Seven-Fold Sin of Worry

Good Morning,


1.  Worry accuses our Saviour of being unable to guide, protect, and deliver us.


2.  Worry slanders the love of God and treats it as if it were shallow and unworthy of our trust.

3.  Worry treats God as the Creator, but a Creator Who has walked away unconcerned and left us to our own means.


4.  Worry yells to the world that we do not think God is good.


5.  Worry sends a message to the world that Christ’s death and resurrection do not merit our resting and believing in Him.

Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”


6.  Worry, even in matters in which we have failed, mocks the mercy of God; mercy is new every morning.  The mercy that saved a sinner certainly merits our leaning on the everlasting arms.


7.  Worry tells God that we have better ideas about life than He does, and slanders the wisdom and foreknowledge of God.

We should pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “Pray without ceasing.”

We should pour out our hearts before God.

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

We should cast our burdens on the Lord; then as the song says, “leave it there."

Psalm 55:22 “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.”

Pastor

Our Hearts & Words

Good Morning,

We all have had those moments when we spoke out of turn, or literally slandered, criticized, or maligned someone.  We all desire to guard our tongues (any decent person does not want to hurt another), yet it happens, through recklessness or evil intent.  The book of James tells us that “the tongue can no man tame.” The work of controlling the tongue in our mouths is divine.  We need the Lord to help us speak properly. To achieve control, we need to begin with the preparation of the heart.  

Proverbs 16:1 “The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the LORD.” 

When our hearts are prepared, God will provide the proper answer in each situation. That which we hear or read will affect us. (That is why millions of dollars are spent on advertising.)


Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous studieth to answer…"

When we study the right material, the correct answer will naturally follow, whether it be on a classroom test or a casual comment from our tongue.   

Matthew 12:33 “Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.”

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

vs. 35 “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.”

vs. 36 "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Clearly, our words come from the heart. Dreadfully, we will meet up with those idle words one day when we face the Lord. (vs. 36)

We used to have a grapefruit tree that gave us the worst grapefruit. (Not that I am particularly fond of any grapefruit, but the tree was the issue.) Something in the genetics of this particular tree made it produce bitter fruit.  The best thing to do was to get another tree or find a way to change something inside the tree we had.  So it is with our words; we need a change of heart inside in order to change the fruit of our lips. 

The book of Luke also presents this truth: 

Luke 6:45 “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” 


If we will work on what goes into our hearts, we will find sweeter fruit coming out of our lips. Be careful about the friends with whom you choose to spend time and the information you read or hear.  The greatest help is to meditate on much Scripture.  Read the Bible to your children; read it yourself, and find a good verse to memorize with the family each week.  If we work on our hearts, our words and actions will fall into place. 


Pastor 

Staying Right

Good Morning,


Most people either want nothing to do with religion, or they feel that they are fairly good Christians already.  Consider the Pharisees; they were content with their form of religion, and they felt no need to change anything.  As such, the preaching of Jesus caused them no end of anguish, and ultimately, they were angered enough to kill Him.  


The circumstance is no different today.  Often, I meet people from different churches or religious backgrounds, and they think I am fine and they are fine, even though we believe differently in a thousand ways.  As long as they do not have to hear me preach, they do not care.  When I am visiting people door-to-door, I meet people who are happy with their religion and do not want to hear any Bible that may mess up their belief system.  


Many people have visited a church, and within a short time quit attending because they were urged to commit to a higher level of service to others. When people are content with their Christian lives and have no intention of changing anything, a church with strong convictions may be a problem to them. 


When it came to following Him, Jesus thought differently.  Our Lord first mentioned that we should deny ourselves - that which I think, want, and desire all needs to become subject to what He wishes for me.


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.”


Honest people will admit that they drift constantly, that they need the Bible daily to stay right, and that hearing preaching regularly helps to remind themselves of right and wrong.  I listen to preaching often, and I often receive a nudge or a slap in the face to put me back in line in some area of Christian living.  The songwriter wrote, “…prone to wander, Lord I feel it…” – and so it is with all of us.


I want to be urged to improve my faith or my prayer life.  I want to be challenged to increase my financial giving or time witnessing throughout the week.  I need the Bible and preaching to remind me to forgive, to serve, and to love the unlovely.


I did not grow up in a Christian home, and though I feel it was a great home in many ways, attending church was not a part of our world.  Many a weekend, we spent time at the beach, and, as a child, I remember my mom nearby on the sand watching us in the water.  The movement of the waves and currents always pulled us one way or another.  Soon we would look up and mom would be way down the beach.  We had drifted, and either we noticed and returned to where she was, or she noticed and called us back. 


Being pulled by the water is a perfect example of my Christian life.  I look up and notice my unforgiveness and move myself back to forgiveness, or a sermon calls me back.  I may notice selfishness and move myself back to Christian living for others, or a message brings me to my knees and calls me to return to right.  We all drift and should not be so arrogant to act as though we need no call to repentance.  


For this reason, our Lord rebukes us for judging one another – we all need help! 

Luke 6:37 “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” 

Romans 2:1 “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” 

Romans 14:4 “Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth…"


Though the world may think they are “good enough,” any honest child of God knows that we need all of the mercy and help we can get to stay right or get right.  Allowing ourselves to get out of church or to join a church in which no messages ever prick our hearts is a great danger – we need our toes stepped on regularly.  May we not become angry when we are urged to be better, but may we thank God for help to stay right.


We will either respond well and return with a broken heart, or we will eventually be crushed by the truth we resisted.  


Luke 20:18 “Whosoever shall fall upon that stone shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” 


Pastor

Restoring Joy

Good Morning,

We have all faced difficulties; some have faced more extreme difficulties than others, but all of us have our own share of heartache.  The question we face is what to do with the trials and the emotions those difficulties bring.  We ask ourselves, “Shall I walk through life depressed and gloomy forever?  Will I never find a reason to smile again?  Will I never have a night of peaceful sleep or wake with hope in my heart again?”  Those thoughts hardly fit with Christ and "life more abundantly,”  yet these feelings are real and need to be addressed.  

The world will offer drugs with undesirable side effects.  Some medications are being prescribed and used that rob a person of emotion, care, and concern for others.  These drugs take away one's tenderness, leaving him caring not for friend or family.  Each of us has to make our own decision on situations like this, but those medicines are not for me — that is for sure.  I want to care.  I want compassion, tenderness, excitement, and warmth.  Some people will say it is our lot to be victims and forever wallow in grief and sorrow, but no Bible reader can accept that. 

Motivation to regain joy:

1. Obedience to God is difficult but also real and honest.  The Bible tells us to rejoice.  

Philippians 3:1 “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord…"

Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

Remember, these instructions are from God, but they were written by Paul while he sat in a jail cell.

2. Our children will be helped.

Zechariah 10:7 “And they of Ephraim shall be like a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as through wine: yea, their children shall see it, and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the LORD.”

When our children see us defeated by our own battles, they lose hope when they face their own battles.  I feel I must slowly and most surely gain victory so my children will see that in their evil day, God is real and hope is available.  The process may be slow, but my response to trouble will determine much of what my children are able to do.  I cannot fail in this challenge; for my victory will bring hope to those I love most.  

3. My ability to help others is tied to my ability to gain help from God for my trials.

2 Corinthians 1:3 “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;”

vs. 4 “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”

When I find comfort for my suffering, I then possess that comfort; comfort is real and tangible like bananas from the store.  Only then, am I able to share comfort with others.  Once I gain comfort, God has equipped me with a tool to help others, and my suffering becomes a conduit of healing for others who hurt.  How wonderful to be able to help a hurting soul.  How fulfilling is life when we can pillow our head knowing someone found hope through our life and influence!   If Satan can keep us wallowing in defeat, we not only become ruined, but he also stops the flow of healing waters to others through our lives.  God uses people!  We are divine rivers which carry healing and refreshment to the thirsty and suffering, but we must begin by gaining the comfort of Heaven.

I cannot influence anyone for good through my gloom and depression.  

The method to regain joy:

1. Start with reading the book of Psalms daily.  Starting with the day of the month, I read a chapter, then add thirty and read another chapter.  This will equal to five or six chapters a day:  on the tenth of the month, I read chapter ten, forty, seventy, one hundred, and one hundred thirty.  The next day, I read chapter eleven, forty-one, seventy-one, and so on.  Of course, you can simply read the Psalms, but there seems to be a kind of continuity in the said divisions as you will see if you try it.  

The Bible is the source of joy and peace.

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

John 15:11 “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

2. Find a concordance and study the words joy, peace, rest, trust, hope and other words that the Lord shows you.  Read and reread them.  Write notes about what they say; develop principles from your reading and write them down.  

3. The next and harder step is to confess my unbelief, my worry, my lack of trust, my fears, and my lack of ability to thank God and rejoice in Him.   “When sorrow like sea billows” overwhelm us, this becomes more difficult to do, but none the less, right; for God commands us to trust, to rejoice, and to have faith.  We confess these anxieties just as we would confess drunkenness or hatred.  The sick feeling in our stomachs during battles tells the Lord that we do not believe He is good and faithful.  We know these feelings are wrong, so all must be confessed.  

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” and “Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you” are commands.  God also commands: “in everything give thanks,” and “giving thanks for all things…”  To say the least, these commands can be difficult, but when someone has a drug problem, we urge him to seek the Lord and His help and to fight to gain the victory.  Is the situation any different for those of us who have suffered and bear pain?  

4. Remember, we are in a spiritual battle.

Ephesians 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

We are at war with the spiritual forces of darkness, and we need spiritual power and help to gain victory every day.  An unsaved counselor will have a difficult time helping us with spiritual battles. We need the Bible and spiritual help.  You may be sure, victory will be a DAILY feat.  You will not wake up victorious and never have another difficult day, but you will gain strength for the hour, then strength for the day, and little by little, you will begin to find hope, rest, and strength.  

5. Search for others who have found victory.  In college, we were instructed to read biographies of famous men and ladies but not their doctrines.  We can learn much from many great men and ladies, even though they are not all doctrinally sound; their lives can be a blessing, but be careful that their doctrines do not confuse and hinder you.  With that being said, I mention Dave Roever.  His testimony is easily found online, and although his handicap has never left him, his story of victory has helped millions.  His story and presentation will hold you spellbound.  From early Baptist martyrs to people who are alive today, victory over trials brings hope to others; and when we need help, God will often use the suffering of others to help us.  

The Master helps us to regain joy.

We should acknowledge that we need God to help us regain joy.  David prayed, ”Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation.”  We need the Lord to help us.  

The passage above tells us it is God Who comforts us.  

2 Corinthians 1:4 “Who comforteth us in all our tribulation…”

Seek God and ask Him to work in your life.  Ask God to help you and to restore your joy that you might be useful to help others.  

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

May our sorrow lead us to Divine comfort, and may the Heavenly Comforter use us to comfort others who hurt.  If you find victory, you just might be the one to begin a ministry to the hurting; but you must first find the answer in Christ and His Word. 

Pastor

Mercy

Good Morning,

Most of us are familiar with the life of Job: his sufferings, his difficulties, the death of his family, and his financial disaster — all of these things piled onto the life of one of the finest men that lived in the land.

Job's so-called friends came first to comfort him, but soon criticized and judged him. His so-called friends poured salt in the wound of Job’s soul by attacking his children, his morality, and his personal relationship to God. Much bantering back-and-forth between Job and his friends took place, but the following statements reveal a profound truth:

Job 19:2 “How long will ye vex my soul, and break me in pieces with words?”

vs. 3 “These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me.”

Job wondered why they were attacking him. What was the point of making him more miserable? Why would they invest their time and energy attempting to diagnose the wrong living of this man they had once called their friend? I believe this is a common occurrence in today’s society as well.

Job continues…

vs. 4 “And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.”

“It is my fault,” Job said, “it is my doing and none of your business.” Many times we criticize people, and meddle in their business of marriage, finance, child rearing… when their “error remaineth with” them. It is not our problem to fix or to criticize.

vs. 5 “If indeed ye will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach:”

vs. 6 “Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net.”

Were Job’s friends simply promoting themselves? Were they doing these things to magnify their own lives and freedom through the suffering Job faced? Job assures them, “It is God who overthrew me.”

Considering these verses I wonder…

1. Why do we pick on those who are facing their own trials?

2. Why do we point out that it was their own dumb fault?

3. Why magnify their poor decisions? The situation is not our own!

We are not to run the life of another, even if they are doing wrong.

vs. 4 “And be it indeed that I have erred, mine error remaineth with myself.”

The wrongdoing of another is their own error, and unless they are seeking our advice or help, let it remain their choice. As Paul wrote, “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.” (Romans 14:4)

There is no spiritual reason to add to the suffering of another, even if it was their own fault. When we criticize and accuse, we are simply being critics with pride, self-promotion, and vanity ruling our words — it is all wrong! I have no idea how hard another tried or is trying. I cannot imagine the suffering another faces along life’s path; it is vanity to act as if I have the answer they desire. 

God was not pleased with these men; in the closing of the story, Job prayed for his friends and God had mercy on them.

May we be careful not to verbally examine those who are hurting. May we love and care for those in need.

Pastor

The Lord Tries Our Faith

Good Morning,

Psalm 11:5  “The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth.”

There are two positions we can see from this passage:  God tries or God hates.  Neither is very comfortable, but one is obviously preferred.  

When the child of God faces his darkest hour, he is near to the Father, held tightly in the Almighty hand.  When the wicked man prospers, he is foolishly, yet often ignorantly, dangling over the flames of Hell, hopelessly condemned for eternity.  The faithful person may feel the chastening of the dear Father, but the godless person will feel God’s wrath.  Trials will perfect the Christian:

James 1:4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

Rom. 5:3  “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

While trials help the believer,  even the prosperity of the fools shall destroy them (Proverbs 1:23).  Yes, our father tries His own, yet those trials are for blessing, improvement, and to glorify our Saviour.   The medical issue, auto accident, or unwarranted anger of others against you are all under the watchful eye of our Father.

Psalm11:4  “... his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men.”

The Father may leave the godless to their own means, but His dear children are under the loving care of their Lord.  

Remember Lot:  his world of ease and apparent prosperity was temporary and was followed by great sorrow.  Referred to as "Righteous Lot,” we can consider him an Old Testament saint, yet great suffering accompanied his vain choices because he sought the things of this world rather than the things of God.  

Remember the plotting of Haman against Mordecai (in the book of Esther)?  How grand was Haman?  How powerful and threatening he seemed to be.  But at "such a time as this" the parts of the story fell into place, and Haman was hanged while Mordecai reigned.  

Being a child of God, we are safe; for no one can harm any of His dear ones.  Trials are filtered through His loving hands, and evil is held off by Omnipotent arms.   Yes, we read in Psalm 11:5  that "The LORD trieth the righteous..."  but we can be comforted in the fact that every trial is overseen by the Lord.  

Pastor Goddard

Reaching or Changing the Next Generation

Good Morning,

Colossians 1:13 “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:”

I am not trying to reach this generation, I am trying to change this generation and future ones.

When churches speak of reaching their generation, they are simply trying to get them into church. My desire is to get them saved, teach them to be honest and hard-working, to stay married, and to learn how to train their children. My desire is to get this generation to teach the Bible to children, give to missions, read their Bibles, win souls to Christ, and be prepared to stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ where they will face the reality of their useless or useful life.

One of our converts from long ago found himself having heart surgery. When I visited him after the surgery, he said, “Now I know why I am here;” I said, yes, because your heart was a mess. He replied, “No, the doctor and two nurses got saved.”

A lady from our church, who was over seventy years old, was in the hospital for a major surgery. She witnessed and won folks to Christ daily. She began to speak to one orderly when he said, “I prayed with you already…” She was embarrassed that she had forgotten to whom she had and had not witnessed. I assured her that was not a problem; it was the rest of us who should be embarrassed.

When I started our church, I came with the desire to change the generation in front of me, from heartless retirees to servants with gray heads. Honestly, it took a while. In fact, I had to wait until my forty to fifty-year-old members became 60-70 years old before I had real servants in my retired folks’ world; but my goal was the same:

Acts 26:18 “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”

I could care less about reaching this generation, if my end result will be to find my members sitting around Starbucks while talking about Seinfeld, becoming workaholics who never come home to their families, and grieving over the sad state of affairs because they cannot find a good job to pay them to stay home and wear pajamas while playing video games and taking selfies. Reaching that generation is of no interest to me; I want to change that generation! I was not impressed with a church full of older people who could only talk about medicine and motor home trips. I wanted folks serving the King of Glory; we sure have that today.

Ephesians 5:8 “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

While others try to build a large youth group, I seek to change the teens within my reach, and then let parents and teens bring in others as God leads. My early youth activities started with picking up teens on Wednesday from public schools; we went to a park, threw a ball, sat on swings and talked, and ended up at Taco Bell or some fast-food restaurant. Before anyone could eat, they had to quote the memory verse for the week and pass out at least one tract. This was the beginning of our teen soul-winning program that grew to two busloads of teens on Wednesdays. From day one, our church has been focused on Bible memory, souls, serving God, and living a separated life.

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:”


Jesus did not set out to reach everyone; yes, tell everyone; yes, preach to everyone, but He focused on changing those who had a heart for God. Our Lord sought to see a few lives surrendered and to change the next generation.

Pastor Joe Esposito and I were only a couple years apart in starting our churches. We kept standards, strong preaching, and separated living right out in front. From the beginning, what we were and what we were not was very clear! Today, I would guess there is no one who started a church who put more young people into the ministry than he has. From the beginning, he and I preached purity and holiness, and staying away from school dances and rock music. From our first camp, we had dress rules (not at activities or Sunday school but camp). Brother Esposito’s youth came to camp with us for many years; we preached surrender to full-time service. Within two years of Faith Baptist starting, we had young people headed off to Bible college training for the ministry. Two of those first three are still in the ministry today (thirty-three years later).

The goal? Changing the next generation, not reaching the next generation.

Pastor

Get What We Want

Good Morning,

My wife and I have been a part of the Christian life for many years.  Having been a pastor for four decades, I have observed a few proven facts over the years.  One such observation is this: In many cases, God will let you have what you want.    


In some situations, God will give us the things we desire, even though they may not be best; and as much as that sounds like an error, remember the story of God hardening the heart of Pharaoh.

Exodus 7:3 “And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.”

vs. 4 “But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.”


Pharaoh did not want to honor God; therefore, God hardened the heart of Pharaoh so he would go on with his agenda of ignoring right and exalting self.


First, God will not force anyone to get saved; that is the personal choice of each individual.   If one chooses to ignore the grace of God, he will die and go to Hell of his own accord.


Second, God will not force anyone to love Him or to live for Him.  On occasion, God may push us into a place where He needs us to be, as He did with Jonah, but at the end of the story, God allowed Jonah to go his own way – bitter and far from home.  


Third, especially regarding young people, God will not force you to honor your parents, your church, or your God.  You are free to become fools or live any kind of lifestyle the vile world might encourage.


God will allow people to have the country that they desire.  If good people will not raise up and follow biblical methods for building a nation and are content to live like the world, fight like the world, follow the filth of the world, and seek the goods of the world, God will give them the nation like the nations of the world around them. 

Remember, Israel pleaded with God to give them a king like all the other nations?  Most of the time, God will give us what we truly want — whether or not it is best.  


What kind of church do we want?  God will give us what we want, not in word but in life and actions.  Do we want a church full of lazy people who do not serve at all?  God will let us have it.  Do we seek comfortable preaching that never provokes us to be more or do more?  God can accommodate us.  Do we want a church where little is expected of us?  God can provide that; and with little work on our part, our young people will then go to the world for entertainment, and we will never have to raise money for mission trips or support for our own who choose to serve God full-time. 

Let us refer our youth ministry for example.  Most people adore the youth of our church.  The sheer numbers, the spirit, the appearance and manners, their ability to deal with people and face situations with confidence, and so much more.  What is it that gave us this group of quality young people?  We should cherish whichever element is the key ingredient.  It is probably the bus ministry, the car wash, and the Christian school, but within the school, it might be the candy sale, science and history fair, and teen soul winning. 

If we do not care to be involved in the bus ministry, then it is very likely God will let it drop and give us our way.   In so doing, God will also drop the influence of buses on our youth.  If we, as adults, do not desire to help with the various ministries that develop young people, then God will give us what we desire -- a group of young people no different from any other group across our community.  Success is work.  Quality is achieved when we invest in it.  If we desire to work at nothing, then God will most likely give us a product that can be achieved without effort.


The book of 3 John documents the letter that John wrote to a church.  The church had been urged to receive missionaries and support them, but a man in the church wanted to be the big shot and wanted to decide who could or could not do things in the church — just one pushy, overbearing man.


3 John 9 “...I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.”

vs. 10 “Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.”

vs. 11 “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.”


The trouble was not with John; neither did the trouble lie simply in this man.  The trouble was with the church people who tolerated this guy in their church.  He stood against the spiritual leader and caused grief to the membership as a whole — yet, the members did nothing about it.  If the church people wanted to have that in their church, God would allow them to have it — it was their church.

If a church wants to listen to lies, God will let them.  If a church wants to follow feelings over truth, God will let them.  If a church wants a relaxed, no-pressure environment, that is the kind of church they will have.  John warned the people, but God allowed the church to have what they tolerated.  


When preaching, the disciples were urged to leave the very dust of their shoes behind and allow folks to have what they wanted.

Matthew 10:14 “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”


When Jesus sent his disciples to a Samaritan village to prepare for His coming, the people refused to entertain Christ.  The disciples wanted to destroy the village, but Jesus said they would just go to another one.  If that group of people did not want Jesus there, He would accommodate them.  


Luke 9:52 "And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.”

vs. 53 “And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.”

vs. 54 “And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did?”

vs. 55 “But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of.”


We will have the kind of church or school we want.  We will raise our young people there.  If we want a relaxed and carnal church or school, we will have it.  If we want it full of criticism and slander, it will not be long before we will have it.  


God has offered America a decent chance to turn to right and blessing, but if we do not want it, He will allow us to follow the path of a controlling, socialist government.  God will allow us to turn to godless and corrupt schools to train our children.  The choice is up to us.  


Many a family has fussed over the stand for right and wrong our church takes.  They have wanted a more relaxed and free philosophy of church and family life.  In the years that followed, God gave them what they wanted.  They occasionally attended another church with Bible lessons but with nothing that applied to daily living.  These families found their children living just like the world around them, with little or no regard for God.  Their families faced all the troubles of this cursed world, and their children nurtured a poor relationship with their parents.  God allowed these families to have what they wanted; but in the end, it was not what they wanted. In just a moment, God can turn our church into something else if we do not seek to keep what we have.  


In the fifties and sixties, our government banned Bible reading and prayer in public schools; Christian parents did nothing.  They kept their children in those godless schools.  They complained some, but they really did not care about God’s involvement in the training of their young people; therefore, God gave them what they wanted — godless youth.  The end result was the hippy movement, LSD, the burning of draft cards, students taking over colleges, and the introduction of rock-and-roll.  The same rebels, who brought in the new era, have rewritten our public school textbooks and currently run our country.   Since we did not want God in our schools, God gave us our way.  


I suggest we seek passionately and work diligently to keep the good and right things we desire and seek the Lord with all our heart.


Pastor

Sacrifice

Good Morning,


America has the idea that our values are the best on earth, and that our priorities are superior to all others.  I will admit that to the extent that we follow the truths of the Bible and the founders who sought complete freedom, America is superior, but it is all a work of God, not of our own.  


Americans have many values that are far from Scriptural.   We value feeling more than right; we value temporal life more than eternal life – and those ideas are completely wrong.  We place family above all else — and God makes that idea clearly WRONG  when He says in Proverbs 27:10 

“... better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.”


Proverbs says a good friend close by is better than a brother far away. Jesus taught that forsaking family for Christ was a righteous act to be greatly rewarded.


Mark 10:29 “And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s,"

vs. 30 “But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”


The Saviour made it clear that earthly possessions are a hindrance to the service of God, and that there ought to be a willingness to forsake all for the cause of Christ. 


Luke 14:33 “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”  


“…all that he hath…” is a big statement!  This is why it is reasonable for a young person to attend an unaccredited college seeking the Lord’s direction for the future and possible ministry rather than making the first priority financial and earthly security. 


When a missionary travels across the world for the furtherance of the Gospel, he leaves security, family, and social comforts; yet his purpose is eternal.  When a missionary leaves his home country, he leaves behind grandparents who will lose out on much of the family fun at holidays with grandchildren and other special occasions.  


Let us place this emotional situation into context: the Lord says our love for Him and the cause of Christ ought to so surpass our love for family that our love for family seems like hatred. That is surely the opposite of what we are taught in America today.

Luke 14:26 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

Eternity awaits us; and in that eternal land, dwelling with our Saviour, we will never regret placing the eternal above the temporal.  We will never regret seeking the Kingdom of Christ FIRST above all other things.  No bus worker will wish he had spent his Saturday and Sunday sleeping in or working around the house when he sees Heaven.  No one bringing church services to a jail or rest home will wish he had done LESS of that kind of work when he walks down golden streets. 

Most of us have heard the name, William Carey.  What few know is that when he chose to go to India as a missionary, his wife refused to go with him.  Carey took his son and left (and this was on a ship in the late 1700’s).  Some complications arose that forced the ship to return for a brief time, and Mrs. Carey changed her mind. She left with her family the second time — that decision was huge!  Mr. Carey buried two wives and two children before seeing the fruit of the ministry revealed.  

We understand that Jesus thought our lives were important enough to sacrifice His own body, reputation, and heavenly home for the will of God.  So, when it comes to “self and family first,” we are certainly missing the eternal perspective that God desires us to have.  

Romans 12:1-2 says that we ought to present our bodies a living sacrifice.  Add that to passages mentioned above, and we see that God would have us lay our all on the altar of sacrifice.  

The love of God and desire to do His perfect will should be vastly more important than jobs, comfort, security, and life itself.  

Pastor

One God

Good Morning,

Zephaniah 1:4 “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;”

vs. 5 “And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;”

vs. 6 “And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him”

This passage refers to three different groups. The story takes place around the time of Josiah, the great king who brought revival to Judah. Yet, among the people, some had no love or devotion to God.

Zephaniah assured everyone that God was not sitting back ignoring the shameful way the people treated the God Who gave them their land. Ruin did follow the death of Josiah. Little by little, the great land was taken from them; their government was slowly pulled away from them, and the blessings of God were withdrawn until the nation fell.

Who were these three groups the preacher warned?

First, the group that worshiped false gods:

Zephaniah 1:4 “I will also stretch out mine hand upon Judah, and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, and the name of the Chemarims with the priests;”

The Chemarims were bad priests — rejected, defiled, or simply false prophets. God announced that He was planning to cut off false religion and the priests who sponsored it. In 2 Kings 23:5, Josiah cut off the Chemarims, but some of them escaped the purging and were now in big trouble with God. The term Chemarim is defined as "men in black." The fallen or idolatrous priests wore black, whereas the true priests wore white. If a priest was put out of the temple, he went out in black. (Hmmm, seems appropriate for Halloween.)

Second, Zephaniah refers to the double minded — those who worshiped the Lord and Malcham.

vs. 5 “And them that worship the host of heaven upon the housetops; and them that worship and that swear by the LORD, and that swear by Malcham;”

God has no intention of being one of the little deities in our life. He is Lord of Glory, King of kings, and the Sovereign of the universe. God will be preeminent, or He will be the One Who disciplines us. From the beginning (Exodus 20), God said, "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." The glory that belongs only to God will not be shared with another.

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

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

God does not want to be an afterthought; nor does He want to be our Sunday God but not our Monday God. God asks to be first place: (Matthew 6:33) “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…" In addition, He gave the great commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and all thy soul..."

The third group that received the promise of judgment included those who either quit following God or who never cared about God.

vs. 6 “And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for him.”

There is no multiple choice as to which god we choose to worship. We are commanded to worship The God, to serve The God, to honor and obey The one and only God. It is not up to us to decide; He is not a choice or preference like chocolate or vanilla. There is only one God and He requires worship. We have the impression that it is up to each one of us to love God, to tolerate God, to choose which god, or to ignore God. In God's plan, He does allow for our free will. God does give us a choice to love Him or not, but do not think for a moment that we can ignore the Creator of the universe Who gave His only Son for our sins. Do not think God will simply let an arrogant decision such as that pass unchecked. Hell is prepared for the devil and his angels and for those who join him in rebellion against the only true God.

No doubt, there are demons, witches, devils, and evil powers. There are creatures in the darkness, chained under the earth who will be released in the Great Tribulation. One day, our culture's infatuation with zombies and death will become a reality to the lost as they face the Tribulation, and eventually a Lake of Fire. Make no mistake — God will be God, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord! For the unbeliever, the only end will be the lake of fire for eternity.

God will judge those who treat Him as if He were not God.

Psalm 96:9 “O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.”

PastorGoddard

Doctrine

Good Morning,

Just what does your church believe?

That is the question many people need to ask.  For if we talk to the folks in the church, there is little clarity as to their beliefs.  Can you get saved without good works?  Are you saved by faith, or is repentance from sin required? Are you ordained to be saved and have little or no part in the work of salvation? The questions go on and on.  Once you are saved, can you lose your salvation?  How much sin can you commit and still be saved? What about baptism? Do you need to be baptized to be saved?  Is baptism under water or is sprinkling adequate?  

We know there are many different ideas among churches, but the saddest thought to me is that it seems there are many ideas IN EACH church.  The churches have failed to articulate their beliefs.  When Jude said to earnestly contend for the faith, what was he talking about?  When Paul said to mark them who cause divisions and offensives contrary to the doctrine he had taught them, what doctrine was he referring to?  

Here is a simple question, yet a vital one, "How can I know that I am saved?"  Some people say that question is not appropriate, yet that very question is asked in Acts 16:30: "And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"


The response is equally simple, but try asking that question of the average church goer. You will receive a vast number of answers, but the most common response would be one of questionable assurance.  Many would say, “Maybe,” or “If you do this or that you might,” and others might say, “You simply can not know for sure.”

Paul’s response was so simple: Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."  Paul brought this man to be baptized the same night.  The answer is sure, simple, easy, and requires no special classes or personal one-on-one discipleship – nothing at all – just believe.  

America's churches (and therefore our church attenders) are weak on doctrine, ignorant on Bible truth, and unlearned in matters that make the difference in Bible doctrine and the stability of the church tomorrow.

Paul gave a strong warning about those who brought about various doctrines.

Romans 16:17 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.”

Galatians 1:8 “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”

Paul warned that some would bring wrong ideas:  

Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

Peter warned about false prophets:

2 Peter 2:1 “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.”


Wow!  "Damnable heresies," is rather harsh, yet I will choose to honor the way God speaks rather than the passive tolerant manners of those who hold to no doctrine but "come and get along."

Paul suggested Christians avoid company with those who do not follow the doctrine he taught them.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”

The Bible places an urgency upon sound doctrine.  God wants us to know what we believe, to stand faithfully for the truth of the Gospel, and to separate from those who do not believe correctly.

2 John 10 “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”

What do you believe?  If you do not know, read your Bible, attend church more often, and feel free to ask the pastor questions.  Our church offers a forty-eight doctrine study course to help people KNOW what they believe.  We desire that everyone be able to open their Bibles and show others what they believe.  

The directive is not to follow your feelings but to "Study to shew thyself approved.”

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Pastor

No Sword

Good Morning,

In the time of the judges, war came, and among the people, they basically had no weapons.  That was a serious problem!

Judges 5:8 “They chose new gods; then was war in the gates: was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?”

Many years later, when the enemy came against Israel, Saul and Jonathan were the only ones with swords.  The enemy had intentionally disarmed the people so they could not fight back.

1 Samuel 13:19 “Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel: for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:”

vs. 20 “But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock.”

vs. 21 “Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads.”

vs. 22 “So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people that were with Saul and Jonathan: but with Saul and with Jonathan his son was there found.”

When Jesus told the disciples about His leaving and how to prepare for the future, He said they needed a sword.

Luke 22:36 “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.”

You can identify the enemy by finding out who is trying to disarm the people.  It would be wise to remain armed, and not elect those who wish to take away a citizens’ ability to protect themselves.

Pastor

Children Dropping the Standard

Good Morning,

It is unlikely this message will get to those it would help most, but the truth should be printed and published to allow the Holy Spirit to direct people to it as He chooses.  

2 Chronicles 33:2 “But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel."

vs. 3 “For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had broken down, and he reared up altars for Baalim, and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them.”

Manasseh had grown up with a very successful father/king.  The nation prospered, the Lord was honored, and this boy and his siblings were the recipients of a blessed home and nation.  The dad died, and the son began to make changes.  (Changes probably already made in his personal life, but God did not see fit to print them, so we do not know for sure.)

Manasseh brought much wrong into the kingdom, and suffering followed. In his later years, after captivity, he returned to the Lord, but could not bring back his son or his kingdom (33:22).  Satan is happy to get your youth. If he loses you back to the Lord in your old age, he tolerates it; for your days of influence were used to tear down the good done by others.  His son was lost due to his carnal ways, but his grandson did right; perhaps in repentance, Manasseh influenced his grandson for good.  (33:12-13, 34:2)

Did anyone ever consider the great leaders whose children thought they had a better plan?  Samuel,  Solomon, Dwight Moody, Billy Sunday, and many more who have lived much closer to our day, all had children who chose a different path.  These youths felt they had better ideas. They thought their dad or pastor was too strong, too harsh, or too narrow, yet, what compromiser has ever improved on the home, church, or nation?

Lessons to consider:

1. They could see the successful end of their parents lives; their own is unsure, so why risk it?

2. In each case, the family was hurt by the poor choices of the child or children.

3. In each case, the nation was hurt by the "do it my way" kind of thinking that the children developed.

4. Returning to the Lord later in life does not make up for the wrong direction set for your children or for your influence on your nation.  

5. Dropping the standard of righteousness has never improved the church, the family, or the nation.

6. It just could be that the parents know more than the children.

Pastor

Do Not Become A Casualty

Good morning,

Having worked closely with God’s people for nearly fifty years, I have noticed certain things that cause people to become casualties on the road of spiritual living. These people are not bad. These people do not have drug, alcohol, or criminal problems. These people became casualties. A soldier who is a casualty ceases to fight; he is no longer able to stay in the fight and help the cause for which he enlisted. In regards to Christianity, you can be physically well, but be a spiritual casualty.

Long ago, I determined that with God’s help and His mercy,  I would not become a casualty. I have noticed several areas that cause people to leave the battle and to turn from the fight. Paul, the apostle said, “I have fought a good fight I finished my course I have kept the faith.”

I will not be a casualty by becoming a critic of God’s people. 

As David and his men left Ziglag and followed the Amalikites, some of the soldiers were too weary to go on. They had already gone through much, and were simply in need of rest.  After the battle, those who fought with David turned on their weary friends, and God called them children of the devil.  

Romans 14 says “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant.”  James says something similar, “Speak not evil one of another brother.”  Many people quit teaching their Sunday school class, running their bus route, and helping in jails and rest home services; many others quit carrying tracks and witnessing. Their ministry decline started when they became critics of the people of God. It might have been some weakness they saw or something they heard that was simply gossip, but whatever the case, they stopped serving and started criticizing. Regardless of their actions, these people are the children of God, dear to God, and should be dear to His people. Anyone can get out of the fight for right.  Remember David’s wife looking out the window? She looked at him with distain and embarrassment; circumstances did not go well for her. Remember the woman in John chapter 8 who was brought to Jesus by critics and accusers? Our Lord was on the side of the accused not the accuser.

By God’s grace, I have determined not to become a critic of the people of God. I may not agree with them, and I may not even have the same doctrinal ideas as them, but they are brethren.

Secondly, I will not be a casualty by becoming a critic of God Himself.

As Jesus hung on the cross, one thief accused Jesus and challenged him. (What kind of craziness was that?) In our times of hurt, we can say foolish things to God and about God.  I have seen people become casualties who began accusing God and blaming Him for things that went wrong.   I am reminded of Job, of whom was said, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”  

God does not always do things as we think He should. Remember how Daniel’s friends said they would not bow to the king’s statue, even if God did not deliver them.  

Proverbs 25:3 “The heaven for height, and the earth for depth, and the heart of kings is unsearchable.”

We are not going to understand why God does what He does, but we can understand that He is God, that He is good, and that He is worthy of our trust. Though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and though we cry rivers of tears, He is still worthy of our trust.  May we not walk away from the service of God because we disagree with the way a situation turned out.  

Becoming a casualty is not difficult. Dropping out of the service of the King because we began to be critical of God’s people (or even of God Himself) causes us to travel down the path to becoming a casualty.

The third thing I have noticed that causes good Christian people to simply step out of the race instead of finishing their course is injustice.

I will not become a casualty through injustice.

By God’s grace, I will press on as Hebrews 12 says: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”

Of course, we all understand that we continue in His grace alone, but as God gives me grace, I will stand in times of injustice. Peter wrote of Jesus (1 Peter 2:23) that when He was reviled, He did not respond, and when our Lord was threatened, He did not return the threats. Injustice is in the hands of God as much as storms and drought.  I am not saying I like it; I am simply saying that faith will keep us looking up during injustice.  

Remember how Joseph forgave his crooked brothers. Remember how Daniel responded when he faced incredible injustice and suffering, yet through his faithfulness, he became second in command.  Nehemiah was also carried away as a slave in childhood (or perhaps born into slavery), yet through his great spirit, he became the king’s cup bearer and the one who was used to motivate and order the construction of the walls of a Jerusalem.  How about the story of Hannah who gave up her baby, her only child, in a world that had been very unfair to her, yet she believed, trusted, and found victory. 

There will be injustice, and there will be times God does things in a way that we do not understand (or do not like). Let us all determine not to be Christians who behave in such a manner that we can become critical and discouraged enough to quit serving God. May we serve God because it is right; not because it is convenient or prosperous, but because He is worthy of our service.

Pastor 

Affliction

Good Morning,

Every Christian faces tragedies, trials, and severe times of testing in life.

Consider the great people in the Bible like Joseph, Daniel, Abraham, and others who went through deep valleys. It would be wise to bring Jesus into the equation. Consider the great suffering of our Lord; He certainly did nothing to deserve the kind of treatment he received.  He offended neither God nor man, and yet, He suffered as no other man has suffered.

The tragedy worse than the suffering we experience is the wrong response and blame we attach to that suffering.

When we fail to understand the biblical principles, we handle our suffering in the flesh; and as such, we develop endless forms of corruption inside ourselves. Bitterness is born, wrath and vengeance begin to take root, and self-righteousness grows like crabgrass; all this and more develops when we point our fingers at others. The book of James says that when we judge others, we are judges of the law and not doers of the law. Without faithfully committing our suffering to the hand of a loving God, we fill ourselves with every form of malice and evil.

When we blame others for our suffering, we throw railing accusations against the character of God. We accuse God of being too weak to deliver us from the trouble, and not love us enough to keep us from facing the pain. The foolish slander we can throw at God is endless: “I’m not important to God,” or  “God loves other people more than me,” and on and on the vain and self-centered accusations continue.  

A self-righteous spirit takes root in blame as well.  We begin to claim that we know the way a situation ought to have been handled, and our self-righteous spirit convinces us that we know more than God Himself.  

Next, we commit scriptural folly.

When we blame others and pour out angry, slanderous attacks on those around us for our suffering, we find ourselves forced to deny Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

When we blame others, we fail to understand that God is “perfecting” us as James states in chapter 1. 

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;”

vs. 3 “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”

vs. 4 “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

If we fail to LET PATIENCE  have her perfect work, we will also fail to be “perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”   The Scriptural price tag associated with blame and accusations is very high. 

Consider Romans chapter 5: 

vs. 3 “And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;”

vs. 4 "And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

vs. 5 “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”

Look at the list of benefits associated with tribulation (when received by faith).

• patience

• experience

• hope… and the end result is the love of God in our hearts. 

As long as we are living a life of blame, we will fail to grasp the deep love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.

All these evils are born in a heart that blames others for the difficulties that we face.

No doubt, it was enemy soldiers that came and robbed Job of his flocks and murdered his servants, but we never see Job pointing fingers of blame.  Jesus was unjustly treated, but He did not rail accusations against anyone; He only spoke the gracious words, “into thine hands I commit my spirit.”  Peter writes about our Lord’s heart in suffering, “Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (1 Peter 2:23) 

This world of blame we live in is rooted, as all sin, in satanic motives to keep the people of God from living as children of the King.  Satan’s goal is that we would respond just as any unsaved person who knows nothing of the love of a Sovereign God and to act as though we have no loving Father Whose kindness and care is all sufficient.  

Consider David’s response to his trials: 

Ps. 119:67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.”

vs. 71 “It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.”

vs. 75 “I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.”

Pastor

Refuge

Good Morning,

We all face trials.  Sometimes trials are very personal, and other times, trials involve finances or health troubles that enter every life — but no matter what, each trial is an assault.  

Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.”

vs. 2 “I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.”

vs. 3 “He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.”

Notice one important phrase: "until these calamities be overpast."  God promises that the trial will pass.  Trouble may be our guest longer than we desire; but looking around, we understand that most of our friends have faced and gone THROUGH many difficult times.  The fact that tomorrow will come is sure; but the bigger question is, where will we be found tomorrow?

Notice David's clear statement of where he will be found;

 "...in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast." 

When trouble comes, we usually run somewhere, mentally or physically.  Some people get angry at God and church and run from the spiritual refuge.  Some people blame their families or places of employment and run to seclusion.  Others TRUST their circumstances to the Holy One of Israel and run to Him "until these calamities be overpast."   

Where we run when circumstances get bad will determine where we will be when the trial passes.  I know that statement is obvious, but it is profound in reality.  Too often, we make choices based upon where we are, not on where we will end up.  I want to pick out where I want to end up, and then make whatever choices I need to make to ensure that I end the trial in the correct place.  

I will not choose to be angry and unkind to people.  When "these calamities be overpast," I am supposed to love my neighbor as myself.  I cannot become bitter toward the Lord; when "these calamities be overpast," I will desire to have His guidance and help.   I cannot slander and accuse the people of God; when "these calamities be overpast," they will remain the very best people on earth.  The best friends I and my family could have are found in the church, and I am not about to burn my bridges in anguish to find myself unable to cross back over them when "these calamities be overpast."   

We must remember that "these calamities" will be overpast.  In forty years of Christianity, I have faced troubles.  In thirty-seven years of marriage, we have faced dark hours.  In bringing up four children, trouble has visited our home more than a few times.  I am so thankful to God that, in these times, He helped me guard my lips and my heart so that when "these calamities be overpast," I still had a good relationship with my friends, my wife, and my children.   

Trials will pass.  The hurt will subside.  The anguish will be lost in the past, but where we run during our pain will determine where we will end up when "these calamities be overpast."  When the trial ends, we may want to keep the same job; therefore, we must be careful to run to God and not to attack our employer or to impulsively quit during the trial.  I want to end up with the right friends and the right church.  I do not want to have to find another church because I have hurt my own name and my church.  The trouble will pass.  Run to the Lord with your pain; and when "these calamities be overpast," you will be stronger and closer to the Lord.

Psalm 57:1   "...for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast."

I want to end up nearer to God when trials pass.  I want to be close to my friends and children when trials pass.  I want to be a part of my church when trials pass. The safest place to run is to the Lord -- He will be my refuge!  I will end the trial in the same place I began, safely with friends, family, church, and the God Who saved me.  

Pastor

Majority

Good Morning,

We will often hear people make comments such as, “People agree,” or “The majority says,” or “Most fundamental leaders believe…” These statements invoke the theory that something is right if a group of people agreeing on it. (Now, we know better than that.)

Have you ever considered how often the majority was wrong? We could say that the majority the disciples were wrong when they walked out on Jesus.  John seems to have stayed close, and Peter made an attempt to do so, but the others did not even try - they fled.  Nine of the eleven disciples did not even make an attempt to stay right, and then Peter denied the Lord. The statistic actually included one man who killed himself, ten who fled, and one who appears to have stood faithful and been “right.”  No, the majority is not always right.

Exodus 23:1 “Thou shalt not raise a false report: put not thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness.”

vs. 2 “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:”

The Bible states clear instructions. We are familiar with the Ten Commandments that were listed a few chapters earlier, but not many people are familiar with these simple principles. We are not supposed to follow the multitude not if the multitude is doing wrong or twisting judgment. We are supposed to stand for right even if we are the only one.

Standing for right when it was not popular is what made Daniel and his three friends heroes; they were willing to be the minority.  Most stories of heroes and villains that you read, old or new, have to do with someone standing against greater odds whether a numerical majority or majority with more fire power. We all know that standing with the majority may not always be the right choice.

Remember the twelve spies who went into Canaan. When they returned to the camp of people, the vote was ten to two against the command of God and obedience.

I guess the majority was wrong when Noah built the ark. During his 100 years of building, he was called a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), but the majority certainly did not enter the ark – and they were very wrong.

If you want to ponder the story from the garden of Eden, you would notice that a debate took place on whether they should eat the forbidden fruit or not. There were only three people Adam, Eve and the Lord, and the vote was two to one against God and obedience.  If you choose to add Satan into the formula, the odds change to three people saying eat the fruit and one saying no; the 25% minority (God) was right!

1 Samuel 14:6 “And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that the LORD will work for us: for there is no restraint to the LORD to save by many or by few.”

1 Samuel 17:47 “And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD'S, and he will give you into our hands.” 

2 Chronicles 20:15 “Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s."

Over and over in the Scripture, you will find that the majority or the biggest crowd is not necessarily right. Let us be sure to walk with God, study the Scriptures, and stand for right whether alone or with the crowd. 

In discussing a situation and whether it was right or wrong, someone made the comment did you see how many views it had on social media? As if the number of people looking at something made it right? What kind of foolish things do we think and say? No, we are all quite aware of the fact that the majority is not always right – But God is! Let us stand for Him!

Pastor

Unity

Good Morning,

We consider many things to be important that have a tendency to get us in trouble.  Being flesh, we often stumble over certain principles regularly.  Identifying some of our weak areas might be a help.  One such principle that often causes problems is that of unity.  Unity is very important — as long as it is built upon truth.  

Mark 3:25 “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”


We need to be unified to effectively accomplish any goal; and often, we see this principle in the Scripture.  The Bible has many references to being “of one accord” and to being “one,” but to seek unity at the expense of right and truth is certainly a dangerous prospect.  

Notice the trouble Paul found when the Jewish Christian leaders felt unity was more important than truth.


Acts 21:20 “And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law”

vs. 21 “And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs”

vs. 22 “What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.”

Here is the trouble:

The Jews they were trying to please were zealous about the Law, and that is no reason to do anything.  They were saved out of that world.

Colossians 2:16 “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:”

Romans 10:12  “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”


Acts 15:9 “And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.”

The Jewish rituals were not to guide their lives anymore.

Acts 21:22 “…the multitude must needs come together.”  More compromises and even sins have been committed in the name of unity than I could name.  

Why MUST the multitude come together?  

We have to step back and ask “WHY?” if we hope to stay on track.  

Paul and many others taught about separation just as much as unity.  

Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

2 Thessalonians 3:14 “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.”


Separation is the way the church stays pure.  Separation is what keeps us wise (Proverbs 13:20) or turns us into fools.  Separation preserves the truth in a world in which the assault against truth is relentless.  


Unity at the expense of right is folly.  


Pastor 

Things I Know

Good Morning,




While out witnessing, a common response to hear is that no one can KNOW for sure they are going to Heaven.  From the perspective of a lost man who has no faith or trust in the Bible, perhaps that is true.   If we believe the Bible at face value, we can KNOW. 


We can know so much more if we lean on the Word of God.  



Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”


This verse assures us that we can KNOW that God is in control.  We need not panic (although we all do at times).



Job said he knew that God is alive and well:


Job 19:25 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”


vs. 26 “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”



According to Job, we are assured that when death takes us from this world, we can KNOW we will see Him with our own eyes and praise Him.

Paul talked about knowing some things:


2 Timothy 1:12 “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”



Paul faced countless troubles from shipwreck to betrayal and imprisonment to attempted murder, yet Paul KNEW Whom he had believed and was convinced that God was able to take care of him.  



We do not know about the outcome of the next doctor appointment or the moment at work when hiring or firing takes place, but we can know some things about God.  We do not know about the next auto accident or the next trouble our adult children will face, but never forget that God is an absolute in our lives.  We can KNOW some things about God.



In all of the verses above, notice that none instruct us to rest in men — all rest in God.  
Psalm 20:7 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.”



Psalm 33:16 “There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.”


vs. 17 “An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.”



Wait on the Lord and be of good courage; He is the ONE and ONLY sure thing in this life. 



The passage continues:


vs. 18 “Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;”


vs. 19 “To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.”
vs. 20 “Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.”



I know I can trust in God!   



Pastor Goddard

Free Will

Good Morning, 

During our Wednesday Bible study, I spent a few weeks teaching some of the most basic thoughts about Calvinism.  I thought I might add an additional thought here, as there is always a draw toward doctrinal error.  

Consider this question: why would God give us instruction?  Why would God say “Do this, and not that?” There is only one explanation; we have a choice. Now, if you have common sense, read your Bible, and believe your Bible, you might want to stop reading now because the answer will be obvious.  In most cities, as well as our area, several growing churches teach sovereignty, predestination, and that man has no free will.

God offers verses of invitation; no doubt because we are invited, and in the first case, the invitation is to the whole earth.  

Isaiah 45:22 “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”

It seems that all the world has a choice to make, either to look to the Lord or to ignore Him.  The choice is not difficult unless you have been educated out of good sense. 

This invitation is to “be saved.”  

Jesus offers the invitation to the heavy laden; therefore, those carrying a burden must have a choice to come or to avoid our Lord and His potential solution. 

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

This invitation is for comfort and rest.  

The Bible has endless verses telling mankind how to live.  These verses of instruction deal with family issues, care of the poor, and basic holy living.  Again, if the instruction is urged upon us, is it not our option to obey or to disobey?  Why give instruction if we have no choice? 

“Husbands love your wives…”

“Train up a child…”

“Love ye therefore the stranger…”

“Be ye holy as I am holy…”

The fact that we HAVE A CHOICE is the most obvious and simple truth.  Do what God says or disobey Him.  The Calvinist says man has no power to disobey God. 

I offer another matter worthy of consideration, who gets rewarded in Heaven?  If God rewards the faithful, and all are of necessity faithful to do and be what God ordained them to do and be, then everyone in Heaven is equally obedient and equally faithful.   Yet a parable in the Bible tells of one who made much with the talents given to him by the Master, and another hid his talent.  The second was rebuked severely.  If all are fore-ordained to do and to be what God predestined them to do and to be, how could a just God scold one for being exactly what He ordained him to be?  

Matthew 25:23 “His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

vs. 26 “His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:”

vs. 27 “Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”

This invitation is related to rewards. 

These servants certainly had a choice in their performance, and God honored the one who worked the hardest.  Without question, there was a choice.  The choice to be diligent, passive, or lazy is for everyone. 

The Calvinist claims absolute sovereign control and the total predestination of events in our lives, yet God instructs, corrects, warns, and rewards.  The idea of mankind having no choice is simply absurd. 

Every speed limit sign has a potential fine because we need to be warned of the result of our negligent driving. We tell a child how to mow the lawn, make the bed, or do the dishes because there are options in life, and mankind has a “free will.” 

I know some of you are saying, “That is obvious” but it is not so obvious when you are a college graduate and scholar. Of necessity, these scholars are forced to believe that if man has a free will to obey or disobey God, then man is more powerful than God and has the ability to overrule the plan and desire of God.  

I close with the simple question I began with: why did God give instructions if we have no choice?  If God ordained some to be rebels and some to be obedient, why did He give words of encouragement and warnings of judgment? 

The fact that man has a free will is obvious.  God is able to order and control anything He wishes to control.  God gives man choices, and He rewards the wise and obedient. God allows mankind to choose what they wish; the choice is not difficult, unless you have been too confused by education.  

Pastor