvious.  In most cities, as well as our area, several growing churches teach sovereignty, predestination, and that man has no free will.

God offers verses of invitation; no doubt because we are invited, and in the first case, the invitation is to the whole earth.  

Isaiah 45:22 “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

It seems that all the world has a choice to make, either to look to the Lord or to ignore Him.  The choice is not difficult unless you have been educated out of good sense. 

This invitation is to “be saved.”  

Jesus offers the invitation to the heavy laden; therefore, those carrying a burden must have a choice to come or to avoid our Lord and His potential solution. 

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This invitation is for comfort and rest.  

The Bible has endless verses telling mankind how to live.  These verses of instruction deal with family issues, care of the poor, and basic holy living.  Again, if the instruction is urged upon us, is it not our option to obey or to disobey?  Why give instruction if we have no choice? 

“Husbands love your wives…”

“Train up a child…”

“Love ye therefore the stranger…”

“Be ye holy as I am holy…”

The fact that we HAVE A CHOICE is the most obvious and simple truth.  Do what God says or disobey Him.  The Calvinist says man has no power to disobey God. 

I offer another matter worthy of consideration, who gets rewarded in Heaven?  If God rewards the faithful, and all are of necessity faithful to do and be what God ordained them to do and be, then everyone in Heaven is equally obedient and equally faithful.   Yet a parable in the Bible tells of one who made much with the talents given to him by the Master, and another hid his talent.  The second was rebuked severely.  If all are fore-ordained to do and to be what God predestined them to do and to be, how could a just God scold one for being exactly what He ordained him to be?  

Matthew 25:23 “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

vs. 26 “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:”

vs. 27 “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

This invitation is related to rewards. 

These servants certainly had a choice in their performance, and God honored the one who worked the hardest.  Without question, there was a choice.  The choice to be diligent, passive, or lazy is for everyone. 

The Calvinist claims absolute sovereign control and the total predestination of events in our lives, yet God instructs, corrects, warns, and rewards.  The idea of mankind having no choice is simply absurd. 

Every speed limit sign has a potential fine because we need to be warned of the result of our negligent driving. We tell a child how to mow the lawn, make the bed, or do the dishes because there are options in life, and mankind has a “free will.” 

I know some of you are saying, “That is obvious” but it is not so obvious when you are a college graduate and scholar. Of necessity, these scholars are forced to believe that if man has a free will to obey or disobey God, then man is more powerful than God and has the ability to overrule the plan and desire of God.  

I close with the simple question I began with: why did God give instructions if we have no choice?  If God ordained some to be rebels and some to be obedient, why did He give words of encouragement and warnings of judgment? 

The fact that man has a free will is obvious.  God is able to order and control anything He wishes to control.  God gives man choices, and He rewards the wise and obedient. God allows mankind to choose what they wish; the choice is not difficult, unless you have been too confused by education.  

Pastor

To Each His Own

Good Morning,


Rebellion rarely starts out in matters of sin or issues that are clearly right and wrong.  For example, Aaron and Miriam and their attitude toward Moses.


Numbers 12:1 “And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman.”  

vs. 2 “And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.”

vs. 3 “(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)”

vs. 4 "And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.”


God identifies the issue right up front, Aaron and Miriam did not like something Moses did, but the problem seemed too carnal to bring up so they brought up something else.  Basically, they told Moses that God spoke to others too, not just him.  Nothing unbiblical or corrupt was going on, but they were frustrated with Moses' leadership.  This problem is a common problem at home, at school, on the job, or at church.  The trouble was rebellion, not the issues they discussed.  The matter was not of sin or right, they simply did not like how Moses led folks.  


As we continue to read the story, we find Aaron and Mariam in trouble and they needed Moses’ help to get out of it.


In verse three, we see that Moses did not respond; he was “meek” and would not return the fight.  God stepped in and solved the problem.  


Later on, this same issue arose again:

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?" 

These men simply did not want Moses to be in charge. 


Satan hates leadership and authority, unless he is the authority.  I marvel at the men who do not like authority but are ogres in their own homes.  Good leaders will lead; it is up to people to follow or not.  We must understand this: rebellion is not of God. Finding passages about leadership and authority is abundant throughout the Scriptures: prophets or kings, Apostles or pastors, parents or government – leaders are everywhere. 

Mankind simply wants to do things his own way.  We all know that opinions are many and differences among us are countless.  Someone has to make the decision between whole milk and skim, or between brands of ketchup or peanut butter.  Someone has to pick the type of car and set up the family budget.  It can be shared, but usually, one person ends up making the final call. 

One person is the head coach, another is the offensive or defensive coach; in baseball, someone is a batting coach.  All of these leaders have been put into their positions, and that is how success happens.  We are not talking about following a leader to wrong, but much rebellion is present before anyone mentions wrong.  

I have been publicly criticized about a person from whom I sought advice.  When I face a ministry decision, I may ask a builder, or a pastor, or the CHP bus inspector for advice (whoever might seem to have the best information on the subject). To find that someone did not agree with who I asked about my decision was not at all shocking. None of us will always have the same perspective on a subject or decision. Who would have guessed that two people might not agree on the same decision? 


Romans 14:4 “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”

Wisdom will guide us to leave each person to their own area of leadership. We each have our own responsibilities.  Simply taking care of our own jobs is not that difficult to do.


Pastor

Thy Will

Good Morning,

Luke 22:42 “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

In the garden, Jesus prayed, “not my will.”  A familiar statement – one we all would consider amazing.  Yet, this same statement should be a part of each one of our lives as well.

As I was praying one morning, and I brought a matter to the Lord and simply said, “I don’t know what you want.”  It seemed as if the Lord responded by asking, “What would you like?”  I thought, “I don’t have any idea.  I don’t want my will; I’ll just mess things up.”  I really want the will of God.  He knows tomorrow and the next year, what good would my thinking be?  

In mercy and kindness, God offers His ear, inviting us to pray and bring our requests to Him, but honestly, He knows best, even in difficult situations.  While our generation spews out accusations and fights for their civil rights (or whatever rights), Christ committed Himself to His Father and prayed for forgiveness for those who hurt Him.  

1 Peter 2:23 “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:”

Thy will – what a statement!  Paul was willing to use that statement regarding his travels; he wished to visit the folks in Corinth but surrendered the situation to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 4:19 “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will…"

I could not be sure of the events in twenty minutes, let alone the events that will take place twenty years from now.  How frail would be my plans or goals without an eternal hand guiding me? To surrender and to seek God and His will over our own is only logical; it is reasonable and, in fact, the only sensible direction to look.  

Regarding future plans, Paul left it to the will of God:

Acts 18:21 “But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.”

James echos this sentiment when he condemns boastful statements about tomorrow:

James 4:15 “For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”

Concerning the future service of God and growth in our Christian lives, we read more exhortation to rest in the plans and purposes of God:

Hebrews 6:3 “And this will we do, if God permit."


I fear that many Christians are only concerned with the will of God when it lines up with their own will – this ideology does not align with the Scriptures. The Bible says, “…thy will be done..." Surrendering and trusting in the loving Father is always the best path.  

The story is told of Missionary Hudson Taylor, who knelt at the grave of his daughter and said, "God reserves His best for those who leave the choice to Him."  Later, the same words were spoken at the grave of his other daughter, and finally also at the grave of his wife.  Hudson Taylor displayed rare Christianity, faith, and love.  

Pastor  

Rumble Update

Dear Friends,

As we try to keep up in a corrupt cyber world we will try to help you stay abreast of things.

If you would like to view a Morning Moments on Rumble, here is a recent post, click on this and it should bring you directly to our post.

https://rumble.com/v1ndoyc-saved-for-sure.html

Then if you subscribe as well that will help us begin to reach our viewers again.

"Fbcwildomar" if you are searching for us.

Thanks

Pastor

Turning Back

Good Morning,  

Judges 7:3 “Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return…” None of us would want to be one of those who quit.

Do you remember the story?  Gideon had so many soldiers (although terribly outnumbered), and God did not let him go to battle.  God wanted Gideon weak enough that the victory was most clearly one of Divine origin.  Thousands of soldiers were sent back; and one reason was because they were afraid and willing to quit.  The magnificent events that followed were occasions of indescribable victory and thrill. 

When the soldiers who had gone back heard of the incredible victory, I am sure they wished they had stayed!

Imagine sitting in Heaven and listening to the tales of those who had stayed true to the things of God.  Amazing stories will be told of God providing needs, saving souls, and delivering from evil! We will hear centuries-worth of the glory of God and His marvelous works.  What will those who turned back be thinking?  I mean, they trusted Christ, they are saved, and maybe, they even taught Sunday school for a while, but they walked away for fear of pressure, economic trouble, or persecution.  They turned away from the church or the service of God for years and now they sit in Heaven listening to stories and wishing they had stayed faithful.

It bothered God that He called Saul, for he turned back.

1 Samuel 15:11 “It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king: for he is turned back from following me..."

David made the confident statement that his heart had not turned back from God.

Psalm 44:18 “Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way;”

Some of the people of God were criticized and their weakness was pointed out when they turned back.

Psalm 78:9 “The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.”

vs. 41 “Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.”

vs. 57 “But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.”

When I first began attending Bible college, a certain verse was often referenced when a note of any kind was written, whether it was a reminder of an appointment or a thank you; the note closed with, “Luke 9:62 - Don't Quit."  We were frequently reminded to stay, to press on, and to not turn back into the life we had left behind.  Among friends (not staff or teachers) or young believers who pushed one another to stay the course, we constantly wrote, “Luke 9:62 - Don’t Quit."

Luke 9:62 “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Quitting and turning back to the things of the world is displeasing to God.

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.”

The truth remains, and the principles are still true to this day. We will regret having quit on God; we will lose rewards when we quit; and God is unhappy and perhaps ashamed when we quit.  

Pastor

Announcement

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In Case Anyone Is Wondering

Good Morning,

I was just listening to a sermon by Tom Malone, way up in years and still the same man he was over half a century ago.  The body may grow weary, but the truth of the Bible never changes.  The mind may slow and grow frail, but the wisdom of Heaven is in fine shape.  I know many Christians drift with the passing of years, but somehow it just seems to me that what was true is still true, and what was right is still right.  While listening to Tom Malone in his 80s, I was reminded of the simple truth, “buy the truth and sell it not.”

Here we are, just past our fortieth church anniversary, and I want to bring up a few things, in case anyone is wondering.  Older, slower, gray and limping a little, but doing my best to walk the walk, by His grace.

I was trained and began our church believing some very basic and simple principles, and by His mercy and grace, my wife and I still believe the same as we did forty years ago.   Why mention my wife?  Because many times, a preacher’s wife or teenager is what pulls him away from the sound beliefs which were clearly taught in his early ministry.  My wife stands at my side, faithful to the Bible, to the church, and thankfully, to her husband. (A guy can hardly make it without his wife standing in the same path.)

Yes, we still believe in soul winning.  We still go out each week, my wife with her partner, and I with mine, and we go looking for folks to which we can witness.  During the month of our anniversary our people passed out 20,000 fliers, and mailed another 20,000, but that was not all we did, our church folks knocked on doors, witnessed, and won folks to Christ.  People got saved each week, and the baptistry is still being used; as people we met during our anniversary month are just beginning to show up and get saved.  

Yes, we still believe the King James Bible is the Word of God.  We do not only believe it, we read it daily.  My wife is a Bible studier, for lengthy times each day, many hours a week, my wife studies and writes notes from her study.  We do not use other Bibles to see what they say.  We not only believe and use the King James. That is the only version in our church bookstore, and it is all our staff and volunteers use.  If someone is to teach in our Sunday school or hold a position of leadership, they have to sign a statement that they believe the King James to be the Word of God.  

Yes, we still believe in standards of modesty, both my wife and I.  There is not an article of clothing in my wife's side of the closet that would resemble anything on my side.  We believe that it is an abomination for a man to put on things that pertain to a woman and the other way around.  We are unashamed of what we were taught, and we do not apologize for what we have taught over the decades because we still believe the same.  

We are not bowing down to the pressures of society; for society was against us forty years ago when we started Faith Baptist Church.  We are not changing to try to gain more members, for we never did that when we started years ago, and we sure are not going to start now after four decades.  

Yes, we still believe in living a separated life.  I preach against going to casinos (and gambling), Hollywood, and places of public nudity like pools and beaches (when they are occupied by the indiscreet world).  I preach against liquor, both social drinking and drunkenness.  I preach against tobacco, and any other thing that might control our bodies or minds.   

I preach that the government is a necessary evil, something to be honored as long as it does not cross the line that goes against the Bible.  We believe that government is something to resist when necessary, and not to be trusted.  

Yes, we still believe that it is none of my business what another person believes. I am not only a Bible believer, but I also believe in our national documents.  I believe it is the right of each person to worship as he chooses, to exercise his faith, and to speak his mind according to the First Amendment.  I do believe Romans 14:4: “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant?”  I am no man's judge, and I am not on earth to condemn or condone the choices of another.  I leave that to God and country.   If someone believes differently than I, it is none of my business; but another person’s beliefs will not stop me from embracing my own beliefs simply because they are different.  

Yes, we still believe we should love one another.  The part of the Bible that says to love one another, to love our enemy, and to love the brethren, yes, that part is of God.  A person need not love me in order to be loved by me.  Many an embittered heart towards me would be frustrated to know that I pray for them, for their children, and for their futures.  My love for others is that I wish them well, that God will pardon their wrong, and will bless their home.  

Forty years and we have cried some, laughed much, and hopefully helped many.  As we have grown older, our faith has strengthened while our physical strength has waned.  Our friends are easier to see with time, and we have noticed that the depth of Christianity eventually reveals itself outwardly.  

In forty years, one thing has changed; we can hurt for people more.  When we were young, we had no idea of the hurt that people faced.  After decades of friendships and seeing so many dear friends suffer, after unknown trips to the cemetery, after surgeries and weeping with dear ones who lost a marriage or a child to the world, yes, we have changed.  We feel more deeply, we care more, and I hope we are better able to have biblical compassion.  

Forty years and no regrets, except we wish we would have been more wise, more discerning, and accomplished more of the goals we began to do. 

In case anyone is wondering, by His grace and with His help, we still believe. 

Ephesians 6:13 “...and having done all, to stand.”

vs. 14  “Stand…"

Pastor

Is It Too Late?

Good Morning,

2 Thessalonians 2:11 “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:”

There have always been some people who, on purpose, follow lies and ignore the clear teaching of the Bible, but one day, it will be universal.  Due to the refusal to see truth and accept honesty, God will send strong delusions to believe a lie - a big, global lie.

The point is this: mankind can choose to believe lies if they wish; and once they choose a lie, God may help them follow lies.  

Isaiah 44:20 “He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

In verse 19, God speaks of the folly of making an idol out of wood; part of the wood is used to cook dinner, part of the wood is used to heat the house, and part is used to make a god.  God asked if they did not see the folly in this?  God says, they hold a lie in their hand, and cannot see it.

Isaiah preached in a time when Israel was held captive to their lies, embraced their deceptions, and ignored the simple truths of the Bible.  God assured them that He, as God, would CHOOSE their delusions. God will help them believe and experience all the folly they have imagined.  

Isaiah 66:4 “I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.”

If people do not want God, He is very willing to help them follow folly.

He said, "I also will choose their delusions."  If people are so vain and rebellious that they choose the gods of this world (money, fame, pleasure) over submission to almighty God, then God will choose their delusions.  

As a child of God, one of the most tragic thoughts is that God might harden my heart so I do not see truth or understand what I hear.


John 12:40 “He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.

When mankind chooses a lie, God will not force the truth upon them.  When people want falsehood, God may not only allow them to travel the path of deception, but He might also help them along the road of deceit and ruin.  Three times in Romans 1, God says He gave people up to believe and follow their own lies.  What a horrible place to be!  I do not want God to give me up to my foolishness!

The person who is self-assured, famous, or of prominent position and speaks with absolute confidence may be helped along their path of deception by God Himself.  When God helps someone believe a lie, they are done.  We do not want to end up in this place.  If we bought a lie, and if we believed something, yet later found out we were completely deceived, or perhaps, we jumped on a bandwagon and found every instrument in the band was out of tune, what are we to do?

Perhaps, there is a path back to seeing clearly and understanding truth.  Without waiting, go to God, admit you chose a lie, take the blame, ask forgiveness, and beg for help to gain understanding and clarity.  Let God know you will pay whatever price needs to be paid to gain His help in seeing clearly rather than Divine direction to believe a lie.  

The Bible warns often about the dangers of believing a lie and choosing the path of wrong.  May I assure you that we do not want to end up living this passage.  

Psalm 109:17 “As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.”

If we will plead for His mercies to come, admit we followed wrong counsel or wrong desires, and pour the Word of God into our heart, perhaps some clarity will return.

We are fast entering a day when God is closing eyes, silencing prophets, and even blinding eyes to the truth of the Bible; that generation will be utterly ruined. 

Isaiah 29:10 “For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.”

vs. 11 “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed:”

These verses talk of rulers whose eyes were closed by God; why?  The reason is because the people chose a lie rather than the truth of the Bible.  The tragic statement here is that some will want to know what the Bible says, and no one will be able to tell them clearly what it means. God will have sealed the Word.  It will be too late!

Israel has lived this passage for the past two thousand years.  America is following in their footsteps, not far behind.  

Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

Pastor

The Goal

Good Morning,

Acts 20:24 "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.”

The greatest tragedy in human life is that we go through life not knowing why we are in this life.  To live, breath, eat, and work, then die never knowing what we were on earth to do is an enormous waste and frustration beyond words.  Doing His will yields great satisfaction and fulfillment in life!  

What would be the work of Satan?  One priority of his is to keep us from doing that which God desires us to do.  


God wants me to be a pastor; He wants my wife to be "my wife" and to be whatever is needed to keep me from getting off God’s plan (my helpmeet).  God wants us to raise our children for Him. God wishes me to influence others to know Him and to love Him. The man who works at Lowes would have the same agenda from the Lord, regarding children and others. His career is different but to do his work in a way honoring to God would be the same as my work in the church.  

If Satan wishes to keep us from doing the work God called us to do, we must be on alert, think before we act, and observe life around us.  Suffering can get us to stop living for God. We can get discouraged, frustrated, angry, bitter, or have any number of other feelings that would cause us to quit teaching Sunday school or working on a bus route.  

Disappointment and vengeance can keep us from influencing others to love God and serve Him.  

Notice what Paul said in Acts 20, "None of these things move me."  Paul said he would keep doing what God called him to do, whether he was hurt or threatened.  2 Corinthians 6:4-10 has a long list of perils Paul had faced, but his goal was never to avoid trouble. He was going to keep serving God through the trials.  

2 Corinthians 4:7 “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

vs. 8 “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;”

vs. 9 “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”

vs. 10 “Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

vs. 16 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”

Paul had a goal of finishing his work; "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course.” The trouble along the way was simply junk the devil threw at him to try to make him quit.

Remember, the great fulfillment in life is to know what you were placed on earth to do, and then the next greatest satisfaction is to DO IT!  

View the distractions or obstacles that would get you away from your Bible as fiery darts from the wicked one. (Ephesians 6:16) Consider your trials as road blocks by the devil in hopes of discouraging you enough to quit on God, give up on training your children to live for God, and quit loving your spouse and joining them in the great work God called the two of you to do.

If the greatest joy is to know and do what God has called us to do, the greatest sorrow would be to miss it.  

Philippians 3:13 “...forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,”

vs. 14  “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Pastor

Seek

Good Morning,


Seek is a serious word in the Bible.  The book of Proverbs says to seek wisdom as silver.  We are urged to “seek the Lord while He may be found;” but there is another verse less familiar to most of us: “...that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:” (Numbers 15:39). 

We are NOT to SEEK the things we desire.  (Wow!  That messes up most goal-setting of today.)  Read that last verse again: “...seek not after your own heart and your own eyes…"  Yet, that is what Americans are being taught to do.  

Just what is it we SEEK?  What are our children taught to SEEK?  When our young people begin dating and considering marriage, what do they SEEK?  Regarding goals and dreams, God told Israel not to SEEK the things of this world, neither their peace nor their prosperity.  

Deuteronomy 23:6 "Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.”


When Israel was headed for trouble, God assured them that when they faced the consequences, they could seek Him and find Him.

Deuteronomy 4:29 “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.”

Seeking spiritual goals is far more vital to life than seeking carnal achievements.  Of course, we want our children to do well in school, and sure, if they play ball, we want them to do their best and win.  (No one ever enjoyed a participation trophy except the misguided leaders who give them away.)  We want our children to seek to achieve and to succeed.  But for most of us, as Christian parents, we want athletics to transfer lessons into life: setting goals, learning drive and commitment, dealing with injustice, and much more.  The trophy is small in comparison to what we SEEK.  For our young people, we SEEK a life.  


Before marriage, we ought to consider what we SEEK and what the potential partner SEEKS.  I mean, do both parties involved have similar goals, dreams, and desires for the future?  I remember hearing an old farmamily mention that the girls left home as soon as they turned eighteen and got married as soon as possible, just to get away from the farm.  They knew what they wanted to leave, but had not yet learned what they sought – and that is dangerous. 

Beginning in childhood, wise parents talk about the home, goals of a home, and of the elements that make a home work.  Children and teens need to consider life and home long before they begin to give their hearts away. Online dating services have learned this simple principle.  They talk about a soul mate and about people who have similar backgrounds and goals. This is what every teen should know thoroughly before starting to date.  Each one must ask himself, “What do I SEEK?” 


As Christians, what do we SEEK?  Why do we pick the church we attend?  Why do we choose the social activities, friends, or the way we spend our money? All these things are indicators of what we SEEK.  


Here are a few passages that might help us rethink what we are supposed to SEEK:

1 Chronicles 16:10 “Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.”

vs. 11 “Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually.” 


1 Chronicles 22:19 “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the LORD your God…"

1 Chronicles 28:8 “Now therefore in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the LORD, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek for all the commandments of the LORD your God: that ye may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance for your children after you for ever.”

This passage might best lay out what believers ought to SEEK.  

1 Chronicles 28:9 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.” 


Notice the outline in that last verse: know God, serve God, seek God.  That is a good summary of the Bible suggestions when we consider what we should SEEK.  


Advertisements and malls turn our hearts to appearance, pleasure, long life, or fame.  Did you know that the Scriptures never urge us to seek health? Instead, Paul spoke of dying daily, dying to self, and living a crucified life. God desires our hearts be turned to SEEK eternal things.  The greatest aspect of this concept is that anyone can do it.  You do not need to be skinny and anorexic, have riches, be athletic, have perfect hair, drive a fancy car, or have a perfect complexion; all can SEEK the things of God, and that alone pleases our Heavenly Father.  

Pastor

Content

Good Morning,

1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice evermore.” 

vs. 18 “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 


We live in a society of grumbling — a morbid creature. This kind of society always blames others, constantly displays discontent, demands more than it possesses, directs anger at others who know or have more, and demands a life without sorrow or hardship — absolute folly. 

Our discontent culture is producing pitiful creatures!  Our culture has more grumbling and discontent people than any other people in history.  We, as Americans, enjoy more pleasure and privilege than anyone on earth from the present or the past. We have medical science to thank (and the mercy of God) for longer lives than any others in our recorded history (with the exception of early biblical history). We possess such elaborate and luxurious homes and cars; and on top of that, travel has become common. Our grandparents did little of such things as flights, cruises, or international sightseeing; yet, these activities are not the least uncommon in our world today. 

Yet, with all of these pleasures and privileges, we are discontent.   God commands us to guard our thoughts and actions in order to cultivate contentment.

Philippians 4:11 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, [therewith] to be content.

1 Timothy 6:8 “And having food and raiment let us be therewith conten

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.”

In these verses, which were written in first-century Israel, under Roman rule, and in comparatively primitive living conditions, God exhorts all to be content with the Lord and His Divine provision for each of us.  

In the mid-1600s John Locke wrote:

“For, though the reach of our understandings falls far short of the vast extent of things, we shall still have reason to praise God for the kind and amount of knowledge that he has bestowed on us, so far above all the rest of creation. Men have reason to be well satisfied with what God has seen fit to give them, since he has given them everything they need for the conveniences of life and the forming of virtuous characters—that is, everything they need to discover how to thrive in this life and how to find their way to a better one…Men can find plenty of material for thought, and for a great variety of pleasurable physical activities, if they don’t presumptuously complain about their own constitution and throw away the blessings their hands are filled with because their hands are not big enough to grasp everything. We shan’t have much reason to complain of the narrowness of our minds if we will only employ them on topics that may be of use to us; for on those they are very capable…”

Here, before electricity, the common use of indoor plumbing, air conditioning, or countless other niceties we enjoy, Locke urged men to think, to learn, to enjoy, and to content themselves with that which they are able to do and achieve.

We live in a world in which evil men mix freely with the righteous.  With storms and drought, earthquakes and volcanos, the very planet upon which we live is powerful beyond our words. Combining the evils of men with the havoc caused by “natural disasters” in our lives will obviously create trials and suffering.  This fact has always been so, and all the anger and bitterness we can muster will not change it one bit. Contentment is still the prudent and happy path to follow.


Without question, this world gives us more than we deserve.  Likewise, the fact that we, as Americans, enjoy vastly more than most of the world or history could imagine is clear.  Another reason to be content is that God, in His mercy, promises us more on earth and in Heaven than we could ever earn.  In Hebrews 13:5, God says, “…be content with such things as ye have…” When the world deals with us in an ill manner, may we lean on the Sovereign One and seek to honor Him in those difficult hours, and remember that most of the world’s residents face much more difficult and harrowing times regularly than we do for the short season we are asked to suffer. 

Abigail Adams, the wife of the second president, wrote that conflict and suffering were natural and assumed portions of the life we live, especially in Washington.  She faced ill health all her life, the death of a child, her husband being gone much (as much as five years away at one time), financial fears after John left the White House, and countless other challenges; yet, she is revered as one of the greatest women in American history.  Complaining was certainly not one of her activities.

Do not allow the culture of today to fill you with envy, covetousness, and discontentment.  Compared to the rest of the world history, we live great lives; considering the eternal promises, we have sufficient promises to cause rejoicing for all our days.  

Pastor