To Each His Own

Good Morning,


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


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

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

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

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


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


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


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


Later on, this same issue arose again:

Numbers 16:3 “And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?" 

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


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

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

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

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


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

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


Pastor

Thy Will

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

Pastor  

Rumble Update

Dear Friends,

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

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

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

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

"Fbcwildomar" if you are searching for us.

Thanks

Pastor

Turning Back

Good Morning,  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor

Announcement

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In Case Anyone Is Wondering

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vs. 14  “Stand…"

Pastor

Is It Too Late?

Good Morning,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor

The Goal

Good Morning,

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastor

Seek

Good Morning,


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

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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


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

Pastor

Content

Good Morning,

1 Thessalonians 5:16 “Rejoice evermore.” 

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


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

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

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

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

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

Hebrews 13:5 “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

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

In the mid-1600s John Locke wrote:

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

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

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


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

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

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

Pastor

Alone

Good Morning,


Matthew 14:23  “...he was there alone.”

Jesus had sent away the crowds, and now He was alone.  

Jesus was often alone — this was not uncommon.  He was alone on Calvary.  He was alone in the mountains in prayer.   Jesus was alone when He was arrested; all His loyal friends fled for their lives.  He was alone when His own Father turned His back on Him — God’s Only Begotten Son.  The cry went out, “My God, My God Why hast Thou forsaken me?”

Do not be surprised if friends abandon you, especially if being near you causes a risk to their lives or possessions.   Paul was alone as he stood in court.  Moses was alone when he pled for the lives of the backslidden people.  Elijah was alone when he stood against the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel.  

A single parent can be very alone when facing the pressures of each day.  Many a faithful believer walks away from the cemetery and back into the reality of life being terribly alone.   

Pastors will find themselves alone when staff and formerly-loyal workers walk out — it is a fact; sad and discouraging, but real.  Good people may get scared or depressed and simply walk out on you.  Some will leave you alone because they cannot stand conflict.  They choose to remove themselves from the situation (nothing personal) because they just cannot withstand the pressure or discomfort.   When you need someone, anyone near you, they will be gone.  We may slander them and use the old term “fair-weather friends,” but there are many good people who just do not know what to do when the battle begins.  

Alone is a terrible word — it eats away at our inner strength; the strength we all need and reach for in times of trouble — but it is a very real visitor in our lives.  Alone describes the businessman when circumstances go wrong or the law enforcement officer who is falsely accused; loneliness visits some of God’s choicest servants.  

Paul mentioned several situations to Timothy.  Perhaps, he knew that Timothy was also facing or about to face abandonment.

2 Timothy 1:15 “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”

2 Timothy 4:10  “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”

vs. “16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.”

Our Lord faced the worst case of being alone.

Mark 14:50 “And they all forsook him, and fled.”

I make no attempt to explain the situation; I simply admit that it is real.  When medical tests begin to reveal a handicapped child, a terrible loneliness may flood the soul.  When someone sits with a needle in his arm and feels the poison of chemotherapy flooding his body, though surrounded by others, he can feel very alone.   

When financial or medical trouble comes and a spouse walks out, loneliness walks in to fill their place.  In early married life, a good young man began to have seizures (from one or two at first to dozens a day).  His job was lost and his children were still young.   Keeping the rent paid became impossible, and one day, his wife left him.  Being alone is ugly but a reality.  How we need His Divine presence and comfort in those hours, days, and even years.  

Only one thing can be said for sure:  you may be alone in your moment, but the finest of God’s servants have visited the same era in life in which you have found yourself living.  You may be alone, but you are in very good company.

Pastor

Old Things

Old Things

Good Morning,

My wife and I noticed the decorating styles of young people and are amazed at how many will buy new IKEA furniture and bypass used solid wood or well-built pieces that will last for decades.  IKEA will not last the next few years or even until the next yard sale, let alone for decades to be passed down to children.   I am not saying there is anything wrong with this kind of idea when it comes to furnishing a home — just an illustration; but, no one will say, "This cool piece of furniture was my grandmas; it came from IKEA."  Can you imagine the antique stores of the future?  

Old things might be called time-tested.  Many people have read a recently written book on John Adams.  Nothing personal against the author, but why read a book written in 2001 about our second president when there are so many other writings available from 150 years earlier (written prior to the influence of modern thinking and anti-American sentiment)?

I obtained a digitally copied biography on George Muller.  It was written twenty years after his death. This book, written in the mid-1800s, is more likely to be more accurate than anything people might write today. I was thrilled to find the PDF available online for next to nothing.

I had the opportunity to walk through John Adams’ personal library. I took notes of what books I saw in his collection. I looked through the gift shop for books that were written in the time period of Adams, knowing I could find used copies later.  I cherish old books; time-tested and proven. I find it strange how many pastors clamor after newly-written books when they have yet to read a fraction of those written by R.A. Torrey, D.L. Moody, C.H. Spurgeon, or even Baptist history books that were written in the 1600s -1800s.   

Sadly, this lack of love and respect for solid, old things also fits into the preachers many are following. I love to read and listen to men who are in Heaven.  They have finished their course. They have stood the test of time.  I need their guidance and example.   No offense, but youth has not been tested; too often they are like IKEA: fashionable, trendy, temporary, and will provide little to pass on to future generations. 

Jeremiah 6:16 “...ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls…"

Pastor

Why Follow?

Good Morning,

While living in our world, we ought always to guard what we hear as well as what sources we allow to have our ear.  We must also consider and think through what we heard before we repeat it.  Most of us have heard something on the radio or television and thought, “That is stupid.”  With a little outside knowledge, logically, we realize how ridiculous the statement was.  Most of us have also found ourselves repeating something and later realizing how faulty our thinking was.  Such is the case with loyalty. 

Someone mocked folks who were so loyal, they would follow another “over a cliff.” That, of course, is an illustration of the wrong kind of loyalty.   Older folks would remember Jim Jones and his leading a group of followers to kool-aid suicide in Guyana.  All of us would agree that his followers had a stupid and illogical kind of loyalty.  That kind of loyalty was nothing close to the loyalty of a Bible-believing church; and anyone I know also knows that that kind of thinking is wrong. Let us consider seriously the statement.  Think with me of the most loyal person in your church.  Then ask yourself if you believe that man would go with the pastor to pick up prostitutes or get drunk.  You know that person would not do such a deed.  Would that person be loyal enough to help out with a big day?  Surely he would.  Is that person loyal enough to tithe or attend a prayer meeting?  Absolutely.  Someone who is loyal enough to follow the leader to good things is wonderful.  Loyalty to do wrong is stupid, and no one ought to entertain the idea that his church friends are stupid. I do not believe I could get one man in our church to go have a drink with me, unless he was a man who already drinks alcohol.  I believe this could be said of most good, Bible-preaching churches. Whoever suggested to you that the opposite is true is wrong and most likely has seriously flawed motives. 

Allow me to suggest why Satan would start such foolish rumors.  Among many other reasons, an attack on loyalty is a vote for anarchy. I will follow my national President until he violates our nation’s laws.  I will follow state laws, even if I disagree with many of them; I will abide by them (at least until they violate the Bible or a law that carries more authority).  

In a place of business, I believe in honoring the wishes of the boss until those wishes violate moral or civil laws.  Though I never served in our military, I am sure the same would be true in our military.  Subordinates should honor and follow the leader until he violates a higher law or authority.   

The attack on loyalty is a vote for anarchy and lawlessness — tyranny will follow.  When everyone tosses out leadership, the one with the biggest gun, the biggest mouth, or the biggest fighter makes the rules — that is tyranny. 

Let me give you some church doctrine.  Churches that see many folks saved and baptized are almost always led by a strong pastor.  That would include any denomination. Another church philosophy pushes for board-run or elder-run churches.  These churches rarely win souls or baptize converts.  They may be orderly, organized, and perhaps, seem trouble-free in the eyes of men, but they miss the very purpose for the church.   

The Satanic motive behind this ideal is peace over purpose; souls of men, or order without use.

Check out the amazing businesses around us, and you will almost always find one strong leader over the successful ones.  Compare those successful businesses to the success of a “government job.”  (We have all heard the jokes about those.)  If the government ever gets productive, it will be because some situation allows a good leader to take the reins as might happen in our military.  In the long run, boards and multi-headed organizations are rarely useful.

Regarding church (at least in my experience), the ideas and knowledge of the group are vital; input from our members has always been of the highest importance to me.  But once the ideas are on the table and direction is set, someone needs to be given leadership to run the job, whether it be the coach, the music director, or the pastor.

If loyalty is removed and every leader is forced to submit to the constant opinions of everyone who walks by, not only will his leadership be shackled but also his productivity — that would be true in business, sports or the military.  

Paul makes the importance of spiritual leadership very clear:

2 Thessalonians 3:7 “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;”

Paul said that the people in that church OUGHT TO FOLLOW; not to follow aimlessly, but rather because the leader behaves himself in an orderly manner — that is why the folks can follow their leader.  Personal behavior earns the right to leadership.  Paul brings that same instruction to the Corinthian church: 

1 Corinthians 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

If a leader does not follow Christ, then no one should follow him! The leader’s loyalty to Christ is the very foundation of any follower’s trust or loyalty.  

Likewise, the book of Hebrews follows the same reasoning when it comes to following someone. Righteous living is ALWAYS the basis for loyalty.

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

The urging is to “remember” the things taught by spiritual leaders, but the prerequisite is clear... “considering the end of their conversation.”  We can take our time to watch and see how their ideas unfold.  We should consider the end or the result of their instruction.  It is that way in coaching. Who follows a coach’s instructions and never wins a game?  (If that were the case, surely, that coach will quickly lose his job.)   

The scandal in the DOJ and FBI centers on people who had a cause greater than their loyalty to their duty. Any decent Christian knows that “right” is our focus and loyalty in marriage or church, politics or employment, is to be subordinate to what is right.  

Pastor

Adultery

ADULTERY

Good Morning

Popularity has never been my goal in the ministry. I have tried to teach right and wrong as God demands of any decent preacher.

Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.”

Leviticus 10:10 “And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;”

Leviticus 14:57 “To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean…”

Ezekiel 22:26 “Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed difference between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.”

Ezekiel 44:23 “And they shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.”

The pastor’s job is to show people their sins just as the devil tries to make sin acceptable. I am not advocating hatred or unkindness, but sin should be made exceedingly sinful.

Romans 7:13 “…that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.”

Showing the difference between right and wrong is the preacher's duty. We need no blurred lines as to right and wrong. With all that said, let me address adultery. The first mention of the word is in the Ten Commandments.

Exodus 20:14 “Thou shalt not commit adultery. We need go no farther! It is sin, wrong and violates the law of God. It needs to be confessed, repented of and spoken of as we do of stealing, or any other sin.”

Warnings about adultery are repeated often in Scripture.

Leviticus 20:10 “And the man that committeth adultery with another man’s wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.”

Deuteronomy 5:18 “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.”

Ezekiel 16:30 “How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;”

Americans (American Christians being little different) have begun regarding adultery just as they regard marriage; their view is that marriage is wonderful for a couple who finds their “soul mate.” Television shows glorify couples "moving in together" to live as barn yard animals. When illegitimate children are conceived, many individuals throw baby showers and have parties for children conceived in fornication.

When one commits adultery, God views the situation very differently.

Psalm 50:18 “When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.”

It bothers God when we “have been partakers with adulterers.” When we act as though it is permissible to lie or steal or commit adultery, we are partakers with them. There have always been young people who cross the lines of wisdom and find themselves in inappropriate positions resulting in immorality. There has always been fornication; it is a part of society. But we need not congratulate people as if it is wonderful that they wounded themselves, violated the very soul of another, and forfeited something they can never regain. To be kind to a sinner is obvious, but to honor their sinful deed before innocent young people is imprudent and sows the seeds of future shame.

God wants us to fight against immoral deeds and to literally kill or “mortify” these actions in our lives.

Colossians 3:5 “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:”

vs. 6 “For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:”


Wrath is promised for those who follow the deeds of the flesh.

Proverbs 6:32 “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.”

Adultery brings “wrath” and “destroyeth” the soul? That is no reason for congratulatory words.

A very unwise person commits adultery. The act is destructive beyond our imagination. I could go on and on telling stories of the incredible harm done to people because of conceiving children out of wedlock (there is a Bible term for the child conceived illegitimately in Hebrews 12:8). The future hurt done to a marriage for years to come because of sinfulness before marriage would take hours to explain. Our earthly view on the subject is nothing when compared to what the Creator of the universe says about immorality.

All through the Scriptures, warnings about immoral activity are written. Just as drinking booze or any other sinful deed, we should grieve over the sin and shame that has crept into the life of a friend.

Proverbs 6:26 “For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.”

One of the reasons for judgment on Israel is because of their lying preachers and adulterous people:

Jeremiah 29:23 “Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the LORD.”

Hosea 4:14 “I will not punish your daughters when they commit whoredom, nor your spouses when they commit adultery: for themselves are separated with whores, and they sacrifice with harlots: therefore the people that doth not understand shall fall.”

God said He was done trying to correct their shameful morals and would allow their nation to simply fall! The society that acts as if living together is fine is sending our nation to hell, bringing a curse upon those we love, and tearing down the moral walls of propriety God has established to protect our youth.


Of course, we are not to be ugly or hateful, but neither are we to congratulate the drunk for his ability to consume liquor, or to write notes of “I’m so happy for you” when someone robs a bank. Terrible is when one posts on Facebook that he got “so drunk” and the stupid, shameful, godless friends “like” the exaltation of shame. Worldly people congratulate shame; but believers who try to be so kind that they, too, begin congratulating shameful deeds is just as wrong.

We all know the Scripture passage of Jesus addressing lust:

Matthew 5:28 “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”

Jesus did not want men looking with lust, for it is as adultery in their hearts.

God has very strong words about the unchaste lady:

Deuteronomy 23:17 “There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.”

God places whores and sodomites in the same category.

Are we going to post happy emojis for the young person who becomes a queer or commits murder? Are we going to have a party for the friend who finally divorces a spouse? No. We will not hate them either; but instea, we should offer prayer, grief, sorrow, and remorse.

Hebrews 13:4 “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”


God promises to judge the adulterer. Period! It is not good! Let us put the situation into context: “Wow, I’m so happy for you. Unless you repent and confess the deed as sin and shame, you will now be under the wrath of God; your relationship to this child and the child’s other parent will be damned! ‘LIKE,’ ‘SHARE,’ and repost with smiling emoji.”

I will love the broken soul. I will sorrow with him. I will even try to help with needs if they have openly called their deed wrong and repented of their shame; but as long as he or she continues to live in adultery (as if God is going to bless the relationship), they will not share my table or fellowship with me. Wow, Preacher, you are hateful, ugly, and unChristian! Really? Let us see what God says about the Christian’s relationship to the adulterer.

1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”

Do not keep company or eat with them; that is how God says we are to treat the adulterer. Of course, we are to be kind. Yes, we are to love people, and even more so if they are not saved.

1 Corinthians 5:9 “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:”

vs. 10 “Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.”


If someone is not saved, I am to treat him like any other sinner in need of salvation. But a brother or sister in Christ, a child of God, who commits adultery needs to be set apart from fellowship until they are willing to admit their sin, confess it, and turn from their wrong.

Make no mistake, God hates sin and loves sinners; but as believers, if we do not show a difference between right and wrong in our daily lives, the sin will spread like a cancer and be picked up by others. The crab grass of filth will grow in the hearts of the innocent.

At our church, we do not have “church weddings” for those who are living together. We are happy when a couple realizes they need to do the right thing and marry. When a couple will confess their wrong, seek counsel for reconciling their relationship to God, and seek the best way to right a wrong, that is wonderful. We will share in a small wedding in private with a handful of friends or family, as we have done so many times. We have made a sweet moment with a group in an adult Sunday school class or in my office. But the, “HERE COMES THE BRIDE,” the “Walk down the aisle,” the “white dress” picturing purity, the “Who gives away the bride,” the sacred music, the God-honoring ceremony, the reception, the cake, and all its beauty are reserved for the couple who is about to vow for life, move in together, and start a life together. 

How do I, as a pastor say, “Who gives away the bride?” She is already taken! How do our ladies have the intimacy of a private shower with gifts for the consummating of their relationship when they are living as if they are already married? How do we bring our young ladies into the wedding as brides maids and bring others into the church to sit dreaming of their wedding day, and lift up this sacred moment when everyone in the room knows the girl is six months along with a child and living with the father already.

Forgiveness is always available for those whose heart breaks over their sin, not for those who glory in it. Reconciliation is for the repentant child of God who cannot stand the foolishness of his past, unchangeable choices. Closeness is welcomed when other girls see the loss of showers and the forfeiture of the splendor of a wedding ceremony and reception. Our Lord’s words, “Go and sin no more” are the guide. Move out, stop sleeping together as if you were married. Confess the wrong of your actions to family and friends who know the situation. Have a small, but legitimate marriage ceremony, and then seek the mercy of God.

In the Bible, more death and destruction over adultery can be found than any other sin. Do not act as though sleeping together unmarried, conceiving children, and living like the lost world around us is okay. Unless the couple repents and labors to conquer the seeds of ruin, divorce is inevitable, and single parenthood is on the way. A child will grow up without parents and no smiling face is appropriate in this scenario.

Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.”

—Pastor Goddard

The Difference

Good Morning,

Many different philosophies exist in churches today.  The biggest difference is in one simple thought:  “Is it for me or is it for others?”  

We tend to ask ourselves, “Is my church ministry all about making me feel good?  Is it all about how to have a happy home and good children?  Or is the church ministry about souls being saved and lives being changed for the glory of God?”

We should ask ourselves, "What do I like about my church?"  Is it that the baptistry waters are stirred weekly or that you feel so good when you leave the service?  Do you like your church because you can relax and enjoy the music or because you have learned to teach the Bible to others and help others in their Christian lives?  Do you like your church and school because the children grow up and find good jobs and succeed in college and secular jobs?  Or, do you like it because there are young people out serving God as pastors and missionaries, as well as others who come back to serve in your church after they marry and start careers?

Mark 8:34 “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

The idea of passionately clinging to our homes and families and carefully guarding them so there is no harm or risk is far from biblical Christianity.  In fact, Jesus taught about forsaking the warm ties of home for the ministry as honorable and pleasing to God.  

Matthew 19:29 “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.”

Some people have the church philosophy of sitting together in church with the whole family, guarding every moment of their child's life, protecting their children from anything with gluten, sugar or preservatives.  Yet, all the while, the children grow up never pushing themselves or doing anything difficult.  They never learn to care about other children or to sing in a children's choir.  As these perfectly protected children grow up, they are never allowed to go to rest homes, to go soul winning with their youth department, or to work on buses.  This selfish philosophy of living is far from biblical.  

Yes, care for your children physically, and guard who has influence on them, but every soul belongs to God, and all should learn to serve Him.   Danger and risk is difficult to avoid when we follow the steps of a Savior Who was hated, abused, and crucified.  

Romans 14:7 “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.”

vs. 8 “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

What missionary do you know who did not leave home?  Serving God as a missionary usually means grandparents are going to miss grandchildren at holidays and birthdays.  Who do you know who started a church and did not sacrifice comfort, financial security, and often basic supplies of food and family provision?  Church is to make God happy not men.  Church is to glorify the King of Glory not help families live in a no-risk world of perfect security and walk a smooth path without injustice or risk.  

Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

God is looking for surrendered, sacrificial vessels, not securely-protected families.  The very purpose of our Christian lives is clear:

2 Corinthians 5:15 “And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”


We are not to live for ourselves but for Him!  Life is not about me, but about others; and I matter very little.  

Philippians 2:4 “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”

Many believers think that if they are in the will of God, they will be happy and healthy, and their children will be fine; yet that is so far from Bible truth.

Philippians 1:20 “According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.”

vs. 21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”


Paul said that he wanted God to be glorified in life or in death.  His desire was not to be safe and secure and to avoid death.  Death is gain; life is a place of service — this ends the subject of “life’s purpose.”  

The song, How Firm a Foundation tells us…

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

What is the difference in churches or in family values?  The answer is easy; self or others, Christ or comfort and health. 

Christ came to lose His life, and we should do no less.

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Acts 5:41 “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”

2 Timothy 2:12 “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:”

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

May the words, "It makes me feel good" be erased from our vocabulary.  May safety and security be drowned under the words of self-sacrifice and surrender.


Pastor

Knowledge & Wisdom

Good Morning,

Over two years ago, many conservatives and countless Bible believers said that we were being lied to about health mandates, and that fear mongering was inaccurate at best.  Slandered, criticized and attacked, many of these conservatives stuck to their guns.  Now, after the nation has been ripped apart educationally, socially, religiously, and of course in areas of health, they admit they were wrong. 

The Epoch Times, 2373 wrote the following:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its COVID-19 guidance on Aug. 11, stating that the United States should move away from quarantines and social distancing and focus on treating severe disease caused by the virus.

New guidelines from the federal agency no longer recommend staying at least six feet away from other people to reduce exposure. The six-foot social distancing recommendation had been intact since early 2020, although some public health officials have raised questions about whether the measure is actually effective.

In another major change, the agency stated that it’s no longer recommending unvaccinated people to quarantine after exposure. Unvaccinated people who have been in close contact with an infected person aren’t advised to go through a five-day quarantine period if they haven’t tested positive or shown symptoms, according to the revised guidelines.

From the first weeks, countless preachers, doctors, and conservatives knew there was a hidden agenda, and to back off now does not undo the damage that was done to our nation.   From the beginning, many people challenged the extreme society-destroying recommendations.  Many good churches simply said, “No” and went back to church. I know of no church that regrets that decision.  

Proverbs 1:7 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” 

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

These two verses represent countless others that teach the same principle; the godless advisors are missing the target on knowledge and wisdom.  

Be careful whose counsel you hear.  Guard your mind when it comes to information – even regarding health care.  Have we not seen the law used to hurt good people?  In recent years, have we not seen the clear introduction of a two-tiered legal system? Of course, we have.  The trouble is, Americans without any knowledge of the Bible are also short of wisdom and knowledge.  

The answer is the same: go back to Sunday school, church, daily Bible reading, and learning to fear God.  Then we will clearly see the right and wrong as well as the good and evil.  Putting our trust in godless, or even anti-God political leaders is extremely unwise.

Pastor

God Gets Fed Up

Good Morning,

Although God is merciful beyond words, long-suffering, patient, and so very much more, make no mistake, God is holy, just, and righteous as well.  God does get "fed up" (using our terms) with mankind at times.  

Korah was in the tribe of Levi. His family members were not priests, but they were involved in the work of the Tabernacle.  

Numbers 16:1 “Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi…”

vs. 9 “Seemeth it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to himself to do the service of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to minister unto them?”

vs. 10 “And he hath brought thee near to him, and all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee: and seek ye the priesthood also?”

It appears that Korah and the others were not satisfied with their roles; they wanted to be in charge and to have the most important jobs.  These men, who were important among the people of Israel, came to Moses and were critical of his leadership.  

Numbers 16:3 “And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the LORD?”

Now people make many statements that are stupid, but this is one of the winners in the "stupid olympics”: Verse three says,  “…seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them…”   In our church congregation, I would not venture to say they were all saved, let alone righteous; yet, in this verse, these men (with several million people) said they were ALL righteous.   These men were only concerned about their chance to be the leader. They certainly did not want any others to be in charge.  They simply selected those terms to get the approval and support of the group.  

In verse three, Korah says another stupid statement, “…wherefore then lift ye up yourselves…” Korah accused Moses of promoting himself to be the ruler.  Remember how Moses pushed himself into leadership in Egypt and how he fought to be in charge?  Of course not! None of us do.  What we remember is his begging God to leave him alone to watch his sheep.  Remember how the Red Sea parted? Remember the twelve plagues? Remember the bitter water made sweet?  How about daily manna from Heaven for years?  Yet, Korah said Moses made himself leader — one more statement to add to the "stupid encyclopedia."

In verse thirteen, Korah gets really stupid (like a liberal reporter) and said, “…thou hast brought us up out of a land that floweth with milk and honey…”  He called Egypt a land of milk and honey!  The same people who killed their babies and enslaved the nation!  That nation is not exactly a land of blessings.  

In verse fourteen, Korah continues his idiotic ranting: "Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards..."  People with big mouths usually have a little truth in their corrupt conversation. It is true they had not yet come into the land of Canaan; but if we were to go back two chapters to Numbers fourteen, we would read that they stood at Kadesh Barnea and refused Moses’ exhortation to enter the land. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb urged everyone to go into the land. Korah was correct in saying they were not in a land of plenty, but it was he and the princes of the land who turned away from the blessed land God had promised.  To speak well of Egypt and criticize the blessed life God had for them was very unwise. When people begin defending their old lives in the world and attacking their new lives in Christ, you can be sure they are on a slippery slope to ruin. 

Back to the story of Israel, stupidity had pushed itself too much in front, and God was ready to kill the entire group; but Moses and Aaron interceded for the people, and the nation was spared.  

Numbers 16:21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.”

vs. 22 “And they fell upon their faces, and said, O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the congregation?”

Moses tells the people to watch and see what happens, and they would know whom God had called and which of the two men was a deceiver.  Not long after, the earth opened and swallowed Korah and his followers (vs. 31).  It was surely clear that God was the One in charge and that Moses was simply His servant.  With Korah dead, being swallowed by the earth, you might think that all the stupid thinking died with him — but not while men still walk the earth.  The people blamed Moses for killing Korah.  Wow!  That was a stretch; but humanity loves to blame, and pointing a finger at God is difficult.

Numbers 16:41 "But on the morrow all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, Ye have killed the people of the LORD.”

To be clear, Korah did wrong and was punished, but now everyone was angry at Moses.  Be careful; God is in Heaven watching, and He does have a hand in the affairs of our lives. 

At this point, stupidity had been just a little too prevalent, and God was done; He was sure to kill them now.  God told Moses to get away from the people.

Numbers 16: 45  “Get you up from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment. And they fell upon their faces.”


Even though the people gave Moses no end of trouble, once again, he talked God out of killing them.  

God gets impatient, or in our vernacular, ”fed up” or "sick and tired" of stupidity pouring out of the mouths of people.  We ought to walk in fear. We should humbly walk before God, keeping our mouths shut as much as possible.

We can be sure that God does hear and will care for the evil around us.  Rest in Him, and guard your words.

Pastor

Remember & Understand

Good Morning,

Moses sent the twelve spies into Canaan.  Forty days later, they returned with not only the wonderful fruit of the land but also with the fearful news of giants and walled cities.  We look at Israel with a measure of disdain for their refusal to continue on the path God had for them; but sadly, many believers today, through fear, walk away from their "promised land" as well.  

In my four decades of ministry, I have watched many a family turn from the path before them because of fear: fear of legal issues, fear of financial sacrifice, fear of social isolation, or fear of their children not being able to fit into the collegiate world or the secular college graduate world. Out of fear of joblessness or social stigmas, many parents have directed their children away from ministry training.  Unaccredited high schools or colleges have brought fear as well; yet, many people are comfortable choosing medical training which, although it may provide economic stability, will surely pull them from faithfulness to church and serving God.  

The fear of walled cities is little different from fear of being a part of a soul-winning church with some stigma attached.  

How does it happen?  What went on in the heart of the Israelites that turned them from the future God had planned for them?

Psalms 106:7 “Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.”

Israel made two mistakes that led them to turn back from wonderful opportunities at Kadesh (Numbers 12-14).  They "understood not,” and they "remembered not."  These elements are certainly present in the modern Christian world.  Some of our own church members fail to understand what God is doing; they fail to see the wonders God is achieving in the lives of those around them. They do not understand.  They do not grasp the miracle of children getting saved week after week.  Many do not understand what a wonder it is to consistently have thirty to forty young people in Bible college.  Some people who attend church do not understand how amazing it is to have over one hundred people a week going out into local neighborhoods and telling others about Christ.  To hear of people getting saved and to enjoy big days is more of a miracle than many understand.  "Our fathers understood not thy wonders..."

The next trouble is not remembering:  

Psalms 106:7 "...they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies..."

The Israelites forgot the wonders that were done in Egypt, such as plagues that exalted God and abased the gods of Egypt.  Israel simply forgot how many awesome things God had done.  Flies, lice, frogs, and water to blood to name a few.   We cannot afford to forget what God has done.  Men who never dreamed it would happen have found themselves in front of crowds preaching the wonderful words of God.  Families have been involved in big days when thousands heard the story of salvation.  From our little children, came pastors and missionaries; these miracles among us can be forgotten.   We do not make a big deal about it, but a dozen or more babies (who are now adults) were born when doctors said the parents could have no children.  We have witnessed miracle healings and miracle conversions.  We have seen a few of our own walk away, but we trust too that God is faithful and will restore them to fellowship one day.  When believers forget the wonders God has done, and when they fail to understand the amazing work God has achieved in their presence, it is then that people walk away back to their old lives.  

Believers cannot afford to forget all God has done among them.  We have started churches and sent missionaries from our own children’s classes, and dozens of young people are getting married and staying married who once attended our Sunday schools.   A grave danger exists in forgetting what God has done.  Look what Israel ended up doing.  

Psalm 106:13 "They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:”


When believers forget how good God has been, they soon fail to wait on His instruction, and they do make their own choices without including God.

The result was the desire for the goods of the old world. They wanted the possessions they left in Egypt; for modern believers, it is the joys of the old life.  They desired the comforts their unsaved friends might have had.  

Psalm 106:14 “But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert."

If we fail to understand the great things God is doing and to remember His wonders, it will not be long before we become casual Christians.  We may attend church sporadically, but to live sacrificially for others or serve and invest time, talents, and treasure is rarely done as it once had been.   

The next step is conflict with leadership.

Psalm 106:16 "They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.”

They understood not, they remembered not, and they forgot His works; they failed to listen to God's counsel, and they struggled with their leaders.  

God reminds them again of their problem: remembering.

Psalm 106:21 "They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;”

vs. 22 “Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.”

May we each seek to remember and to understand that we might gain the future blessings God has in store for us.

Pastor

Things I Do Not Want to Become

Good Morning,

Years ago, I read an article in which a pastor wrote that he did not want to become an old grump; that sounded good to me, and it got me thinking.

As the years pass, I see the path many believers have taken, and I see the warning signs for my own life.  Good people can take paths that are easily within my reach.  I could travel the same road they have, and in so doing, I could end where they ended. As the years pass, I have to determined what I want.  With all that said, there are some kinds of people that I do not want to become.

I do not want to become... A non-Bible reader.  I want to keep reading my Bible daily.

I do not want to become...Someone who never passes out a tract or witnesses for Christ.  I have watched good people never witness and certainly never knock on a door.

I do not want to become...Someone who looks for the bad in people. I want to be a hopeful believer, not a critical scorner.

I do not want to become... A church attendee who never does anything: never teaches, never helps in Vacation Bible School, never sings in the choir, or never plays in an orchestra. I want to be a help to the ministry. I wast to be someone who invests in the work of God, not a spectator who does nothing.

I do not want to become...A believer who never sacrifices for the cause of Christ.  For years, many people gave sacrificially from their limited finances, and then as years passed, they became fearful or selfish and many ended up never giving to the work of God.

I do not want to become... A comfortable church member, one who attends a church in which everyone is comfortable; no one is pushed to do more, to be more, or to accomplish great works for Christ.  

I do not want to become... A person whose daily conversation matches that of the lost world around me rather than that of the children of God.  Many believers grow worldly as they age.  Their social life is the same as their unsaved neighbors, their conversation consists of basically whatever is on television, their recreation is no different from the world, and their casual "religion" is no different from a Catholic (they attend church once or twice a month, but their life is not changed).

I do not want to become... A fraud.  I long to be what God desires me to be, and at least part of that means to present myself a living sacrifice. (Romans 12:1-2)

What do I want to be?  God gives clear directions. 

Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Pastor

Rewards For Trials

Good Morning,


Trials are most often received as something bad – the result of our own wrong or that of another – but God says so much about trials that goes against our personal reasoning.


1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”


In this verse, we see that the TRIAL of our faith is precious; not faith itself, but the trying of our faith — according to the Lord, that trial is precious.


Just as the heating of gold purifies and increases value, so the trying of our faith makes it more valuable.  The faith we possess without trials will remain in its current state; but when that faith is tried in the fires of life, the value increases exponentially.  


When the Lord returns, the gold used as an example will perish and be gone, as will all earthly things.

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


Our faith, though tested in the fires of life, will endure forever.  As the passage teaches, that faith will be found very important.


1 Peter 1:7 ”... might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ..."


When the Lord returns, faith that has been tried, tested, and found true will be rewarded by "praise and honour and glory."    Not the praise, honor, and glory of God, but it will be to our praise, honor, and glory, just as the Lord said in John 12:26:  "... if any man serve me, him will my Father honour."


No one enjoys the trying of his faith, but the Scriptures urge him to hold fast to his profession.


Hebrews 4:14 “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”


Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)”


When our faith is tried, it can waver.  In times of trial, some believers walk away from their faith; but God is pleased when we “hold fast” our profession. Our Lord prayed in the Garden as He faced such a tragic hour and asked if that hour might pass from Him; yet, He desired most the will of God and trusted His circumstances to the Heavenly Father saying, “not my will, but thine be done.”

What has been true for decades is still true in trials.   Recently, one of our missionaries wrote about converts who were going to face severe persecution from their families and friends for their newfound faith.  He requested prayer for these new Christians who were about to be tried.  These young believers who knew so little were going to be tried, and how precious will be their reward when Christ appears! 

1 Peter 1:7 “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:”


May we rest in the loving arms of our Father and trust Him through our trials.

Pastor