You Cannot Please Them All

Good Morning,

Seek to please God not men (for they are most impossible to please, especially when you are seeking to please God).

Matthew 11:18 “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil.”

vs. 19 “The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners."

No matter which political candidate, godly Bible church, or converted family that sold out to the Lord, the world will not like you.  The world will criticize you for one thing or another; they slandered John for being different, isolated, removed, and aloof.  The same folks criticized Jesus for being friends with "sinners."

You cannot please this evil world!  


It is far better to please the Lord.  Micah 6:8 tells us what God requires of us: “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly" with God.  Isaiah writes of the man pleasing to God: "but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." (Isaiah 66:2)  We can please the Lord.  

God is far easier to please than the deceitful world around us.  God is honest, true, faithful, and never changes; He is everything opposite to the world around us.  

The problem with too many Christians and churches today is that they are trying to fit in with the world, seeking to be accepted by the world, and desiring to create an atmosphere in their church in which worldly influences will like them.  Folks, the world hated our Lord – they killed Him; they hated His followers and His church. One cannot please God and the world.   If you live in such a way that the world approves of you or your church, you can be sure the Lord does not!  

I remember when I made the decision to get saved. I knew I was walking away from my friends and my old lifestyle, and it did not bother me one tiny bit; they had nothing worth living for, and their world was empty and unsatisfying.  It still amazes me when I see churches or individual believers trying to shape their faith into something the world likes – the world hates the things of God!!  

You cannot love God and the world.  You cannot be friends with the world (James 4:4).  You cannot fashion yourselves after your old life and please the Saviour at the same time (1 Peter 1:14).  If you try to please both, you will fail at both.  Why not please God, love Him, and live a separated life honoring to the faith delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

Pastor

Strangers & Pilgrims

Good Morning,

When the law was made that no one could pray to anyone except the king, that was no big deal to the people who bowed down to a rock or a wooden statue; bowing down to the king was no big deal, everyone did it – except for Daniel because he was strange.

The people in Babylon had no problem worshiping multiple gods. When the king said pray to the statue, they just did it – except for Daniel’s friends… you see, they were strange.

1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

They call us strange, and we are; but consider who is calling us strange:

• People who attend a ball game, paint their face (and often their chest) with team colors. (They call US strange for wearing decent clothing!)

• People who sit with 50,000 people and scream at 22 men on a field in the snow. (Yet, they say we are strange for gathering with a few or a few hundred and saying, “Amen” during the sermon.)  

• People who paint their hair odd colors, dress guys and gals alike. (Yet, we are called strange because our men look masculine and our ladies look feminine.)

The element that makes us strange is that we believe something – and we really do believe it!

Strange?  I will tell you what is strange:

• Folks not knowing which restroom to use! 

• People who live as though they will never die - yet, we all know we will.

• A mom or dad working countless hours, while allow kids to raise themselves; and they wonder why their children have self-esteem issues.  

Yes, we are strange.

While they boast of how drunk they became and of the stupid things they did, and laugh about the incidents (for fools make a mock at sin), they label us "strange" for teaching abstinence, restraint, and temperance.  Strange?  Really?

While they prance their youth around beaches in less than underwear, we are called strange for not mixing boys and girls for a swim activity.

They call us strange because our girls wear skirts while their gals wear nothing more than thick nylons.

The world will spend endless piles of cash on casinos and parties while calling us strange for not gambling and avoiding the party life.

Public schools have failed in academics and morals, yet we are considered strange for spending money on private education.

No, we are not…. well, to be honest we are strange.  We march to a different beat.  We respond to a higher calling.

The Bible even calls us strange.

1 Peter 2:11 “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

Really, being strange is only a matter of the environment in which one exists.  If I were in Japan, I would speak a "strange" language. In California, my speech is not strange.  When it comes to who we are and how we behave, once in the presence of the people of God and the house of God, we are "no more strangers."

Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;”

When we join in song and Bible preaching, we are not strange to each other.

We belong in Heaven; we are not strangers there.

We are not strangers to God; He knows our names and has prepared a place for each of us.

We are not of this world; we are strangers here.  

It all depends upon your choice of company and where you are that makes you strange.

Pastor

Word of God

Good Morning,

On occasion, I will address a subject that is needful because of the continued attacks upon a biblical truth.  Gender and family issues are certainly under attack, and booze and separation from the world are likewise under constant assault, but today, I would like to address the subject of our Bible again.

Jesus said to the devil, “…man shall not live by bread alone but by EVERY WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)  We do not need to think too deeply to grasp the truth that in order to LIVE by every word, we must of course, HAVE EVERY WORD. 

Paul writes to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (1 Timothy 3:16-17) 

Again, it does not take an intellectual mind to discern that if ALL SCRIPTURE is profitable for the things listed, of necessity, one must secure a copy of SCRIPTURE.  It is evident that Timothy says that Scripture IS INSPIRED, as the beginning of verse sixteen states.  How could Timothy know the inspired Scripture from a child, if he could not secure a copy of the inspired SCRIPTURE? 

1 Timothy 3:15 “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 

It seems obvious that this “child” had and knew the very words of God, words that were given by INSPIRATION.

Obviously, Timothy had no “original” copies of the Bible; he could not physically hold the first editions of what Moses or Jeremiah wrote.  A well-read modern Bible usually starts falling apart after about twenty years; what condition would the writings of Moses or Ezra be a thousand years after being written? 

I do not think anyone would argue that the Scripture Jesus referred to when He said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word,” or what Timothy knew from a child could not be originals.  

With these obvious truths before us, we must assume that God is capable of preserving the exact words He had written, and that He could preserve those words for us. (Note Psalms 12:6-7.) 

The question for today is, why are our college teachers telling our young people that there is no perfect Bible in their hands? If the perfect Bible is in another version or in another language, why have they not found it and placed it in the hands of our students? 

Those questions reveal a great deal more than I have time to deal with today, but sufficient it to say, Jesus said, we will live by EVERY WORD that proceeds out of the mouth of God, and that Timothy knew those Words as a child.  Do not let any professor or “parrot” pastor tell you that the Bible in your hands is flawed, or that the REAL Words of God are hidden in countless manuscripts around the world (that only a handful of Greek and Hebrew scholars can understand). 

Just a friendly reminder that the Bible is true word for word; but allow me to add, if you do not read it, what difference does it make that you have it?  A kitchen full of the finest foods will not help a man who will not eat regularly from its stores. 

Pastor

All the Glory

Good Morning,

Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

Isaiah 48:11 “For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”

God will often allow incredibly good things to enter into our lives; at other times, trials will come. We enjoy abundance, while others around the world see very little of what we call “blessings.”  

Whatever we face, God wants the glory, thanks, and honor.

Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God wants the “credit” or the “glory” as Isaiah wrote above.  We are here to do what He wishes, to achieve His goals, and to accomplish things pleasing to the Lord.  Way too often we invite God to bless, to provide the things we desire, and to help us accomplish the plans and goals we seek – that philosophy of thinking is backwards.  

God is sovereign; God will achieve the things He determines to do, and the journey, as in the case of Jonah can be very difficult if we do not listen to His instructions.  Sometimes, as in the case with Joseph, the situation can be difficult while being in the center of the will of God.

The important detail is that we strive to carry out God’s instructions the way He directed them to be done; leave the results to Him. We do not do what we do to be blessed or to prosper. We do what we do because it pleases Him.

When situations end well, God should receive the glory and thanks.  When circumstances go wrong (in our minds), we still need to give God thanks and honor; for we are here for Him, not Him for us.  Just as a good soldier, we are ready and at His service if the commander needs someone for a difficult mission.  No one plans on dying when they put on the military uniform, but we do understand that some will give their lives after doing so.  Is there any reason God could not ask us to suffer for His name’s sake?  Then give Him the glory and thanks for using us.  

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

In the temple, the priests were to keep the incense burning all the time; it was a picture of our prayers.  Though blood sacrifices might not be as frequent as fresh bread, candles, and incense, all were a part of Old Testament worship.  Our job is to be available, and to give God all the credit for His loving kindness and tender mercies.

As Job said, “…shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall not we receive evil?”  (Job 2:10) Whatever He needs, may we be available and thankful.

Pastor

Plastic?

Good Morning,

We all know that these evil plastic bags the stores SELL us are bad.  I mean, honestly, how could any decent citizen use a plastic bag to carry their groceries?  So to help motivate us to not use these satanic bags, the store charges us for them, and that makes it all somehow better? 

Some of you still use those demented plastic bags though, really, how could you in good conscience use that grocery bag at the checkout line?  You have seen her, the lady in front of you in line is the conscientious shopper, the one who brought her own cloth bags; she is revered as a noble citizen of planet earth.  The dirty bag, used over and over is pulled out and proudly set on the counter, and the admiring glances of others see someone with a heart of gold.  

The box boy (sorry, box person for they themselves are not sure of their gender today) picks up the meat, wrapped in plastic, and places it in the cloth bag. The milk, cheese, deli potato salad, lunch meat, and organic cereal (all wrapped in plastic) is securely placed in the dirty cloth bag.  Wait, I see organic apples, oranges, and broccoli that are also placed in a plastic bags (somehow different from those vile bags at the check out stand). The ice cream is in a plastic tub; the orange juice is in a plastic bottle, and the bacon (even health-conscious folks love bacon) is also sealed in plastic. 

While stopping by Costco, the nature-loving person buys their Kirkland coffee in a plastic container, their organic blueberries in a plastic bag, and their chocolate tuxedo cake in a plastic container. Carefully carrying these items out of the store, without the purchase of an evil plastic bag, the royal shopper places everything in their electric car (made half of plastic and powered by electricity produced by coal), and drives home feeling as if they have made a difference for mankind.   

Really, if we want to make a difference, perhaps we should teach a Sunday school class and tell others how to get to Heaven and out of this messed-up world.  If we want to make a difference, let us keep our bus routes picking up the poor and forgotten.  If we wish to help our family, perhaps we should shut off the television, eliminate the screens, and read books or even read the Bible together.   Now, there is an idea that will help the world.  

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

God is going to burn this world – cloth bags and electric cars included. He will literally burn it! These things simply do not matter much to the Lord. May we stay busy telling others how to be saved and how to secure a home in Heaven.  Forget the silly little things invented by blind, emotionally-guided, deluded men (like not using plastic bags) and learn the Word of God.  May we focus on things that truly will make a difference.

Pastor

Proud IFB

Good Morning,

Our world is infinitely provided with foolishness, ignorance, and assumptions. One such ignorant assumption crossed my path recently; someone said that I was an IFB. Saying so, as if it were a cuss word. They were talking as though the behavior of someone across the nation or across town was somehow tied to our church.  IFB… INDEPENDENT – They missed the “I” of IFB. We are not tied by finance, by leadership, by organization, or by fellowship – we are independent.

Slanderers and accusers love to lump folks together in groups, thereby maligning them because of others who have stumbled.  Nevertheless, that would be like saying the first place team is the same as the last place team because they both play the same sport.

We understand that Satan is an accuser of the brethren.  It is his specialty to slander you when you do not want to drink liquor at a company gathering, or for skipping a family gathering for church on Sunday. It is the specialty of Satan to bring railing accusations against you for simple things like attending church on Sunday or putting your children in a private school, rather than the public education cesspool.

Of course, Satan is going to slander anything that is good and godly. Slanderers attacked the prophets; they also attacked Jesus, Himself. The apostles all faced their share of verbal and physical assault as well – that is what Satan does.

I have two pastors, both in Heaven, who both pastored Independent Baptist churches. Independent – that means nobody is over anybody. That means the church next-door or across the street is none of my business. That means the Bible and the membership are the ones who make the decisions in our church planning. Independent means we are independent, and whatever another independent entity does is no more our business than what Ecuador has to do with Estonia. These are independent nations; they do not oversee each other.

Let me quickly define IFB.

Independent means we are independent as a church. I think I have made that clear. We pay our own bills, and we give to whomever we choose on the mission field; no one outside our church tells us what to do.

Fundamental means that we stick to the basics, the most foundational truths and principles of our church. Fundamentals meaning we believe the Bible to be the Word of God. We believe Jesus was virgin-born, that He died for our sins, that He rose again three days later, and that He is coming again for us. Fundamental means we believe the simple old principles that old-time Baptists believed throughout the ages. We believe that baptism is for believers, and that it is under water. We believe that the church is to be separate from the state, and that the church members are to be separate from the world. The Bible says friendship with the world is enmity with God.

Baptist means we are Baptist. We are not Lutherans; we are not Presbyterians; we are not Methodists – we are Baptists! We are not Protestants – we were never Catholics, and we never did protest and come out of the Catholic Church. As our Wednesday night Bible studies have shown, Baptist churches, as well as others who are Baptistic in their philosophies, have been around for 2000 years. We did not come from the Reformation, and in reality, we were reformers long before the Reformation ever took place.

I, for one, am proud to be what I am spiritually and organizationally. I love that I am an American, and I am proud of it. America has its flaws, but it is my country, and there is nowhere else I would rather be. I am thankful, proud, and honored that I can have a wife and a family. I am certainly proud to be called a child of God. I am a member of an independent church, and that church believes in the fundamental doctrines that Baptists have always held. We are Baptists! Therefore, yes, I am an IFB!  I do not believe I have ever identified myself or our church as IFB, as if it were a title (for the very essence of independent does not allow it).  If I said we were a part of a group called IFB, then we would not be “I” or independent.  Yes, we are Independent; we are Fundamental, and we are Baptist, but we are unaffiliated with anyone – so we are not in a group, denomination, or association.   It is nobody’s business how our church is run, and it is none of our business what other churches do because we are independent.

Pastor

Offense

Good Morning, 


The Bible tells us that if we love God’s Law, we will not be offended.  I am aware of how little the Bible is read and loved, and by how easily offended people are.  I am not talking about trials or broken hearts — we all have those or face them.   To be offended means to stumble or have something happen that causes us to stumble, to fall, or to run away from the right things we once did.  Turning from a relationship, or quitting on a friend or a job because we have been offended is the subject here.  


Psalm 119:165 “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”


Those who love the Bible will tolerate injustice and keep going. 

Those who love the Bible will find peace in troubled times.  


Proverbs 18 brings us to the other extreme.  It talks about a brother being offended. Through whatever offense, the wise man warns us that winning an offended one back to a close relationship will be very difficult. A “brother offended” is somebody who needs a deeper walk with God and a greater love for the Bible. Too much needs to be done for God for us to wander around being offended over every mistake or wrong that another does. 


Proverbs 18:19 “A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle."


In the past five decades of being a Christian, I have known many Christians who love the Bible and walk with God but were hurt. They briefly grieved over their pain, and then moved on with life.  As a general rule, those who feel the world has offended them have failed to develop a close relationship with the Word of God.  The simple reality is, a deep love for God‘s Word will help us bear the awkward, difficult, and even offensive situations without being offended.


In Genesis 37, we read about the brothers of Joseph conspiring against him.  Joseph had been his dad’s favorite son, and he had turned in his brothers for doing something wrong. Adding this incident to Joseph’s other actions greatly irritated the big brothers to the point that they considered killing him. Eventually, they sold him into slavery. What weak and frail men allowed such small irritations to cause them to go to such lengths of dramatic response.  


I think we would all agree that the wrong done to Joseph far exceeded any wrong the brothers had to face. Yet, we find that the brothers were offended and acted wickedly while Joseph forgave and acted godly.


I have found it impossible to control the offensive things people do. Correcting wrong behavior of others is impossible; therefore, I devoted myself to a walk with God and a love for His Book in hopes that I might never stray from the right path because someone “offended me.” My goal would be to so walk with God that I would always forgive, always love, and always believe in people, even though they may behave poorly. 


In a world where technology occupies our minds hundreds of times a day, may we be the kind of people who step away from the world regularly to read the Bible, meditate on certain passages, and prayerfully seek to know God personally and intimately.  God said that if we loved His Law, we would never be offended.  What a change in our world that would bring!  

Pastor

The Scorner, The Faithful, and the Observer

Good Morning,

From the very beginning in the garden, Satan has cast doubt on anyone or anything faithful or respectable.

Genesis 3:1 “Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?”

Had God ever misled Adam and Eve?  No! Had the Lord ever given Adam or Eve any reason to doubt Him? Of course, not!  Yet, Eve doubted the Faithful One and listened to the scorner who was “unknown.”

In this story, as in countless others, we have the scorner – Satan, the Faithful One – God, and the observer – Eve.

Something in the nature of man causes him to envy those in authority, those with power, and those who are respected by others. Mankind forever considers himself knowledgeable, trustworthy, and perhaps, even underrated by those around them.

It is not uncommon for one to sit wondering why he did not get the promotion or the advancement; we might even think he has done nothing to deserve it. The observer simply thinks he should have it.  When the observer hears slanderous words about the faithful who has position, influence, or power, they often readily receive those ill-spoken words – even though the one who is faithful never gave them any reason to doubt them.  

The scorner has never given any reason to be trusted.  Yet the carnal nature of man will habitually listen to the scorner.  Whether it be a youth concerning teachers or parents, or adults regarding the boss, political, or spiritual leader.

Sadly, almost all of us have heard a scornful person maligning the faithful for their own gain of position or money. We have watched in movies and read in books where corrupt scorners slander someone who is faithful.  Many times, we have mentally shouted “NO, DO NOT LISTEN!” In most cases, we see the scorner ending up, shamed, punished, and often dead. Sadly, when our turn comes to hearken to critical words about the faithful, we tend to listen. Maybe not believe, but we consider them.

Remember the words of our Lord?

John 8:46 “Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?”

Tell me what you have seen and know to be wrong.  The same was said by Samuel:

1 Samuel 12:3 “Behold, here I am: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.”

Remember the three people: the scorner, the faithful, and the observer.  We sit and observe; may we have the decency to trust the faithful.  Our world wants to be ready to accuse and slander everyone – it seems most of all the faithful.  I simply cannot live like that.  

Why would we listen to the unproven? Why would we not identify their scorn and slander as the works of the wicked one? It may be our own sinful nature that wants to believe some of the ill-chosen words.  It may be that we simply doubt if people are as good as they appear to be. We also tend to side with the underdog and think it noble to try to trust the scorner, even though he has given us no reason to believe in him.  

Personally, I think it wise to shut down any conversation in which the slanderer brings accusation against the faithful, or even subtle innuendos. When, over decades, one has proven themselves true, a prudent man would not entertain the slanderous report or the evil accusation.

One might say that perhaps the one who is faithful did stumble. Of course, that is possible, but when one has proven himself faithful over decades, why would we not give them our trust until proven guilty? (Innocent until proven guilty is a lost American ideal.) Also, consider the scorner, whom we know little about; they will throw any accusation – it is in their nature.  Would it not be common decency to believe in the credibility of the time-tested faithful one? Why not trust the reputable rather than heed the word of the unknown.

I simply refuse to entertain the words of a critic. If their criticism eventually be revealed to be a slanderous lie, I will be very happy that I refused to receive their words. If by chance they are true, then there is time to deal with that as well.  

Pastor

Overrating Nice

Good Morning,

Considering the upcoming and past elections, I am thinking about the word NICE.  (You ladies, hold on to your hats and do not burn me alive over this lesson.)  Nice is simply overrated!

Look at the great Bible men…. MEN – some were downright mean. Notice this verse:

Numbers 13:25 “And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.”

The Proverbs demand that we contend with the wicked – yes, “CONTEND!”

Proverbs 28:4 “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.”

We are all taught to be nice and to be kind, and I am in favor of that until we are pushed into a corner by evil – this is the point at which our nation has reached.  Not only Old Testament people were not "NICE."

John the Baptist was harsh in his preaching:

Matthew 3:7 “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

Jesus was not always nice in His accusations toward the wrong crowd.

Matthew 12:34 “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

Speaking of our Lord's words, look over Matthew 23; Jesus was quite harsh, accused folks, and called names.  

Matthew 23:33 “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell.”

John 8:44 "Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.”

Look at the calling of Jeremiah; it was four to two negative over positive:

Jeremiah 1:10 “See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.”

Does anyone remember the president who said, "Speak softly but carry a big stick?"  It is often the harsh, hard, mean guy who delivers from evil and builds something wonderful; the folks then forget who carried them to the place of peace and bliss. They choose a soft-mannered guy to follow the mean guy, and ruin follows.  It happened with Charles Spurgeon, Winston Churchill  and many of the great preachers in our lifetime.  

Young people who are saved, trained, and guided to a useful life under the leadership of a “mean ol' preacher” will often marry and move to the church of a "NICE" pastor.  Forgetting that their very life is owed to someone who will live Hebrews 1:9 “…loved righteousness and hated iniquity."

Mothers, you need to keep a solid husband and father around who is not feminine!  Kids need a strong man in their lives. Do not run off that man who is NOT a woman.  Real men are NOT WOMEN!   In this soft, be nice, never-get-punched-in-the-nose, never-punch-someone-in-the-nose world, a child is growing up to be the courageous warrior. This soldier is being trained to stand against the evils of this world, to fight in a real battle, or even to fight against the pressure of backslidden deacons or members urging for worldly music in the church?

What happened to a fear of dad or reverence for husband?

Proverbs 30:17 “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.”

Do you remember the days when a mom could give her children a "LOOK" and the wrong action stopped? That is not "NICE."  What ever happened to fear of mom? Historically, dad or mom could just look or snap their fingers and children would stop frozen in their tracks.  We have overrated nice!  

We all know the verse that says to not call anyone a fool, but Paul did it and so did God.  

Luke 12:20 “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”

1 Corinthians 15:36 “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:”

Paul corrected Peter publicly, John called many names in the books of 2 John and 3 John.

We do not need to vote for a nice man, but a strong man who will fight evil in this land and protect our life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.  After that, a man strong enough to stay out of our business!  I do not care how nice a president is, I care about how right he is.

While growing up, we were to avoid fighting if possible, but my dad told me that if there was no way to avoid a fight that I should be the first one to hit the other guy, and to hit him fast and as many times as possible – then run.  That brought about a peaceful life.  

One last verse for the advocated of “NICE:"

Proverbs 25:23 “The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.”

When someone starts criticizing and slandering, we ought to look angry not nice.

Pastor

What to Do With Sinners

Good Morning,

On Wednesday nights, we are studying, "Why We Are Baptists." Here are a few thoughts that are key in biblical thinking and Baptist theology.

We studied that as the Bible was written and churches were first established, heresy was introduced to the churches. The apostles wrote about it. (See our rumble account "FBC Wildomar" for the lessons.)  The early development of the Catholic church came along, and works were added to salvation, which was encouraged by "Judaizers" in the book of Acts.  When the Reformation began to take place, Luther and others brought about a revival of "the just shall live by faith," but never really removed good deeds from the formula.

Basically, all PROTESTANTS carried an affection for works into their newly-founded denominations.

Baptists carried their Bibles and taught faith without works.

Catholics were all about candles, infant sprinkling, communion, stages of the cross, penance, communion, confession, and much more – all of which were adding works to salvation.  The other Protestant denominations were a bit different.

Baptists got the idea that God gave His Son as our substitute, and that we could not earn His grace.  We cannot ever be worthy of His grace.  We were saved by grace through faith because of the mercy of God.

Romans 5:15 “But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.”

vs.16 “And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.”

vs. 17 “For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)”

vs. 18 “Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.”

vs. 19 “For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

The "WORKS" philosophies creep into Baptist churches regularly. When someone says, "I don't think that person can be saved, or be a part of the church, or serve.... because of their sin…” I am reminded of the verses in Proverbs 6 that speak of the seven things God hates.  I do not think someone can be that critical of a brother and be saved (unless, of course, it is by grace).  The arrogance of judging a Christian brother as if we were innocent is repulsive.  

Jesus spoke of forgiving seventy times seven; that is no easy thing to do, but at least we can admit that we fail at it and confess our own sin.  Jesus also spoke, at length, on the subject, and summarized it all in this verse, " So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."  (Matthew 18:35)

Amish have “Shunning;"  Catholics have “excommunication;" Pentecostals and protestant denominations say you lost your salvation; Baptists have a Bible that teaches "forgiveness" and reconciliation.

We are not all the same.  

Pastor

Ill Gotten Gain

Good Morning,

Jeremiah 17:11 “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” 

Think about that verse.  If you get wealth in a wrong way, God promises you will end life as a fool! It also promises that any money gained will be lost in the middle of life. 

God places a giant priority on working and paying one’s own way.  Our world loves the “free ride” or the goose that lays the golden egg.  Yet, God values work and honest gain.  Not only that, but God says, He will diminish gain gotten in a wrong way.

Proverbs 13:11 “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." 

Proverbs 20:21 “An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning; but the end thereof shall not be blessed.”

Oh, the multitudes who covet “unjust gain.”  

Proverbs 28:8 “He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance, he shall gather it for him that will pity the poor.”

From another state, I heard of a faithful church member who was working at a bank. His church needed to finance a spring program, and the bank employee had an idea. He found a way to embezzle money from the bank. With that money, he financed some great bus promotion, and helped many people hear the Gospel, get saved, and get into church. To the delight of his pastor, he financed great promotion again the next year. For a few years, he had found a way to finance special events with money embezzled from the bank. The pastor obviously did not know where the money was coming from.

Eventually, the man was caught, jailed, and life became a big mess. Regardless of what he did with the money, it was not his, and his use of the money did not make his actions right.

“He that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” Jeremiah 17:11 

Wealth gotten by vanity will be diminished. God said it would be so. It is not about the good you might do with the ill-gotten gain, it is the way the money was gained. Do you not think that the drug lords or gangsters might, at times, use their money to be a blessing to family or friends?  Would their nice deeds keep them from the natural judgment of God on their personal lives or the earthly result of wrongdoing?

Some young ladies from Iraq rode our buses. As they grew older, they told us that Saddam Hussein had visited their Baptist church during Christmas, and had brought gifts to the church for the children. They felt like he was not so concerned about the kids having a good Christmas as he was trying to win favor in the eyes of the church members. It was a political ploy.

You can be sure that the judge of all the earth will do right! No matter how noble a cause, someone might begin with ill-gotten gain. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro in all the earth, and he will execute judgment. It’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Pastor

The Church and Israel In the Old Testament

Good Morning,

Anyone who is even slightly honest knows that there is absolutely nothing in common between Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church.

For some of you, this is an obvious statement without purpose. You may not have any idea why that statement would even matter. Let me assure you it matters. There is a group of Christians that believe the church has replaced Israel – “Replacement theology.” They have to bend a great deal of Scripture and stretch the imagination to do so, but many do, and in some cases, they believe that the church will go through the tribulation, for it is called, “the time of Jacob’s trouble.”

Let us think for a moment: the day on which we worship is different in the Old (Saturday) Testament and in the new (Sunday). The Old Testament also has dietary laws, but the New Testament has none.  The Old Testament has a continual flow of blood sacrifices being brought to the priests to offer at the tabernacle. In the New Testament, Christ offered himself once – for all! 

Hebrews 10:10 “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

In the Old Testament, there was no assurance of forgiveness; assurance was constantly in question. Paul, Peter, and others made it very clear that our salvation was eternal and secure, and that it could not be lost in the New Testament.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit, came and left believers, for the purpose of service. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit indwells us and will never leave us. The Old Testament Jews looked for an earthly king and an earthly inheritance; the church in the New Testament looks for a heavenly king and a heavenly inheritance.

Hebrews 11:16 “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”

There was an endless number of laws and regulations upon the Old Testament Jew. A few examples include a rebellious son would be stoned and a Jewish man was required to make three trips a year to worship at Jerusalem. In the New Testament, we find incredible forgiveness, and mercy, not to mention the privilege of being able to worship daily, in the very presence of God, no matter where we are geographically. 

In the Old Testament, the high priest took a blood sacrifice into the Holy of Holies (the very presence of God) once a year. When Christ died in our New Testament, the veil of the temple was rent from top to bottom, opening the access to God for all people.

There simply is no similarity between the Old Testament Jew and the New Testament church, except we both have a wonderful Book, a wonderful God, and the Saviour Who died to pay the sin debt for all mankind. We are blessed beyond words! In our New Testament era, we are certainly not Jews, and we are not under the Old Testament law. 

Pastor

Faith In Men

Good Morning,

When the disciples sat with the Saviour at the last supper, Jesus made several indications of who would betray Him, yet the apostles caught none of them. The apostles believed and trusted one another.  If it were today, the apostles would have been slandered and ridiculed for not paying more attention and not seeing the “signs.” Judas betrayed Jesus, and the disciples spent no time reliving the circumstances, asking themselves how they could have missed it, wondering why Jesus allowed Judas to be among them, or anything else. They simply went on about their business serving God and preaching the Gospel. In Acts 1, you will notice that they had no problem appointing another apostle to take the place of Judas. Theologically, I think it was probably a bad decision. I think Paul was who God had in mind, but the point is, they did not lose faith in men or spiritual leaders, they picked another apostle and got busy with their work.

In Acts 5, two church members sold a piece of property. The husband and wife lied about the amount of money they received; the situation was serious enough to God that He killed both of them. I find it odd that no one seemed to lose faith in the folks at church; a couple messed up and were gone, yet the church went right on growing and reaching souls. The church did not start a new denomination or create a new religious movement. They did not even start a Facebook or Instagram program that pointed out the errors of the New Testament church.

When God called the apostles, he knew they would all forsake Him; it was foretold in the prophecies. Jesus named them one by one and carefully brought them into a unique relationship with Him, knowing one would betray him, and the others would abandon him. Notice, after His death and resurrection, He still met with those same disciples, had dinner with them on the sea of Galilee, sent them to preach the Gospel, gave them His power, and commissioned them to reach the world. Jesus did not lose faith in men; in fact, He continued to use men.

Paul had people abandon him, leave him alone in jail, and leave him alone in court, yet Paul’s prayer was, “I pray God that it not be laid to their charge…” Paul did not lose faith in men; he knew men were frail, and that, on occasion, they would turn back. This abandonment did not change Paul; he kept on preaching and bringing people with him, like Timothy, to go help with the great work of the Gospel.

The idea of someone losing faith in leaders, losing faith in husbands, losing faith in religion, or losing faith in Baptists is ridiculous; they need to get over it. Mankind is frail.  We live for truth; faith in frail humanity comes and goes. Many marriages fail, but God still said marriage is honorable.

Imagine a professional sports team. They hired an expensive coach, but that coach gave them a losing year, so they fired him.  What do they do next?  They get another coach. Of all the nerve! They should know better than to get coaches because coaches cause failure –– This scenario is a prime example of the foolish thinking of today!

My dad left our home when I was in elementary school. A few years later, my mom got remarried. My stepdad not only became my closest friend, but he also became a great example and wonderful part of our family and church. I am glad my mom did not give up on marriage and men.

We know the story of Joseph; he was sold by his brothers, and, as far as we understand, no one even looked for him. But Joseph did not lose faith in his family, he made sure to care for them for many years to come.

When someone fails, it is our fault when we are shocked or surprised. Just because one baseball player fails does not mean we all quit picking baseball players. We simply pick another one and hope for better results. I could easily say that attorneys are corrupt, and that I have found them unfaithful, deceitful, corrupt, and only motivated by winning. I could also say I have given up all faith in attorneys. But if I got in trouble, I would certainly call one because many good ones are out there.

Do not buy the idea of “I’ve lost faith in the church“ foolishness. Whatever someone has lost faith in was by choice because they wanted to. Considering all the people who have said, said and done unkind things in forty years of pastoring, I could easily give up the ministry – but I love the ministry! I love the people of God! I assume that some people regret the things they have said or done, and some simply did not clearly understand the situation. I am not going to lose faith in that precious group of people called the bride of Christ. They belong to Jesus, they are precious to Him, He is coming back to get them, and I will live forever walking golden streets with them! I think I will keep my faith.

Pastor

Little Things Matter

Good Morning,

While out of town recently, I preached on the theme of “Little things.”  I have thought more about the truth, and I am reminded over and over of how much the Lord speaks about the “little things.”  

A few examples of “little things” in well-known Bible stories:

1. There is a recipe for oil that was not to be duplicated or changed for fear of death.

2. There were two men driving the cart which carried the Ark of the Covenant. One of those men simply touched the Ark and was killed.

3. Certain meats could be eaten and others were forbidden, and it was a serious matter to the Lord. 

4. Peter simply tried to stop the Lord from going into Jerusalem and Jesus said, “Get thee behind me Satan.”  In our culture,that seems to be a bit harsh.

We like to live between the lines or close to both sides; we tend to accept all opinions to be more comfortable. The Lord said one simply cannot love money and God, he will cling to one and hate the other.  The church in the book of Revelation was told to be hot or cold but not in the middle, for such made the Lord sick. 

Moses smote the rock one time and water came out. The next time he was instructed to speak to the rock, he smote it again – this caused him to forfeit the right to enter the Promised Land.  In the book of Numbers, chapter 11, complainers were killed.  What a world we would have today if God killed all those who complained! Little things matter! 

When the Lord made a trade, the Levites for the first born, there was a slight shortage on one side. God was not going to be fine with the deficit; financial payment had to be made to even the trade.  

Little things matter! The crying child, a cleaning job done well, homework finished on time, paying bills before they are due, and so many other details are little things that matter.  The weight of oil that goes in your car, the amount of air pressure that is required to fill a tire, and the measurement of baking soda needed in a recipe are all examples to remind us that LITTLE THINGS MATTER.

Pastor

Our Hope

Good Morning,

Trials come into our lives that simply cannot be avoided; even the folks who are the most careful and guarded suffer.  Rather than striving to focus on how to never face trouble, we should focus on learning how to face it.

Psalms 119 is long, and at times, we may turn our brain on pause while our eyes cover the passage.  This is sad because the chapter is full of great wisdom and instruction.

Psalm 119:49 “Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.”

vs. 50 “This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.”

vs. 51 “The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.” 

vs. 52 “I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.”

vs. 53 “Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.”

vs. 54 “Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.” 

vs. 55 “I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.”

vs. 56 “This I had, because I kept thy precepts.”

Consider David's relationship toward the Bible. Notice these words: not declined, remember, my song, and kept.

Then notice words used to describe David's trouble: affliction, derision, and horror.

In his trouble, David found the Bible to be the thing that sustained him. The Bible quickened David and gave him hope and comfort. 

When the inevitable comes in the form of suffering, may we run to the Bible not to the entertainment world, bitterness, complaining, or self pity.  The "Eternal God is thy refuge,” and His Word is the tool that the Holy Spirit uses to heal and comfort, strengthen, and guide.

Pastor

Dads

Good Morning,

Considering the importance of each one of our lives, I have been thinking of how vital men are to our society.  Teach your boys how important they are.   Train them to take responsibility for everything from the care of the dog to the future of our churches and nation.  

There are things a dad can do to help our nation and our church.

If dads were to read their Bibles faithfully, both alone and with their children, how influential that would be!  Moms, do not try to MAKE dad read to the kids. Fathers, how powerful would be the impression on your children if they heard your voice reading the precious Word of God daily?  What an impact it would make on the hearts of children to see their dad reading his Bible on his own and hearing him comment about something he read from his Bible that day! Wow!  Dads could change the course of society!

How influential it would be if our dads were to sing with their families in devotions or even as they drove down the freeway.  Music touches our society in movies, cartoons, commercials, and ball games.  Do not miss this incredible, yet simple way to change the course of your children’s lives!  Music is everywhere! How great it would be if dads would sing and play good music every time possible.  What an influence dad could be if he were to sing out in church, to sit with his children while singing the hymns of the faith, and say, “Amen!” during a song or the preaching.  Dads, we need you; your church needs you and your nation needs you.  

Our folks have heard me mention 1 Timothy 2 where Paul writes to the young preacher:

1 Timothy 2:1 “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;”

The first thing Paul wanted Timothy to teach the new believers was that men needed to pray, and especially to pray for their leaders (the people who were killing Christians and feeding believers to lions). Yes, Paul said, “Pray for them.”  A praying dad would change his world. Men, has your wife heard her name called out in prayer from your lips?  When was the last time your children heard their names called out by dad before the Throne of Grace to find help for their day?  O, how prayer can change the world around us!  

I must also sadly mention how powerful an influence dad is when he neglects Bible reading, prayer, singing hymns, and training his family.  Recently, I read that the vast majority of the men in jail grew up without a dad.  Another statistic I have read but would not argue is that of mass shootings. One shooter was a Middle Eastern woman who walked into the YouTube headquarters and opened fire on the employees (she felt YouTube was not giving her vegan site enough attention). Many of the others, it appears, were men who had no good fatherly influence and were drugged by some behavioral medicine.   How powerful dads are!   You ladies should be passionate about keeping your family intact.  What is the greatest thing a lady can do?  Keep her husband!   Yes, I know drugs and depravity break up homes, but if there is any way to keep your marriage, do it.  Remember the last words of our Old Testament tell us that the hope of a nation is dads and children being close.  No wonder Satan works to break up homes and place rebellion in the hearts of children.  

Malachi 4:6 “And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.”

Dads, you matter. Never forget it!  The same statement applies to grandfathers as well!

Pastor

Television

Good Morning,


Without taking too much time, allow me mention just a few reasons why we need to shut off our televisions.

The vast majority of the actors despise everything that we love, and they love everything that is wrong.  Hollywood is packed with people who live godless lives, shun morals at every chance, and intentionally launch an assault against decency every time they are in the spotlight — and our viewing is what makes them famous.  

Next, the morality portrayed in television shows is almost entirely immoral. The promotion of adultery, fornication, homosexuality, abortion, vulgarity, and rebellion are just a few agendas that are consistently laced through whatever storyline the television show might have.  

The disdain of masculinity is also common. The entertainment world constantly feminizes men while promoting dominant women. Marriage is viewed in mockery or treated as an archaic custom. Sexual activity is treated as recreation, and children are viewed as an inconvenience; the American family is mocked and shunned like a disease.

Yet, we set our families in front of this demonic box by the hour.  Let us see what God says about our thoughts:

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Rather than focus carefully on the influences we allow into our heads, we pay for countless hours of mind-warping injections from Hollywood.


On our televisions, liquor is promoted and treated as common. Liberal political views are always dominantly featured. Abortion is assumed to be normal, and teenagers being involved in drugs, liquor, and sex is not only acceptable but promoted.

Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”


Just how acceptable to God is that which we call entertainment?

Political issues and earth worship have been common since the famous movie Born Free in the 60s. If the show focuses on a “love life” with nature, whether it feature saving the planet, driving small cars, or not killing animals, it is promoted. 

In the book of Romans, God warns us against godless thinking:

Romans 1:25 “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”

Spiritually, every kind of demonic and liberal religion is lifted up, yet any reference to Bible Christianity is shamed. The character in the movie who quotes the Bible is usually an idiot, a sadistic murderer, or a street person; yet, Muslims, Native American Indians, and those involved in the deeper life of meditation are all promoted as normal and acceptable.  


I understand that we are busy, and video games and entertainment can quickly become babysitters in our home. It would be better for us to remember that our job is to train our children “in the way they should go,” not to turn them over to the world and allow Hollywood to teach our children how to think.


Ephesians 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”


Deuteronomy 4:9 “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;”


Pastor

Summer Reading

Good Morning,

With summer approaching, I would like to encourage everyone to read, especially to get our children reading.  



Look what Paul wrote about the Old Testament stories:

1 Corinthians 10:11 “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

These stories of great men and women were recorded, not just for history’s sake but for our admonition and to nudge us to live better and to trust God more in times of trouble.  Consider the great stories written in Hebrews 11:  


From the beginning of the chapter, we read of the man who "being dead, yet speaketh."

Hebrews 11:4 “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

So is the story of all these men and women who, by faith, did wondrous things. 


Abraham obeyed without knowing what was going to happen next.

vs. 8 “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”

We read of those who, in neither heart nor soul, returned to the life God called them to leave,

vs. 15 “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.”

We read of Moses who chose to suffer rather than fit in with the godless people among whom he was raised:

vs. 24 “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;”

vs. 25 “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”

If we would read about the great stories in our own nation’s history, we would be challenged and blessed. 

Choose stories of valor, courage, and moral integrity; the stories need not be long.  We have old books with dozens of short biographies in them (old books are much safer — prior to 1960).  Read of Molly Pitcher or missionary biographies of people like William Borden, C.T. Studd, John Patton, and other historical books written prior to 1960.  Children's versions of General Patton, Audie Murphy, Eddie Rickenbacker, and other military men are also great.

The Bookshelf and Stories for Boys and Girls are each several volumes long and have much good secular reading for children.

We would be wise to regulate video game time and television time; plan work and study time to create a schedule for the home.  A great deal of sanity may be gained through planning.  


Reading takes us around the world, into hearts and minds of the greatest people who ever lived, and allows us to see valiant living up close as we would never see it on our own.  Bible reading ought to be common, but great lives and noble feats in history can also do much to inspire us.

Pastor

Value of Men

Good Morning,

As I prayed over a world map, I was reminded of how needy our world is. Over seven billion people are in the world, and the fact that so few have heard the Gospel is a serious problem. I looked at the Middle East, dominated by Islam and the bondage of that deadly religion, then I looked down toward Australia and New Zealand and thought about the fact that those countries were just as hell-bound as the Muslims in Iran. Ruled by a socialist government, the “free" controlled and educated, brainwashed and condemned socialist is no less lost than the totem-worshipping, naked native in Vanuatu. In fact, those who are comfortable in the government’s care may be in a more serious situation. The government-dependent family member who has food and comfort may have less understanding of his need than a woman bound by Islam who has at least a small concept of her depraved state via the internet or media.

In fact, “… all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) No matter where we live, “… we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” (Isaiah 64:6)

It seems easier to give to the poor village people of Vietnam, yet the Irish and Welsh lie only a breath away from eternal damnation. Those who are bound by the demons of animism are no more lost than those who worship in gothic Catholic cathedrals. We live in a time in which over 90% of Europe does not attend church. I believe that number to be higher than the unchurched natives in the Philippines. When Mrs. Goddard and I visited Europe, we traveled for two weeks in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium and never once saw a Bible-preaching church. Try driving down the dirt roads of Africa or South America, or the South Pacific Islands and see what land is more “lost.” For as we drove around Fiji, we saw little country churches everywhere. Maybe all did not preach the Gospel, but the people had Bibles and walked the roads to a church with some message of Christ.

Our hearts are touched by the suffering children with bloated stomachs, but our minds should be touched by the lost in any nation. A nation without clean drinking water burdens our hearts, but a socialist society like Germany should bring about a “divine call.” In Germany, for instance, you cannot home school your children, even as a missionary from another country. So many of our missionaries have left Germany for the sake of their children. Missionaries in Cambodia are free to educate their children in their own methods. To my knowledge, we have many more missionaries in Cambodia than we do in Germany. Who is more lost? 


As I prayed for our missionary friend, Paul Sock, in Poland, I thought of the absolute absence of the Gospel there. He has no missionary friends. There is no Baptist pastor across town to whom he can go to fellowship or gain strength for the battle. By far, he is more alone than our missionaries in Ghana, Africa. He may be comfortable, safe, and able to drink the water, but the spiritual state of the people is perhaps more hopeless than those in Africa.

When God called Jonah to Nineveh, the people there were no more lost than the Jews Paul preached to in Jerusalem. Nineveh was a violent city, ruthless and wicked toward everyone, but hell was just as hot for them as it is for those who grow up sheltered in Kansas. People matter — all people everywhere.

May we pray for our missionaries. May we pray for our youth to hear the call of God in their lives. May we, as believers, dedicate more of our money to the ministry of the Gospel, to training young people in Christian schools, to colleges, and to the support of missionaries around the world.

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

Pastor

What God

Good Morning,

Off to the motorcycle track on Sunday morning… the riders have been thinking about riding for days; they even dressed up for the day and spent quite a bit of money for their religion (and do so on a weekly basis).

Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

There they are on Sunday morning… getting dressed up in some quite expensive, color-coordinated clothing to climb on a very expensive bicycle to spend their Sunday morning away from family to worship their god.

These people act as if they are not religious and that nice clothes offend them. They criticize the church goer for getting cleaned up and dressing their best for God. The leather jackets and chaps that Harley-riders wear are very expensive. They buy the most expensive sunglasses and helmets, and the motorcycles they ride, maintain, and keep sparkling clean are incredibly expensive. All of the details and possessions involved with this lifestyle are a part of their religion. They spend their Saturdays or Sundays riding around accomplishing little; it is their religion, it is what they do.

Deuteronomy 11:16 “Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;”

1 Kings 9:6 “But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them:”

The element that sets all of these religions apart is the fact that if one follows the gods of this world, he is expected to forsake the God of Heaven, His Book, His people, and His church. God tells us not to forsake these things in order to follow the gods of sports, motorcycles, or bicycles.

2 Chronicles 7:19 “But if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments, which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;”

Those who follow the god of the world would rather put their children in beautiful, matching outfits and spend time teaching them about their god and their religion than placing them in a Sunday school class and church. Much of the family gathers together to be involved in this family religion. Dressed in their nice clothes, they pile into the car; sometimes they even bring some food, knowing they will spend much of their Sunday with their god in their religion. It could be softball or soccer, but athletics is their religion, and there is no doubt about it. Their money, time, and fancy clothing are all elements — it is their religion. Of course, they have no time for the hypocrites or dressy clothing of people at the church. They state, ”The weekend is the only time we have to play ball."

Do not talk to me with an insulting tone about my putting on a suit and tie and carrying a Bible. I will take my Saturday and Sunday and go off to meet with those who believe as I believe. Do not insult me by criticizing my spending money on clothes and the God Whom I serve. At least the God I serve is alive. The God I serve is eternal. The God I serve will take care of me when I am old, and He will give me an eternal home when I leave this world.

Did you ever see a fat man dressed up in bright colored spandex peddling his bicycle? (They say we are weird with our religious beliefs!)

Do not be found forsaking the Lord while serving the gods of this world. Most people have a religion, even if it simply involves sitting around all weekend drinking beer and watching television. A person’s god is revealed by where he puts his time and money, and often he forsakes his family to be 100% into his religion. Many a man has lost his family over the god of beer.

Where your treasure of time and money is, there is your God —my God is wonderful!

Pastor