Godly Men

Good Morning,

Psalm 12:1 “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.”

(Before reading on, I suggest that you read the chapter, and then come back to read the outline below.  Reading the chapter uninterrupted will be more valuable than in pieces as it is here.)

David tells of the longing in his heart: "…for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men..."

"Help, Lord!” David cries, showing the desperate state of the nation when there are so few godly people.  The need is great!  How can a nation survive without godly and faithful citizens?  So, David cries out to God for help.

The absence of godly people in his kingdom bothered David and was a burden to his heart. David goes on to clarify his statements (in case someone missed the point). We often lift up people who have few true godly characteristics, so David elaborated on the subject.

Psalm 12:2  "They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak.”

The words of a man are telltale signs of the condition of his heart.  Vanity and flattery will identify the unfaithful and godless.  If one’s words are vain, the vain heart from which the words proceed is revealed, whether or not he attends church.  How many carnal and even evil words and actions are found among the churchgoers of a nation? The need is for believers to cry out to God for help and to give us people who are godly and faithful. 

Psalms 12:3 “The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things:”

What is it that the Lord will cut off?  The flattering lips and proud words. How does the Lord further describe these men who are ungodly and unfaithful?  

Psalm 12:4 “Who have said, With our tongue will we prevail; our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"

These people use words to achieve their evil deeds; they spread partial truths and sow discord (Proverbs 6).  They say, “…With our tongue will we prevail…”  Their careful use of words will help them get their way, not their careful use of godliness or faithfulness.  

These people also have a unifying character trait - they do not like authority.  

Psalm 12:4  "...our lips are our own: who is lord over us?"

The shout from the heart of the ungodly is "Who shall reign over us?"  Or "Who is lord over us?”   It is seen in the book of Jude, verse 8, that these men "despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities."   This same scenario was displayed when Saul was crowned king:

1 Samuel 10:27 “But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.”

1 Samuel 11:12 “And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death.”

The heart of David was often touched by evil men, both among friends and among family.  How sad that people cannot do their jobs and honor their God and country in a faithful and godly manner.  

We can see several traits in people whom we ought to avoid: ungodly, unfaithful, flattering, and the proud.  In most cases, the evil is revealed in words that are divisive, spiteful, and from lives that are unfaithful and ungodly.   

May we all cry out to God to send us faithful and godly men, both in our homes and in churches and government. 

Pastor

Steady

Good Morning,

Bonsai trees are miniature trees that look like life-size trees, only they are tiny.  I have even heard that some bear fruit — tiny, useless fruit.   I do not understand much science, but, as a child, I had a magnifying glass and burned paper as I saw the light of the sun focused in one small place.  It seems that drawing all the attention and light and squeezing it into a smaller than normal spot makes it powerful.  

Missionary John Hyde could not seem to break through to the people of India.  Years of labor brought about no interest or converts.  He determined to fast and pray until he saw God do something, and after thirty days of prayer and fasting, people began to get saved.  He spent most of those thirty days focused in prayer.

If you are training children, urge them not to bounce from one activity to another, but to get a job and stay until it is completed.  If they pick up an instrument, persuade them not to quit until they can play.  

If they start a sport, make them finish the season.  If they join one of our clubs at church, have them see it through.  Do not allow your teen to change bus routes without a very good reason.  Steadfastness and consistency are characteristics we used to learn from fables like the rabbit and the hare, or the ant and the grasshopper.  

Like dripping water wears away soap or even a stone, consistent living and working accomplish more than repeatedly changing focus.  Small deposits of savings into an investment for thirty years will yield more than constantly looking for that big deal that will make you rich.  As a rule, consistent living will yield a better product than change.  Stay in your house for thirty years and you will own your home.  If you are a pastor, stay at your church.  Stay on your bus route or Sunday school class and you will see the walls of demonic resistance slowly weaken.  

Making something good and successful is no overnight project.  Consider the building projects of Solomon.  Building the temple took seven years, and building his own house took thirteen years.  He woke up each day and kept going.

1 Kings 6:38 “And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So was he seven years in building it.”

1 Kings 7:1 “But Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished all his house.”

According to the people in Jesus’ day, Herod rebuilt the ruined temple — it took forty-six years!  (Any job takes much longer when it is being done by the government.)

John 2:20 “Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?”

Though Reuben was talented and gifted, he struggled because he was unstable.

Genesis 49:3 “Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:”

vs. 4 “Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel…"

You need not be brilliant, but if you read your Bible daily, you will learn much.  If you will develop a prayer life, even if only a short time, but a daily and consistent time, you will draw closer to God.  As a married couple, it is better to have weekly dates than to run crazy all the time and once in a while have a big trip or do something expensive.  Both would be fine, of course, but the point is to be steady!  

Consistent time with your children is important.  For me, I prepared the children’s breakfast each morning and read a chapter of the Bible.  Then at bedtime, it was my time to play, work on a memory verse, and put them to bed.   Each week, I took my pre-teen children out for an hour or more to go to a park or the store buying things that we needed.   I only took one child with me on a certain day at a certain time every week.  

Moving to chase the economy is usually more costly than helpful.  When I was in college, I remember people moving to Texas for the good jobs.  Soon, economic changes took place and the same families moved again.   In American vocabulary, being considered a drifter is never a compliment.  

James talks about being unstable:

James 1:8 “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Peter mentions the danger of instability:

2 Peter 2:14 “...beguiling unstable souls…"

2 Peter 3:16 “… they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Get life-long friends; give your children leaders who are there throughout their lives.  Serve in a ministry so you have time to see the effects of your work decades later.  Form close relationships with people who will keep you accountable spiritually.  Be a steady soul winner; schedule your time week after week, year after year.  

One major reason to not change or quit is the effect of how we touch the heart of those around us.  The Israelites had traveled together for years, and then before entering the land of Canaan, several groups of people determined that they would stay on the east side of Jordan and not enter into the land.  Moses said,

Numbers 32:7 “And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?”

Moses said the ones who decided to stay would discourage their brethren.  We must understand that our lives are bigger than we realize and that our words and actions touch those around us.  A bus worker who leaves his route endangers the spirit of those who are still in the ministry.  A Sunday school teacher who gives up his class will hurt the spirit of the children and other teachers.  A person who acts while only considering himself is totally selfish and un-American.  America was built upon self-sacrifice and faith.  Living for others is the root of Christianity.  

One of the great joys of my life is that I am getting old with the same friends I have had for decades.  We are watching each others’ children and grandchildren start their own lives. We pray for one another and enjoy the stability of steadfast love.  This stability cannot be gained through changes in life that move us around like a ping-pong ball in a wind storm.

Pastor

Second Generation Choices

Good Morning,

We all understand that each successive generation has to make their own choices. Each new group of believers must choose whom they will follow; though, feeling that it is their own choice is not exactly correct.  The choice is theirs to make but not their choice to determine the end result.

1 Samuel 8:1 “And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.”

vs. 2 “Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba.”

vs. 3 “And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.”


Samuel had led Israel for decades, and his clear direction had brought them peace and blessings.  The sons, though, turned aside to follow bribes and to seek money.

The dangerous problem is not that these young men ruined their own lives,  but that they hurt the decision making of others.  There will always be others who are watching and following us.  When one generation is blessed, and the next generation does not follow their example, the third group does not jump back to the original generation to gain the blessing of yesteryear; instead, they go to the world for direction.  Notice the desires and motives of the men.

vs. 4 “Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah,”

vs. 5 “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”

The people said, “…make us a king” because they wanted to be like the nations around them.  They did not ask Samuel to find them someone like himself who would keep them in the ways of the Lord.  Instead, they told Samuel to give them a king.  They tired of the unusual and separated living; they tired of serving an unseen Deity Who ruled and blessed, but left them somewhat distant from the ways of their neighbors.    Make no mistake, serving the Lord is a constant battle; not that serving the world is a picnic, but we can be "weary in well doing.” (Galatians 6:9)

Samuel had given the example of righteous and separated living.  Samuel had shown them the way to walk, but when his children chose another path, the people ran to the world.  

The danger to themselves was only minimal, but they also brought about a change in society when they forsook the path their father had taught them.  

It seems that many young people want to feel innovative, yet it is clear beyond doubt that they never invent a new path; they simply turn to the world.  Their turn might be toward the world's music, or worldly dress and activities, or even a dramatic change to approve liquor and shameful entertainment – but one thing is sure – there was no innovation!    

All the foolish youth did was buy into the lie of Satan that he could turn to his own path and somehow think he could improve on age-old principles of life.    History teaches that in regards to religion and Bible belief, there is no improvement to be made upon the basic teachings — the basics were set in the time of Christ.  Now we could add a bus to the great commission, but we cannot reinvent the marching orders for the church.  A husband could add a cruise to ways he shows love to his wife while striving to love her as Christ loved the church, but there is nothing to improve when the love of Christ is our example.  To love not the world neither the things of the world cannot be improved upon; it can only be implemented according to our society.   

For generations, some young people have stayed true while others sought new manners and methods.  Always, the new ways failed: in turning to the world for new methods, many people (usually the next generation) are hurt or forgotten.  The faithful young and new converts whom God pulled out of the world always seek the pure religion of our Lord and keep the work going: always outside the mainstream of religion, always mocked by the world, and always despised for their literal acceptance of the Bible.  

Samuel's sons did much harm: a theocracy was abandoned for a monarchy; a sad trade to say the least, and a trade that would never be righted (until the King of kings comes to set up His own kingdom).  Listen to your fathers; their advice will not hurt, and it will probably save a follower of whom you are not even aware. 

Pastor

Whose Purpose

Good Morning,

We have all heard the statement, “God knows just what I need.” It is possible that most of us have used those words as well. If I could, I would like to put that statement into perspective. Life does not center around me, but around God. Here is how I would like to rearrange that statement: “God knows what He needs or what He needs to get accomplished, and He knows how He can use me to achieve His need and His glory.”

Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

1 Corinthians 10:31”Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Whether it be helping the needy or being a good testimony in a time of tragedy, I am on earth for the glory of God. God’s glory may consist of walking away from the cemetery where I left my dearest in life, or walking through the church building destroyed by a hurricane, or sitting alone wondering about the loss of a child; but giving God glory is not about what I need – I am here to serve Him. My purpose is what He needs from me, whether it be a shipwreck with Paul or jail with Peter. The Philippian jailer would not have been saved were it not for Paul and Silas singing in jail at midnight. Giving God glory was not what Paul needed, it was what God knew the Philippian jailer needed.

Yes, Romans 8:28 talks about all things working together for good, but why not look at the passage in its entirety:

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.”

Whose purpose? His purpose, not mine. Continue reading:

vs. 29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

According to these verses, our lives are being conformed to the image of His Son, not to our comfort or ease; Christ is being formed in us.

Galatians 4:19 “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,”

Romans 8:30 “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.”

Great works are being done in my life through whichever circumstances might be necessary, but these are all spiritual things, "called, justified, glorified." These works which glorify God have nothing to do with the statement, “God knows what is best for me.” Yes, He does know. For time and eternity, God always has the very best things in mind: best for eternity, best for His glory, and best for me. When I get to Heaven and look back, I will be grateful for whatever circumstance was necessary in my life, whether good or bad.

Just like the passage, “all things work together for good,” another “all things” is considered:

Colossians 1:18 “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

“That in all things he might have the preeminence.”

Whatever situations happen, we want Jesus to be glorified, God to be lifted up, and of course, when it is all said and done, we want to be more like Jesus.

As long as we are on the subject of thinking spiritually, go on and say, “God knows what is best for me,” but be careful not to act as though everything happening around us is FOR US. For just like those in the military, soldiers are there for the victory and the cause, not for their own personal good. When the first Gulf War broke out, one of our newer men came to me saying, “I'm a reservist, what if they activate me?” I said, “That is why you have been receiving that reserve paycheck every month, so they could activate you if needed.” He wanted everything to work out for HIS good; yet, he forgot the greater cause. He then said, “What if I die?” I said then it would be good if you knew you were saved.” He got saved and baptized and was not called back to active duty, but he was ready to live or die for the greater cause.

Our lives are for His glory; and yes, He does use us and pay very well, but payment is not always of comfort, prosperity, or ease. We want to be ready to live, suffer, or even die for the greater cause of Christ and His preeminence.

Pastor

Strength, Courage, and Resilience

Good Morning,

Acts 7:60 “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.”

Stephen was falsely accused, lied about, and slandered beyond words. His response was simple: “Forgive them.” He did not whine, and he did not plead mercy. Stephen accepted the plan of God for his suffering and death in hope that through his death, some souls might come to know Christ.

God often writes about exhibiting strength and courage (not misery and sorrow) while facing struggles.

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.”

Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”

2 Timothy 2:1 “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

In 1982, I started knocking on doors in our little town. For six weeks, I knocked on doors and prayed for help to begin Faith Baptist Church. Only a matter of weeks passed before someone criticized my values, my beliefs, and my message. I received more criticism from other Christians than I did from unsaved people. In the days that followed, I was accused of starting the church just to get people’s money. (I was making $100 a week.) I was not treated badly, but I had to face accusations, verbal judgments, and injustice from many different places.

Many Christians in missions work across the globe face great risk of their lives or the lives of their children. One of my missionary friends in Vietnam had someone break into his home, grab his little child, and run down the street. He chased the person down, engaged in a fistfight, and returned home with his child. This is a troubled world. Until we manage to get everyone acting like Christians, we are going to face verbal and physical trouble. When natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, volcanoes, and disease of all kinds are added to someone’s life, strength and courage are necessary in the heart and soul to endure physical and spiritual storms.

I heard the story of a conservative speaker on Berkeley's university campus. After the conservative spoke, the college offered counseling to help those who were emotionally distressed by the conservative values perpetrated on that campus. Professional counseling was offered because someone did not believe like they did — what a weak, sick culture! If someone cannot handle the emotional strain of another believing differently from himself, he has been properly called a “snowflake” — for he will melt if any heat of battle crosses his path.

Something is terribly wrong with the generation of people who cannot handle difficulty. War or bankruptcy, childbirth or a layoff, cancer or conflict with a spouse — one thing is sure: battles will come. We are raising a generation of drug-using, counseling-addicted weaklings who are incapable of handling the most simple of problems in life.

We are surrounded by ladies who cannot clean their homes, train their children, or face the pressures of marriage. Our young men cannot control their anger or simply put up with a difficult boss without quitting or giving up. Far too many people are sure they will need to live off the government and surrender to “victimhood.”

I have no desire that my children go through life without difficulty or hardship. The last thing I want my children to have is a perfectly well-mannered soft and fuzzy life. It is unrealistic to think my children will not face battles. Just as I want to train my young people for academic and social relationships, I want to train them for battles of life they will face. I desire to train my children to be able to walk victoriously through cancer treatment, religious persecution, multiple childbirths, or decades of employment.

The disciples rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for the name of Jesus. Paul and Silas sang hymns at midnight in the jail in spite of the injustice that placed them there. In their rejoicing, they were able to see souls saved.

Strength and courage are so vital in life. Jael was a great lady — certainly not a soft, crybaby of a woman:

Judges 4:21 “Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.”

Yes, he died because she drove a tent spike through his temple and fastened his head to the ground. Tough lady! She was probably able to mentally function when someone had a different opinion from hers. May we allow our children to face hardship. May we stand aside while our children face decisions, conflict, and pressure in order that they learn to be strong.

Strength of heart and soul is a great character trait. A strong body with a weak soul is without value. Strength to do right, to face hardship, and to continue to be true is a trait of greatness.

Pastor

Summer Training

Good Morning,

With summer almost here, let me urge parents to take at least one important action with your children, SHUT DOWN the MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT.

Many activities can be done with your children, but training them to be men and ladies is no accident. The mess we have in America today is a result of parents trusting public schools and parents allowing their children to do whatever they want.

Proverbs 22:15 “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child…”

Proverbs 29:15 “… a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”

Children do not know what to do. They will come up with all kinds of shame and sinfulness if left to themselves. If parents are missing, Satan will surely fill in the void.

Isaiah 34:16 “Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read…”

Read the Bible — individually and as a family. If dad works too much and cannot, mom can do it when dad is gone from home.

Read books, fill your home with GOOD BOOKS. There is junk that some people call books. Fill your home with books that have morals, character, integrity, strength, and decency. Of course, this will require parents to do their homework. Talk to the school teachers at our church; ask, borrow brains, and then, of course, read the books yourself so you can talk to the children about the books they are reading.

It is commanded that we TRAIN our children — not allow them to run unchecked.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Outside activities are vital. Get bikes or a small above-ground pool, or go on walks at parks or in the mountains. It is important for a child to spend time alone outside, but be aware of where he is, and with whom and what he is playing. I rode bikes with my kids from the time they were in diapers to their teen years. We played outside. We played on the swings and slides, played with balls, and shot BB guns — all of these were just around for the children to play with at will. (Yes, my panic-stricken friend, BB guns, air soft guns, nerf guns, and knives too - both rubber and real - along with nunchucks, fighting sticks, and anything that had to do with manly activities.) My wife helped the children think of things to do outside, then she went back to her duties and left them to play.

Shut off or monitor video games. We limited our children to thirty minutes of play at a time, and then only occasionally. Shut off the television unless it is planned and very limited.

It was Abraham who commanded his household after God. He led them, taught them, trained them, and created a home honoring to God.

Genesis 18:19 “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Set a schedule: read during these times, do yard and household chores, go outside and play, or go to a park. Set up a schedule for your week and run it all summer.

Teaching children is not just an obligation you meet for an hour in the morning; teach them all day long.

Deuteronomy 6:7 “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Be training your children all day long!

Work and skills:

in Luke 2:52, it was said of our Lord, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”

There is more to life than just sitting home in front of a Bible. The word stature refers to the physical body: to be strong, to work, and to have skills. Many a boy has never dug a hole, used a hoe, mowed a lawn, or washed a car. Every child should be able to detail a car inside and out, but it takes a parent to sit by his side showing him how to do it.

If you have no lawn, find someone who does, and ask if you might care for their yard for no charge just to train your children to use edgers, blowers, rakes, and mowers. (By the way, you can buy all that equipment cheaper than video games and game systems.) Summer is a great time to do that which is time-consuming and could not be done during school. Load up the kids and go to museums, or go on hikes. Google hiking trails in your area and you will find many. Have the kids pack a lunch (teach them how), and leave for the day. (In our area, San Diego has many hiking trails along the cliffs above the ocean where it is cooler.) Children need to learn to cook. All our children were comfortable in the kitchen before junior high. Once a week, you could do a serious cleaning in one room. Make it a project for mom and the kids. Empty the room and scrub, touch up paint, reorganize, throw out, etc.

Change sprinklers, drip lines, timers, or take care of other details in the yard. Who cares if it is already working fine, use that yard to train the children.

We are to train the child for life, everything in life. Of course, do not miss anything your church has going on: VBS, camps, and conferences. It would not hurt to go to church and do serious room cleaning for God’s house. Why not go empty a room and make it sparkle? Teach children to wash windows; the church is a good place to do that as well. Then help them start doing it for neighbors and make money.


Animals are a great responsibility builder. Rabbits, dogs, and cats (in our area, a few chickens are great too). I grew up with goats and milked them; I also grew up with a cow, horse, pigs, and many other animals. We would have one animal for a while, then get rid of it and get something different, then another. Everything is teaching and training.

Camping is great for children. If dad cannot get away, mom can take them for an overnight stay first in the yard, then out in the woods. I have slept in our treehouse with children (and with ants etc.)

Where did John the Baptist grow up?

Luke 1:80 “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”

Read, watch informational shows, and find places to go in the desert; bring a telescope, and get out of the house and away from technology.

We have allowed a heathen government to train our children. This stupid world in which we live is the result of that mistake. Make summer a training time of fun, work, and learning skills — but all training.

And did I mention… SHUT DOWN MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT!

Pastor

Sanctified - part 2

Good Morning,

Yesterday, I wrote a few words about being sanctified. With the thought fresh in our minds, I will continue in that direction with a few verses on the same topic: 

1 Thessalonians 3:11 “Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.”

vs. 12 “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”

God works in our lives in order that we might love one another; as we read on, we find there is more:  

vs. 13 “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.” 

“To the end” (or for this reason), God is going to help us love one another for the express purpose of establishing our hearts in HOLINESS.  Yesterday, I mentioned that HOLY and SANCTIFY are similar words.  God instituted the matter of loving one another so that we might be holy or sanctified.  

Making the purpose of sanctification clear, He continues:

1 Thessalonians  4:1 “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”

The way in which we walk has an integral association with sanctification or holy living.  Paul wrote a list of things that matter concerning holy living:  

First- moral propriety!  

vs. 2 “For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.”

vs. 3 “For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”

vs. 4 “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”

vs. 5 “Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:”

vs. 6 “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.”

Why stay morally pure?  Because we are called to holiness!  

vs. 7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”

Continuing on the subject of loving one another, Paul adds other facets to the matter of holy living:

vs. 9 “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.”

vs. 10 “And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”

vs. 11 “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;”

vs. 12 “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”

Here is the simple list of actions which God associates with holy living (in addition to moral purity):

1.  Be quiet.

2. Do your own business.

3. Work with your own hands (which He says defines honest living).  

     “That ye may walk honestly…” (verse 12)

This matter of sanctification or holiness is a daily duty. Each day, doing the thing in each situation that sets us apart to the Lord, whether it be our work ethic or our morals, is the definition of sanctification. God truly cares about our lifestyle and activities.  We are to sanctify ourselves unto God as Christ sanctified Himself unto His Heavenly Father; we belong to Him.  We simply cannot walk through this vile world as the unsaved and godless do.  

John 17:19 “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

Pastor

Sanctified

SANCTIFIED - Part 1

Good Morning,

In the Bible, sanctification is often mentioned.  To be sanctified means to be set apart, but the word sanctified is a two-fold word; it also means to be separated from one thing to another thing.  To sanctify means to set something apart for a purpose.  In our early years at Faith Baptist Church, we met in a rented hall.  The building served as a dance hall on Saturday, but it was set apart as a church on Sunday and Wednesday — it was SANCTIFIED on those days.  On Sundays and Wednesdays, no dancing took place and no booze was consumed — for it was SET APART from the worldly activity and SET APART unto God.  

The first mention of the word sanctify was in reference to Saturday or the Sabbath — a day set apart by the Lord (just as Sunday became the day set apart for the Lord and His people in the New Testament).  

Genesis 2:3 “And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.”

At one point in history, God also sanctified the firstborn of each family:

Exodus 13:2 “Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of beast: it is mine.”

When it comes to believers getting close to the Lord, God uses the Bible to set us apart.  Without Bible reading, we will end up worldly and become far from what we should be.  

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

As believers, we are to be set apart unto the Lord, to walk away from the garbage of this world.  Paul said there were many things that they had been sanctified FROM, things they left behind so they might be separated unto the Lord.  

1 Corinthians 6:11 “And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

To be set apart or sanctified brings the question regarding modern churches.   What are they sanctified “FROM?”  People in modern churches casually drink liquor and frequent movie theaters and casinos.  Their television shows and entertainment are a little different from their unsaved neighbors, and Bible reading (if they were honest) rarely takes place.  Just what is the modern church set apart FROM, and what are they set apart TO?   Sanctification is two-fold, away from one thing and unto another.  From what does the modern church set itself apart?  What do they do differently from their good neighbors?  I know that many people attend church, but what is different in their daily lives that sets them apart?  

Have we set ourselves apart from the world in fashion?  In music?  In social activities?  Are we set apart in the kind of friends or education our children receive?  Have we set ourselves apart from gambling, booze, or any worldly pleasure in order that we might be wholly set apart UNTO Christ and His kingdom?    Have we set ourselves apart UNTO Bible reading, witnessing, family Bible time, and prayer?  Has our speech been sanctified?   Have we turned from our vulgar conversation and brought in talk about God and righteousness?  

The word sanctify is another form of the word HOLY.   We all know that believers are to be HOLY or set apart.

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.”

When Paul writes that we are saved for the purpose of being HOLY, he means we are set apart unto God.

Ephesians 1:4 “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:”

The modern form of religion is little more than a false front, a religious action performed once in a while on Sunday while living like the world during the remainder of the week — that is far from being SET APART.  

Jesus set Himself apart (or sanctified Himself) for the express purpose that we might follow His example and be sanctified as well.  

John 17:19 “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”

A worldly life is not at all pleasing to the Saviour, for His desire is that we might follow in His steps.  

Pastor

The Love of Money (part 2)

Good Morning,

1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

The evil caused by a desire for money is endless and self-destructive.

Samson and Delilah are a good example of how greed hurts people.  (Judges 16:5)

Delilah was offered 1,100 pieces of silver by evil men and she caused Samson to fall.

The love of money caused Gehazi to be a leper.

2 Kings 5:20 “But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, Behold, my master hath spared Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought: but, as the LORD liveth, I will run after him, and take somewhat of him.”

vs. 21 “So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and said, Is all well?”

vs. 27  “The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. And he went out from his presence a leper as white as snow."

We are all familiar with the story of Judas.

Matthew 26:14 “Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,”

vs. 15 “And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”

vs. 16 “And from that time he sought opportunity to betray him.”

Matthew 27:3 “Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,”

vs. 4 “Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that.”

vs. 5 “And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

Jesus foretold the fall of Judas, and it was a faithless, covetous man that took himself to Hell.

John 17:12 “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.”

Greed and a love for money have split homes and families after the death of a loved one.  Although an estate may be clearly outlined, family members have fought over the inheritance, while covetousness and evil attorneys seek legal ways to violate the wishes of the deceased.

1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Let me make this clear:  “…they will pierce themselves through…” – they will hurt themselves.  The pain that results in their own lives will never be outweighed by the financial gain that was achieved.

Pastor

Love of Money

Good Morning,

Joshua 7 tells the story of Achan and Jericho.  The city was to be dedicated to the Lord, yet Achan coveted clothing, silver, and gold, and he took those items against the clear command of God.

Oh, what grief we cause through covetousness.  Achan did not only hurt himself, but he hurt his wife and children as well – they were all killed by his illicit love for money.  1 Timothy 6:10 tells the story clearly: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul speaks of Demas, who left Paul and the ministry for a love of the world. "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world."

A Levite, one of the chosen of God, sold himself to be nothing more than a rented reverend just to gain economic security and stability:

Judges 17:10 "I will give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and a suit of apparel, and thy victuals."

Endless stories are told of the hurt caused by people who sought money.  Whether it be gambling or crime (in hopes of easy wealth), or countless other violations of God's Word – all are acted upon through covetousness.  The love of money will move us to shame and wrong, and our children will pay a severe price.  

We all know of Naomi and her husband who left Israel and the will of God for better economic circumstances; what did they gain?  Naomi returned ten years later, bitter and broken.  Her children and husband were dead; what did she gain? 

Ruth 1:20  "And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me."

Proverbs 23:4 warns against the passion for money: "Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom."  

Solomon advised that those who seek wealth will end up allowing money to set their moral compasses: "...but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent."  (Proverbs 28:20)  

I have watched countless people violate clear Bible principles when their only reason was the possible gain of money.   I have seen loved ones die, and family members, who were close, become bitter enemies over estates, even small ones.  

Leaving children a heritage of diligence, Bible obedience, character, and a willingness to work hard and accept the pay they earn is far greater than any pile of cash we might provide for our children at our death.  

Achan regretted his choices far more than he ever could communicate.  Can you imagine his own horror as the people began to stone him and his family?  His dear wife and children were pummeled with stones one after another all because of his love of money.  Make it your passionate goal to never violate Scripture in hopes of financial gain.  Plan your financial future around righteousness rather than covetousness.  

I could go on and on telling stories and listing Scripture, but let me close with these warnings from the Lord:

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

Ezra 9:12 “... nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.”

Ezra said that the way to leave an inheritance to your children was NOT to seek the wealth of the world.

We should not seek the prosperity or wealth of the world; it will hurt our children more than we can ever know.  To make decisions based upon money is declaring money to be our “god."   Allowing money to be the one to whom we bow and the one who determines where we live and what values we place on life and children is a terrible god to follow.

Matthew 6:24 “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

Pastor

Education

Good Morning,


Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”


This month is Christian education month at Faith Baptist Church.  We all have different dreams and goals for our children, but I think if we were to crystallize all of those goals, we would want God glorified and our children happy.


1 Corinthians 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Consider Finance

Some parents of Christian young people are fearful that their children will end up choosing a bad career (or even the ministry) and struggle financially throughout their lives.  I assure you, after four decades in the ministry, I have seen many businessmen struggle financially.  Most of the real estate agents I have known live on an economic roller coaster.  I have seen military personnel, as well as those who own their own businesses, face economic pressures, and, on occasion, even face bankruptcy.  I have known a few medical doctors who lived a life devoted to others, and yet, this also gives no guarantee of economic stability or marital bliss.  


Soul: the internal you, both on earth and in eternity – Jesus warned that gaining the whole world to lose one’s soul is tragic.  


Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”


It may not be the eternal soul as much as the soul that faces a life of desperation and suffering.  Gaining the whole world means absolutely nothing as far as happiness is concerned. 


Everyone is visited by good and bad situations.

I have known many people in the construction industry, and when times are prosperous they work night and day and are hardly able to spend time with their families.  When the economy is bad, they cannot find work or they have to travel long distances to find a few hours of pay.  I have known union employees whose lives were based on government contracts.  These workers also faced “feast or famine” types of careers.  When the contracts come through, they work night and day with no rest for family, home, or God.  When contracts do not come through, they are fearful for their very existence.  Between those times, they also face union strikes which add to the confusion of their financial stability.  Never fear that serving God will cause difficulty; in general, life causes difficulty.

Accredited Schools and Colleges

As Christians, I believe we have great liberty to trust that God is involved in every aspect of our lives, but if we are honest, we know a college degree does not guarantee success in marriage, children, or church.  If success is glorifying God, having a happy marriage, being involved in a church, or loving people, a college degree will not even slightly increase the success of a young person‘s life.  None of these areas are improved one iota by a college degree or a higher annual income.


For four decades, we have seen young people graduate from unaccredited high schools who usually attend unaccredited colleges.  Guess what I have found?  Couples who marry those who think like they do have happy homes, buy houses, have babies, and serve the Lord with their few free hours.  


I have watched those who sought secular jobs but desired to stay in church faithfully battle to do so.  Likewise, I have seen those in the ministry fight to keep their home and ministry balanced.  Work, home, ministry, and walk with God are difficult to keep balanced, but college or high school had far less to do with their success than marrying right and maintaining a personal walk with God.  


Choose spiritual priorities; that is Matthew 6:33 lived out through your daily life. Read through these verses slowly and ask God to help you keep spiritual priorities.  Doing that will bring us much closer to pleasing God and giving our children a happy future.  


Matthew 6:31 “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”

vs. 32 “(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

vs. 33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

vs. 34 “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Pastor

Purpose for Life

Good Morning,


Many times, God busily works while men have no idea what is happening.  Consider the situations surrounding one's salvation or the great success of a business.  So often the success seems random, but we understand that God works where and when He sees fit to invest His influence.


Such was the case while the children of Israel were in captivity, and Satan had set out to destroy the people of God.  Haaman, as satanic men throughout history have done, sought to kill the Jews.  Providentially, Esther had found herself in the palace of the king, although the fact that she was a Jewess had not yet been known.  Mordecai asked Esther to approach the king on behalf of the Jews, but that could only be done at great risk to her life.  Mordecai said the choice was hers to make, but that God would do it one way or another.  Esther had an opportunity to take part in something God was going to do; the choice to be a part of His plan was hers.

Esther 4:14 "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Notice several truths from this passage:

First, the choice to speak up or not is ours to make. "For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time..."  This may pertain to winning a soul, to giving a word of praise and encouragement, or perhaps to teaching a class at church.  Specific times will arise when the opportunity to be involved in the work of God will be made available to us. 


Second, God will get His work done one way or another: "...then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place..." 

God has plans to accomplish, and He will find a way to make it happen.  God will accomplish His plans – with or without us.  I am not saying everything will turn out great if we fail to do our duty.  The children God gave to us will not turn out the same if we do not do our scriptural duty.  A married couple who does not follow God’s plan will not have the same marriage as a couple who treats each other in a biblical manner.  Missionaries will not have the same provision they might have had if we do not give financially.  In all of these situations, God will help folks survive, and somehow, they will get along, but the outcome will not be as it could have been.  Life will be more difficult.  Struggles will be greater and trials will be more fierce.  God will find a "Plan B," and folks will continue to go on through life; the solution will just have to come from somewhere else.

Third, if we do not jump in and do what God has led us to do, we will lose.  "...but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed..." We do not know all that would have happened if Esther had not pleaded for her people, but it appears that her family would have suffered for her failure.  

One night, as I walked into a hotel, I noticed the worker at the desk. No one else was in the lobby, and the hour was late so the work was slow.  I said, "Hi," and walked toward my room.  The Lord nudged me to give him a tract, yet I continued to walk – then I stopped myself.  The choice was mine.  God will save folks who are seeking, but I could miss the opportunity to be a part of the wonderful works of God.  Missing this opportunity would not only have been important to the man but to me as well.  I turned around, pulled out a tract, and went through the Gospel with him.  As it turned out, he was a faithful member of a church and had already trusted Christ.  He thanked me, and I went toward my room, very much at ease; I had a far different peace than I would have had if I had ignored the Spirit's leading.  The choice was mine, and God would have accomplished His plans without me – but I would have lost out on a blessing, not the man at the counter.  

Lastly, there was a reason I was there and that someone else was not in the room at that time; God had placed me in a position to influence this young man.  Just because he was already saved does not mean our conversation was not significant; and by those words, I was a part of the most wonderful work on earth, the Gospel ministry.  


Esther 4:14 “...who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"


Mother, those children will grow up with or without a Bible-reading mom, but life will be easier and more honoring to God if you walk with God.  Fewer sorrows will occur and God will receive much more glory from the situation that is lived properly.  The choice is yours; you will miss out on being a grateful participant in the eternal work of God in the hearts of eternal souls. Dad, you can be the father who sits in church with his family and who teaches them the importance of loving God, the Bible, and the house of God; or you can be a half-hearted participant in the Christian life.  If those children care, God will find a way to get His work done – you will just miss your opportunity to be a part of something spectacular and eternal.  In the long run, you will suffer loss for your failure to perform the duties God outlined in the Scriptures.   Whether it be a Sunday school class or a voice in the choir, God has you on this earth for a specific purpose that He designed specifically for you to perform, and no one can fill the need like you can.  


Giving to your church will help you more than it will help the church.  Supporting missionaries financially will help the giver more than the recipient.  We have the opportunity to be a part of the work of God; we have been invited to partake in heavenly plans, and we will be eternally rewarded for serving the Master and His ministry.  I am on earth for a reason.  I have my background, my physical and emotional makeup, and my education for a reason – for "Such a time as this."  


If we quit church and go back to the old life, God will find a way to continue His ministry, but we will "suffer loss." (1 Corinthians 3:15) We may sit in church doing nothing, knowing we can participate in bus work or rest homes or Sunday school classes – the choice is ours.  God will get His work done one way or another, but we will suffer the loss.  No one is more perfectly fitted for the job God designed for us than we are.  Each one of us is exactly what God needed for a specific situation.  For a time, I was directing our choir, and I loved it.  Although I was probably not the one God had specifically trained for the job, I think I was a willing substitute.


Those who fail to accomplish the specific duty God designed for them, of necessity, are doing something other than what God had planned.  Perhaps they or their families will suffer for their activity in that which was out of the eternal plan of God.  If I am not where I am supposed to be, I am obviously where I should not be.  

Some people may feel a certain path wrong because it is difficult, but how difficult was the path Esther traveled?  Loss of a family, loss of a nation, and married to a heathen king – but, she was there "for such a time as this."  Now, she is recorded in the eternal Bible to encourage all of us to perform our duties to God and men.  

How much better might my life or yours have been had choices been made for God and eternity rather than convenience and money?  John warns about some who will be ashamed at the appearing of Christ:

1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." 

May we be prayerful, careful, diligent, and spiritual in all the things we do and do not do.  "That no man take thy crown." (Revelation 3:11)


Pastor

Teachers

Good Morning,


When Jesus gave the Great Commission, He did not intend for us only to tell people about Christ’s resurrection.  He wanted us to teach people to observe everything that He had taught. Jesus sent us to send others.

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.”


Believers are to go, tell the story of salvation, and then teach people all that Jesus said.  This is why we have Sunday school and other ministries to children, teens, and adults.  These opportunities give many people a chance to teach and to allow classes to target certain ages with lessons appropriated to each group. 


The book of Hebrews words this concept well:

Hebrews 5:11 “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”

vs. 12 “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”


There is a time when believers ought to be teachers.  I love the spirit of young Christians who desire to tell others about the Word of God. I love the questions from young Christians (even questions that may be obvious to many of us); everything is new to them. New Believers strive to tell their friends about Christ and excitedly seek more information.  Being a part of their sharing their faith and trying to teach the Bible lessons to friends is fun.  When Christianity is new, teaching what you know is exciting but a challenge.  Sad is the Believer who has outgrown his usefulness. He no longer teaches or goes soul winning; he has gone back to the things spoken of in this passage. 


Hebrews 5:11"Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.”


These Believers stopped doing the things they used to do, and now, they are “dull of hearing.”  They cannot see as they used to; they cannot enjoy hearing the Bible taught or telling others of the Precious Saviour.   Oh, the pleasure of spending time with someone who struggles to find the next verse in order to show a co-worker how to be saved or to answer Bible questions!  


Teachers – we ought to be teachers. May we each teach grandchildren, take a moment at the cash register to say a word for the Lord, and witness to those the Lord places in our lives each day.  Many of us can teach in jails, at rest homes, in junior church, or on a bus route – all of these ministries and others open the door to teach. Teach – we are commanded to do so.  

Pastor

Advice

Good Morning,


Countless tragedies have been caused by bad counsel.  Most of us know the story of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who listened to the young men instead of the older men.  A nation was split, and countless troubles were caused by this bad counsel.  In the life of David, we find another instance of heeding bad counsel.  


1 Chronicles 19:3 “But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? are not his servants come unto thee for to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?”


David sent comforters to the son of the king who had recently died.  David was a veteran, a kind neighbor, and one who sought to do right and to be a help; but the son received bad counsel, and suddenly made a friend into an enemy. Poor counsel caused the young king to think that David was an evil enemy.  Do not read into that which is not there. Presumptions and opinions are not facts.  Find facts; talk to those who are accused, and be sure of the information before you act.  Much grief would have been avoided had Hanun just “emailed” David (or whatever they used) and discovered the facts.  Stupid, slanderous, and evil counselors caused no end of hurt to Hanun and to his kingdom.


What folly to listen to unproven and unreliable counsel, when years of experience tells us otherwise.  The trouble caused by listening to an “outsider” or someone with no track record is like cancer – it just keeps on hurting.  Politicians, coaches, and managers of businesses will move into a new position, and as soon as possible may bring in their own management team.  It is not an insult against the former managers, but those who have been tested by time at the side of the new boss have an element of trustworthiness and reliability; the former managers are unknown to the new boss.  Of course, many have differences of opinion on this policy in business, but the fact remains that it happens, whether the decision is wise or not.  


We should not only get counsel from someone who knows their field, but also from one who is tested by time and proven.  Likewise, when counsel or “suggestions” are offered, it is wise to talk to those close to the situation and find out some facts.


Young parents need much information, yet often the information they receive is foolish.  Regarding medical advice, parents need to prayerfully and wisely seek medical advisors.  When it comes to training, to developing character, to educating, and to shaping the individual, I would suggest parents prayerfully observe the children of those who are offering opinions.  See what kind of long-term success this person has had with their ideals and child-rearing methods.  We must understand that some people we would trust with medical issues should not be trusted with financial or child-training issues.


I have known doctors to whom I would trust my life physically who knew little about marriage or children.  They were good people, but I guarded their advice regarding other areas that may influence my world.  


Notice what Solomon said about going to battle: Proverbs 20:18 “Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war.”   With GOOD ADVICE make war.  We all understand that there is no end of bad advice.  May we prayerfully seek godly, proven advice.   

Pastor

Contentions

Good Morning,


The Holy Spirit moves inside believers when they get saved. The question is, how much liberty does the Holy Spirit have to shape the believer into the image of Christ?


Giving God our minds, activities, friends, and associations will make us more pliable in the hands of the Holy Spirit. We will become Christlike more quickly.


When we yield our members to the world, we will find a constant war between us and the Spirit.

Romans 6:13 “Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

The Holy Spirit will have a dramatic effect on our spirits if we allow Him to rule in our hearts.  If not, we will have a worldly spirit from the world that will control our daily lives.


Contention is a sure sign that the Holy Spirit is not in leadership, and that the flesh is in control.  Notice what God says about it:


Proverbs 13:10 “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”

The result of pride is contention. There is no other way to view this verse.  Whether it be in church or in marriage, at work or with in-laws, contention displays pride.


We should stop before we begin.

Proverbs 17:14 “The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.”

Christians are urged to “leave off contention” before it begins.  We should not meddle with contention.  I know people who consider an argument to be just a good, healthy discussion, but that is far from the scriptural definition of conversation among believers.

Love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness... these are a result of the Holy Spirit bringing forth fruit.  When a spirit of contention comes into our world it is the result of the world and pride, not the Spirit of God.


Believers are to LEAVE OFF or walk away from contention.  We are not to meddle in a contentious situation.


Proverbs 18:6 “A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.”

A fool can be drawn into a contentious conversation. Turning from a contentious situation is not cowardice; it is wise and spiritual.  Proverbs 17:14 says to leave off contention and not to meddle with it.  Proverbs18:6 says entering into contention is foolish.


Proverbs 22:10 “Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.”

God directs us to cast out the scornful person, and when we have done that, contention will go with him. This is not very popular, but it is scriptural.  Do not spend time with a contentious person; avoid them, walk away from them, and if possible, remove them from your relationships.


Contentious children need to be corrected before they become a plague to society.  In our marriages, we are to labor to avoid contention and not to allow our pride to pull us into a contentious conversation.  


Paul brings more insight to this subject in his writing to Timothy.

2 Timothy 2:24 “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”


Speaking of the pastor, HE MUST NOT STRIVE!


James tells us that heavenly wisdom, wisdom gained from the Holy Spirit’s leading, will be pure, peaceable, and gentle.

James 3:17 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”


These attributes are not natural; they are a spiritual product of yielding our lives to the Holy Spirit’s control.  


Winning an argument has nothing to do with being spiritual, but rather being good at talking in the power of the flesh, not the Spirit.

Pastor

Vocabulary

Good Morning,

I was thinking of changes in our lives, especially in vocabulary and the Christian life.  I thought of the preaching conferences I attended when I was a young pastor, and the things I heard godly, old pastors talk about.  I heard words and phrases such as “power of God,” “courageous,” “stand,” “contend,” “fighting for the faith,” and even words as simple as, “manly,” “feminine,” “virtuous,” and “godly.”

We have found ourselves in a society that has softened everything – a society that has embraced the vocabulary of the world, and has sought not to use any words that offend.  One very well-known pastor in California said we should not use the word fundamental as it does not fit in the vocabulary of our culture. Another mocked the use of the term “virtuous woman” because it was not used by anyone anymore (and I thought, “God uses it”). 

As our Christian culture seeks to use terms that are acceptable by the world, they have also changed their vocabulary to adopt the shameful society around us.  Adultery has been removed, now folks “live together.”  We have stopped asking how long someone has been married and replaced it with how long they have been together.  Drunks and addicts are “chemically dependent.” Fornication and sodomy have simply been removed from acceptable vocabulary along with patriotism, treason, or “proud to be an American.”

As a child, I remember Las Vegas being called “Sin City.” Now that city is a popular site for conventions and vacations. “Sin City” – can you even imagine saying that in public!   Loyalty and devotion are forgotten words, and purity and holiness are absent from preachers’ sermons.  The terms used in the Scripture regarding disciplining a child are cause for a visit from CPS, and doing right no matter the cost is an untouched subject. 

Too much television and media from the world has purged our thoughts from the most obvious and logical words and perspectives on life. I will not even venture into the words God uses regarding marriage like “reverence” and “honor,” for even the fundamental world struggles with those.  

Listen to the words people use referring to becoming a Christian.  Instead of repentance, conversation, born again, or saved, you hear “coming to Christ” or “give your life to Jesus.”  Now let us be Scriptural: your life is not worth a thing, and Jesus does not need it to save you, that is why HE GAVE HIS LIFE! We had nothing worth giving.  Biblically, you “receive Christ,” “trust Christ,” “place your faith in Christ,” or “believe on His name,” but again, those terms are nearly unheard of today.  

I was soul winning recently and began witnessing to a lady; and she said, “My daughter led me to Christ,” and I thought, “Wow!”  This lady had a day, time and place when she was SAVED.  I believed her and was encouraged. 

Let us get away from media (even much of the conservative and so-called “Christian” media) and get back to volumes of Bible and old-fashioned preaching; it will change our lives and our vocabulary. 

Pastor

Do Something

Good Morning,

I remember the first year of our church, 1982, when a dad came to me and said that his elementary school-age son came home saying his teacher had announced that he was “gay.” The dad was angry, but the dad left the boy in the school.  He should have pulled the boy out and contacted every other parent and urged them to do the same.  No students, no problem.

As a child, I remember the mini-skirt and hippie long hair that moved into our Southern California culture.  I was little, but I heard frustrated comments from parents and teachers.  Still, no one did anything.   

In our school, there is no long hair on boys or mini-skirts on girls because they are not allowed to attend if they do. Make a rule, act upon wrong, and “DO SOMETHING!”

Ecclesiastes 8:11 “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” 

I have to assume this (for I was not brought up in a church-going home), but I would guess that when laws were passed saying the Bible and prayer were not allowed in the classroom that Christian parents were angry.

In these situations, the trouble was that the parents who felt strongly but did nothing. Recently, the dad of a public high school student said his daughter told him that in her school it was not “cool” to like the opposite gender.  Dad was unhappy, but did nothing about the problem. Many private schools exist, and homeschooling is also an option in our society.

As in the political arena, people do not know what to do, but they should care enough to do something.  I would rather my child not learn to read and write than to sit at the feet of someone who convinces children to question their gender. If the skirt is too short, and it is your daughter, tell her to put on something else.  If the hair is too long on your son, let him know that if he hopes to eat and sleep in your house that he needs to get a hair cut. We all know the public school system is filled with perversion and educational failure; pull your children out of that school.  

If the parents of the 50s and 60s had pulled their children out of school over the loss of Bible and prayer, schools would have changed.  Tolerance cultivates the fruit of shame in our culture.  Establishing the family in a decent church would also help.  If the preacher will not stand for right and against wrong, then you need to act and find another church.  If need be, move to another city, but by all means, have your family in a solid, separated, Bible-preaching church.  If you do that, a good portion of your difficulties will be cured. 

If people die and go to Hell, we need to preach Jesus, publicly and in pulpits.  If moral perversion bothers us, then we need to shut off the television when shame is placed in front of us. “DO SOMETHING!” If the tantrum that the two year-old is throwing bothers you, act upon it.  If you do not know what to do, find someone who does (the answer will not be found in a psychology office). 

Tolerance causes wrong to multiply.  A lack of correction teaches those involved in the situation that if they hold out through the frustrated and angry words, they will get their way.  Inaction trains wrong behavior.

Wait until Jesus comes; we will see action!  Until then, we have a responsibility to act.  Abraham did not tolerate conflict among his people so he told Lot to move.  David, on the other hand, was angry about the actions of Amnon and Absalom, but he did nothing, and endless hurt followed.  

Psalm 101:7 “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight."

“DO SOMETHING!”

Pastor

Why?

Good morning,

Why? That is a good question to keep close.  Have we all not been driven crazy by a child who continually asks, “Why?”  They need to do it a few times in order to learn.  For adults, it is a question we all need to ask periodically.  

Why do people baptize babies? Why do Catholics and other Protestants call their religious leader father, when Jesus commanded us not to use the title father for any religious leader. Where did godfathers and godmothers come from? Religious roots (often Catholic) have managed to bring many religious tradition into our lives, but why? Why do some people suggest you burn candles for the dead?  Why do we urge people to talk about salvation and the forgiveness of sin offered by Jesus Christ? Because God commands us to go and all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature! Spreading the Gospel a spiritual, religious, and biblical command! That is why we do it.  It is not a ritual, it is obedience. It is not something we do because it feels good, it is something we do because it is good.

There are many religious traditions and rituals. Mankind likes ritual. If you have never read about the Masons – wow! What rituals they have. Some of their rituals are quite scary, such as pledging to cut someone’s throat from ear to ear. Do not allow anyone to tell you that men do not like rituals.

Observe any culture, especially the more primitive cultures, and you will find dancing, music, painted faces, incense, and all sorts of religious rituals. If you ask them why they do what they do, they will have no idea. It is just what they do – the ritual is enough, they do not need the why. If you ask the Buddhist why they bring food to lay at the feet of an altar or statue, they do not know why it is done. They simply know it is done. It is part of their ritual. Most of humanity does not care about right or wrong, but they do care about the ritual. Show a Catholic that baptism is only for believers and only underwater, and it will make absolutely no difference to most of them. The baptism doctrine from the Bible means little because they love their ritual. The rituals are their Catholic tradition, their life, and their history. Their view on the subject usually states: “Do not mess up my world by showing me what the Bible says.” 

The traditions we observe such as turkey at Thanksgiving or fireworks on the Fourth of July (at least there is some historical reason for that from Francis Scott Key and the War of Independence) are national or family traditions –  not mandated or religious.  We have traditions of birthday parties, family reunions, Christmas trees, or Easter egg hunts. Some of those traditions trace to heathen origins, but most of us really do not care or force those traditions on others.

When it refers to religion, we need to ask, “Why.” We need to ask why we do what we do because these things are eternal. If the Bible says to not do something, such as the Ten Commandments stating not to bow down before an idol – that matters! God says not to do it, yet half the population of the world has statues and idols they bow before. 

If your family has a tradition of making homemade ice cream at Fourth of July, what a great tradition! But if your family has a religious ritual that you bring food and lay it at the feet of a statue, and then bow before that statue, that’s wrong, and it needs to be stopped. It is as disobedient as “thou shall not kill.”

“Why” is a good question to ask. If your pastor or parents are not able to answer the reason why, search somewhere else to find out. If it is a common preference, like chocolate versus vanilla, or a family tradition we do each year around this time, that is wonderful. But when people start adding tradition to religion such as godparents, purgatory, or prayers for the dead, those things need to be stopped. Always ask “why.”

Pastor

Really Dumb Questions

Good Morning,

Recently, I was asked, by a critical, very educated professional, a really stupid question.  I remember in school being told, “there are no dumb questions,” but I take exception to that statement.  Stupidity is often born in the heart and mind of the slanderous critic, and I give total credit to those evil roots for how this educated person came to speak so foolishly. Regardless of what made the person ask the question, the question revealed an agenda.  

Here is what was said in a close paraphrase, “You think loyalty is very important don’t you?”

Well, I might sarcastically answer, “No, it is fine for a cop to help crooks, or for a Laker’s player to help the opponent during a game.  I mean, what is strange about an American President leaving billions of dollars worth of high quality military equipment in the hands of those who hate us, or to deliver billions of dollars of cash to an enemy for use against our soldiers, I see no reason for loyalty to matter.” That kind of stupid makes decent people angry! 

What is so important about a man caring more for his wife than any other woman, or for a parent to seek what is best for their own child?  Loyalty?  Why it is the root of any decent soul.  

2 Samuel 15:10 “But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom reigneth in Hebron.”

vs. 11 “And with Absalom went two hundred men out of Jerusalem, that were called; and they went in their simplicity, and they knew not any thing.”

vs. 12 “And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David's counsellor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.”

vs. 13 “And there came a messenger to David, saying, The hearts of the men of Israel are after Absalom.”

This is one of the most tragic stories in the Bible.  A dad made some choices that were seemingly unwise, and a strong son was terribly angry about those decisions and set out to steal the kingdom and kill his own father.   Much death and suffering followed, and the “DISLOYAL SON” was killed which broke the father’s heart.

Someone might seek to discredit churches like ours for our love for loyalty, but America was built upon loyalty.  Loyalty is what brought millions of martyrs to their death.  Loyalty is the word that could summarize the entire set of marriage vows.

Loyalty, yes, you scornful, slanderous fool, loyalty is vital to life.  What is a Benedict Arnold? Disloyal.  What is a “double agent?” The image of disloyalty. What is the adulterous married person?  Disloyal, that is what they are – disloyal to their vows, disloyal to their spouse, disloyal to their children, disloyal to their in-laws, disloyal to their God, disloyal to their Bible, and on and on. Their disloyalty is like the stink of a skunk hit by a car – every car that comes by smells and carries that stink wherever they go. 

Let me get to the point quickly.  I am to be loyal to the Bible, that is the highest authority in our lives.   After that, and without violating that, I am to be loyal to those with whom I am in a relationship.  Loyal fans will sit in freezing temperatures to watch their team lose.  Loyal married people will stay with their spouse “for better and for worse” until they are forced to violate their first and highest loyalty to the Word of God. 

Dr. Hyles told us he thought we should be loyal to principle and not to institutions.  This philosophy came from a man who was a pastor and oversaw a college and three other schools.  When a church, college, or denomination turns from the truth of the Bible and the truth of their founding principles, that institution should forfeit our loyalty.  We have a loyalty to the higher relationship first.

I will be a loyal son, but my loyalty to my wife is higher, and I will not allow my parents to come between my spouse and I. I am loyal to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and as such, I am a loyal American.  But when the nation turns from the basis upon which it was founded, my loyalty to the nation ceases.  Today, I am loyal to the America we once had and to the principles upon which it was built, not to the fraudulent imposter of a nation we live in today. For politicians to place their hand on a Bible (that they never read) and pledge their loyalty to the Constitution is nothing but mockery to truth, loyalty, and their own honor.  Rare is the politician today that has even a fragment of loyalty to the Constitution.  

Stupid people, like the one who asked me the question trying to make me look evil, do not have the slightest idea of truth or loyalty, except to money and themselves.  

Watch our services for continued thoughts on this subject, for loyalty is worthy of being passionate. May God give you wisdom to choose wisely your loyalties and to die for them if need be.  

Pastor

Work

Good Morning,

I have a love for mankind; that love was born in a good family that, rarely, if ever, sat around slandering and criticizing others.  That care for others was nurtured by thousands of hours of Bible reading and Scripture meditation. That spiritual love for humanity is intimately tied to God’s amazing love for me, a most unworthy sinner.

In my background, practical feelings were cultivated. I watched my natural father (not a Christian) and mother get up every morning and leave by 6:30 AM to go work. As most Americans, I watched my parents head off to work and return about twelve hours later. 

My brother and I were instructed in labor. We were not given a “free ride” or free money. In our younger years, we worked around home, and as time passed, we found countless other ways to make money. We raised rabbits: butchered, bagged, and sold them door-to-door. No health department was involved.  We sold vegetable seeds, greeting cards, and cattails that we picked along drain ditches.  As we grew into adults, in mercy, we found regular full-time jobs.  Laziness was not tolerated in our home. Work was self-satisfying; we enjoyed a completed job. 

Once I trusted Christ and began reading the Bible, I found that the Scripture says much about work. If a man does not work, he should not eat. Paul said, if a man would not work that the Christian should have no company with that man. He did not mean hate that man, he simply meant that he was not the kind of person with whom one should be close friends and spend much time.  Paul said those who do not work should be ashamed.

1 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.”

vs. 11 “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.”

vs. 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.”

vs. 15 “Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

Although I have always had a love for people, I have a measure of contempt for those who choose to indulge on the generosity of others, live without achieving, eat the bread that another has earned, criticize, accuse, and slander often, yet build and achieve nothing of their own efforts.

Doing nothing while criticizing those who do something is repulsive behavior! For a segment of society to expect the rest of society to provide for their needs is not only unscriptural but it is also a terrible cancer on their self-esteem and family life.

When God put Adam and Eve in the garden, he put Adam there to “keep” the garden. There was work from the first day humanity was on the earth.

Work is good for humanity – individually and corporately.  Train your children to work.  Insist that your children work daily.  Labor as parents to create jobs for your children.  For we who are older, do not live for the day when you do not need to work – that philosophy is one of striving for a life of no consequence.  A life without work, dreams, and a daily goal of seeking to accomplish some task is empty and useless. 

May we always love people, but may we also admire and enjoy the simple things of this life of “work.” 

Pastor