Heb 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Heb 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Fearing God sounds so negative to most folks. But I have found it to be the most positive of attitudes one can have. An experience early in my life caused me to have an appreciation for fearing the authority God placed over my life. My father gave me strict instructions concerning a route I was to travel with a friend to a youth meeting. I was not to detour from the specified route my father laid out. Because I feared my dad, I obeyed his instructions even though tempted to do otherwise by my companion. The detour would have been faster, but the path that Dad had given was safer. Consequently, I avoided a riotous and dangerous situation that could have cost my life and the life of my friend. Fear of the authority God put over my life was a good thing.
The only alternative to not fearing God is to fear man and that is never good. The fear of man leads to sin, ungodly alliances, and eternal damnation. The fear of God leads to salvation and obedience that produces good fruit and blessings. The book of Proverbs teaches that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Liberal Pharisee-ism has stolen the key to knowledge from many today. In the name of liberality they circumvent the fear of God. It perverts the Gospel message and turns it into a religious experience rather than a conversion to Christ. It perverts the worship of our Lord by its carnal speech and music. It perverts the redemption of a soul into a “feel good about yourself” experience which is hollow and meaningless. Why? Because man by nature “will not have this man (Christ) to rule over us.” No fear of God.
Ecc 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecc 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Not a creature was stirring, not even a RAT.
Pr 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.
I think we give too much attention to what our enemies think than what the Lord thinks. I believe the Gospel has been watered down by pastors and evangelists because they are trying in there own power and way to reach the lost. While the endeavor of fulfilling the great commission is noble, modern preaching has compromised the message of salvation so much the lost end up in confusion and in more darkness after they have heard it.
I see a great need for pleasing God over making peace with our enemies. Our text promises that if we will be faithful to Him, He will take care of the rest. I believe we should enjoy our time in church, cherish our fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Lord and “have a good time” in God’s house, but when it turns into a fleshly party for the sake of entertaining the lost, COUNT ME OUT!
Until we get back to preaching the message of Christ with clarity and conviction, letting the “chips fall where they may,” we are not going to witness any “rats stirring.” Oh, the numbers may be down. We may not get to brag about the people who came to the altar. But when a soul gets under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God, we will see our churches filled with men and women who truly love God.
“It easy to lead the church into apostasy, it’s not so easy to lead them out.”
I think we give too much attention to what our enemies think than what the Lord thinks. I believe the Gospel has been watered down by pastors and evangelists because they are trying in there own power and way to reach the lost. While the endeavor of fulfilling the great commission is noble, modern preaching has compromised the message of salvation so much the lost end up in confusion and in more darkness after they have heard it.
I see a great need for pleasing God over making peace with our enemies. Our text promises that if we will be faithful to Him, He will take care of the rest. I believe we should enjoy our time in church, cherish our fellowship with brothers and sisters in the Lord and “have a good time” in God’s house, but when it turns into a fleshly party for the sake of entertaining the lost, COUNT ME OUT!
Until we get back to preaching the message of Christ with clarity and conviction, letting the “chips fall where they may,” we are not going to witness any “rats stirring.” Oh, the numbers may be down. We may not get to brag about the people who came to the altar. But when a soul gets under the conviction of the Holy Spirit of God, we will see our churches filled with men and women who truly love God.
“It easy to lead the church into apostasy, it’s not so easy to lead them out.”
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
I'm Just A Beggar
Lk 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Sometime I believe I should change my name to “Lazarus” because it seems I am always begging. Nearly everyday I beg the lost to come to Christ or the saints of God to obey the will of God. I beg the church member to honor God with his substance, that is to say, be honest with tithes and offerings. I beg the young people to remain pure and seek after their Creator in the days of their youth. I beg the wayward to repent and turn back to God. I beg the absentee to return to the house of God.
And I beg God to be merciful to me, to forgive my sins and restore unto me the joy of His salvation. I plead for strength to stand aright and not compromise. I ask for His grace to go on another day, to beg some more. And though I am “full of sores” I beg to see the completion of my redemption…the rapture. Or perhaps, some day it will be said of me, Lk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom…
I do not know which shall be my exit from this world, but I know the eternal fate of this old beggar. 1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Amen!
Sometime I believe I should change my name to “Lazarus” because it seems I am always begging. Nearly everyday I beg the lost to come to Christ or the saints of God to obey the will of God. I beg the church member to honor God with his substance, that is to say, be honest with tithes and offerings. I beg the young people to remain pure and seek after their Creator in the days of their youth. I beg the wayward to repent and turn back to God. I beg the absentee to return to the house of God.
And I beg God to be merciful to me, to forgive my sins and restore unto me the joy of His salvation. I plead for strength to stand aright and not compromise. I ask for His grace to go on another day, to beg some more. And though I am “full of sores” I beg to see the completion of my redemption…the rapture. Or perhaps, some day it will be said of me, Lk 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom…
I do not know which shall be my exit from this world, but I know the eternal fate of this old beggar. 1Sa 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.
Amen!
Foolish Words
Pr 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
There is an old adage that states, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Even the best of us will struggle from time to time trying to control that little member known as the tongue. I remember my father telling me that some things are better left unsaid.
Words spoken, even in jest, can be damaging to others as well as to our own testimony for Christ. I was reminded of this just recently when words were exchanged by some folks during a volley of comments and were taken the wrong way. Once words are let loose they can never be recovered. It is difficult to guard our feelings when the spirit has been wounded so.
Pr 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
There is an old adage that states, “It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.” Even the best of us will struggle from time to time trying to control that little member known as the tongue. I remember my father telling me that some things are better left unsaid.
Words spoken, even in jest, can be damaging to others as well as to our own testimony for Christ. I was reminded of this just recently when words were exchanged by some folks during a volley of comments and were taken the wrong way. Once words are let loose they can never be recovered. It is difficult to guard our feelings when the spirit has been wounded so.
Pr 17:28 Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Little Bird Told Me
Ecc 10:20 “…for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall tell the matter.”
Every morning, before my four grandchildren which live with me go to school, I sit at the dining room table and read the Scriptures to them. Recently, we have been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. This morning we read chapter ten. I explained to them that when I was a boy folks had an expression they used when someone would ask, “How do you know that?” or “How did you find that out?” The response would be with a smile, “A little bird told me.”
I wondered many times in my childhood how my mother knew exactly what I was doing. If I had been mischievous she knew it. If I had mistreated my younger brother she knew it. If I had gone somewhere without permission she knew it. How? A little bird had told her.
The principle is a Biblical one. “Be sure your sins will find you out.” No one escapes the watchful eye of God. He is ever present to witness our actions, thoughts and spirit. And He uses our very transgression to tell on us. For example, the liar must cover his lie with another, and then another, until the lie is so big it is unbelievable by even the most gullible person. The thief is never satisfied with what he steals, he must steal again. The hypocrite who cries, “Don’t judge me!” finally becomes judgmental himself.
If we would be reminded that our sins tattle on us, we may become more cautious in our character. Because…the little bird is always there to tell.
Every morning, before my four grandchildren which live with me go to school, I sit at the dining room table and read the Scriptures to them. Recently, we have been reading through the book of Ecclesiastes. This morning we read chapter ten. I explained to them that when I was a boy folks had an expression they used when someone would ask, “How do you know that?” or “How did you find that out?” The response would be with a smile, “A little bird told me.”
I wondered many times in my childhood how my mother knew exactly what I was doing. If I had been mischievous she knew it. If I had mistreated my younger brother she knew it. If I had gone somewhere without permission she knew it. How? A little bird had told her.
The principle is a Biblical one. “Be sure your sins will find you out.” No one escapes the watchful eye of God. He is ever present to witness our actions, thoughts and spirit. And He uses our very transgression to tell on us. For example, the liar must cover his lie with another, and then another, until the lie is so big it is unbelievable by even the most gullible person. The thief is never satisfied with what he steals, he must steal again. The hypocrite who cries, “Don’t judge me!” finally becomes judgmental himself.
If we would be reminded that our sins tattle on us, we may become more cautious in our character. Because…the little bird is always there to tell.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Likeable Liars
1Ti 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
Recent events have once again affirmed that there are a lot of folks who believe what they want to believe regardless of how much truth you present to them. All the campaigning that was done, all the warning that was given, had little or no effect upon the presidential election. There is no convincing one who has misguided loyalties. He will reject the truth in favor of his false belief almost every time. Why? Because he is faithful to the flesh and does not walk after the spirit.
So it is many times in the ministry. Christians will accept one who is talented, charismatic, dynamic, and personable over that person’s walk with God and testimony or the lack thereof. Tragically, the pastor in a church may even have lived a life of holiness, faithful service and personal sacrifice for the cause of Christ only to be rejected by the very sheep over which he has been charged to shepherd, all because the eyes of the members were blinded by a likeable liar.
In our text above we are cautioned to be careful about approving and recommending anyone without first observing their life and learning of what type they are. Doctrine is too important to overlook and personal holiness will effect the eventual outcome of any ministry. “Suddenly” is the red flag here. The test of time proves many things. Concerning man, if it does not make sense, it is probably wrong. A likeable liar will eventually be revealed.
Our church conducts a Reformers Unanimous ministry. We have learned that there are people who have sincere desires to get better, be happy, do the right thing, but they lack the consistency to do so. It takes time working with people to instill the Word of God within them so that those things will happen in their life. Many of them need to begin with salvation to get started right. Others know Christ but have made very poor decisions in life. There is the occasional deceiver who just wants to fulfill their desires at the expense of others, in this case, God’s people.
We must be careful not to fall for the likeable liar.
Recent events have once again affirmed that there are a lot of folks who believe what they want to believe regardless of how much truth you present to them. All the campaigning that was done, all the warning that was given, had little or no effect upon the presidential election. There is no convincing one who has misguided loyalties. He will reject the truth in favor of his false belief almost every time. Why? Because he is faithful to the flesh and does not walk after the spirit.
So it is many times in the ministry. Christians will accept one who is talented, charismatic, dynamic, and personable over that person’s walk with God and testimony or the lack thereof. Tragically, the pastor in a church may even have lived a life of holiness, faithful service and personal sacrifice for the cause of Christ only to be rejected by the very sheep over which he has been charged to shepherd, all because the eyes of the members were blinded by a likeable liar.
In our text above we are cautioned to be careful about approving and recommending anyone without first observing their life and learning of what type they are. Doctrine is too important to overlook and personal holiness will effect the eventual outcome of any ministry. “Suddenly” is the red flag here. The test of time proves many things. Concerning man, if it does not make sense, it is probably wrong. A likeable liar will eventually be revealed.
Our church conducts a Reformers Unanimous ministry. We have learned that there are people who have sincere desires to get better, be happy, do the right thing, but they lack the consistency to do so. It takes time working with people to instill the Word of God within them so that those things will happen in their life. Many of them need to begin with salvation to get started right. Others know Christ but have made very poor decisions in life. There is the occasional deceiver who just wants to fulfill their desires at the expense of others, in this case, God’s people.
We must be careful not to fall for the likeable liar.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER!
It seems a long time since I sat down and wrote out an entry to this blog. I do apologize for my tardiness in doing so. Some of you have asked several times when there would be another addition. Not to make excuses, but I have started a second job to add to our family’s income, as have my wife and daughter-in-law. I am sure you are feeling the financial pinch as we are.
Now that the election is over I have a few suggestions for the believer in Christ to consider. First, this is not a time to "duck and cover." What I mean by that is, we are to continue on serving our Lord under the same mandate we have always been under – win the lost and train the saved. The labourers are still few and the harvest is still plenteous. So remain faithful.
Second, we have children that are still in our ward. God expects us to raise them in His nurture and admonition. They should be taught to love God, honor God and serve God. Their has never been a day when it is more needful for parents to give spiritual attention to their children.
Third, we are still in a race. Our heavenly Father has left us here to live for Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the world is never going to understand us or help us, but we are to remain in the race until Jesus comes. In this race what matters is not who finishes first but how each of us runs.
Let me conclude this offering with something I read from another periodical just this morning:
TOP TEN PREDICTIONS NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. God will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Upon these we can rely.
Now that the election is over I have a few suggestions for the believer in Christ to consider. First, this is not a time to "duck and cover." What I mean by that is, we are to continue on serving our Lord under the same mandate we have always been under – win the lost and train the saved. The labourers are still few and the harvest is still plenteous. So remain faithful.
Second, we have children that are still in our ward. God expects us to raise them in His nurture and admonition. They should be taught to love God, honor God and serve God. Their has never been a day when it is more needful for parents to give spiritual attention to their children.
Third, we are still in a race. Our heavenly Father has left us here to live for Him. Hebrews 12 reminds us that the world is never going to understand us or help us, but we are to remain in the race until Jesus comes. In this race what matters is not who finishes first but how each of us runs.
Let me conclude this offering with something I read from another periodical just this morning:
TOP TEN PREDICTIONS NOW THAT THE ELECTION IS OVER
1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. God will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.
Upon these we can rely.
Friday, October 3, 2008
PLAGIARIZE
Ecc 1:9
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I am told that one of the vice-presidential candidates has been accused of plagiarism. I do not know if this is correct or a fabrication of some political “spin doctor.” I do know that it is considered to be a serious accusation. To plagiarize something is to take what has been written or put forth by someone else and represent it as being original to oneself. In other words, not giving credit where credit is due.
This certainly was not the case with the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The prophets put forth there message with a resounding “Thus saith the LORD!” The Apostle Paul said, 2Co 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I have been a child of God for over forty-eight years now. I have been privileged to hear some of the greatest preachers of the twentieth and twenty-first century. Nearly every day it crosses my mind that I have heard the truth proclaimed from the most anointed and spirit-filled men of God born within the last hundred years. And I have heard them echo the old, old story thousands upon thousands of times. The best have been those who humbled themselves and admitted that what they were about to preach was original only from God.
Recently, I had the joy and honor of preaching during a campmeeting in the south. I love to go just to be blessed by the spirited singing and enthusiastic preaching of the Word. But on occasion I am asked to preach. After the morning meeting concluded and younger preacher approached me to ask if he could use the outline and thoughts of my message. Without hesitation I responded that he should take them and use them as the Lord leads for nothing is original with me, the message came from God.
We dare not rob God of His glory. It belongs to Him alone.
The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.
I am told that one of the vice-presidential candidates has been accused of plagiarism. I do not know if this is correct or a fabrication of some political “spin doctor.” I do know that it is considered to be a serious accusation. To plagiarize something is to take what has been written or put forth by someone else and represent it as being original to oneself. In other words, not giving credit where credit is due.
This certainly was not the case with the Old Testament prophets and New Testament apostles. The prophets put forth there message with a resounding “Thus saith the LORD!” The Apostle Paul said, 2Co 4:5 “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
I have been a child of God for over forty-eight years now. I have been privileged to hear some of the greatest preachers of the twentieth and twenty-first century. Nearly every day it crosses my mind that I have heard the truth proclaimed from the most anointed and spirit-filled men of God born within the last hundred years. And I have heard them echo the old, old story thousands upon thousands of times. The best have been those who humbled themselves and admitted that what they were about to preach was original only from God.
Recently, I had the joy and honor of preaching during a campmeeting in the south. I love to go just to be blessed by the spirited singing and enthusiastic preaching of the Word. But on occasion I am asked to preach. After the morning meeting concluded and younger preacher approached me to ask if he could use the outline and thoughts of my message. Without hesitation I responded that he should take them and use them as the Lord leads for nothing is original with me, the message came from God.
We dare not rob God of His glory. It belongs to Him alone.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Peace Be To Thine Helpers
1Chr 12:18 Then the spirit came upon Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, Thine are we, David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
A few years ago, my dear friend, Dr. John O’Malley, preached a message at our church entitled “Helpers of the War.” It was a reminder that even though David was a great and blessed man of God, he needed the help of others to accomplish victory over the enemy. God provided that help through his mighty men. I am sure in every ministry there must be helpers of the war for none of us are sufficient within ourselves. We need God’s help and we need the help of might men. These would be men who have the same heart and love for the Word of God and the work of God.
As we serve God we will encounter those who question the war we wage for the souls of men. There will be those who oppose the war. But praise God for the helpers of the war.
Principle #6 of the Reformer’s Unanimous program states, “Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.” No one really expects the world to aid in the service of God. But how wonderful it would be if our churches were filled with believers who have given themselves to be “helpers of the war.”
A few years ago, my dear friend, Dr. John O’Malley, preached a message at our church entitled “Helpers of the War.” It was a reminder that even though David was a great and blessed man of God, he needed the help of others to accomplish victory over the enemy. God provided that help through his mighty men. I am sure in every ministry there must be helpers of the war for none of us are sufficient within ourselves. We need God’s help and we need the help of might men. These would be men who have the same heart and love for the Word of God and the work of God.
As we serve God we will encounter those who question the war we wage for the souls of men. There will be those who oppose the war. But praise God for the helpers of the war.
Principle #6 of the Reformer’s Unanimous program states, “Those who do not love the Lord will not help us serve the Lord.” No one really expects the world to aid in the service of God. But how wonderful it would be if our churches were filled with believers who have given themselves to be “helpers of the war.”
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Hope of the Local Church...the hope of America
1Ti 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 1Ti 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Lawlessness and moral depravity are the contrary (or enemy) of sound doctrine (truth). Those who have chosen to be immoral or sympathize with others who have will always compromise the truth to attempt to justify the sin.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Those who choose to listen to the ear-tickling charlatans cannot endure truth and will constantly run to what pleases them and not what corrects them.
Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Truth is the only way to reach the spiritually dull-minded. A faithful witness who is relentless in standing for truth will be the only hope for those in darkness or without discernment. (An interesting observation is that this crowd believes because there are more of them than those who hold fast to the truth, they are right and sound doctrine is wrong, or uncompassionate, or legalistic).
Tit 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
The word “become” in the text here suggests a putting forth or complimenting of sound doctrine.
This is the hope of the local church. This is the hope of America.
Lawlessness and moral depravity are the contrary (or enemy) of sound doctrine (truth). Those who have chosen to be immoral or sympathize with others who have will always compromise the truth to attempt to justify the sin.
2Ti 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Those who choose to listen to the ear-tickling charlatans cannot endure truth and will constantly run to what pleases them and not what corrects them.
Tit 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Truth is the only way to reach the spiritually dull-minded. A faithful witness who is relentless in standing for truth will be the only hope for those in darkness or without discernment. (An interesting observation is that this crowd believes because there are more of them than those who hold fast to the truth, they are right and sound doctrine is wrong, or uncompassionate, or legalistic).
Tit 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
The word “become” in the text here suggests a putting forth or complimenting of sound doctrine.
This is the hope of the local church. This is the hope of America.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Lunch With The Governor
Rom 13:3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: Rom 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Yesterday afternoon, August 19, 2008, I along with my wife and daughter-in-law, had the privilege of sharing lunch with the governor of Indiana, the honorable Mitch Daniels. This was not my first encounter with our governor, but it certainly was one of a different kind. “Religious leaders” from all over our state were invited to attend the luncheon. I went mostly out of a desire to speak to someone about the awful way our church has been treated by local county officials concerning our building program. I did make contact with a man on the governor’s staff who expressed a great desire to get involved and at least give us a less one-sided hearing. However, I came away with much more.
I have often heard it said that religion and politics make strange bedfellows. And I agree. Politics makes no room for God for it seeks to rule for its own glory. God will not share His glory with anyone or any institution. Contrariwise, government must be tempered with a strong faith in God in order to function as it was designed and as it should. Truly our founding fathers realized this and had a great desire for God’s blessings upon America.
Yesterday I listened as Governor Daniels expressed his personal faith. He is Presbyterian by denomination and I cannot say if he is trusting in his works, his church, or in the Lord Jesus Christ. But he did make mention several times of being a fallen sinner (his words) in need of forgiveness. I saw his frustration as he explained that politics would not allow him to inject his personal faith into his job as a public servant. I understand that and appreciate it because I do not want to be told that I must be a Presbyterian. However, he did get something very right in his speech. He explained that while he could not run a Presbyterian administration it was his job to protect religious freedom in our state. I wish more of our elected officials held the same sense of responsibility.
I am a Baptist! I am a King James Bible believing Baptist. I believe that the Word of God is the pure, undefiled, preserved revelation of God for us to follow and practice in all matters of faith and living. I wish Governor Daniels held the same beliefs, but on those matters we differ. I am glad, however, that he is willing to stand for my rights as a citizen to practice my faith and it is his responsibility to see nothing hinders the citizens of this state from doing just that.
Thanks for lunch, Governor. And thanks for your stand on religious freedom.
Monday, August 11, 2008
FORTY-ONE
“I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2Timothy 4:1-5 KJV)
In over forty years of ministry you can see a lot. On Sunday, August 10, I celebrated forty-one years of Gospel ministry. The kid preacher who started on the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, playing guitar to gather a crowd and preaching to anyone who would stay long enough to listen, has gone through many valleys and across many mountain tops in his time. My endeavor over the last four decades has been to fulfill the last phrase of the above text, “make full proof of thy ministry.” What a joy it has been to see souls saved, young people surrender their lives to the Lord for ministry, help missionaries get to the field and help them on the field, and pastoring a people who love God.
The future presents new challenges as we go on to serve our God. How exciting it is to anticipate the Lord’s work reaching out to even more souls through new avenues of evangelism, but still by His chosen vehicle, the Local Church. Time to quit? We will have none of that! This is like our ministry is starting all over again. We didn’t quit when others turned away. We didn’t quit when Satan hindered. We didn’t quit when we stumbled along the way (just get up and go some more). We didn’t quit when family and friends forsook us. God has never left us and we have no reason to doubt Him now. Praise God, I think I’ll go a little further.
In over forty years of ministry you can see a lot. On Sunday, August 10, I celebrated forty-one years of Gospel ministry. The kid preacher who started on the streets of Cincinnati, Ohio, playing guitar to gather a crowd and preaching to anyone who would stay long enough to listen, has gone through many valleys and across many mountain tops in his time. My endeavor over the last four decades has been to fulfill the last phrase of the above text, “make full proof of thy ministry.” What a joy it has been to see souls saved, young people surrender their lives to the Lord for ministry, help missionaries get to the field and help them on the field, and pastoring a people who love God.
The future presents new challenges as we go on to serve our God. How exciting it is to anticipate the Lord’s work reaching out to even more souls through new avenues of evangelism, but still by His chosen vehicle, the Local Church. Time to quit? We will have none of that! This is like our ministry is starting all over again. We didn’t quit when others turned away. We didn’t quit when Satan hindered. We didn’t quit when we stumbled along the way (just get up and go some more). We didn’t quit when family and friends forsook us. God has never left us and we have no reason to doubt Him now. Praise God, I think I’ll go a little further.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
BLIND OR BLESSED?
“I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) …” (Revelation 2:9a) written to the church at Smyrna.
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:17) written to the church of the Laodiceans.
The Smyrnian church was blessed through their works, tribulation and poverty, but they did not realize it. The Laodicean church had possessions aplenty, but without the blessings of God. It is just as blind to think oneself without the blessing of God as it is to believe that material things indicate the presence of God. Beautiful cathedrals do not a church make. Neither is one forsaken because he lacks physical substance.
The key indicator in the matter is “me.” “Woe is me” excludes God as much as “look at me.” For the child of God who is walking with Him, there is no time without blessing. In fact we are not qualified to determine what is a “bad day” and what is not. God never has a bad day. Likewise, we not are able to proclaim “God has blessed” because of finances or possessions to promotions. Our heart must always sing “to God be the glory.”
Faithful obedience to the Word of God and consistent service for our Lord will bring God’s blessing as long as “me” stays out of it.
“Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:17) written to the church of the Laodiceans.
The Smyrnian church was blessed through their works, tribulation and poverty, but they did not realize it. The Laodicean church had possessions aplenty, but without the blessings of God. It is just as blind to think oneself without the blessing of God as it is to believe that material things indicate the presence of God. Beautiful cathedrals do not a church make. Neither is one forsaken because he lacks physical substance.
The key indicator in the matter is “me.” “Woe is me” excludes God as much as “look at me.” For the child of God who is walking with Him, there is no time without blessing. In fact we are not qualified to determine what is a “bad day” and what is not. God never has a bad day. Likewise, we not are able to proclaim “God has blessed” because of finances or possessions to promotions. Our heart must always sing “to God be the glory.”
Faithful obedience to the Word of God and consistent service for our Lord will bring God’s blessing as long as “me” stays out of it.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
SEVEN WONDERFUL FACTS ABOUT THE TRUTH
“But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (2Corinthians 1:18-22)
I have a dear preacher/pastor friend here in town who reminds me continually that the greatest challenge for men in the 21st century is to know and believe the truth. Each week on Sunday and Wednesday I stand behind the sacred desk of God and attempt to proclaim the truth to my people and those visiting our services. When I am called upon to preach in school chapels, youth camps, preacher fellowships, etc., I endeavor to bring forth the truth for the hearer’s consideration. Nothing substitutes for the truth. Lies must be perpetuated by lies. Truth stands when lies fail. Truth liberates and lies imprison.
Here are seven facts about the truth:
1. Truth and right are never affected by numbers. Remember it was the crowd that died in the flood. It was the majority that was destroyed in Sodom. It was the multitude that cried, “Crucify him, crucify him!”
2. Truth and right are never affected by unbelief. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2Timothy 4:3-4) Just because one does not believe the truth does not change the truth. It just means they have chosen to believe fables.
3. Truth and right are never affected by neglect and neglect does not release one from the responsibility to the truth.
4. Truth and right are never affected by disobedience. Just because God’s people choose to disobey Him does not nullify the truth.
5. Truth and right are never affected by comfort or convenience. When in history did it ever become comfortable to do the right thing or stand by the truth when society rejected truth?
6. Truth and right are never affected by price. Man can be bought, but God cannot.
7. Truth and right are never affected by time. We do live in different times. But the truth never changes. If sin was sin one hundred years ago, it is still sin today.
“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)
I have a dear preacher/pastor friend here in town who reminds me continually that the greatest challenge for men in the 21st century is to know and believe the truth. Each week on Sunday and Wednesday I stand behind the sacred desk of God and attempt to proclaim the truth to my people and those visiting our services. When I am called upon to preach in school chapels, youth camps, preacher fellowships, etc., I endeavor to bring forth the truth for the hearer’s consideration. Nothing substitutes for the truth. Lies must be perpetuated by lies. Truth stands when lies fail. Truth liberates and lies imprison.
Here are seven facts about the truth:
1. Truth and right are never affected by numbers. Remember it was the crowd that died in the flood. It was the majority that was destroyed in Sodom. It was the multitude that cried, “Crucify him, crucify him!”
2. Truth and right are never affected by unbelief. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2Timothy 4:3-4) Just because one does not believe the truth does not change the truth. It just means they have chosen to believe fables.
3. Truth and right are never affected by neglect and neglect does not release one from the responsibility to the truth.
4. Truth and right are never affected by disobedience. Just because God’s people choose to disobey Him does not nullify the truth.
5. Truth and right are never affected by comfort or convenience. When in history did it ever become comfortable to do the right thing or stand by the truth when society rejected truth?
6. Truth and right are never affected by price. Man can be bought, but God cannot.
7. Truth and right are never affected by time. We do live in different times. But the truth never changes. If sin was sin one hundred years ago, it is still sin today.
“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)
Sunday, July 20, 2008
BURDENS
Ps 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
As I was reminded this week by a silver-haired old preacher, Brother Locke who has been in the war for many years, we all have burdens in life. As a Christian, if you do not think you do now…you will. Life has a way of putting burdens upon us and our Heavenly Father will even place burdens on us to strengthen us, teach us, prepare us for the future.
There are several causes for burdens. The most obvious one is the burden of sin. It is this burden which the Holy Spirit uses to direct us to Jesus Christ. He\is job is to convict us of sin and show us the danger and destructiveness of sin. It is the burden of sin that gets upon a man’s heart that reveals his depravity and opens his eyes to the holiness of God. This burden humbles us so that we may repent and place our trust in Christ for redemption.
Then there is the burden of sorrows. Every person whether lost or saved will experience sorrow in life. There are those times of desertion by family and friends, times when we are disappointed by unfulfilled dreams, times when our strength and abilities fail us. But as our text reminds us, “…he shall sustain thee:…”
And also, there are burdens that come with service. Serving Christ means working with people. People have needs which must be attended. The servant of Christ is there to give attention to those needs. But it is possible to become weary in well doing when the burden becomes overwhelming.
So how does one deal with such burdens? We are told to “Cast thy burden upon the LORD.” We are never to defend our burden as some who revel in having hardships thinking they will acquire sympathy. Nor are we to despair in our burden for God has promised that the righteous shall not be moved. We need to learn to take our burdens to God in prayer and cast them upon Him. Claim His promise of help and celebrate the provision He will give.
The cure of sin is salvation. God will never release us from burdens of sorrow, but rather will us them to reinforce us in our service to Him.
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
As I was reminded this week by a silver-haired old preacher, Brother Locke who has been in the war for many years, we all have burdens in life. As a Christian, if you do not think you do now…you will. Life has a way of putting burdens upon us and our Heavenly Father will even place burdens on us to strengthen us, teach us, prepare us for the future.
There are several causes for burdens. The most obvious one is the burden of sin. It is this burden which the Holy Spirit uses to direct us to Jesus Christ. He\is job is to convict us of sin and show us the danger and destructiveness of sin. It is the burden of sin that gets upon a man’s heart that reveals his depravity and opens his eyes to the holiness of God. This burden humbles us so that we may repent and place our trust in Christ for redemption.
Then there is the burden of sorrows. Every person whether lost or saved will experience sorrow in life. There are those times of desertion by family and friends, times when we are disappointed by unfulfilled dreams, times when our strength and abilities fail us. But as our text reminds us, “…he shall sustain thee:…”
And also, there are burdens that come with service. Serving Christ means working with people. People have needs which must be attended. The servant of Christ is there to give attention to those needs. But it is possible to become weary in well doing when the burden becomes overwhelming.
So how does one deal with such burdens? We are told to “Cast thy burden upon the LORD.” We are never to defend our burden as some who revel in having hardships thinking they will acquire sympathy. Nor are we to despair in our burden for God has promised that the righteous shall not be moved. We need to learn to take our burdens to God in prayer and cast them upon Him. Claim His promise of help and celebrate the provision He will give.
The cure of sin is salvation. God will never release us from burdens of sorrow, but rather will us them to reinforce us in our service to Him.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Signs of a Growing Christian
Jas 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Jas 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Jas 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Jas 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Jas 1:9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: Jas 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. Jas 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Jas 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Jas 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Jas 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Jas 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
Spiritual growth is rare among modern Christians. The hindrances abound toward those who would genuinely seek to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Certainly, the world, flesh and devil have motive to impede a believer from maturing, but one would be surprised to find that even among the clergy there exists those who criticize anyone from getting “deep” with God. “You will become so heavenly minded that you will become no earthly good!” I have yet to see the reality of that statement. If one is truly heavenly minded, is that not the mind of God? Would not such a one possess the heart and longsuffering of God?
I have observed that the mature Christian is fearless and faithful through adversity. They consider trials to be fertilizer for their faith. As our text expresses in verses 2-4, they count it all joy…the trial of their faith worketh patience…wanting nothing. A growing Christian will pray to find answers and seek God’s wisdom. A Christian who is mature has a balanced view of earthly possessions and eternal reality. And no matter what happens in life, a “deep” believer will never blame God for struggles, but rather praise Him for the opportunity to bring glory to Him.
“Oh, that’s just your interpretation, Brother Groves. Just the way you see it!” No, my friend, it is what God is showing me.
Spiritual growth is rare among modern Christians. The hindrances abound toward those who would genuinely seek to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Certainly, the world, flesh and devil have motive to impede a believer from maturing, but one would be surprised to find that even among the clergy there exists those who criticize anyone from getting “deep” with God. “You will become so heavenly minded that you will become no earthly good!” I have yet to see the reality of that statement. If one is truly heavenly minded, is that not the mind of God? Would not such a one possess the heart and longsuffering of God?
I have observed that the mature Christian is fearless and faithful through adversity. They consider trials to be fertilizer for their faith. As our text expresses in verses 2-4, they count it all joy…the trial of their faith worketh patience…wanting nothing. A growing Christian will pray to find answers and seek God’s wisdom. A Christian who is mature has a balanced view of earthly possessions and eternal reality. And no matter what happens in life, a “deep” believer will never blame God for struggles, but rather praise Him for the opportunity to bring glory to Him.
“Oh, that’s just your interpretation, Brother Groves. Just the way you see it!” No, my friend, it is what God is showing me.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
THIRTY-EIGHT
Recently, my wife and I celebrated our thirty-eighth wedding anniversary. I have always admired those couples who have gone faithfully through life to reach their fiftieth and even seventy-fifth anniversary. It has always been remarkable, but today it is also rare. Not necessarily because one of the partners has passed away, but rare because fidelity is rare among us today. I am grateful for the years our Lord has given us together.
Our church hosted a fellowship after the evening service the Sunday following our anniversary. One of the members asked me what I would do if Mrs. Groves were to pass away. I told him that I would probably have to go with her. He said jokingly, “Well, Preacher, the women would be lined up to get you.” To which I replied, “I have spent thirty-eight years training this one and I do not have the energy to train another.”
It would be more truthful that she has trained me. Partners look out for one another. She certainly has taken good care of me through the years. Humanly speaking, I could not have done what I have accomplished through more than four decades of ministry if she had not been by my side. Thirty-eight and a half years ago she accepted a challenge, “Marry me and see the world.” She did and we have. She has gone with me across America, ministering in twelve states; across the oceans in Tokyo, Japan; Taipai, Taiwan; Athens and Corinth, Greece; Ephesus in Turkey; and all through the Holy Land.
She has been lied to and lied about by church members; criticized for her stand; disappointed by those thought to be friends; and broken hearted over the actions of loved ones. Still she remains yielded, submissive, and faithful. Jesus Christ has always taken first place in her life and I would have it no other way.
I gave thought to the possibility of waiting until our fortieth anniversary to share my heart on this matter, but I believe our Lord’s return is so near I did not want to miss the opportunity. Sandra, I love you, I always have.
Pr 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Pr 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Pr 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Our church hosted a fellowship after the evening service the Sunday following our anniversary. One of the members asked me what I would do if Mrs. Groves were to pass away. I told him that I would probably have to go with her. He said jokingly, “Well, Preacher, the women would be lined up to get you.” To which I replied, “I have spent thirty-eight years training this one and I do not have the energy to train another.”
It would be more truthful that she has trained me. Partners look out for one another. She certainly has taken good care of me through the years. Humanly speaking, I could not have done what I have accomplished through more than four decades of ministry if she had not been by my side. Thirty-eight and a half years ago she accepted a challenge, “Marry me and see the world.” She did and we have. She has gone with me across America, ministering in twelve states; across the oceans in Tokyo, Japan; Taipai, Taiwan; Athens and Corinth, Greece; Ephesus in Turkey; and all through the Holy Land.
She has been lied to and lied about by church members; criticized for her stand; disappointed by those thought to be friends; and broken hearted over the actions of loved ones. Still she remains yielded, submissive, and faithful. Jesus Christ has always taken first place in her life and I would have it no other way.
I gave thought to the possibility of waiting until our fortieth anniversary to share my heart on this matter, but I believe our Lord’s return is so near I did not want to miss the opportunity. Sandra, I love you, I always have.
Pr 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. Pr 31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. Pr 31:12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Bearing the Father's Image
1Co 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. 1Co 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Some forty-two years ago, my brother and I participated in a teen choir at our church which proved to be one of the most helpful and encouraging events of my teenage years. The previous summer I had just experienced a call to the ministry, and as any young person seeking God’s will for their life, I wanted some confirmation that the call was genuine. Those two years singing in the teen choir helped solidify that call in my life.
Recently, one of the men, now a pastor himself, contacted as many of the old members of the teen choir to see if any of them were interested in a reunion. The response he got was overwhelming. Plans were made, we met at a restaurant near our old church for a meal together, and then we gathered at the church for fellowship and singing. We had a wonderful time. I was good to see old friends, some of whom I had not seen for over thirty years.
After the meal, as we were walking up to the youth center of the church (our old haunt during our teen years), one of my brother’s friends remarked to me, “Boy, you sure look like your dad.” I responded that I was well aware of the physical resemblance, but wished I had more of my father’s character traits. “That must be intimidating,” he said, “does it bother you?” I told him that everyday I get up and look in the mirror to see my father’s face and stature. While not near as strong a man as he, I have the stocky-build through the chest and my wife says I walk just like him.
All this brought me to the thought that we are to bear the image of our Heavenly Father and we are to covet His divine character in our lives. Our text tells us that if we are of the heavenly we will bear the image of the heavenly. The old adage, “You are the only Jesus some folks will ever see” holds true. So I ask myself these two questions: 1) What do others think of my earthly father when they see me? and 2) What do people think of Almighty God when they look at my life?
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Some forty-two years ago, my brother and I participated in a teen choir at our church which proved to be one of the most helpful and encouraging events of my teenage years. The previous summer I had just experienced a call to the ministry, and as any young person seeking God’s will for their life, I wanted some confirmation that the call was genuine. Those two years singing in the teen choir helped solidify that call in my life.
Recently, one of the men, now a pastor himself, contacted as many of the old members of the teen choir to see if any of them were interested in a reunion. The response he got was overwhelming. Plans were made, we met at a restaurant near our old church for a meal together, and then we gathered at the church for fellowship and singing. We had a wonderful time. I was good to see old friends, some of whom I had not seen for over thirty years.
After the meal, as we were walking up to the youth center of the church (our old haunt during our teen years), one of my brother’s friends remarked to me, “Boy, you sure look like your dad.” I responded that I was well aware of the physical resemblance, but wished I had more of my father’s character traits. “That must be intimidating,” he said, “does it bother you?” I told him that everyday I get up and look in the mirror to see my father’s face and stature. While not near as strong a man as he, I have the stocky-build through the chest and my wife says I walk just like him.
All this brought me to the thought that we are to bear the image of our Heavenly Father and we are to covet His divine character in our lives. Our text tells us that if we are of the heavenly we will bear the image of the heavenly. The old adage, “You are the only Jesus some folks will ever see” holds true. So I ask myself these two questions: 1) What do others think of my earthly father when they see me? and 2) What do people think of Almighty God when they look at my life?
Col 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Massachusetts Pregnancy Pact
Tit 2:4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, Tit 2:5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Modern American society has fallen light-years behind the Biblical admonition we find in our text. It saddens my heart to hear of such debauchery as teenage girls in the most blessed and privileged country in the world forming a pact to have themselves impregnated outside of marriage so they can “raise” their children together. But just this morning the news report came that such is the case in Glouchester, Massachusetts. Were their lives so empty that they felt compelled to do such perverse and senseless thing.
One may ask, “What were they thinking?” Well, as one who has been in the ministry now almost forty-one years, worked closely with children, teens, and young adults most of that time, and has pastored families who have gone through such nightmares, I can tell you what they were not thinking. They gave little or no thought to how this situation they have created is going to affect the child they are bringing into the world. It is a selfish, self-centered act that will complicate the life of the child and place them in disadvantage in the future as well as in the immediate.
At the risk of being labeled “uncaring, unforgiving, legalistic, narrow-minded, out-of-touch, and old fashioned” I will tell you this. God calls this wickedness “blaspheme” and condemns it in Scripture. This amoral society is headed for judgment!
To the teenage girls in that high school in Glouchester, Massachusetts, I want to say this: My heart is broke for you. Apparently, you made a choice to bring a life into the world for which you now are responsible. There may be those who will run to your aide and comfort you now, but will they be there when this child is thirteen, fourteen, fifteen years old? Will you expect the tax payers to pick up the tab when medical needs arise, housing is needed and food must be provided? Obviously, no one has taught you to be sober and think this matter through. No one impressed upon you that marriage is God’s plan for procreation and to do otherwise is animalistic. And as you cuddle the small infant in your arms, is it to bring you comfort or are you going to give your life to that child?
When my wife and I started a family, we prayed for our children. We begged God to give them to us and promised Him that we would be faithful to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. God was good to us and helped us, but even with divine help we had to pour our lives into them. Then later in life we were reminded of the great responsibility of child rearing when our grandchildren and their mother came to live with us. It takes more than money to raise a child. It takes time and patience and self-sacrifice.
My counsel to you of the “pregnancy pact” is this: There is a God Who is merciful and gracious, and He cares what happens to you and your child. He will forgive you of this folly and help you if you let Him. But you must repent and confess your sin to Him and trust Him to save you from your sin. His name is Jesus Christ and He loves you.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Modern American society has fallen light-years behind the Biblical admonition we find in our text. It saddens my heart to hear of such debauchery as teenage girls in the most blessed and privileged country in the world forming a pact to have themselves impregnated outside of marriage so they can “raise” their children together. But just this morning the news report came that such is the case in Glouchester, Massachusetts. Were their lives so empty that they felt compelled to do such perverse and senseless thing.
One may ask, “What were they thinking?” Well, as one who has been in the ministry now almost forty-one years, worked closely with children, teens, and young adults most of that time, and has pastored families who have gone through such nightmares, I can tell you what they were not thinking. They gave little or no thought to how this situation they have created is going to affect the child they are bringing into the world. It is a selfish, self-centered act that will complicate the life of the child and place them in disadvantage in the future as well as in the immediate.
At the risk of being labeled “uncaring, unforgiving, legalistic, narrow-minded, out-of-touch, and old fashioned” I will tell you this. God calls this wickedness “blaspheme” and condemns it in Scripture. This amoral society is headed for judgment!
To the teenage girls in that high school in Glouchester, Massachusetts, I want to say this: My heart is broke for you. Apparently, you made a choice to bring a life into the world for which you now are responsible. There may be those who will run to your aide and comfort you now, but will they be there when this child is thirteen, fourteen, fifteen years old? Will you expect the tax payers to pick up the tab when medical needs arise, housing is needed and food must be provided? Obviously, no one has taught you to be sober and think this matter through. No one impressed upon you that marriage is God’s plan for procreation and to do otherwise is animalistic. And as you cuddle the small infant in your arms, is it to bring you comfort or are you going to give your life to that child?
When my wife and I started a family, we prayed for our children. We begged God to give them to us and promised Him that we would be faithful to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. God was good to us and helped us, but even with divine help we had to pour our lives into them. Then later in life we were reminded of the great responsibility of child rearing when our grandchildren and their mother came to live with us. It takes more than money to raise a child. It takes time and patience and self-sacrifice.
My counsel to you of the “pregnancy pact” is this: There is a God Who is merciful and gracious, and He cares what happens to you and your child. He will forgive you of this folly and help you if you let Him. But you must repent and confess your sin to Him and trust Him to save you from your sin. His name is Jesus Christ and He loves you.
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Rom 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Bound Husbands and Fathers
Mk 3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan? Mk 3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. Mk 3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Mk 3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end. Mk 3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.
Seems men (husbands and fathers) are being bound today by Satan and he is spoiling their homes. This appears to be done with little effort on the devil’s part because men have gotten weak and rendered helpless, bound by the three fold cord of the tempter.
Ecc 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Satan has two accomplices in this matter of binding the strong man: the flesh and the world. And I believe the threefold cord they use is S – I – N:
SELFISHNESS. A selfish man does not know the true meaning of love according to 1 Corinthians 13. He is bound with the cord of selfishness and blind to the needs of others including his wife and children. His selfishness is the very thing that will destroy his home. Girls, don’t marry a selfish man. He is always a taker and seldom a giver.
INFIDELITY. A man bound with the cord of infidelity will make promises he has no intention of keeping or does not have the ability to keep. This cord will cause the strong man to blame anyone or anything else for his own failures, but he will never take responsibility for himself. He will struggle to be faithful to his family because he is not faithful to God.
NEGLECT. A husband and/or father who neglects his spiritual relationship with God has allowed himself to be bound and is useless to help and lead his family. He cannot pray for them, he cannot stand against the wiles of the devil, he cannot lead them to do right because he is bound.
Abraham and Lot were both saved men I believe. The ways they conducted their lives, raised families and received results were in stark contrast. Abraham looked where God told him to look, he lived in the land God had promised him, and his legacy was a son who respected and loved his father and followed God. On the other hand, Lot looked to the well watered plains of Jordan, he lived in a city full of wickedness and his legacy was two nations through an incestuous act who opposed God and the people of God.
The threefold cord is not quickly broken, but it can be broken. Submission to God and obedience to the Word of God will supply the power and strength to overcome the bindings of the world, the flesh and the devil.
One last word of caution. It is easy to take your family into Sodom, but it is very hard to get them out, and even harder to get Sodom out of them.
Seems men (husbands and fathers) are being bound today by Satan and he is spoiling their homes. This appears to be done with little effort on the devil’s part because men have gotten weak and rendered helpless, bound by the three fold cord of the tempter.
Ecc 4:12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Satan has two accomplices in this matter of binding the strong man: the flesh and the world. And I believe the threefold cord they use is S – I – N:
SELFISHNESS. A selfish man does not know the true meaning of love according to 1 Corinthians 13. He is bound with the cord of selfishness and blind to the needs of others including his wife and children. His selfishness is the very thing that will destroy his home. Girls, don’t marry a selfish man. He is always a taker and seldom a giver.
INFIDELITY. A man bound with the cord of infidelity will make promises he has no intention of keeping or does not have the ability to keep. This cord will cause the strong man to blame anyone or anything else for his own failures, but he will never take responsibility for himself. He will struggle to be faithful to his family because he is not faithful to God.
NEGLECT. A husband and/or father who neglects his spiritual relationship with God has allowed himself to be bound and is useless to help and lead his family. He cannot pray for them, he cannot stand against the wiles of the devil, he cannot lead them to do right because he is bound.
Abraham and Lot were both saved men I believe. The ways they conducted their lives, raised families and received results were in stark contrast. Abraham looked where God told him to look, he lived in the land God had promised him, and his legacy was a son who respected and loved his father and followed God. On the other hand, Lot looked to the well watered plains of Jordan, he lived in a city full of wickedness and his legacy was two nations through an incestuous act who opposed God and the people of God.
The threefold cord is not quickly broken, but it can be broken. Submission to God and obedience to the Word of God will supply the power and strength to overcome the bindings of the world, the flesh and the devil.
One last word of caution. It is easy to take your family into Sodom, but it is very hard to get them out, and even harder to get Sodom out of them.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Forty-Eight
2Co 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Yesterday I celebrated forty-eight years as a child of God. In 1960 as a ten year old Sunday School boy I sat in the second row, left side, of the Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Norwood, Ohio. I listened once again to my pastor, Herstle Mayfield, preach the Word of God. The wickedness of my sin and the fires of hell became a reality to me. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and I thought my heart would burst inside of me. I remember taking the first step into the aisle, but I cannot remember any of the steps that got me to the altar that day. I fell into the altar bench and looked up to see my Sunday School teacher, Mr. Bill Pruit, come out of the choir loft and rush to my side. He opened his Bible and began to read from the book of Romans. My tears fell upon the pages of that Bible as I gave my heart and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I was gloriously saved by God’s grace that day. My father and mother stood by me as our pastor presented me to the church for baptism. The following Sunday evening I was immersed in water by the pastor in obedience to Christ’s command.
It has been quite a journey over the years and it is not over. I have been overwhelmed as the Word of God burned in my heart and I have had periods of dullness when my ears were deaf to it. I have had the privilege of giving the Gospel to others and see the same miracle work in their hearts. I have baptized some of those as they have followed their Saviour. God’s call upon my life has allowed me to travel this country, preaching and singing. I have preached the Word in Taiwan; on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece; on the isle of Patmos in the Aegean Sea; at Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley; in the jungles of Thailand to lepers; to U.S. soldiers in Germany and a German church; in a train station in Hungary; and, a Bible Institute in Romania. And just about the time I would think the journey could bring no more, the Lord has opened another door of opportunity. How thrilling!
Forty-eight years may seem a long time to man, but it is not even a blink of God’s eye. There is no telling what is in store for the days ahead. To some, politics and war and economy bring a bleak picture. But (to borrow the words of a chorus) “Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Yesterday I celebrated forty-eight years as a child of God. In 1960 as a ten year old Sunday School boy I sat in the second row, left side, of the Ashland Avenue Baptist Church, Norwood, Ohio. I listened once again to my pastor, Herstle Mayfield, preach the Word of God. The wickedness of my sin and the fires of hell became a reality to me. The Holy Spirit convicted me of my sin and I thought my heart would burst inside of me. I remember taking the first step into the aisle, but I cannot remember any of the steps that got me to the altar that day. I fell into the altar bench and looked up to see my Sunday School teacher, Mr. Bill Pruit, come out of the choir loft and rush to my side. He opened his Bible and began to read from the book of Romans. My tears fell upon the pages of that Bible as I gave my heart and placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I was gloriously saved by God’s grace that day. My father and mother stood by me as our pastor presented me to the church for baptism. The following Sunday evening I was immersed in water by the pastor in obedience to Christ’s command.
It has been quite a journey over the years and it is not over. I have been overwhelmed as the Word of God burned in my heart and I have had periods of dullness when my ears were deaf to it. I have had the privilege of giving the Gospel to others and see the same miracle work in their hearts. I have baptized some of those as they have followed their Saviour. God’s call upon my life has allowed me to travel this country, preaching and singing. I have preached the Word in Taiwan; on Mars Hill in Athens, Greece; on the isle of Patmos in the Aegean Sea; at Megiddo in the Jezreel Valley; in the jungles of Thailand to lepers; to U.S. soldiers in Germany and a German church; in a train station in Hungary; and, a Bible Institute in Romania. And just about the time I would think the journey could bring no more, the Lord has opened another door of opportunity. How thrilling!
Forty-eight years may seem a long time to man, but it is not even a blink of God’s eye. There is no telling what is in store for the days ahead. To some, politics and war and economy bring a bleak picture. But (to borrow the words of a chorus) “Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.”
Pr 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Jesus Saves the Best Until Last
“And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.” (John 2:6-10)
As our Lord began His ministry on earth, His first recorded miracle is found during His attendance of a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the wedding feast they had exhausted their supply of wine. When Jesus is called upon to help the servants are instructed to fill the stone waterpots used for cleansing. The governor of the feast did not know where the fresh wine came from, but the servants did.
And so it is with everything our Saviour does. He saves the best until last. Life is filled with disappointments, sorrows, pain and suffering, evil. But for the believer, none of that can be compared to the "best saved for last" which shall be for all of eternity.
As the old adage goes, "He that laughs last, laughs best." “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalms 2:4-6)
As our Lord began His ministry on earth, His first recorded miracle is found during His attendance of a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the wedding feast they had exhausted their supply of wine. When Jesus is called upon to help the servants are instructed to fill the stone waterpots used for cleansing. The governor of the feast did not know where the fresh wine came from, but the servants did.
And so it is with everything our Saviour does. He saves the best until last. Life is filled with disappointments, sorrows, pain and suffering, evil. But for the believer, none of that can be compared to the "best saved for last" which shall be for all of eternity.
As the old adage goes, "He that laughs last, laughs best." “He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psalms 2:4-6)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Ambiance
“And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.” (Acts 17:10-12 KJV)
My wife is always my best source for excellent illustrations from life. She observes things (mostly from purely a woman’s perspective) and interprets them for me. Case in point, recently we went out with some members of our church to celebrate our daughter-in-law’s birthday. Occasionally, we like to try a restaurant of which we have not previously visited. Someone suggested a particular Italian restaurant not too far away from our home so we chose it for the meal. Everyone in our party seemed to enjoy the food they ordered and the service was good. However, the next morning my wife commented that if she were asked where she wanted to go on her birthday she would not choose the restaurant we had tried. I asked her why she felt that way and she said, “I enjoyed the food, but the atmosphere left something to be desired.”
So it is too many times with folks today who are looking to find a church. They seem more concerned about the “shell” than they are with the “Spirit.” Most people will want to go to a cathedral rather than a cave to worship, even if it means to forsake the truth. Yes, décor will win out over dedication almost every time.
It’s all about ambiance.
My wife is always my best source for excellent illustrations from life. She observes things (mostly from purely a woman’s perspective) and interprets them for me. Case in point, recently we went out with some members of our church to celebrate our daughter-in-law’s birthday. Occasionally, we like to try a restaurant of which we have not previously visited. Someone suggested a particular Italian restaurant not too far away from our home so we chose it for the meal. Everyone in our party seemed to enjoy the food they ordered and the service was good. However, the next morning my wife commented that if she were asked where she wanted to go on her birthday she would not choose the restaurant we had tried. I asked her why she felt that way and she said, “I enjoyed the food, but the atmosphere left something to be desired.”
So it is too many times with folks today who are looking to find a church. They seem more concerned about the “shell” than they are with the “Spirit.” Most people will want to go to a cathedral rather than a cave to worship, even if it means to forsake the truth. Yes, décor will win out over dedication almost every time.
It’s all about ambiance.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Give Me Thine Heart
“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.” (Proverbs 23:26 KJV)
Raising children in a Christian home is a ministry all in itself. It is a task that is the work of a lifetime. Contrary to society’s philosophy of turning children out at age eighteen, there is no place found in Scripture which indicates or insinuates such a practice. Even though there is a point where an individual becomes accountable for their own decisions and actions, parents are still responsible for prayer and counsel.
Christian parents like to use Proverbs 22:6 as a “safety net” for raising children, but an important element seems to be overlooked in many cases and that is getting the heart of the child. If a child will not surrender their heart to the parent, there will be no training in the way they should go. One father said that if there was a single thing he could go back and do over in the raising of his son, it would be to teach his son to be a “giver” and not a “taker.” This man never got the heart of his son and therefore, the boy grew up never having his eyes directed to observe the ways of his father. As a result, he lives a life of self rather than productivity.
How does a parent get the heart of their child? Ask for it. This is what our text indicates. If our Lord asks for the heart of the sinner in order to redeem them, the parent must ask for the heart of the child to raise them. The heart must be surrendered from a free will. Start when they are young. Ask with love. Ask often. Pray the child will be trainable and yielded to instruction. Then you better teach them something or you will raise “Cain” rather than a Christian.
Raising children in a Christian home is a ministry all in itself. It is a task that is the work of a lifetime. Contrary to society’s philosophy of turning children out at age eighteen, there is no place found in Scripture which indicates or insinuates such a practice. Even though there is a point where an individual becomes accountable for their own decisions and actions, parents are still responsible for prayer and counsel.
Christian parents like to use Proverbs 22:6 as a “safety net” for raising children, but an important element seems to be overlooked in many cases and that is getting the heart of the child. If a child will not surrender their heart to the parent, there will be no training in the way they should go. One father said that if there was a single thing he could go back and do over in the raising of his son, it would be to teach his son to be a “giver” and not a “taker.” This man never got the heart of his son and therefore, the boy grew up never having his eyes directed to observe the ways of his father. As a result, he lives a life of self rather than productivity.
How does a parent get the heart of their child? Ask for it. This is what our text indicates. If our Lord asks for the heart of the sinner in order to redeem them, the parent must ask for the heart of the child to raise them. The heart must be surrendered from a free will. Start when they are young. Ask with love. Ask often. Pray the child will be trainable and yielded to instruction. Then you better teach them something or you will raise “Cain” rather than a Christian.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Jesus' Prayer Request
“Please pray for my husband… children… neighbor.” “Please pray for my job.” What a privilege it is to pray for people and their needs. I can’t describe the blessing it is when I pray for someone’s request and they later come to thank me for praying because God answered that request! To think that I had a part in that answer to prayer!
Prayer requests are found throughout the Bible.
· The children of Israel to Samuel—“Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines” (1 Sam. 7:8).
· King Jeroboam to the prophet of Judah—“Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again” (1 Kings 13:6).
· The Apostle Paul requested prayer— “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified” (2 Thess. 3:1).
What if Jesus gave you a prayer request? Well, He has. In fact, it is the ONLY prayer request He ever asked us. Although He taught us how to pray, He only made this one request. “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
Pastor Clint Miller, pastor of North County Baptist Church in Escondido, CA. Several years ago he and his two sons Cheyenne and Cody were in the airport at Ontario, CA. His sons came up to him excited and said, “Dad, there is a movie star in this airport!” They saw Nedra Volz, who played the maid Adelaide on the TV show Different Strokes. Clint Miller asked the boys, “Did you give her a tract?” They said they had not. “Well, we’d better go give her one. Let’s go.” As he walked up to her, she said, “Do you want my autograph?” Clint said, “No ma’am, we wanted to give you something,” and he handed her a gospel tract. Nedra then asked, “Are these your sons?” He said, “Yes, ma’am.” She said, “They are fine looking boys.” He said, “Thank-you. May I ask you a question?” She agreed. “If you died today do you know for sure that you’d go to heaven?” When she said she didn’t, Clint Miller led her to Christ right there in the airport. When they were finished, she told him, “I want you to know this means a lot to me.”
Not long after that, Brother Miller received a picture in the mail of Nedra Volz with this inscription: “To my friend Pastor Miller. Thanks for what you did for me.” Two weeks later he received a phone call from her secretary, “I work for Miss Volz and she would like to know if it’s all right for her to visit your church this Sunday?” She came and Brother Miller asked her to give a testimony. She stood up in front of the crowd and said, “All my life I thought I had everything. However, now I have God. Your pastor led me to Christ!”
Everyone else saw a movie star—A chance for an autograph. Clint Miller saw a soul who needed Jesus. Incidentally, Nedra Volz went home to be with the Lord in 2003.
We need to pray for Jesus’ request.
Prayer requests are found throughout the Bible.
· The children of Israel to Samuel—“Cease not to cry unto the LORD our God for us, that he will save us out of the hand of the Philistines” (1 Sam. 7:8).
· King Jeroboam to the prophet of Judah—“Intreat now the face of the LORD thy God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again” (1 Kings 13:6).
· The Apostle Paul requested prayer— “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified” (2 Thess. 3:1).
What if Jesus gave you a prayer request? Well, He has. In fact, it is the ONLY prayer request He ever asked us. Although He taught us how to pray, He only made this one request. “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
Pastor Clint Miller, pastor of North County Baptist Church in Escondido, CA. Several years ago he and his two sons Cheyenne and Cody were in the airport at Ontario, CA. His sons came up to him excited and said, “Dad, there is a movie star in this airport!” They saw Nedra Volz, who played the maid Adelaide on the TV show Different Strokes. Clint Miller asked the boys, “Did you give her a tract?” They said they had not. “Well, we’d better go give her one. Let’s go.” As he walked up to her, she said, “Do you want my autograph?” Clint said, “No ma’am, we wanted to give you something,” and he handed her a gospel tract. Nedra then asked, “Are these your sons?” He said, “Yes, ma’am.” She said, “They are fine looking boys.” He said, “Thank-you. May I ask you a question?” She agreed. “If you died today do you know for sure that you’d go to heaven?” When she said she didn’t, Clint Miller led her to Christ right there in the airport. When they were finished, she told him, “I want you to know this means a lot to me.”
Not long after that, Brother Miller received a picture in the mail of Nedra Volz with this inscription: “To my friend Pastor Miller. Thanks for what you did for me.” Two weeks later he received a phone call from her secretary, “I work for Miss Volz and she would like to know if it’s all right for her to visit your church this Sunday?” She came and Brother Miller asked her to give a testimony. She stood up in front of the crowd and said, “All my life I thought I had everything. However, now I have God. Your pastor led me to Christ!”
Everyone else saw a movie star—A chance for an autograph. Clint Miller saw a soul who needed Jesus. Incidentally, Nedra Volz went home to be with the Lord in 2003.
We need to pray for Jesus’ request.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Busy With Revival
I have already received requests for blog updates and I am sorry for being delinquent with it. My only excuse is that we (our whole family) have been busy with the work of getting ready for our Spring Anniversary (45th) Revival. Our church just celebrated its forty-fifth anniversary as we have in the past dozen years with a revival meeting. Only this one turned out to be REVIVAL! I have never seen a meeting “break open” so early in the week and continue on through the week as this one has been for us. Praise God! Not since the days of our tent revival in the front yard of the old building have we been visited by God in such a way. It was such a joy to be in every service. God blessed the music in such a way that some folks did not even wait for the preaching to go to altar. We saw folks that had not been to church for months come. And the revival was still on last Sunday. God is to be glorified and praised for all He gave us last week and last Sunday.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
I Am An Orphan
“When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.” (Psalms 27:10 KJV)
Yes, I am an orphan. Some are orphaned because their parents gave them up at their birth. Others are orphaned because they have been deserted by parents later in life. And there are those who orphan themselves by their rebellion, going out from the direction and fellowship of their parents. I am orphaned because my parents are both with the Lord now.
My father passed away one day shy of his sixty-sixth birthday having suffered for a half dozen years with several amputations from his right leg. He finally succumb to three heart attacks and three strokes. Dad was raise a farm boy in central Ohio and was a veteran of World War II, having served as a SeaBee in the South Pacific. He came to know Christ as his Saviour after the war, met and married my mother and together they had two living sons. There was another son who was miscarried. I look forward to seeing him someday in Glory.
Mother left us to be with Jesus just five weeks before her eightieth birthday. She was a Kentucky born and bred belle. She loved the Lord and did her best to instill that love in my brother and I as we were growing up.
They both have been gone for years now, but I still miss them. I wish I could hug their neck and kiss their face and tell them I love them. But I will have to wait until it is my time to see them again. Until then, the LORD will take me up.
There may be some orphan out there reading these words wondering whether there is anyone caring for them. Let me assure you that God wants to be your Father and He will take you up.
Yes, I am an orphan. Some are orphaned because their parents gave them up at their birth. Others are orphaned because they have been deserted by parents later in life. And there are those who orphan themselves by their rebellion, going out from the direction and fellowship of their parents. I am orphaned because my parents are both with the Lord now.
My father passed away one day shy of his sixty-sixth birthday having suffered for a half dozen years with several amputations from his right leg. He finally succumb to three heart attacks and three strokes. Dad was raise a farm boy in central Ohio and was a veteran of World War II, having served as a SeaBee in the South Pacific. He came to know Christ as his Saviour after the war, met and married my mother and together they had two living sons. There was another son who was miscarried. I look forward to seeing him someday in Glory.
Mother left us to be with Jesus just five weeks before her eightieth birthday. She was a Kentucky born and bred belle. She loved the Lord and did her best to instill that love in my brother and I as we were growing up.
They both have been gone for years now, but I still miss them. I wish I could hug their neck and kiss their face and tell them I love them. But I will have to wait until it is my time to see them again. Until then, the LORD will take me up.
There may be some orphan out there reading these words wondering whether there is anyone caring for them. Let me assure you that God wants to be your Father and He will take you up.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Who Do You Trust?
“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
Years ago there used to be a game show on TV called “Who Do You Trust?” This seems to be the game folks are playing today. “Should we trust God and what He says in His Word, or should we trust our own heart and instincts?” From the tragedies that we see in society today, most folks would do better by the flip of a coin than to live by the decisions they have made for themselves.
The world is an uncertain place. We do not know what each day holds. As the song says: Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; But I know Who holds tomorrow, And I know He holds my hand.
A football coach wants the ball in the hands of the best ball carrier, the best receiver, the strongest and most capable hands. The NASCAR team wants to put a driver behind the wheel who believes he can win the race and knows how to do it. The best hands we can place our lives in are the hands of the One: Who flung the stars into space; Who hung the moon; Who breathed life into our being; Who triumphed over death, hell and the grave! Our Lord never fumbles the ball, He never kicks the ball short of the goal, He never goes out of bounds, He never loses a race.
Our Scripture for today reminds us that our relationship with God is dual-sided. Our side is to trust in the Lord, not ourselves, and acknowledge Him in all we do. His side is to direct our path. The problem lies with us trying to do His part. We do not seem content with the Lord directing our life. Remember, God’s will is not a road map – it is a relationship.
Years ago there used to be a game show on TV called “Who Do You Trust?” This seems to be the game folks are playing today. “Should we trust God and what He says in His Word, or should we trust our own heart and instincts?” From the tragedies that we see in society today, most folks would do better by the flip of a coin than to live by the decisions they have made for themselves.
The world is an uncertain place. We do not know what each day holds. As the song says: Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand; But I know Who holds tomorrow, And I know He holds my hand.
A football coach wants the ball in the hands of the best ball carrier, the best receiver, the strongest and most capable hands. The NASCAR team wants to put a driver behind the wheel who believes he can win the race and knows how to do it. The best hands we can place our lives in are the hands of the One: Who flung the stars into space; Who hung the moon; Who breathed life into our being; Who triumphed over death, hell and the grave! Our Lord never fumbles the ball, He never kicks the ball short of the goal, He never goes out of bounds, He never loses a race.
Our Scripture for today reminds us that our relationship with God is dual-sided. Our side is to trust in the Lord, not ourselves, and acknowledge Him in all we do. His side is to direct our path. The problem lies with us trying to do His part. We do not seem content with the Lord directing our life. Remember, God’s will is not a road map – it is a relationship.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Eat Dirt!
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Timothy 2:3 KJV)
I get a bit discussed with 21st century Christians. Everything has to be so sterile we can not even be totally honest with one another for fear that we may offend each other. Now, I do not desire to be abusive to anyone, especially a brother in Christ, but we need to toughen up a bit when it comes to spiritual maturity, quit walking on egg shells around each other. Pampering and codling a brother when offenses come along will not produce a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
We need to eat dirt! When I was a kid we picked food up off the floor, blew on it and ate it. We played in the dirt with worms and bugs. We shared a coke out of a glass bottle, yep, passed it around and every kid took a sip. No one got sick, we were tough because we built up a resistance to the germs. No one had tubes in their ears or used inhalers. We got the mumps and got over it.
Bottom line…Christians need to endure hardness, without a bunch of crying and complaining. The few, the saved, the redeemed.
I get a bit discussed with 21st century Christians. Everything has to be so sterile we can not even be totally honest with one another for fear that we may offend each other. Now, I do not desire to be abusive to anyone, especially a brother in Christ, but we need to toughen up a bit when it comes to spiritual maturity, quit walking on egg shells around each other. Pampering and codling a brother when offenses come along will not produce a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
We need to eat dirt! When I was a kid we picked food up off the floor, blew on it and ate it. We played in the dirt with worms and bugs. We shared a coke out of a glass bottle, yep, passed it around and every kid took a sip. No one got sick, we were tough because we built up a resistance to the germs. No one had tubes in their ears or used inhalers. We got the mumps and got over it.
Bottom line…Christians need to endure hardness, without a bunch of crying and complaining. The few, the saved, the redeemed.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Ugly!
“But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” (2Corinthians 11:12-15 KJV)
As believers, we want sin to be ugly. It is rarely so, at least not until its end. (“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15 KJV).
We desire to view the adulterers and whoremongers of Hollywood to be ugly. To us, the lying politicians and bureaucrats ought to be ugly. The false apostles and deceitful workers of today ought to be viewed with distain. But it is not so.
But then it goes a step farther. That which should be ugly is considered to be something of beauty to be admired. The Hollywood star is idolized, the athlete is copied, the self-serving politician is elected, and the false prophets are praised, angels of light, blessings!
The undiscerning spiritual eye is incapable of seeing the horror and deceit. It is frustrating from time to time, but always remember…we all will stand before the same Jesus. It is He Who is the righteous Judge.
As believers, we want sin to be ugly. It is rarely so, at least not until its end. (“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:15 KJV).
We desire to view the adulterers and whoremongers of Hollywood to be ugly. To us, the lying politicians and bureaucrats ought to be ugly. The false apostles and deceitful workers of today ought to be viewed with distain. But it is not so.
But then it goes a step farther. That which should be ugly is considered to be something of beauty to be admired. The Hollywood star is idolized, the athlete is copied, the self-serving politician is elected, and the false prophets are praised, angels of light, blessings!
The undiscerning spiritual eye is incapable of seeing the horror and deceit. It is frustrating from time to time, but always remember…we all will stand before the same Jesus. It is He Who is the righteous Judge.
Monday, March 17, 2008
My Daddy Told Me
“The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying, Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink. Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites; And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door: And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine. But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever: Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers. Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters; Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed: But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us. But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem. Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD. The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me. I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me. Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me: Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered. And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you: Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.” (Jeremiah 35:1-19 KJV)
Of the two kingdoms of Israel divided, the northern kingdom called “Israel” and the southern kingdom called “Judah,” the southern kingdom was the last to apostatize, but it did apostatize. And this is a good example of why. In the next chapter (Jeremiah 36) is an interesting story of not only ignoring the word of God but trying to destroy it.
What is going on in our text?
• God tells the prophet Jeremiah to give wine to the Rechabites. So he tries to do so, but when he offers it to them they refuse.
• The Rechabites were told by their father, Jonadab, that they were never to drink wine, build houses, have vineyards, or plant seed.
• This may seem odd but they were taught that if they would do this their days would be long in the land. Let me give you some history about this family:
o This Rechab went into Samaria with Jehu and destroyed the temple of Baal where Ahab and Jezebel worshipped.
o One of Rechab’s sons, Malchiah, repaired the dung gate in the restoration of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
o Because they obeyed their Godly father’s words, when all others were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, this family remained in the land.
• God was upset with Judah because here was a family who obeyed their father’s words, but Judah would not obey the Almighty, but ignored and questioned Him.
• Knowing human nature, I am sure there were times when the children of Rechab must have questioned the reasoning behind their family restrictions. They may not have liked what they heard. But what saved them from captivity was that they said, “We may not understand why, we may not like what we hear, but Daddy told us not to do these things and we are not going to do them.”
o They may have been laughed at.
o They may have been ostracized.
o They may have been misunderstood.
But they were not going to disobey Daddy.
Parents, may I say to you that within the Old Testament law and reiterated in the New Testament is this principle: Honor and obey thy parents. Why? That thy days may be long in the land, or upon the earth. Listen! If children are not taught to obey their parents, they will have a mighty hard time learning to obey God.
There are things in this life we need to just take God at His word and obey. It doesn’t matter if we understand at the time, we should just do them. It doesn’t matter if anyone agrees with us, we should just do them. It doesn’t matter if the whole world is going the opposite direction, we should just do them.
Of the two kingdoms of Israel divided, the northern kingdom called “Israel” and the southern kingdom called “Judah,” the southern kingdom was the last to apostatize, but it did apostatize. And this is a good example of why. In the next chapter (Jeremiah 36) is an interesting story of not only ignoring the word of God but trying to destroy it.
What is going on in our text?
• God tells the prophet Jeremiah to give wine to the Rechabites. So he tries to do so, but when he offers it to them they refuse.
• The Rechabites were told by their father, Jonadab, that they were never to drink wine, build houses, have vineyards, or plant seed.
• This may seem odd but they were taught that if they would do this their days would be long in the land. Let me give you some history about this family:
o This Rechab went into Samaria with Jehu and destroyed the temple of Baal where Ahab and Jezebel worshipped.
o One of Rechab’s sons, Malchiah, repaired the dung gate in the restoration of Jerusalem under Nehemiah.
o Because they obeyed their Godly father’s words, when all others were taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, this family remained in the land.
• God was upset with Judah because here was a family who obeyed their father’s words, but Judah would not obey the Almighty, but ignored and questioned Him.
• Knowing human nature, I am sure there were times when the children of Rechab must have questioned the reasoning behind their family restrictions. They may not have liked what they heard. But what saved them from captivity was that they said, “We may not understand why, we may not like what we hear, but Daddy told us not to do these things and we are not going to do them.”
o They may have been laughed at.
o They may have been ostracized.
o They may have been misunderstood.
But they were not going to disobey Daddy.
Parents, may I say to you that within the Old Testament law and reiterated in the New Testament is this principle: Honor and obey thy parents. Why? That thy days may be long in the land, or upon the earth. Listen! If children are not taught to obey their parents, they will have a mighty hard time learning to obey God.
There are things in this life we need to just take God at His word and obey. It doesn’t matter if we understand at the time, we should just do them. It doesn’t matter if anyone agrees with us, we should just do them. It doesn’t matter if the whole world is going the opposite direction, we should just do them.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Faith for the Family in the Final Days
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” (Hebrews 11:6-7 KJV)
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39 KJV)
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26-27 KJV)
There is going to be a repeat of Noah’s day just preceding the return of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is saying that just before I come again, you are going to see the characteristics of that age repeated again.
When we think of Noah’s day and all that went on, we usually think of world-wide violence, youthful rebellion and sexual perversion. But very few folks think when Jesus says, “as it was in the days of Noe,” about a family that lived by faith; that is what I want to center our thoughts on today.
In the Word of God, it speaks of there being just a few who live by faith in the final days. For example, (Luke 18:8 “…nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Not very many really live by faith today. It is usually, “Oh, God, what are we going to do? How are we going to pay our bills? What will we do if Obama or Hillary gets elected (or for that matter, McCain)? What if the bottom falls out of the economy?” One has never seen such agonizing and insecurity among God’s people as we see today. It is no wonder why our kids are the way they are. Laodicean Christians live by job, instead of like Job…by checking account instead of by a settled account…by Social Security instead of eternal security. I am not against those things as long as we are willing to turn all matters over to God.
But here in Scripture is a family that God says they lived by faith. That includes Noah, his wife and sons and daughters-in-law. May I say, they are not going to get on that ark unless they have faith. I heard another preacher say once, “They sure were a mess of a family.” Well, they may have been a mess, but they had faith enough to get on that boat. I am just saying that according to the Scriptures, this is going to be repeated in the last days.
Therefore, there are going to be a few families on this earth before Jesus comes that will be families of faith like Noah’s family, who will condemn this rotten world and look to God for redemption and trust Him to get them through this life into the next.
Will yours be one of the few?
“But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39 KJV)
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” (Luke 17:26-27 KJV)
There is going to be a repeat of Noah’s day just preceding the return of Jesus Christ. In other words, Jesus is saying that just before I come again, you are going to see the characteristics of that age repeated again.
When we think of Noah’s day and all that went on, we usually think of world-wide violence, youthful rebellion and sexual perversion. But very few folks think when Jesus says, “as it was in the days of Noe,” about a family that lived by faith; that is what I want to center our thoughts on today.
In the Word of God, it speaks of there being just a few who live by faith in the final days. For example, (Luke 18:8 “…nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Not very many really live by faith today. It is usually, “Oh, God, what are we going to do? How are we going to pay our bills? What will we do if Obama or Hillary gets elected (or for that matter, McCain)? What if the bottom falls out of the economy?” One has never seen such agonizing and insecurity among God’s people as we see today. It is no wonder why our kids are the way they are. Laodicean Christians live by job, instead of like Job…by checking account instead of by a settled account…by Social Security instead of eternal security. I am not against those things as long as we are willing to turn all matters over to God.
But here in Scripture is a family that God says they lived by faith. That includes Noah, his wife and sons and daughters-in-law. May I say, they are not going to get on that ark unless they have faith. I heard another preacher say once, “They sure were a mess of a family.” Well, they may have been a mess, but they had faith enough to get on that boat. I am just saying that according to the Scriptures, this is going to be repeated in the last days.
Therefore, there are going to be a few families on this earth before Jesus comes that will be families of faith like Noah’s family, who will condemn this rotten world and look to God for redemption and trust Him to get them through this life into the next.
Will yours be one of the few?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Preference of Conviction?
“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1John 2:1-6 KJV)
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” (1John 2:28-29 KJV)
Christians all over the world are faced today with a very frightening situation. More and more, the problem concerns the matter of their convictions. Often Christians explain what they do by simply claiming to be motivated by a conviction. “Convictions” have become a combination of Bible views and personal ideas. If we change our minds about a matter, we just change the conviction. Whether it is marriage, or tithing, or separation from the world, or soul winning, or entering the ministry, we need to determine if our stand is a conviction or a preference.
Preferences can be very strong beliefs. We can hold them with such intensity that we give our energy and wealth to it. It can cause us to be very vigorous about what we do. We can believe it to be so “right” that we promote it among others and teach it to our children. But it is a preference, a strong belief that you will change for some reason (looking like a fool, a fanatic, an odd ball).
I know as a pastor I am faced with certain moral battles dealing with people in the world and protecting God’s flock from false doctrine. Will I stop preaching against sodomy, same-sex marriages, pre-marital “shacking up?” Is it a preference or a conviction based upon the Word of God?
“Well, Pastor, what if no one agrees with you? What if you can not get anyone to follow you?” Convictions are never based upon popularity or success. Convictions are based upon what God says. Sometimes in life convictions fall out to a positive end. Joseph and Daniel are examples of men standing by conviction at the jeopardy of their life, yet God preserved them. But John the Baptist was beheaded for his conviction. Peter and Paul went to jail over convictions, as did John Bunyan.
A conviction will always show up in life. Our behavior will tell the story when we are faced with crisis. A young man may be overwhelmed with a young lady, believing she is God’s will for his life. He may marry her with only a preference and no conviction, but when he makes that vow it then must be a conviction because God will hold him to his promise. Homes are destroyed because they are founded upon preference rather than conviction. When beauty fades and health fails, preferences change quickly.
The two points of reference that must line-up are lip and life. And the areas where preferences falter the most and convictions stand the strongest are faith, family, finances and friends.
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.” (1John 2:28-29 KJV)
Christians all over the world are faced today with a very frightening situation. More and more, the problem concerns the matter of their convictions. Often Christians explain what they do by simply claiming to be motivated by a conviction. “Convictions” have become a combination of Bible views and personal ideas. If we change our minds about a matter, we just change the conviction. Whether it is marriage, or tithing, or separation from the world, or soul winning, or entering the ministry, we need to determine if our stand is a conviction or a preference.
Preferences can be very strong beliefs. We can hold them with such intensity that we give our energy and wealth to it. It can cause us to be very vigorous about what we do. We can believe it to be so “right” that we promote it among others and teach it to our children. But it is a preference, a strong belief that you will change for some reason (looking like a fool, a fanatic, an odd ball).
I know as a pastor I am faced with certain moral battles dealing with people in the world and protecting God’s flock from false doctrine. Will I stop preaching against sodomy, same-sex marriages, pre-marital “shacking up?” Is it a preference or a conviction based upon the Word of God?
“Well, Pastor, what if no one agrees with you? What if you can not get anyone to follow you?” Convictions are never based upon popularity or success. Convictions are based upon what God says. Sometimes in life convictions fall out to a positive end. Joseph and Daniel are examples of men standing by conviction at the jeopardy of their life, yet God preserved them. But John the Baptist was beheaded for his conviction. Peter and Paul went to jail over convictions, as did John Bunyan.
A conviction will always show up in life. Our behavior will tell the story when we are faced with crisis. A young man may be overwhelmed with a young lady, believing she is God’s will for his life. He may marry her with only a preference and no conviction, but when he makes that vow it then must be a conviction because God will hold him to his promise. Homes are destroyed because they are founded upon preference rather than conviction. When beauty fades and health fails, preferences change quickly.
The two points of reference that must line-up are lip and life. And the areas where preferences falter the most and convictions stand the strongest are faith, family, finances and friends.
“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
Monday, February 25, 2008
Bottle Suckers
Heb 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. Heb 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. Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
As I mounted the pulpit yesterday I was reminded once again that we preach to a mixed multitude of hearers. Some have never heard what we proclaim from the Word. To them it is all fresh and new. They will either develop a hunger for the Gospel or turn a deaf ear to it. At the other end of the spiritual spectrum we have the saint who has received the Word of truth and yet desires to hear it again and again. Seems they never get enough of the “old, old story.” I understand and have respect for both these groups. Some men are just not interested in any way by spiritual matters. Some are desirous to know God but never thought they could. Still others, even though veteran saints, thrive on the soul nourishing strong meat of the Word.
What puzzles me are those who never grow, never increase in their spirit. To use a secular phrase, “they just don’t get it!” They are “bottle-sucking” spiritual babies. They come, they hear, it goes in one ear and out the other. They never apply the Word to their life. They struggle with the most simple of life’s matters. Instead of being prayer warriors, they are always on the prayer list. The flesh wins out in their daily existence. And when another brother in Christ tries to help them and bolster them up, they stand on wobbly legs for a short time then fall to the ground like a new born.
Please understand, dear reader, I am not dis-compassionate of these weak brethren. And I know they shall always be with us. Jesus called them weak in spirit. I believe we must love them, encourage them, help them in any way we possibly can. It is just a shame that they will never join the work force and help in the work of the ministry. O, that they would grow some teeth.
As I mounted the pulpit yesterday I was reminded once again that we preach to a mixed multitude of hearers. Some have never heard what we proclaim from the Word. To them it is all fresh and new. They will either develop a hunger for the Gospel or turn a deaf ear to it. At the other end of the spiritual spectrum we have the saint who has received the Word of truth and yet desires to hear it again and again. Seems they never get enough of the “old, old story.” I understand and have respect for both these groups. Some men are just not interested in any way by spiritual matters. Some are desirous to know God but never thought they could. Still others, even though veteran saints, thrive on the soul nourishing strong meat of the Word.
What puzzles me are those who never grow, never increase in their spirit. To use a secular phrase, “they just don’t get it!” They are “bottle-sucking” spiritual babies. They come, they hear, it goes in one ear and out the other. They never apply the Word to their life. They struggle with the most simple of life’s matters. Instead of being prayer warriors, they are always on the prayer list. The flesh wins out in their daily existence. And when another brother in Christ tries to help them and bolster them up, they stand on wobbly legs for a short time then fall to the ground like a new born.
Please understand, dear reader, I am not dis-compassionate of these weak brethren. And I know they shall always be with us. Jesus called them weak in spirit. I believe we must love them, encourage them, help them in any way we possibly can. It is just a shame that they will never join the work force and help in the work of the ministry. O, that they would grow some teeth.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Let's Make A Deal
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.” (Genesis 4:6-7 KJV)
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV)
Years ago, before there was “Deal or No Deal” there was a game show on television called “Let’s Make A Deal” with master of ceremony Monty Hall. He would present to the contestants chosen from the audience an opportunity to select a prize he would offer them (sometimes cash, sometimes items) or they could select a mystery prize hidden behind one of three doors. The temptation of the unknown was overwhelming. Sometimes the mystery prize would be far greater than the original offer, sometimes it would be a Mexican burro with a load of sticks. Regardless, the people would have fun playing the game.
We, as well, have two doors from which to choose. But this is no game show. There is a great deal to lose if we choose incorrectly and a great deal to gain if we are right. God makes no mystery of His divine offer of salvation, nor does he disguise the damnation of sin. God tells Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” Cain was given a second chance to make his heart right with God. He chose the sin at the door.
Christ offers Himself as a door to God that will bring about eternal life and life more abundant.
How about you, friend? Which door will you select?
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 KJV)
“I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10 KJV)
Years ago, before there was “Deal or No Deal” there was a game show on television called “Let’s Make A Deal” with master of ceremony Monty Hall. He would present to the contestants chosen from the audience an opportunity to select a prize he would offer them (sometimes cash, sometimes items) or they could select a mystery prize hidden behind one of three doors. The temptation of the unknown was overwhelming. Sometimes the mystery prize would be far greater than the original offer, sometimes it would be a Mexican burro with a load of sticks. Regardless, the people would have fun playing the game.
We, as well, have two doors from which to choose. But this is no game show. There is a great deal to lose if we choose incorrectly and a great deal to gain if we are right. God makes no mystery of His divine offer of salvation, nor does he disguise the damnation of sin. God tells Cain, “If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted?” Cain was given a second chance to make his heart right with God. He chose the sin at the door.
Christ offers Himself as a door to God that will bring about eternal life and life more abundant.
How about you, friend? Which door will you select?
“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 KJV)
Friday, February 22, 2008
Science Falsely So Called
1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 1Ti 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
In the time of the apostles they contended with false science (knowledge) and those that professed to have some kind of erroneous faith. I suppose today is no different. Presently, we have those who promote a faith that is relative to situations and circumstances. They can make “the faith once delivered to that saints” fit about any whim or justify any sin. Doctrine is “legalistic” and unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. I guess the up-side to it all is that this condition is a sign of the end time. 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
With all the degree mills available to the “wanna be” theologian it is not surprising that so many are preaching “profane and vain babblings” which we are commanded to avoid. I have more confidence in the sincere student of the Word of God who sits at his dining room table with an open King James Bible and listens to the Holy Spirit of God than I do in the modern babbler who promotes himself rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything seems to be “septic” today. No one is brave enough to identify sin and call it by what it is for fear that they will be labeled “judgmental” by their peers. Matthew 7, “judge not lest ye be judged” is their cry and they can’t even get that right. The next time you hear that said, look and see if it is not coming from someone who is trying to justify their own sin.
The old faith, the old time religion, is still the right stand. Stay with the Book. Let it be your science, your song and your solace.
In the time of the apostles they contended with false science (knowledge) and those that professed to have some kind of erroneous faith. I suppose today is no different. Presently, we have those who promote a faith that is relative to situations and circumstances. They can make “the faith once delivered to that saints” fit about any whim or justify any sin. Doctrine is “legalistic” and unity is the basis of Christian fellowship. I guess the up-side to it all is that this condition is a sign of the end time. 2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. 2Ti 3:6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, 2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
With all the degree mills available to the “wanna be” theologian it is not surprising that so many are preaching “profane and vain babblings” which we are commanded to avoid. I have more confidence in the sincere student of the Word of God who sits at his dining room table with an open King James Bible and listens to the Holy Spirit of God than I do in the modern babbler who promotes himself rather than the Lord Jesus Christ.
Everything seems to be “septic” today. No one is brave enough to identify sin and call it by what it is for fear that they will be labeled “judgmental” by their peers. Matthew 7, “judge not lest ye be judged” is their cry and they can’t even get that right. The next time you hear that said, look and see if it is not coming from someone who is trying to justify their own sin.
The old faith, the old time religion, is still the right stand. Stay with the Book. Let it be your science, your song and your solace.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Victorious Believers
“In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory. And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.” (Isaiah 6:1-4 KJV)
In our time so few have a real and legitimate vision of the Lord. Some see Him as the Saviour but not the Sovereign. To borrow a carnal phrase, “What’s up with that?” Folks are willing to receive the mercy and grace of God, forgiveness of sin, and adoption of sons, but feel no obligation to place Jesus Christ as authority over their lives. I know believers can sin, but we should always have a distain for sin and be quick to repent. Anything that would disgrace or dishonor our Redeemer is never to be repeated or practiced in our lives.
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5 KJV)
Perhaps, it is because we have a distorted view of self. We have a tendency to think more of ourselves than we should. I recall several years ago there was a big trend to enhance the personal self image. Well, that did nothing but lead people to be self-centered and selfish, independent from God, and incredible ingrates.
However, not every Christian is like that. There are still many who lift up the Lord and place Him on the throne of their life. And when it comes to the call of God they have no hesitation to respond in the affirmative because they know Who God is and what they themselves are. These are the brothers and sisters I love being around. These are the ones who encourage me. These are those who live in victory and spend no time in chronic self pity.
“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:6-8 KJV)
In our time so few have a real and legitimate vision of the Lord. Some see Him as the Saviour but not the Sovereign. To borrow a carnal phrase, “What’s up with that?” Folks are willing to receive the mercy and grace of God, forgiveness of sin, and adoption of sons, but feel no obligation to place Jesus Christ as authority over their lives. I know believers can sin, but we should always have a distain for sin and be quick to repent. Anything that would disgrace or dishonor our Redeemer is never to be repeated or practiced in our lives.
“Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.” (Isaiah 6:5 KJV)
Perhaps, it is because we have a distorted view of self. We have a tendency to think more of ourselves than we should. I recall several years ago there was a big trend to enhance the personal self image. Well, that did nothing but lead people to be self-centered and selfish, independent from God, and incredible ingrates.
However, not every Christian is like that. There are still many who lift up the Lord and place Him on the throne of their life. And when it comes to the call of God they have no hesitation to respond in the affirmative because they know Who God is and what they themselves are. These are the brothers and sisters I love being around. These are the ones who encourage me. These are those who live in victory and spend no time in chronic self pity.
“Then flew one of the seraphims unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged. Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” (Isaiah 6:6-8 KJV)
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
SPIRITUAL TERRORISTS
“And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.” (Genesis 6:5-6 KJV)
“Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth. He said also unto me, Turn thee yet again, and thou shalt see greater abominations that they do.” (Ezekiel 8:12-13 KJV)
It is inevitable that man will sin. He is born into sin by the fall, and lives by sin in his natural state. I have said many times that the only thing the flesh can do is sin. And because sin has no boundaries, it is inconceivable how far sin can go. Case in point: the Iraqi insurgents are now using Iraqi women with Down’s syndrome as human bombs. They dress them as pregnant women and send them among their designated targets.
Do not ask me how or why anyone could have so little regard for human life. I do not have the answer.
But it is no less depravity to have the heart of an ingrate. How can the people of God be so proud and self-centered in our lack of appreciation for the grace and mercy of God that has been afforded us. Such ones among the redeemed who attempt to justify their evil acts and wickedness while evidently believing that God does not see or hear the truth, are no better than the disguisers of the innocent, sending them to a slaughter. Deceiving liars, they are, destroying their own homes and crippling a generation to follow them. They have no regard for the truth they claim to believe, nor do they care about the effect their wickedness has upon others.
I grow weary of hearing, “No one understands my feelings,” “I should have a right to be happy,” “One little mistake (modern word for sin) should not make that much difference.” Waa, waa, waa! Boo, hoo, hoo! O, for pity’s sake, Christian, grow-up and open your eyes. Plug your ears to these “Dr. Feel Good” preachers and snap back into reality. While you are playing around with the snakes, your family is being destroyed, your loved ones are going to hell, your neighbors are lost. Get some appreciation in your heart for what Christ has done for you and show Him that you love Him by obeying Him. Stand up for what is right…with your life!
Until believers start believing that holiness counts for a lot with God, keeping your vows is something God holds us to, and servitude to Christ is true liberty, we are no better than spiritual terrorists.
“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21 KJV)
Don’t complain about the Quran being wrong when you won’t even follow the Bible you claim is the truth.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Feed My Sheep
“So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:15-17 KJV)
Even with my limited time as a child on the farm I learned that animals must be fed. We did not have a large flock of sheep but we did have enough that we had to care for them constantly. I was not very good as a shepherd, but I did it because I loved my Dad and my Uncle John. David was a great shepherd and that is what made him a great leader.
The soul must be fed as much (or even more) than the body. This is what ails us today. We are puny weaklings when it comes to spiritual matters. We cave in to lustful temptations and prideful desires. We struggle to stand strong on matters of conviction and doctrine. And this is primarily because we do not nourish ourselves with the spiritual food God provides. If we treated our bodies like we treat the soul we would most all be in hospitals with few to care for us.
Now Jesus instructed Peter to feed His sheep. Not because it was pleasurable (though it can be), not because they would love him for it (still many do), but because he loved Him. This is the one motivational reason that supercedes all others. Sheep can be unresponsive at times, but whether we love them or not we shepherd them because we love Him.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
AND THE PRAYER OF FAITH SHALL SAVE THE SICK
“But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:12-15 KJV)
I do not believe there has been an earlier time of my forty-one years in the ministry that I have spent more time in prayer for the sick. It seems that they are like the poor, we will always have them with us. These physical bodies are constantly breaking down, becoming more prone to illness, and more so as the aging process continues. And I feel sure that I shall have need to pray for others and have personal need of pray in the days ahead.
I do not like to suffer nor do I enjoy seeing others suffer from injury or illness. It is our lot to do so because of sin, but it is by no means a pleasant experience. That is one reason why I have never understood hypochondria. Why anyone would desire to find sickness and pain to experience and seemingly enjoy it, is beyond my reasoning. I have observed too much of suffering in the lives of others to pursue it for myself.
We are reminded in Scripture that God is merciful. Even though we do deserve to agonize in pain, He is so gracious and compassionate to us. Jesus is our Great Physician. It is by His mercies that we are not consumed. I am so glad He hears and answers our prayers.
Perhaps, someday I shall be lying on a gurney in the hospital, not knowing if it is my time to leave this world and go on to be with the Lord. I believe it will be a great comfort to know that others are praying for me and that God is in control of it all. “...and the Lord shall raise him up...”
I do not believe there has been an earlier time of my forty-one years in the ministry that I have spent more time in prayer for the sick. It seems that they are like the poor, we will always have them with us. These physical bodies are constantly breaking down, becoming more prone to illness, and more so as the aging process continues. And I feel sure that I shall have need to pray for others and have personal need of pray in the days ahead.
I do not like to suffer nor do I enjoy seeing others suffer from injury or illness. It is our lot to do so because of sin, but it is by no means a pleasant experience. That is one reason why I have never understood hypochondria. Why anyone would desire to find sickness and pain to experience and seemingly enjoy it, is beyond my reasoning. I have observed too much of suffering in the lives of others to pursue it for myself.
We are reminded in Scripture that God is merciful. Even though we do deserve to agonize in pain, He is so gracious and compassionate to us. Jesus is our Great Physician. It is by His mercies that we are not consumed. I am so glad He hears and answers our prayers.
Perhaps, someday I shall be lying on a gurney in the hospital, not knowing if it is my time to leave this world and go on to be with the Lord. I believe it will be a great comfort to know that others are praying for me and that God is in control of it all. “...and the Lord shall raise him up...”
Friday, February 1, 2008
Confession of Sin
Each Friday I receive the Friday Church News Notes from Way of Life Ministries. In this blog I am sharing one of the articles from that weekly email which deals with a subject that I believe is so needed for us to observe and practice in our lives today.
(Friday Church News Notes, February 1, 2008, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from How on Earth Can I Be Spiritual by C. Sumner Wemp: "The word confess in the Greek has at least two ideas inherent in it. One means 'to agree with' God that the deed is sin and wrong. Don't quibble with God. Call it what it is. ... Then there is also the idea of naming it. It is quite easy to try to tone down confession and gloss over confronting sin by praying the vague prayer of asking God to 'forgive us of all our sins'! This is a cop-out! He says confess them (1 John 1:9). ... There remains a barrier in many hearts because they have not named their sin to God. The freedom from guilt and the liberty of true fellowship with God is lacking because some have not been sincerely honest with God and called the sin by name. ... One other course of action often needs to be taken, and that is an apology. Private sin should be kept private. ... but if a Christian offends another person through losing his temper, or is unkind in word or deed, he should go to that one and apologize. This surely is what Matthew 5:22-24 is teaching. Many never will get a clear conscience until they have personally apologized. One step further: public sin needs to be confessed publicly. If a brother has hurt the testimony of Christ and the whole church so that the community and church knows about it, he should confess before the whole church his wrong and his sorrow and apologize for it. This open apology has started many a revival."
(Friday Church News Notes, February 1, 2008, www.wayoflife.org fbns@wayoflife.org, 866-295-4143) - The following is excerpted from How on Earth Can I Be Spiritual by C. Sumner Wemp: "The word confess in the Greek has at least two ideas inherent in it. One means 'to agree with' God that the deed is sin and wrong. Don't quibble with God. Call it what it is. ... Then there is also the idea of naming it. It is quite easy to try to tone down confession and gloss over confronting sin by praying the vague prayer of asking God to 'forgive us of all our sins'! This is a cop-out! He says confess them (1 John 1:9). ... There remains a barrier in many hearts because they have not named their sin to God. The freedom from guilt and the liberty of true fellowship with God is lacking because some have not been sincerely honest with God and called the sin by name. ... One other course of action often needs to be taken, and that is an apology. Private sin should be kept private. ... but if a Christian offends another person through losing his temper, or is unkind in word or deed, he should go to that one and apologize. This surely is what Matthew 5:22-24 is teaching. Many never will get a clear conscience until they have personally apologized. One step further: public sin needs to be confessed publicly. If a brother has hurt the testimony of Christ and the whole church so that the community and church knows about it, he should confess before the whole church his wrong and his sorrow and apologize for it. This open apology has started many a revival."
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
When Your Chickens Come Home To Roost
When I was growing up in central Ohio, it was not uncommon for there to be chickens running around in the yard. We would collect their eggs and take one from time to time for fried chicken or chicken and dumplings. Now, during the day, those chickens would scratch around in the yard, the pasture or sometimes they would venture into the edge of the woods. But, sometime in the afternoon, those chickens would begin to head back to their roost. They might wander far and wide, but they always went to the roost when evening came.
There is a verse in the Old Testament that says, “…and be sure your sin will find you out,” Num. 32:23. That is not a threat. It is not even a promise. It is just a statement of the facts. Just like those chickens that could be depended on to head back to the roost at night, you can be sure of the fact that your sins will come home to you too.
Dr. Pierce Harris of Atlanta, Georgia, once spoke at a prison work camp. The prisoner introducing him recalled earlier days of association with the minister. "Several years ago," he said, "two boys lived in the same community in north Georgia and attended the same school, played with the same bunch of fellows, and went to the same Sunday School. One of them dropped out of Sunday School because he felt he had outgrown it, and that it was 'sissy stuff.' The other boy kept on going because he felt that it really meant something in his life. The boy who dropped out is the one who is making this introduction today. The boy who kept going to Sunday School is the famous preacher who will preach to us this morning. Chickens do come home to roost.
Have you thought about what could happen in your life? Have you thought what the fallout would be if you fell into sin? Have you considered what might happen and what lives might be ruined if you took that fatal step and went away from the Lord into sin? Are you willing to pay that high a price? You never know who might be destroyed because of an indiscretion in your life! Don’t think for a moment that your sins won’t affect the innocent people around you. Don’t think for a minute that you can do as you please an affect no one else. You are deceiving yourself when you believe that! May the Lord help us all to count the cost and stay close to Him!
Many people are paying a high price for their sins today! Parents who lived in sin during the formative years of their children’s lives, but who are now saved, watch their children continue to stay away from the Lord. Some man or woman who gave into a moment of temptation now bear in their body the horror of a venereal disease. Others have squandered their lives for a time of pleasure and lost their ability to minister. Sin has the power to cripple you and destroy you, if you allow it to get a foothold in your life. Whatever you have to do to be free of your sin is exactly what you need to do!
Evangelist Sam Jones used to tell the following story:
“While I was preaching in a certain town, there was a boy who would come into the back part of the church and lie down and go to sleep. He was drunk. His father, who was a good Christian man, would take him home.
One morning after one of these experiences, the boy came downstairs. The father met him and said, "Hold on, Son. I want you to go to church with me and be a Christian." The son said, "No, Father, I do not want to be a Christian. I am not going to church. Please get out of my way, for I am going to town."
The father pleaded tenderly and said, "Son, your mother has slept little for nights. She is almost dying. You are killing us all. Please go and become a Christian like your father has." But the son glared at him and said, "Do you know who the man is who gave me my first drink?" The father answered, "No." Then as he rushed past him and out of the door, he angrily said, "You are the man, sir." The father said that if the boy had shot him through the heart, it could not have hurt more. Yes, we reap what we sow.”
There is a verse in the Old Testament that says, “…and be sure your sin will find you out,” Num. 32:23. That is not a threat. It is not even a promise. It is just a statement of the facts. Just like those chickens that could be depended on to head back to the roost at night, you can be sure of the fact that your sins will come home to you too.
Dr. Pierce Harris of Atlanta, Georgia, once spoke at a prison work camp. The prisoner introducing him recalled earlier days of association with the minister. "Several years ago," he said, "two boys lived in the same community in north Georgia and attended the same school, played with the same bunch of fellows, and went to the same Sunday School. One of them dropped out of Sunday School because he felt he had outgrown it, and that it was 'sissy stuff.' The other boy kept on going because he felt that it really meant something in his life. The boy who dropped out is the one who is making this introduction today. The boy who kept going to Sunday School is the famous preacher who will preach to us this morning. Chickens do come home to roost.
Have you thought about what could happen in your life? Have you thought what the fallout would be if you fell into sin? Have you considered what might happen and what lives might be ruined if you took that fatal step and went away from the Lord into sin? Are you willing to pay that high a price? You never know who might be destroyed because of an indiscretion in your life! Don’t think for a moment that your sins won’t affect the innocent people around you. Don’t think for a minute that you can do as you please an affect no one else. You are deceiving yourself when you believe that! May the Lord help us all to count the cost and stay close to Him!
Many people are paying a high price for their sins today! Parents who lived in sin during the formative years of their children’s lives, but who are now saved, watch their children continue to stay away from the Lord. Some man or woman who gave into a moment of temptation now bear in their body the horror of a venereal disease. Others have squandered their lives for a time of pleasure and lost their ability to minister. Sin has the power to cripple you and destroy you, if you allow it to get a foothold in your life. Whatever you have to do to be free of your sin is exactly what you need to do!
Evangelist Sam Jones used to tell the following story:
“While I was preaching in a certain town, there was a boy who would come into the back part of the church and lie down and go to sleep. He was drunk. His father, who was a good Christian man, would take him home.
One morning after one of these experiences, the boy came downstairs. The father met him and said, "Hold on, Son. I want you to go to church with me and be a Christian." The son said, "No, Father, I do not want to be a Christian. I am not going to church. Please get out of my way, for I am going to town."
The father pleaded tenderly and said, "Son, your mother has slept little for nights. She is almost dying. You are killing us all. Please go and become a Christian like your father has." But the son glared at him and said, "Do you know who the man is who gave me my first drink?" The father answered, "No." Then as he rushed past him and out of the door, he angrily said, "You are the man, sir." The father said that if the boy had shot him through the heart, it could not have hurt more. Yes, we reap what we sow.”
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Saved! But Not From Sorrow
Praise God! I am born again, but I am not saved from sorrow. Tears are the portion and lot of us all here upon this earth. For many years, I could say that I had never had a broken heart. I had never sorrowed. All in my family were well and strong. I had never lost a loved one by death. I had never trod the valley of sorrow. I had never shed bitter tears. However, never again can I say this. In December of 1969, one of the three men who most shaped and influenced my life went out into eternity. My Uncle John Wright passed away. Sandra and I were just engaged to be married and my wife’s first experience with my family was to attend his funeral. My heart was broken. Tears came freely then, and often since. I was saved then as much as ever, but I was not saved from sorrow.
My father passed away in September of 1980, just one day away from his sixty-sixth birthday. I wept again like a baby for the sorrow of my father’s death. Then twenty years later my father-in-law died from his injuries of a car accident. And later that same year my blessed mother died. My heart was emptied again.
Sometime in the lives of us all sorrow will come. This sorrow will make us long for the day when Jesus will wipe away all tears from our eyes. He has given to us this promise: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). The time will come when no saved person will ever weep, when our hearts will never bleed again.
My father passed away in September of 1980, just one day away from his sixty-sixth birthday. I wept again like a baby for the sorrow of my father’s death. Then twenty years later my father-in-law died from his injuries of a car accident. And later that same year my blessed mother died. My heart was emptied again.
Sometime in the lives of us all sorrow will come. This sorrow will make us long for the day when Jesus will wipe away all tears from our eyes. He has given to us this promise: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). The time will come when no saved person will ever weep, when our hearts will never bleed again.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Prayer Is So Important To Me
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 KJV)
"Well, all we can do now is pray." "We'll just pray about it." Sometimes when I hear such expressions they are almost put in a negative tone. Prayer is one of the most positive privileges of salvation. Prayer is a result of the deepest relationship a soul can have with the living God. When we hear the lost say, "Our prayers go out to them" they are dealing in truths of which they know not. Only the redeemed are bidden “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Today I am praying especially for a friend. His sister has past away and tomorrow he must stand before his family and preach the funeral. I remember when she called him one day and asked, "Danny, can you tell me how to be saved?" We all rejoiced over her repentance and trust in Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Now she is with her Lord, comforted and rejoicing. We prayed that she would be saved and now we pray for her family that they will do the same.
The hymnist writes:
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bare.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
O, what needs we often forfeit
O, what needless pain we bare.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
My wife's favorite verses are “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1John 5:14-15 KJV)
One of the great quotes I have written in the fly-leaf of my Bible is "God does nothing, but by prayer." I believe that.
Wherever I may be, whether at home in my own church, or on a plane flying to Germany, or on a train traveling from Hungary into Romania, I spend Thursdays in prayer for my children, their mates and my grandchildren. It is the only legacy I can leave them. Tonight our church will meet once again for an old-fashioned prayer meeting. No special programs for kids, no activities for teens, this is our time to pray as a church family. Prayer is so important to me.
"Well, all we can do now is pray." "We'll just pray about it." Sometimes when I hear such expressions they are almost put in a negative tone. Prayer is one of the most positive privileges of salvation. Prayer is a result of the deepest relationship a soul can have with the living God. When we hear the lost say, "Our prayers go out to them" they are dealing in truths of which they know not. Only the redeemed are bidden “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
Today I am praying especially for a friend. His sister has past away and tomorrow he must stand before his family and preach the funeral. I remember when she called him one day and asked, "Danny, can you tell me how to be saved?" We all rejoiced over her repentance and trust in Jesus Christ as her Saviour. Now she is with her Lord, comforted and rejoicing. We prayed that she would be saved and now we pray for her family that they will do the same.
The hymnist writes:
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and grieves to bare.
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
O, what needs we often forfeit
O, what needless pain we bare.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
My wife's favorite verses are “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.” (1John 5:14-15 KJV)
One of the great quotes I have written in the fly-leaf of my Bible is "God does nothing, but by prayer." I believe that.
Wherever I may be, whether at home in my own church, or on a plane flying to Germany, or on a train traveling from Hungary into Romania, I spend Thursdays in prayer for my children, their mates and my grandchildren. It is the only legacy I can leave them. Tonight our church will meet once again for an old-fashioned prayer meeting. No special programs for kids, no activities for teens, this is our time to pray as a church family. Prayer is so important to me.
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