Following The Crowd

Good Morning,

Mankind has a crowd mentality, meaning humanity has a tendency to follow the crowd, whether it be it to lynch someone or buy a certain new phone.  Some trends are not logical, but are ordered by the crowd.  

Some folks seek to live independently, yet they may mature into strange adults who become total misfits in society -– that situation has its own difficulties.  We live, shop, and attend schools and churches with others; and as such, to some extent, we need to "fit in"– but both extremes can ruin us.  

The book of Judges is the story of people who forgot godly leaders and did what they personally thought was best; hence, the theme of the book, "Every man did that which was right in his own eyes."  What a book of wrong doing!  One such story illustrates the "crowd mentality."

A wrong had taken place. The situation needed to be dealt with in a wise and orderly manner.  Because we cannot stop all of the wrong in the world, we need to focus on our response to the wrong; the rest is under the control of the society.  

One group of Israelites reacted, and another group responded; the result was two entire cities of people all dead, in addition to at least 65,000 others who were killed. The ripples of wrong continued, but for the moment, this illustrates the development of rage and hate.  When one stirs anger and hate, it becomes a plague that spreads and increases.  Others are infected, violence develops, and tragic results follow (this is how tyrants, as Hitler and Stalin, stirred revolutions).

Judges 20:21 “And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites that day twenty and two thousand men.”

Judges 21:25 “And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand men; all these drew the sword.”

With some planning a whole city was destroyed:

Judges 21:37 “...and smote all the city with the edge of the sword.”

A whole city was destroyed, and in verses 44-45, and another 23,000 people were killed.  The anger and bitterness that grew in this situation developed into the likes of an animal in a killing frenzy. Then they realized that a whole tribe in Israel was about to be destroyed, and that could not be done. The only people left were soldiers – their families and children had been all killed. The result?  Emotions ran high, foolish decisions were made, and someone with a big mouth (or who was good at speaking) threw out an idea. The soldiers decided to attack another city. The people who had not been involved in the fighting previously, were suddenly attacked – and all were killed except the potential wives.

Judges 21:11 “And this is the thing that ye shall do, Ye shall utterly destroy every male, and every woman that hath lain by man.”

The rage that the emotional "crowd mentality" inflames initiates endless harm, often more than the original wrong that was done.  That is the way of man who has no "north star" or foundation upon which to temper his behavior and prevent his emotions from controlling his life.  In this book, every man did that which was right in his OWN EYES – that was the problem. We need to do what is right in the eyes of God; our own eyes and hearts are influenced far too much by passion and the crowd. 

Genesis 8:21 ”..for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth;”

Since the imaginations of man's heart are unreliable, we need godly leaders as Judges points out:

Judges 17:6 “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Also see Judges 18:1; 19:1; 21:25) 

Many verses dealing with this topic exist, and all are worthy of our attention that we might be guided by truth and wisdom, not by our own hearts.

Pastor

Good Repaid With Evil

Good Morning,

Dr. Bob Jones Senior had many famous quotes, so many that they put them into a little booklet. One of those quotes was, “I don’t know why they’re mad at me. I never did anything for them.” At times, the people for whom you did the most, somehow become angry with you. John 3:16 continues to be an amazing statement. Why would God so love this world?

Whether it be friends, family, co-workers, or someone with whom you just happen to cross paths, may we not do right and live the generous Christian life because of what we can get out of it but rather because it is right to do.

I know that most of us will be kind to someone for the simple fact that they have a need that we can meet, but somewhere deep down, we also assume that kindness would be returned. When that expected kindness comes back to us in some ugly form, it does throw us off.  A man said to me today, “I gave some money to a person who asked for it, they took it, and didn’t even say, ‘Thank you.’”  We usually expect a kind response.  

When Paul was talking about the ministry, he listed several elements that would be a part of the world in which the Christian lived.

2 Corinthians 6:4 “…in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,"

vs. 5 “In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;”

We live in such a historically unique situation. America is filled with generosity and kindness, even among the secular world and amongst strangers. I know there are exceptions, and I know there are times when people are heartless, but it is almost normal to face kindness, smiles, generosity, and helpfulness – these characteristics are common in America. Yes, there are exceptions, but still live in a culture that is heavily influenced by “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Most of the world does not enjoy the cultural amenities that we take for granted. As a child of God, we walk in a spiritual world, and often that spiritual world is in spiritual battle. Satan would love to discourage us from doing right, being helpful, or being unusually kind. Moments will occur when people will act in such a way that we cannot fathom it. 

Some time ago, I mentioned reading a writing by Charles Spurgeon; he wrote in regards to difficulties. He wrote something like this: “I would rather be robbed than rob; I would rather be hated than hate; I would rather be lied about than to lie.”  That statement condenses the Christian life into a nutshell. May we do right in a world that is often very wrong.

In the passage above, Paul spoke about difficult situations that he would be “in.” Our goal is to keep doing right, to expect nothing in return, and to seek most of all to please God.

Pastor

Walking In the Light

Good Morning,


Christ asked us to walk in the light.


1 John 1:5 “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.”

vs. 7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”


Believers are to walk in the light, and that walk is a result of close fellowship with Christ.  This philosophy is opposite from that of the world.  Our goals, dreams, motivations, and responses to the actions of others ought to be different from that of the world’s.  From the way I treat my neighbor or wife to the way I face conflict, I should be different.  I am not saying I always achieve these goals, but they are my goals.  


John 11:9 “Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.”

vs. 10 “But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him.”


Some believers stumble through life just as unsaved people because they also walk in the darkness.  No child of God should respond to trouble as an unsaved person.  A believer should face disappointment differently than a lost soul.   Grief will enter the lives of all of us, but when we walk in the light, we ought to respond differently than our lost counterparts.  


When a Christian spends little time in prayer and only brief moments reading the Bible, he is almost forced to live life as a lost person; for he is not spiritually equipped to walk in the Spirit and in the light.  


When we go into each day, we need to do so prayerfully, seeking the Lord to lead us “in the light” and striving not to walk like an unsaved person.  Believers are becoming so worldly that they seek to solve their problems the same way an unsaved person would.  Walking in the dark alludes to a worldly walk, a walk with the same motives as the world would have.  Walking in the light means to walk as Christ would have us walk.

The obvious lessons are to love our enemies, to forgive, to give to them that ask, not to forsake the assembly, and to live for others; but what about “perfect peace” and rest for your souls?  Are not those spiritual possessions?  Yes, but they are only to those who walk in the Spirit and the light.    


If we allow ourselves to deal with trouble in the same manner as the world, we will resort to divorce or angry words to a spouse.  Those actions ought not to be in the life of the child of God.  The world deals with life that way.  If we walk in the dark, we will not even see how poorly we are responding to life because our eyes cannot see clearly.     


The proper order is not to “act better.”  (That would be responding in the flesh.)  The first priority is to walk with God and to spend much time in prayer and the Bible.  We need to seek the presence of God and the filling of the Holy Spirit.  The proper attitudes and responses will come naturally.   Our time with God compared to our time in front of the television, social media, or other worldly enterprises will be manifested in the way we respond to difficulty.

The songwriter wrote, “Take time to be holy, speak oft’ with the Lord.” To be sure, it takes time to be truly holy, and we need to speak often with God.   Heavenly companions will bring about heavenly attitudes and results in our lives.


Pastor

Roles At Home

Good Morning,

Psalm 2:3 “Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.”

vs. 4 “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.”

The Psalmist wrote of big shots who thought they could ignore the directions of God, “break the bands,” or violate the rules and directives God had set up.  This attitude is not new or honorable; it is foolish and arrogant. God set up guidelines for governments, churches, and homes.   Regarding the home, we see that the Lord set some clear directives;  notice the distinct duties of the man and the woman. 

The man is said to RULE the house, but the woman is said to GUIDE the house.  

1 Timothy 3:5 “(For if a man know not how to RULE HIS OWN HOUSE, how shall he take care of the church of God?)”

1 Timothy 5:14 “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, GUIDE THE HOUSE, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully."

These two verses are different, yet both are supremely important.  The vocabulary was chosen by God, and He really does know best. 

We have a free will; God will allow us to play the fool if we desire.  If we want to allow God to guide us, clear instructions are written in the Scripture. 

The husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church.  Nowhere in Scripture is the woman asked to do such a thing.  That is what a man is designed to be and do.  

What other directives do men have? 

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

If there is any doubt who this is talking about, you can read verses 14-15 to see Paul use the words “man” and “brother.”

The man needs to work and provide for the family.  

1 Timothy 5:8 “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”

There is no place in Scripture that speaks of a man guiding the home.  That is “woman’s work;” and that is said with no insult; it is a matter of Divine intent.  I am the pastor, and there is no lady that can pastor this church as well as me, it is my job – God designed and planned it.  

The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is said to look well to the ways of her house.  She will guide and guard it:  

Proverbs 31:27 “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” 

Man is told to provide for his family.  No woman is ever required to do that.  She may work (and she will almost always work in some arena), but the responsibility of provision is the man’s.  

Regarding other responsibilities, the man is uniquely assigned the duty as father to train children. Our prisons are full of men who were raised without a father.  Mass shooters are almost always men without fathers in their lives.  No, a woman cannot raise a child as well as a man and a woman together; and yes, Satan works hard to split up homes.

Men have a duty to win the hearts of their 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.” This is repeated of John the Baptist in Luke 1:16,17. 

There is no Bible verse that puts even a small emphasis on the mother’s relationship to her children in order to prevent the Lord from smiting the world with a curse. God set the imperatives, God allows us to know what matters to Him. There are some things a man can do in raising a child that no mother can do.  

A man is a picture of God the Father in the home, he gives children the example of the One Who provides, protects, and guides their lives.  One way a dad does this is to get up each day and work to provide for the needs of his wife and children.  This is not a matter of preference but rather it is the God’s plan.  

Can a lady have a job?  Of course.  Proverbs 31 tells of the virtuous woman, and much of the passage has to do with working outside her home, but her primary job is the home.  If I was hired to clean a business, but I had the ability to drive a forklift, driving the forklift would not be my job - cleaning is my job.  It is not about ability, but design and plan by the boss.

In the home, duties and roles are spiritual; duties show God, His love, and His provision to the world.  The wife teaches the powerful role of the Holy Spirit in the background guiding, motivating, inspiring, and honoring the Father.  Also, through the wife, God shows us the submission of believers to the will of the Heavenly Father.  Men cannot improve on the organization and order of the Sovereign Lord.  All we can do is improvise and operate at an impeded level of production.  No man can do a woman’s job, and no woman can do a man’s job and still obtain the success God desires to see in a home.   When that plan is broken by death or other troubles, then God gives grace to continue with His help.   

We can always trust the plan of God, even though it involves frail humanity.  God knew all about us before it began. If we will trust Him and His Word, He can help and guide us through life. 

Pastor

Pleasing Him

Good Morning,

John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” 

Consider the number of times Jesus and other great Bible characters were called names or considered crazy, and the number of times these great people suffered hardships and unkind deeds simply for doing right.  

Jesus warned those who wished to follow Him that the comforts of home may not be a part of their future. 

Matthew 8:20 “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”

One of the amazing attributes of these great Bible characters is that they kept doing the Lord’s will as they faced trouble.  Jesus was called crazy or “beside Himself,” yet, He continued to do the things God asked of Him. 

Mark 3:21 “And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.” 

John 7:5 “For neither did his brethren believe in him.”

Some people accused Jesus of having a devil inside Him. 

John 10:20 “And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him?” 

Paul was also slandered and accused of being crazy. While he was in court, Paul witnessed to Festus and King Agrippa – and they said he was crazy. 

Acts 26:24 “And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. 

The reason these men did what they did was to please the Lord and to edify the believers.  Being well thought of was not the important goal.

2 Corinthians 5:13 “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause.” 

It is important to be reminded that we are not on this earth to prosper and to be loved but to honor God and to do His will.  Perhaps His will has prosperity, but it is also possible that the will of God will include difficulties.  The important thing is that we learn to do the will of God no matter our circumstance.  

 Perhaps, I will be lonely or forsaken by friends and family because of my faith and stand for right; but as the famous song says, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well with my soul.”

The important goal is that we will do His will and always seek to please the Father.

John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.” 

Pastor

Great Faith

Good Morning,

Jude 3 “… that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” 

We are commanded to contend for the faith. Our faith is amazing. THE FAITH is the sum of our beliefs, our biblical values, and our commands – this faith of ours is unbelievable in every way.  It was designed by the Creator and passed down to us through a perfect Book. THE FAITH was once delivered to the saints and is precious beyond words.  

Our faith explains a GREAT NEED:

The world is lost – not just a few, but everyone in the world. The churches, GOSPEL-PREACHING CHURCHES, are limited most often by a lack of funds and manpower. Churches have great needs such as our need for a larger building and more buses. The churches around the world all have needs; if those needs are not met, the great work of faith is hindered. 

Our faith assures us of a GREAT AND EFFECTUAL OPEN DOOR: 

God offers us so many opportunities – they are limitless: teaching children, witnessing to a neighbor, bringing the Gospel to a jail or rest home, working on bus route, and teaching or working in the Sunday school. Additionally, we look across the world to people in need of a Bible, the Gospel, and someone to explain that Gospel. 

Our faith requires GREAT CONTENDING:

When Jude wrote to earnestly contend for the faith, it was because staying true to our faith requires contending (of course, that means there is an opponent). This faith of ours is the hope of the entire world, so of course the devil works to hinder or cripple it.  Never be surprised by the enemy showing up in various forms hindering the great work of the Gospel. 

Our faith promises the availability of GREAT POWER to the believer:

The power of the Holy Spirit is promised to the child of God. (Acts 1:8)

Our faith promises the availability of GREAT PRESENCE to the believer:

Matthew 28:19-20 tells us, “…lo I am with you alway…”

He promises that Jesus will be with us everywhere we carry the Gospel. 

Our faith offers us a GREAT WAY TO PLEASE the holy God:

“…without faith it is impossible to please him…” Hebrews 11:6

When the Saviour returns, He will be looking for Our GREAT FAITH:

“… when the son of man cometh, shall he find faith in the earth?”  Luke 18:8

Pastor 

Keeping Your Father’s Name?

Good Morning,

It seems I have occasionally ruffled some feathers, and today is going to be the same.  Put this down or hold on to your socially-acceptable feelings; get to a safe space and turn on some praise and worship music. 

Genesis 3:20 “And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.”

Genesis 5:2 “Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.”

The thought today is subtle. This truth is part of the endless steps toward the deterioration of a Christian society. It matters like baking power or baking soda matters in a recipe. A recipe never calls for much of those ingredients, so what if you use one instead of the other?  It may seem like a little thing.  Well, it matters a great deal! Little things often matter in big ways.

This truth is like men or boys wearing pink. (I digress and will address that another time.)  

When God made man, He made them male and female and called THEIR NAME ADAM.  The wife and husband were one. That term, "one flesh" is used repeatedly in the Bible: Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Ephesians 5:31, and more beside those.

Some of the rich and famous folks keep their father’s name or prior name because of a desire to guard and establish their own identity, independent and "free." I believe most gals, who keep their dad’s name in their new married name, do it out of loyalty to their father, whom they love; but the fact is, they do it out of ignorance of the Scriptures and biblical truths about the body of Christ. 

The idea of "one flesh" is spiritual, reflecting or picturing the relationship between Christ and the church. Thus, the terrible sin of adultery violates fantastic spiritual truths. 

Genesis 2:23 “And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”

Ephesians 5:30 “For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.”

This joining of two to make one is mysterious, spiritual, and planned by God.

When a girl is born, traditionally, and I believe scripturally, she carries her father’s name. When that lady marries, the father walks her down the aisle, and the preacher asks who gives away the bride.  Dad usually says something like, "Her mother and I do."  She no longer belongs to her father; her former identity is being dissolved.  After the vows, the preacher usually says, "I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. (husband's name). She then takes her husband's name for life – they become "one flesh."

Notice the context of the prior verses:

Ephesians 5:31 “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.”

vs. 32 “This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.”

The reason a man is to leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife as one is established in verse 32; it is a mystery concerning Christ and the church (LEAVING father and mother, another subject I will address one day).

Romans 7:2 “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”

For the wife to keep her maiden name, which, by the way, is not her own but her fathers, limits the idea of "one flesh." She is partly joined to her husband, yet still clinging to her father, or what some might think today, her own identity. 

I do not want my wife to cling to her former identity. When we were married, we became one; she and I have been ONE for decades – not two independent parts.  This is the issue: a division or a separation is a failure to unite. I have known widows who kept their former married name when they remarried, using both her deceased husband’s name and her new husband's name – WHAT CONFUSION!! Who are you?  Who are you ONE with? Are you one flesh or just living together now and then?   Are you emotionally, spiritually, and perhaps, legally tied to a dead man?

Romans 7:2 “... if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”

There is a "LAW OF HER HUSBAND,” and that law binds the two together; as the vows say, "'till death do us part." At death, the law is broken, and the woman is free from that law.

If my wife had wanted to keep her father's name, I would not have married her. I know it is becoming a cultural trend, but as I wrote earlier, consider who you are identifying yourself with. Keeping the father’s name is the behavior of politicians and Hollywood folk. Do you follow their lead?

If my wife died, and I were to consider marrying again, I want that lady to be DONE with her former husband!   She would be ONE WITH ME. 

"God called THEIR name Adam," the woman had the same name as the man.  Adam gave her the name Eve later.  

We use a phrase like, “making a name for himself or herself,” and that is what society is trying to do – make us independent and separate. God wants the home and the married couple to be ONE! 

Pastor

Familiar Friend

Good Morning,

Our Lord was “…in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” This is one of the things I wonder about.  Jesus could have died for us without sleeping in the hills or being lied about, at least it seems He could have.  Consider all that our Saviour tolerated in those thirty-three years. I think the reason he chose to face those situations was so you and I might know that He understands. He also faced injustices and hurts, and through it all, He stayed true to God. 

Betrayal by someone we love is one of the hardest situations to bear, yet the prophecy and reality of Judas is clear. 

Psalm 41:9 “Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.” 

Judas ate with the Saviour, traveled with Him, shared meals and places to sleep, as did the other apostles.  Betrayal from someone you love and have a deep relationship with is difficult to even describe. That is why divorce or any serious family trouble is so painful.  

David faced betrayal from his sons Absalom, Amnon, and Adonijah.  David’s wife also mocked him. The leader of his army, Joab, betrayed him; also the high priest. His own men sought to kill him at Ziglag.

Another example is Joseph, who faced betrayal from his brothers and his employer.

You are not alone when someone you love dearly turns to harm you.  This is also a sign of the end of this world as we know it. As the great tribulation begins, or at some point in the seven years, Satan shall turn men against each other as no other time in history.  Make no mistake – the betrayal and hatred between those who love one another is also satanic today and should be shunned as witchcraft or murder. 

Matthew 10:21 “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.”

Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another 

The point is that Jesus knows your sorrow, and He understands your pain. He faced those same feelings – to the extreme. 

I hear stories of betrayal off and on, but honestly, I am never sure exactly where the fault lies, except that Satan sows discord and God hates it. (Proverbs 6) 

You can do with the Bible what you like, but as for me, I will seek to implement Its truths into my life in every way possible.  Consider the famous passage in 1 Corinthians 13:

vs. 4 “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,”

vs. 5 "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;”

vs. 6 “Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;”

vs. 7 “ Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

These are the Christian’s marching orders. 

If we add the writings of Paul on the fruit of the spirit to these thoughts, you will read the perfect biography of the child of God. 

Galatians 5:22 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

vs. 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

We will never control the actions of those who seek us harm, but we can control our response. 

Pastor

Reproach

Good Morning,

1 Peter 4:14 “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” 

Reproach is the term God chose for the way some people will treat us, but  then the Lord offers the exhortation to not allow the reproach to bother us. 

Yes, we are different. No, we will not fit in with this vile world.  Yes, we will face pressure to give in and join the world and run to the same parties and excess of riot (1 Peter 4:3-4). 

The danger for the child of God lies in our desire to be accepted and to fit in with the world.  We want our children to dress like their friends, to listen to the same music, and to go to the same dances or social events.  As a child of God, we are to be different, and we are to expect the reproach that comes with it. Many a parent who will bear the reproach does not wish their child to bear the same; so mom and dad will shift their style of living to attempt to take away the reproach from their children.  

If we live as Christ desires us to life, we will not fit in, and that will bring a response from the world around us. As someone very tall or very short, or as one with a handicap, curious looks are the least to be expected, perhaps followed by comments or more. 

Many a loving parent simply wants the child to be able to walk to school, play a game, spend time with family or friends, and be “normal.” 

I remember when our oldest was about ten years old; we were visiting out of town relatives.  A cousin asked what kind of music he liked to listen to, mentioning rap, rock, and a few other genres.  The question was casual– not accusing; a question young people might ask to get to know them.   I was close enough to hear the question and wondered what he might say.  There was a tense moment, and he said, “Christian.” The cousin said, “Oh,” and they went on with other conversation.  It was not good or bad, but obviously not ground they could connect on because neither knew enough about what they other liked to begin a conversation.  The conversation changed to sports since they had more in common on that subject.

As we walk through life, close to the Lord with the Bible as our Guide, we will fit in with the world less and less, and with that comes the occasional “reproach.”  We are following the One Who was crucified, mocked, and abused.

Matthew 27:39 “And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads…” 

Moses made his decision to follow God when he walked away from the palace of Egypt to walk with the Jews. He would face reproach but he would also gain rewards.

Hebrews 11:26 “Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”

He did face reproach; but notice the end of the verse - he also gained reward.  We are encouraged to go outside the camp, away from the normal path, to walk a different direction and to bear His reproach – with it comes the promise of future rewards.  

Hebrews 13:13 “Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”

vs. 14 “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.”

Do not fear about your children being misfits. In a world of anger, betrayal, unfaithfulness, and confusion, we do not want to fit in with the world, neither do we want our children to fit. In a world where adultery is common, drug and alcohol is used as the sedative for hurt in the soul, and lies are endless, why would we wish to fit with that?  Trust the Lord, and He will make things right, as He did with David in the conflict with Nabal. David was treated shamefully, but Abagail interceded to stop David from killing all her household, and in a short time, God killed Nabal.  God cared for the reproach David faced. 

1 Samuel 25:39 “And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, Blessed be the LORD, that hath pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil: for the LORD hath returned the wickedness of Nabal upon his own head.” 

Yes, there is some “reproach” when we choose to submit our spirit and lifestyle to the Word of God, but we will find ourselves in good company.  While we worry about “fitting in” or our children “fitting in,” remember that the end of the worldly lifestyle is broken and hurting more often than not.  Our path has a happier end, both on earth and in eternity.

Pastor

Blessed People

Good Morning,

Luke 12:22-33

The Lord makes a simple statement in Luke 12:32: "Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom...”

As Christians, we fear far too often: we worry about bills, jobs, or a layoff; we worry about the President, the economy, the weather, or any number of other things that affect our children and grandchildren.

The Lord reminds us of a few principles:

1. We have a Father Who is powerful, loving, good, and faithful. A Father Who is trustworthy. A Father Who knows better than us and has our best interests, as well as, His glory in mind.

2. Our Father looks at us with “good pleasure.” He delights in caring for us eternally, as well as, physically in this temporal world. To think that it is my Heavenly Father’s “good pleasure” to do anything involving me is unfathomable. The fact that it pleases the Father to care for me is incredible. I do not have a wicked step-mother as Cinderella did, but I have a Father Who looks with pleasure on my life and my destiny.

3. It is the Father’s pleasure to give me the Kingdom. The day will come when the King will reign, and I will have a part in that Kingdom. God's plan to allow me to reign and to be entrusted with a portion of His Kingdom pleases Him.

Many years ago, my first-born son expressed His desire to work for me one day. I assured him that he would have to sit back and wait on the will of God. When he graduated from college, I asked him if he would consider further education, but he responded, “No, I have always wanted to work for you. I have graduated and that is what I want to do.” It was a delight to me that my son wanted to work with me, but even more so it was a delight to me that my son wanted to work for God. What a pleasure to have my son's office down the hallway from mine.

The Eternal Father’s pleasure is to provide a kingdom in which I can live with no tears, no sorrow, no hurt, no suffering, and no pain. It is a kingdom of purpose and a kingdom that glorifies Himself; this gives the Heavenly Father ten thousand times more joy than any earthly father can enjoy.

Because of all these promises, God wants us not to panic over earthly trials. In Luke 12:30, God makes a statement about food, clothing, and earthly possessions: “For all these do the nations of the world seek after...” The earthly desires of my unsaved neighbor should be completely different from my aspirations. Why? Because it is my Father’s good pleasure to give me the Kingdom.

The goals of the kings of the world should be far different from the goals of leaders in a nation like America. Why? Because our nation is founded on the Word of God and Bible preachers. Although not every one of our founders or leaders of today is a Christian, our roots are certainly based on a Judeo-Christian mentality. We have a different beginning, and we have a different end. Our goals are different.

The righteous and the unrighteous should have a different set of values. In an old western story, the bad guy might shoot the good guy in the back, but no good guy would shoot the bad guy in the back. Good guys have different values.

We are different. The reason we are different is that our Father’s good pleasure is to give us the Kingdom. Our lives are built upon a different set of values, and our futures are built upon a different destiny; hence, these simple statements in Luke 12:23, 32: “The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.”

vs. 32 “Fear not, little flock..” we need not worry or fret because it is our Father's good pleasure to give us the Kingdom.

Pastor

Hope Not In Men

Good Morning,

Mankind has many weaknesses, and men do mess up life a great deal. I find it amazing how easily men can recognize the foolish actions of another, but, when the tables are turned, they fail to see the error in their own ways. The fact is, when we are removed from a situation, we often see more clearly.

One reason for this, if not the main reason, is self-trust.

Hosea 10:13 “Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”

When men trust in their own strength or their own assets, they tend to make poor judgments. The constant urging in the Scriptures to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3) points us to the solution to all of life — trust God!

2 Chronicles 20:20 “…Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.”

2 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.”

When men turn from self-confidence to rest in the Bible, they find peace, direction, hope, and blessing. God has no intention of letting men HE CREATED, living on a planet HE CREATED, eating food HE CREATED, using brains HE CREATED to study a world HE CREATED get away with denying Him. He will not allow men to prosper while they pretend that the God Who created them does not exist or has no knowledge, or that they (created beings) have better ideas.

Hosea said the Israelite people would have trouble “…because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.” I hope that Bible-believing people are not trusting in their president. Praying for God to guide him is commanded. Honoring our national leaders is also a command, but may none of us sit back and rest in the wisdom of any president.

Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”

Isaiah 31:1 “Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help; and stay on horses, and trust in chariots, because they are many; and in horsemen, because they are very strong; but they look not unto the Holy One of Israel, neither seek the LORD!”

Our only hope is in the Lord. Praying for God to have mercy on our sin-sick nation is our hope. Begging for mercy is our hope. Seeking the Lord, reading His Word, and praying often to Him are actions that may turn the hand of God towards us and bring continued mercy. A leader is of no value unless God moves, stemming the tide of evil and holding back the angry mobs of shameful people in the streets, in the newsrooms, and on Capitol Hill. Without the Lord, we are hopeless.

Hosea 8:14 “For Israel hath forgotten his Maker, and buildeth temples; and Judah hath multiplied fenced cities: but I will send a fire upon his cities, and it shall devour the palaces thereof. “ (Sounds like our twin towers!)

Hosea 9:1 “Rejoice not, O Israel, for joy, as other people: for thou hast gone a whoring from thy God, thou hast loved a reward upon every cornfloor.”

Those verses sound as if men rejoice in financial gain more than the knowledge of God. Did you see the statement, "as other people?" Others may act as though there is no God, but we have enjoyed His presence. We received the blessing of God in His founding of our land; and as such, we owe Him more. We cannot do what other nations do.

May we pray for help for our land.  May we not read anything unless our Bible has preeminence in our reading.  Fox, CNN, Twitter, and Instagram have nothing but hopeless words from sinful men.  The Word of God is eternal, spiritual, and Divine!  

Pastor

Shallow Devotion

Good Morning,

Our society is immersed in a “me first” manner of thinking.  The tragedy is that Jesus promised loss of life to those who think and act in such a way.

John 12:24 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.”

vs. 25 “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”

Do you want to lose your life and all that is precious to you in this world? If so, simply live selfishly, and you will find yourself very empty and alone.  

What word defines the life of the Saviour any more than selfless.  Jesus came to serve:

Matthew 20:28 “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” 

Christ came to give:

John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” 

The Lord did not come to get even:

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

I could go continue, but the summary is that Jesus left us an example of how to live – right up to the cross, when He prayed, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do.” 

It is pitiful how the disciples scattered when the Lord faced trouble. They ran because of selfishness.  When Peter denied the Lord three times, it was his selfishness.  When John Mark fled from the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas, it was selfishness.

When Satan said, “I will exalt my throne above the stars of God,” that was probably the beginning of selfishness (Isaiah 14:13). Another example of the product of fear and selfishness was when the parents of the man healed of his blindness said they knew nothing and to ask the man who was “of age.” Now, I am not saying I would not have joined any of these in their fears and selfish behaviour, but let us at least admit that it was wrong and selfishness was the motive for their actions. 

In our world, a person can be slandered and friends will scatter like roaches in the light for fear of being attacked in the mess.  What if all friends and honorable associates said, “We will keep on loving and working as we have in the past?”  Why, it would make the slanders and accusations benign. 

Cowardice, selfishness, or whatever other term might apply is in direct  conflict with loyalty and honorable behaviour.  

Matthew 26:31 “Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad."  (Zachariah 13:7) 

During the Reformation, many a Baptist hid in the shadows while others stood and often suffered.  In the colonial days of America, the Protestant leaders abused Baptists a great deal. Some folks went to jail or were beaten, and others moved west to seek freedom.  No doubt, there were others who felt it was safer to step back into the Anglican Church.  

I am an American! Even with its weaknesses, our nation has given me so much.  When it becomes popular to slander our nation, I will not be on that band wagon.  Likewise, I am a Baptist; and as it seems, “Fundamental” has become a negative term, but I say loudly, “I am a FUNDAMENTAL BAPTIST.” Allow me to elaborate more and also say, “I am a male, married to a female; I read a King James Bible daily; I work for a living and pay my bills, and in sixty-six years of life, I have never, knowingly, taken a dime of government help.” To flee one of these things to protect myself would be tragic. By His grace, I will not run. 

Selfishness will sink your ship every time!! 

Our pastor used to quote this song: “Am I A Soldier of the Cross” (vs 2 & 4)

Must I be carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease,

While others fought to win the prize and sailed through bloody seas?

Sure I must fight if I would reign; increase my courage, Lord!

I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word.

Pastor

Worship

Good Morning,

I would like to address the subject of worship because its unscriptural misuse and abuse is so prevalent in our current society.  Allow me to encourage the easily-offended readers and those who place feeling above Scripture to lay aside this lesson and stop reading - it will help your day be less stressful. If you wish to be a Bible believer, someone with Bible-based faith, read on.  

Have you ever thought about how often you hear the phrase, “style of worship,” yet how rarely you hear the phrase “preaching or teaching the Bible” used? The “style of worship” movement is one of feeling and ambiance rather than life-changing preaching and the power of the Word of God.  Modern “worship” is far from the worship Paul taught to the churches.  (I will limit my comments to worship and address preaching and teaching another time.  Look with me at the Bible and see what It teaches about worship.)

Matthew 14:33 “Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped…”  The storm was calmed, Jesus had walked to them on the water, and Peter had walked for a short time on the water as well.  The others in the ship, probably the twelve, came to Jesus and worshipped.  Do you think they brought out the band, light show, skinny jeans, and keyboard and swayed to the music with a crowd with uplifted hands?  No, just a few guys fell on their faces and humbly acknowledged that Jesus was mighty.

In Matthew 4, Satan tried to persuade Jesus to worship him. Jesus responded that the Bible says to worship only God.  Did Satan wish Jesus to gather a praise team or to muster the praise and worship crowd and with dimmed lights to feel warm and fuzzy toward the prince of darkness? Of course not, Satan wanted Jesus to fall down and acknowledge him as all powerful.

In Matthew 8:2, a single leper fell down and worshiped Jesus. (This sounds much like the other stories I mentioned.)  I could continue listing similar stories through the Gospels, but there is nothing that even remotely resembles a band, lights, and a crowd singing a rote chorus repeatedly. 

Allow me give a similar example in the book of Acts. As churches were started and the Gospel was preached to new people everywhere, Cornelius had sent for Peter to come to him; he wanted Peter to tell him how to get saved.  When Peter arrived, Cornelius worshipped. 

Acts 10:25 "And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.”

No band or uplifted hands, or breathy voices were carried from microphones to the ears of the audience; he was just a man on his face saying that Peter was the special man whom he longed to seek. 

Let us refer to the Epistles of Paul where most of our church doctrine originates. From the books of Romans to Hebrews, the word worship is only used six times; it is hardly the main subject of teaching about the church.  These are the books that teach how the church ought to be run and who may run it.  When Paul told Timothy that these things were about how to behave in the house of God, the church of the living God (1 Timothy 3:15), do you think that Paul forgot to mention worship; the word worship is not in either of the books to Timothy.  In thirteen of the books written by Paul, only six times does Paul even mention worship; let us see what Paul said. 

For the sake of time, allow me to summarize the passages; you can look them up on your own if needed: 

1 Corinthians 14:25 One guy heard a sermon and walked the aisle, fell on his face, and worshiped.

Philippians 3:3 says we worship God in spirit.

Romans 1:25 and Colossians 2:18, 23 each mention wrong worship.

(The last time is clearly not about a corporate group singing and worshipping, but for your sake, I listed the passages so you can see it word for word.)

2 Thessalonians 2:4 “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 

There you have it; all six times, Paul wrote about worship between the books of Romans and Hebrews; these are the books from which our church doctrine is primarily derived. He teaches nothing about the modern style of worship, and almost never even mentions the word worship. The praise and worship crowd probably does not know about Paul’s instructions because they are too busy feeling good about themselves.  

This nonsense called worship today is about as far from Bible worship as pork chops in the synagogue or ice cream at a weight watchers meeting.  The gathering of people they call a worship service is not in the Bible, and has nothing to do with scriptural worship.  

Allow me to add some observations from over four decades of working in the ministry. Those who choose their church on a style of worship, more often than not, find themselves out of church in a few years.  Feelings do not create stability in the spiritual life.  Feelings are vastly different from spirituality and faith. When children are brought up in a feeling-based religion, they will soon seek out other things that feel good  and abandon the church. 

Pastor

Spiritual Battle

Good Morning,

Romans 15:22 “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.” 

1 Thessalonians 2:18 “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”

We all know about earthly troubles, simple issues such as running out of gas (our fault) or health troubles that everyone faces from time to time.  I do not aim to diminish the frustration and discomfort these events bring us, but, this morning, my point is another subject.  

A spiritual enemy seeks to hinder us, frustrate us, and keep us from doing the good things God would have us do.  Satan is likened to a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), but he is also referred to as an Angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).  His desire is to steal, kill, and destroy for no reason other than the fact that he is evil.  From the Garden of Eden until today, Satan seeks to get us to rebel against God.  Satan constantly attacks the integrity of our Heavenly Father and His Word.

Many of the criminal political behaviors that we see no reason for are satanic in their motive. The events are simply harmful, shameful, and terrible.  Satan needs no motive to hurt. On his own, no child of God is a match for this evil so we must walk with God and seek His presence daily.  

Satan can only operate in our world at the permission of God, just as Satan could not touch Job without the permission of the Lord. Why God allows Satan freedom to roam is not always easy to explain, except that we know God is good and just and has a plan. We know from the end of the Bible that God wins, Satan ends in the lake of fire, and the believer walks in a golden city lighted by the presence of Christ.  We win!  

1 Peter 5:9 “Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

Yes, we may be hindered, slandered (Revelation 12:10), and attacked, but we need only to walk with God and seek His will and strength.  As the Lord was tempted of the devil (Matthew 4:4) so we will face the enemy seeking to harm us or hinder us.   Perhaps Satan thought he had a victory when Judas betrayed Christ and evil men led the Saviour to the cross, but we all know how that turned out.  Jesus won and will win. 

Pastor 

Prayer and the Spiritual Battle

Good Morning,

Romans 15:30 “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;”

vs. 31 “That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"

vs. 32 “That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”

As you can see, Paul is on another missionary journey: starting churches, training disciples, and fighting the spiritual battle.  Satan uses evil men to hinder the work of God, to stop churches from being started, and to turn them from the faith. 

Do you think that the churches that closed over the centuries ended their ministry because no one cared or because God no longer wanted a preacher and church in that city?  Of course not!  There is an enemy seeking to destroy the work of God.  What does Paul ask for?  PRAYER! When more missionaries are coming home from the field than going, is it because God does not care?

Notice the phrase, “strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” A war is being waged, and someone needs to be in earnest, sincere prayer before the throne of God on behalf of the missionaries. The casual dinner time prayer to “Bless the missionaries” is shallow at best.  How would a fighter do in the ring if he walked up to his opponent with that level of passion and sincerity? 

If the great Apostle Paul needed some to strive with him in prayer to be delivered from evil men, we must be realistic and ask God who else needs that fervent prayer?  Perhaps it may be your spouse, your children, your pastor, or your church staff.  I understand that Paul was significantly more useful to God than us common folks, but do we not understand that Satan wants to hinder and frustrate the work of God in our homes, churches, and nations?  Satan will focus his repeated attacks on the child of God until the weariness of battle begins to overwhelmed the Christian to the point of quitting.  Prayer is vital!   

We need to learn to pray and to seek the hand of God to protect and bless those out on the front lines of the Gospel ministry. 

Pastor

Update Your Worship

Good morning,

2 Kings 16:10 “And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.” 

The backslidden king of Judah had turned to a heathen king for help instead of turning to the living God – this was one of many problems Ahaz had.

He loved seeing a heathen altar with beautiful carvings and style, and he had drawings of it made to send home. The old altar was built by Solomon around 300 years earlier.  When someone entered the temple, the first thing they saw was the altar; this was where the sacrifice died, where blood was shed, where fire burned, and a sober picture was made of death and suffering caused by sin. 

vs. 11 “And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus:”

The next problem was the backslidden preacher who took orders from the godless king.  It was not the job of the king to dictate the actions of the priest. The priest stood in the place before God and was to follow the Lord and His Word.  Job security and popularity are tragic motivations for any pastor in any era.  

Many religions had sacrifice as part of their worship, so Ahaz adopted some heathen styles of worship in the temple of God. After all, that 300-year-old altar needed to be updated. (Today, they might have brought in fancy lighting and a band.)  

The next problem was the removal of the altar of God to a place of insignificance.  

vs. 14 “And he brought also the brasen altar, which was before the LORD, from the forefront of the house, from between the altar and the house of the LORD, and put it on the north side of the altar.”

The king took the altar of God and moved it to the side, out of the way.  He brought in the new altar and positioned it right in front where it was very visible to everyone who came into the temple.  

The old time religion was not wrong, but he needed to move it out of the way for a more palatable form of worship. 

vs. 15 “…and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire by.”

Just in case he needed to talk to God or to get advice, the old altar was not far away; if needed, he could go there to enquirer of the Lord. He knew the old one had the presence of God, the touch of the Eternal King. Ahaz did not want to totally lose the old religion, but just as the title, Baptist, it did not have the appeal of new ideas.  In our area, trading preaching for teaching and study groups has replaced preaching and altar calls because it “fits our world” more comfortably. 

The wrong was not simply replacing the old altar with a new one but the manner in which it was adopted; they went to the world and to the heathen to get their directions and ideas.  Making a small change or some area a bit more comfy – is it really all that bad?

The fact is that appearance matters!  Where we get our ideas for style matters! Arranging our style of worship after the style of worldly or godless people is tragic yet common today.  

Look at the praise teams and their dress. They did not get their clothing style from the old time religion. If they were at a city park no one would know they were Christian. (I often doubt that they are.)  

Watch the body movements of contemporary singers and musicians and tell me they are not fashioned after the altar of “Damascus.” I remember years ago walking by a music store in a mall, there was a video playing of a famous female vocalist.  Just prior to going to the mall, we visited a Christian book store. (This is something I had to stop doing years ago.)  They also had a female vocalist on a television, and with the sound turned down, you could not tell which one was the Christian.  Both were sensuous in movements, both were dressed to draw the eyes of men to their bodies, and with sound muted, neither would have caused someone walking by to think anything spiritual. 

When we remodeled our auditorium, we wrestled much over using chairs rather than pews.  We decided on chairs for several reasons, but I like that some of our folks said things like, “Preacher, pews just say church.”  As long as our members are guarded and willing to voice their old-time ideas, we may just stay right for the next few decades.  In revising our school handbook, the point of girls blouses was discussed and the idea of sleeveless or sleeves being the standard was disputed.  I like that our folks pushed to keep the sleeveless style out of our school.  It is not a conviction, just a safeguard – and that is a reasonable way to look at life.  

Worship?  Do not try to make it more appealing to the lost world around us.  One thing is sure: change does not stop right where it enters.  You can read on in the chapter to see which other “old ideas” were “cut off” in one place and taken down in another.  Perhaps the worst part was their next step – they “turned” their worship “FOR THE KING OF ASSYRIA” (2 Kings 16:19).

Pastor

Soul Winning

Good Morning,

Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”

As a young Christian, I wondered if this command was not just for the Apostles; but in their short lives, they could not reach the world. The world continues to grow, and the need for the Gospel only increases with each generation.  The command was to all believers, not just to a few.  

The "Great Commission" is given several times in our New Testament. When our Lord was about to leave the earth, He left a clear direction that we are to go everywhere!  

Acts 1:8 "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

This is a command to go – locally, nationally, and globally.

Paul told Timothy to do the work of an evangelist.  (2 Timothy 4:5)  

Thinking about people in our church, I can recount the stories of folks hearing the Gospel and trusting Christ.  The stories often begin with a person they knew talking to them: a parent or a friend, but, at times, a stranger.  For me, it was a high school friend who was taught to witness at church, and he, in turn, told me about the Gospel.  One of our staff men just retired after more than twenty years of service, and his story began with me knocking on doors. I met a widow; in turn, she invited a neighbor who invited her brother from out of town.  He came to church and was saved.  It began with door knocking, then friends, and then a family member.  I spent time with him on several occasions before he made the choice to put his faith in Christ.  

Soul winning is the job of the church, but also the job of each member.   I am certainly not spectacular at reaching people, but I have been out soul winning basically every week for over forty years. That much time spent on the streets ends up reaching some, who reach some, who reach some more.  

The flesh does not like soul winning: it is humbling, it risks rejection, it risks embarrassment, and there is little or no pride in wandering around town talking to people who do not wish you to talk to them.  The flesh would rather play in a praise band or dance around the platform under the eyes of envious listeners and gain the accolades of church friends.  

Go to the rest home and bring church to the elderly and forgotten; watch them fall asleep while you speak, or call out, "Speak up."  Humbling times continue when you go to a jail and bring the Gospel to those who are incarcerated.  Inmates might thank you, challenge your doctrine, or criticize you.  

Soul winning is not an option, it is commanded.  The same Book that says do not kill or do not get drunk, also says to go and tell.

When I began attending Hyles Anderson College in 1978 we were sent out soul winning; it was mandatory to go weekly. It helped to develop habits and trained us in reaching all kinds of people.  Any single guy who came home from his bus route before 8 or 9 at night was considered a little soft and carnal.  We were in an atmosphere of passionate ministry.  I fear our Bible colleges today are not pushing soul winning enough.  We have missionary candidates who say they have witnessed to one person a month and won a few to Christ during the past year, and those were in a Sunday school class.  I am concerned we are becoming "inviters" rather than "soul winners."  When I was in college, singing groups and sports were for the soft and casual students.  I know they were fine upstanding people, but college is like boot camp; it is time to push, to discipline, and to deny the flesh.  When we leave college, we might slow down some, but hopefully not trade soul winning for music and sports. (Regarding slowing down – after four decades of ministry, I work more hours now than I did when we started.)

We have young people from our church in four different Bible colleges right now, and one of our boys said he had trouble getting anyone to stay out longer with him than the required couple of hours. He said, "No one wants to start a church or be a missionary– they all want to be a youth director or school teacher."  Those are fine, but where has the passion gone?  

I love our big days, our weekly soul winning, our meeting people on the street, and hearing stories of our public school kids winning friends to Christ in school.  I was only in college a few months before I was sent with a teen bus rider to preach on city buses.  We had a big day, and we preached all over Chicago.  After decades of ministry, we still have those big days at our church when we preach out in public and hold church services in parks and vacant lots – and I love it!  I love to watch my men and ladies speak to small and large groups about the Lord.  That is New Testament Christianity.

Pastor

Faithfulness

Good Morning,

Faithfulness is a lofty virtue in the eyes of God.  

1 Corinthians 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” 

God requires faithfulness of those who serve Him.  We do not need to be the best looking or most talented, but our abilities and resources should be at God’s disposal.  

Luke 19:17 “And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” 

Jesus told the Gentile parable and explained that the reward was given for faithful service.  Faithful means to do what should be done, as best as our ability allows us to do it. I do not need to compete with another, but I should perform at my top level.

Proverbs 20:6 “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” 

Solomon expressed his difficulty in finding a faithful man – it is a rare trait.  Most are loyal and true to their own needs and circumstances, and as such, will be faithful to job or home, but the root value is still selfish, not duty to the job. Talking about himself and his achievements is common, but to simply do what is asked, to the best of his ability, in a manner as close to the directive as possible is rare. 

This year, I would like to challenge everyone to faithfulness:

In Bible reading

In prayer

In giving

In church attendance 

In fulfilling your role at home

Ask the Lord what you should read (do not be unrealistic); for some it might be a few verses a day, for others, faithful would be reading the Bible through once or even twice a year.  

Prayer is greatly helped by a time, a place, and a prayer list.  Set aside a time; schedule it and have a place you know you can pray undisturbed.  For a list, you might use one all the time or a different one for each day – just be faithful.  

Giving: everyone should at least tithe – that is the most basic principle from Abraham (long before the law required it). The extreme benevolence of the New Testament people gave their all, like the widow and her “mites,” or the believers in early Acts.  

FAITHFULLY giving to missions IS SO IMPORTANT. God so loved the world that He gave… and we, too, should seek to follow His example by giving to world missions.  Establish a weekly commitment, and if you did so last year, why not increase it a little (no matter how much) and then be faithful to that commitment. 

Giving to others, to the Christian school, and to special offerings should also become a pattern in our financial habits.  

Becoming faithful to church will help establish your Christian growth.  To attend church once a week or occasionally in the evening services is far from spiritual growth.  Be one of those who walks in the church, if the door squeaks.  

Being faithful to your home is vital. We must understand that our homes are at risk.  Take time to be with your family, as well as with your spouse alone, and be relaxed enough to make it clear you are available to your teens if they need you.  Do not always be hurrying; slow down.  Conversation, especially in serious matters, takes time.  Make it clear you are free.  Be faithful to your spouse and children. 

May God find us faithful in 2024! 

Pastor 

Easy or Difficult Preaching

Good Morning,

In the early months after my salvation, there were times I read some Bible or heard a sermon that was difficult to grasp.  The simple truth was that my knowledge was so limited that I had little to use, as Paul wrote, in “comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13) As the years passed, and I began to read volumes of Scripture, learning and understanding became increasingly easier.

The idea that every sermon needs to be easy to follow, and that nothing that demands thought and study should be brought up is immature, at best.  Consider these passages:

John 16:12 “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”

Jesus had much to tell the twelve apostles, but at this point in their spiritual lives, they simply were not able to “bear” them; for some reason, they were not ready so the Lord did not reveal the new truth. The same is taught by Paul to the Corinthian believers.

1 Corinthians 3:1 “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.”

vs. 2 “I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.”

The trouble with understanding was the immaturity of the listener.  One day, as they grew in grace and knowledge they would be better prepared to hear and understand.  Peter taught this simple principle:

2 Peter 3:16 “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood…”

Peter make it clear that some Scripture is difficult to understand, and that they should “grow in grace and knowledge,” (vs.18) then they would be more able to understand. 

Matthew 13:14 “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:”

vs. 15 “For this people's heart is waxed gross…”

The trouble here was that the listener had heart trouble not understanding trouble.  Their hearts were hard and would not receive the truth.  

The book of Hebrews tells us that there is a time when we ought to be able to teach, but because we have not used what we know, we have need to be taught again the first principles of the faith.  

Hebrews 5:12 “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. “

Putting this all together, we observe some great lessons:  

1. There are some principles that we do not need to understand right now, but understanding will come later as we continue to learn.

2. Some scriptural truth is simply difficult to grasp, and will take much learning before it “clicks.

3. Some people struggle with understanding because their hearts are hard. They do not want to learn, and they resist the things God is teaching them. 

4. We do not want a church that is all “pablum” or soft, easy-to-swallow teaching. We want to be able to “study to show ourselves approved.” 

5. We do not want a church that is all strong meat; for the young Christian needs to gain basic truths. 

6. We will not get it all in the first months or even years of our Christian growth, and that is not wrong; we should just keep growing. 

7. In reality, there will always be some who need the most basic teaching, and they will not grow without the most basic teaching.

Whatever level of Christian growth you are at, grow and do not panic if things seem difficult or other things seem simple.   We do not want to ignore simple truths because others still need them.  Be willing to listen and say to yourself, “Some truths will sink in another day. Today, I simply do not have the background to grasp that truth.”

Pastor 

Who Owns the Nations?

Good Morning,

If you have politically sensitive ears you might skip this lesson.  It certainly will offend many in our world, although not many of the left-leaners read anything I write.    Here is our verse:

Ezekiel 29:19 “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army.”

God sent Nebuchadreszzar to destroy Tyre, there was a problem from the start.  Who is God to allow that?  Well, God owns the nations; He made them, and He can do as He wishes. The story continues: Nebuchadrezzar and his army were never paid for their obedient efforts, and God said, since Egypt had ignored and offended Him, He would give Egypt to Nebuchadrezzar as a paycheck.  

vs. 20 “I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord GOD.”

If you read your Bible at all you know that God gave Israel to Assyria, and He gave Judah to Babylon.  The nations belong to God, and He can do as He wishes with them and to them.  

Now you can look around the world and tell this story with the names changed however you wish, but the truth is there.  At times, God gives one nation to another!  I know some people are considered evil for their actions, but when it comes to the root cause, God did it, or God allowed it, or God planned it. God deals with nations.  Our job is to win the individuals to Christ. Our job is to tell every person that Jesus saves; but nations, cultures, and people groups belong to God.  

I cannot tell you what God did or is going to do, but I can tell you that He is Lord of Lords.  Why are there almost no Gospel-preaching churches in Europe?  Perhaps because of the Dark Ages when the European countries killed over 50 million Bible-believing people?  How did England go from one thousand Baptist preachers working along side Charles Spurgeon to the spiritual mess it is in today?  Perhaps because they left John Bunyan and countless others sitting in prison for being Bible believers and not baptizing their babies.  I do not know, but I do know Who orders the events.  Why is the 10/40 window so poor and so filled with suffering?  I cannot say. Those nations are where they are at the hand of God, and our job is to go and tell each individual about Christ.

What about America and her rejection of the most basic moral decency we once embraced? What about America that once was filled with good Bible-preaching churches and homes where the Bible was read?   If God gives away our nation to those of another nation, it is His business, not ours.  Our job is to tell everyone we can about salvation.  

Pastor