Don’t Quit!

Good Morning,

We are all aware of the trouble in life; trouble is common.  Trouble was predicted by our Lord when He said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation,” (John 16:33) yet it still catches us off guard.  We still struggle when we face a trial that forces us to our knees not knowing what to do next.  Any kind of Christian has people on his prayer list that make him sit back and simply pray, almost in disbelief, for the grief they bear.  Trouble is more real than any of us wish to admit.

Burdens are not new to the child of God.  Suffering, being overwhelmed, wondering what to do and where to turn: these are trials that come with life on this earth.  Trouble will be your companion, no matter how good of a Christian you are.  Notice Paul's words to the Corinthian church:

2 Corinthians 7:4 “Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.”

vs. 5 “For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.”

vs. 6 “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;”

Look at the key phrases:

“…joyful in all our tribulation.”

“…troubled on every side…”

“…without were fightings…”

“…within were fears…”

“…cast down…”

Today, Paul might be diagnosed with PTSD or some panic disorder; surely, he would have been placed on some medication.  Yet, amidst the trouble, he went on serving God.   Today, some people make plans to serve God when life smooths out.  They act as if one first needs to deal with trials and then get involved in the ministry of the Gospel when the situation clears.   We tend to think that our trials serve as an exemption ticket, allowing us to opt out of ministry.  Yet here we find the greatest church builder, soul winner, and preacher in the early church, and he was beaten over and over, inside and out, and still served God!

I have dear friends who have been abandoned by their spouse, been broken in their body, faced bankruptcy, been betrayed or forsaken by friends, faced depression to the point of wishing to die, and many other tragedies.  Yet each has told me of their witnessing, Sunday school class, or their starting over in the ministry after losing all they had.  Any of these people could have quit on God, but as good soldiers of the cross, they continue to serve because God is worthy of our service.  We award Purple Hearts to wounded soldiers, and you may be sure that one day when we are all home in Heaven, the awards will be meted out to spiritual soldiers as well.  Until then, may we press on for the prize of the high calling in Christ!

Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

Hebrews 3:1 “Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;”

vs. 7 “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice…”

vs. 8 “Harden not your hearts…"

May we continue to serve God, to believe in His plan, to wrestle through our trials, to limp across the finish line, and to be honored to stand for the King.

Pastor

Confidence

Good Morning,

Growing up in a home in which we believed in hard work and proper preparation, it is hard to accept the failure mentality that is so prevalent in our society.  I watched my parents try the most unusual ventures and succeed.  I saw my dad build, design, create and do just about anything imaginable (because brains can always be borrowed as long as someone is willing to do the work).  From determining to earn a college scholarship in the sixth grade, to helping my parents build our house, working my way through Bible college, and starting a church — failure was never something to fear, just something to avoid by wise counsel, hard work and a great deal of prayer.  

Over the years, many have been bothered by my self-assurance in the pulpit.  Critics may call confidence arrogance, but if that about which I am confident about is biblical — that confidence is secure confidence.  Our society is cultivating a fearful, insecure mindset in young people, especially in young men.  

The Bible says a great deal about confidence:

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”

It was David who simply stated, “Is there not a cause?”  

Jonathan climbed up the mountain into the Philistines’ camp simply to see if God might do something great.

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.”

We are creating a generation of soft, passive people, especially the young men who simply do not believe that they can accomplish anything significant.  Independence,  self-reliance, and self-confidence are all biblical character traits, as long as we are leaning on the Lord for strength.  David rallied his men to victory.  Moses led the people out of Egypt.  Joshua led people into Canaan.  Peter stood up at Pentecost and preached resulting in 3000 people getting saved and baptized.  Someone has to be confident enough to say, ”This will work; let’s go do it.”  Our great generals in WWII did not sit around afraid to act.  Were they always correct?  No!  But they were self-assured.  They prepared and planned, and then they acted, believing they had the best idea available.  

Every other year, the workers of our church step out and run a “Big Day,” a time when we bring the church out to the community and preach to thousands of people.  This task is always done with prayer and some insecurity, but also with the assurance that we can do the work and leave the results up to God.   We always come back rejoicing at all God does! 

We live in an era in which strong leadership that is confident and passionate is almost unwanted.  

Security is displayed in the willingness to start a business or start a church, or the willingness to go out soul winning and expect someone to listen, or the willingness to start a bus route and expect that route will be filled with people — this kind of assurance is getting harder and harder to find.  Who will go to the third-world nations with the Gospel if we have no confidence?  Who will take the risk of death in difficult nations for preaching?   It was Jim Elliot who, having had many invitations to preach in America, chose rather to go to the Auca Indians and take the Gospel to them.  Upon leaving he was warned that it might cost him his life.  His famous reply was, “He is no fool who gives up what he can not keep, to gain what he can not lose.”  That is confidence!  That confidence needs to be in our hearts as we rear our children, train employees, or work with children at church.  

Around 1910 William Borden was said to have donated his inheritance of millions to be used in missions work in China.  He left America at 22 years of age and pursued his calling to the Gansu province in China. Reportedly, in Borden’s Bible (which was found after his death), he had written, “No Reserve” shortly after turning from fortune to the mission field.  In another portion of the Bible the phrase, “No Retreat” was inscribed shortly after he learned of his meningitis diagnosis.  He wrote, “No Regrets” shortly before his death.   Having never reached his desired mission field, this bold young man stepped out into eternity with confidence and assurance.   

Let us redevelop strong self-reliant, bold young men who desire nothing but a cause, seek nothing but to make a difference, and love only God.   

Pastor

Devoted to the Enemy

Good Morning,

Paul had some physical troubles, but these people loved him and learned the Gospel from him.  

Galatians 4:13 “Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.”

vs. 14 “And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.”

They treated Paul as if he were an angel.

They so loved Paul, that they would have given him one of their eyes (perhaps indicating that his physical trouble was eyesight). Whatever his ailment was, they loved him, they learned from him, and they were devoted to him.  

Galatians 4:15 “Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.”

Along came a person, a critic who elevated himself to demean Paul.  Notice the word some in Galatians 1:7,  the word him in verse 8, the word who in Galatians 3:1, and the word they in Galatians 4:17.   Paul makes it clear that someone had come into their lives who had not led them to Christ, and who had not taught them the Word of God for long periods of time.  That someone had turned them from the truth, and Paul was very unhappy about it!  

Galatians 4:16 “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

vs. 17 “They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.”

"They" had been zealous and no one would have expected them to have been outwardly demonic, vile, and corrupt. These zealous people were subtile and underhanded; Paul called them "ministers of righteousness" (2 Corinthians 11:15).  

The ones who were devoted had been turned into destroyers. The people who owed Paul their lives were turned against him and against the Word of God at the same time.  

The greatest tragedies I have seen in nearly fifty years of serving the Lord have been rooted in a "who" that came along and turned good people from their parents, their church, or their faithful friends – all to whom they owed much.  Do not think the work of Satan has changed with the centuries; that which worked in Galatia continues to work today.

Be careful who gets your head and heart, they often have hidden agendas, and you will be the one who suffers.  

Pastor

Praise

Good Morning,

In our culture, men get a lot of praise.  They throw a ball, build a business, or play an instrument, but who deserves the praise?

Judges 5:3 “Hear, O ye kings; give ear, O ye princes; I, even I, will sing unto the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD God of Israel.”

In Chronicles there were thousands of people whose job it was to praise God.  It is easy to neglect praise so they made it someone's job.  

1 Chronicles 23:5 “Moreover four thousand were porters; and four thousand praised the LORD with the instruments which I made, said David, to praise therewith.”

We stand and applaud for a touchdown, stadiums resound with shouts and cheering for a great concert or athletic event, but Who made them? Who made the hands, the eyes, the minds, and enabled the coordination? When does He get the praise He deserves?  

1 Chronicles 29:13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”

Psalm 22:23 “Ye that fear the LORD, praise him.”

May we praise to the One Who deserves the praise.  Praise the Creator who made a man so agile that he can run, jump, catch, throw, or play an instrument. Praise the God Who made a brain so spectacular that the five year old can speak in several languages.  

We clap for everybody, but there ought to be some praising of God.

Americans will clap after a song or a touchdown, but look at those stars and lift up your hands toward heaven with adoration and worship, and shout out "What a God!"   I know, we are a more sedate congregation, but seriously, we are not sedate at a ball game.  Folks in our church get a little awkward when people are expressive.  I know, it needs to be well-timed to not distract from the message, but really, how hard is it to say, "Amen?"   What about this uncomfortable verse: Psalms, 47:1 “O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph.  Maybe He means in private, or outside, but wherever and whenever, he said it, "clap your hands.”

I am not turning Pentecostal, but I am getting sick of all the praise going to some fornicating gorilla out in the pasture, who can run or block or catch. I am tired of folks becoming famous because they make a lot of money when they do not know the Creator. The fact is, the beginning of wisdom and knowledge is the fear of the Lord.  (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10)  Who cares what the Hollywood star or the inventor of a car thinks about politics.  Let us praise the God Who holds our lives in His hands and give respect and honor to those who love and fear Him. 


Let us remember to give praise and honor to God. The Bible says God wants that praise to come from our mouths – out loud! 

Hebrews 13:15 “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”

Pastor

Peace or A Fight

Good Morning,

Matthew 10:34 “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."

vs. 35 "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.”

vs. 36 “And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.”

One of the things the devil uses very successfully is the godly person’s desire for peace. I am not only talking about Christians, I am talking about common, decent people. The normal decent person is not looking for a fight; they are not looking for contention; they are not looking to argue and attack.

Look at what the liberals did with President Trump. There has never been anything proven about January 6, about Russian collusion, or about countless other issues. He was consistently proven innocent in all of these matters, but evil stirred up a fuss.  Truth did not matter; strife was the goal.  It was the same for Clarence Thomas and Justice Kavanaugh.  If conservatives are thinking they need a candidate without all the fuss attached to him, they had better choose a liberal.   It would be wise if we decided whether we want the right candidate or peace.

Our founders had to make a decision regarding their relationship to England. For years, they tried to secure peace and order between the colonies and England. Strife and battle were the last resort, but it had to happen.  Someone had to be willing to stand up and fight.   

To that crowd that wants peace at any price, I say, go on and compromise on everything from your marriage to your children! People are free to compromise on morals, job, and finance! Go ahead! Be a communist rather than fight for liberty! Embrace peace rather than righteousness! Go ahead and use a soft path rather than a righteous path! Choose a church so passive that it makes no waves - that is what America allows.

Remember, the river is crooked because it follows the path of least resistance. 

I say, go ahead! Find your way to a peaceful existence where there is no tension or strife, and you will find yourself destroying and losing everything that you hold precious.

If a two-year-old stomps his feet and you give him his way, you may create temporary peace, but you set the scene for war in the future. 

The devil’s crowd knows that we do not like to throw a fit and cause a fight. If we lose an election, we go on about our business with our jobs and our families, and we wait for the next election.

If a liberal does not get his way, he throws a fit and causes much tension just as a two-year-old throwing a temper tantrum. Silly conservatives give in because they would rather have peace than right. Consider the spirit of our founders as is made clear in Samuel Adam’s address: 

Samuel Adams in a speech to the Second Continental Congress on August 1, 1776.

“If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen.”

Look at the number of Scriptures that deal with fighting: 

“Fight the good fight…”

“We wrestle not against…”

“Stand fast in the liberty…” 

• In Galatians 2 Paul publicly withstood Peter to the face. 

• Abraham had to tell Lot to go.

• Noah was not directed by God to pick the soft, easy path.

When Jesus comes, it will not be in peace and kindness, but with a sword.  

Being peace-loving people is right, as long as our love for peace does not supersede our desire for right.   There will be strife in this life, or righteousness will be forfeit.  

Pastor  

Great Friends

Good morning,

We will always find people in each area of life who are exceptional, and according to their role or their place in life, it is proper to give them the honor that is due them.

Romans 13:7 “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.”

This verse in Romans tells us that there are people in political positions who deserve appropriate honor and even fear.

In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul spoke of some unusual Christians, people who also deserve unusual honor.

Timothy

1 Corinthians 16:10 "Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.”

vs. 11 “Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.”

Timothy began traveling with Paul as a very young man.  According to verse 10, he did the same work Paul did regarding church planting,  soul winning, and preaching.  At Corinth, Paul wanted to be sure that when Timothy got to this new city, he could do God’s work without fear and that no one would despise him.  Paul also wanted to be sure people would help Timothy along on his journey and not look down on him for any reason.  Timothy was not an apostle, but Paul said that he was worthy of special treatment.     

The House of Stephanas

God also mentions the family of a man named Stephanas.  It appears that he was one of the first people saved in his area and that he was a great leader in his church; it was said that he was “addicted to the ministry.”

1 Corinthians 16:15 “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)”

vs. 16 "That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”

Stephanas’ family was such that Paul wanted them lifted up and honored, a family that people would be wise to trust and to follow.

Verse 16 ends with an interesting statement, “…and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”  Paul urged the body of believers to submit themselves and to choose to follow the leadership and wisdom of, “…every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.”  

Paul said nothing about following the businessman, the smooth talker, or the bold and confident leader, but he did say the church would be wise to follow and trust the leadership of those common people who are addicted to the ministry.

In a culture that idolizes an athlete, a singer, or a movie star, I am amazed how often we struggle with giving honor to people who are servants of God.  Paul certainly did not teach that kind of Christianity.

You can look around our church and find people who punch a clock in a secular job forty to sixty hours a week, but they are tireless laborers and even addicted to the Bible and the ministry of the Gospel.  What a blessing to have people among us whom we can honor and look to for wisdom.    

Pastor

Against the World

Good Morning,

When Peter wrote of Noah and Lot, he referred to the world in which we live. (2 Peter 2:5-7)  The picture is sad, and the results are tragic, yet God will allow men to travel the road of their own choosing.  The destination though is out of their control.  

In the following verses, Peter lists a few of the character traits of these people:

2 Peter 2:10 “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”

vs. 13 “And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time…"

vs. 14 “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:”

Notice the actions and character traits by which they are known: they are unclean; they despise government; they are presumptuous; they are self-willed; they are covetous; they are unstable and take part in rioting, adultery, etc.

These characterizations perfectly describe American liberalism and outline our government’s system of teaching the children in schools and colleges.   Ultimately, this description identifies the people who leave the paths of righteousness and follow sin.

Although, we should remember that there is a reward.  The prior verses talk about Noah and Lot; both lived in a day when God poured out His wrath on countless people.  

vs.13 "And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness..."

Mankind has always had sinful "believers" (as Lot who was described as "righteous and just" 2:7-8).  The world has always had those who followed the path of shame and filth.  The believer has a choice: to live like the world or to walk daily against the grain of the covetous, shameful world, and stand up for God and right.

If a believer chooses to walk in the world and love the things of this world, then that believer will end up losing all on earth (as Lot did) and face God with no rewards to give Him.  

1 Corinthians 3:15 “If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

The end result is far better to be a "preacher of righteousness" (2:5) and be the misfit, outcast, and object of ridicule - as Noah was.

I heard a preacher say that the world moves against the sun; every day it is evident that the world moves one way, and the sun moves the opposite way. The entire world system moved against the Son, and if we are to follow the Son, we will be in constant conflict with the world. 

Pastor

Slow Down

Good Morning,



Nehemiah 1:3  “And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.”


vs. 4 “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,”


vs. 5 “And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:”



Do you remember when Job had his terrible trouble?  His friends showed up and spent a week just sitting with him, crying.



Job 2:12 “And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven.”


vs. 13 “So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”



We have been used to a fast-paced society, one in which we race to work and encourage our children towards academics and sports when they are very young.  We hurry romance, marriage (and divorce), as well as time with family.  What ever happened to spending time with the family?  Evenings at home are almost extinct.  Instead, they are filled with all of the events we rush through in any given week.



Nehemiah was in Babylon, a part of the captivity.  He had a good position at work and had probably grown up there in Babylon, somewhat a slave, an outsider, an immigrant.  Yet when he heard circumstances were not going well “at home,”  he sat down and for certain days to pray, fast, and mourn.



I would like to make the case for slowing down a little, especially when trials come.   We need to draw near to God, to seek His presence and help, and to do so without any hurry in mind.



With all of the pressure that had been forced upon the Lord, He went to pray for long hours.   He had time to spend with widows and fallen women, time to eat at the home of religious leaders, and to time to have close friendships with Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and others.  He was known for blessing the children and for teaching by the hour.  He reminded us of the importance of visiting those in prison, and the fatherless and widows.  Jesus urged us to pray.



Let me urge you to prayer -- to pray for those who hurt, for the broken, for the troubled, for the wonderful people we all know like Job who had friends who sat and wept for seven days with him.  Care and prayer go very closly together, and spending time is a requirement for both.



Our hurried society has kept us from receiving the strength and peace our Lord promised.  We rush to do good things and find ourselves needing anxiety pills.



The days before technology were perhaps no better; but certainly, the ability to get a text message during our time in the Bible, or to answer a telephone when in prayer, has not helped in keeping our walk with God uninterrupted.  The big need is to eliminate the hours wasted on foolish entertainment.  If we were to take the hours spent on sports and spend them on time with the family, solitude with Christ, or visiting the needy, our twenty-four hours each day would be more restful.  No matter who you are, to do as Nehemiah or Job’s friends did when they spent hours or days in mourning certainly requires sacrifice.



May we learn to slow down, to care, to pray.



Pastor

Christmas Day - The Pricetag of Blessings

Good Morning,

Merry Christmas from Mrs. Goddard and me. 

As we remember our Saviour's birth, may we remember that it was difficult.

• The era was first century (not the easiest time in which to be born).

• The location was far from home and family.

• The medical situation was difficult.  Having a baby in a stable, with no doctor or hospital, was obviously awkward for this couple.

• Socially, Mary and Joseph were uncomfortable; the couple was associated with the rumor of Mary’s unfaithfulness - which, of course, was untrue.

• Spiritually, the battle was difficult. The young couple probably asked themselves what God was doing? They could not have had any idea of all that was involved in the situation.

• Their age made it difficult.  They were young, probably financially broke, and it was the first time they had experienced childbirth.

• The surroundings were uncomfortable.  Imagine what may have been happening as these strange shepherds came to the stable telling stories of angels and who knows what else.

• The future was going to be difficult.

All that to say, our blessings have a high cost.  The gift of eternal life was expensive beyond words.  When God asks us to face an injustice or a trial, may we remember that He also faced injustice and unrighteous actions of others.  May we be reminded that God uses injustice for His glory; our job is to surrender and follow, not complain and become bitter.

Pastor 

Who Cares?

Good Morning,

Christmas is certainly a time of encouraging fellowship, enjoying family reunions, exchanging gifts, and expressing love.  To Americans, Christmas is a few days off, extra food, and spending a little extra time with those we love.  I am certainly in complete favor of all the above.

We need to understand that Christmas was originally about the most incredible sacrifice that ever could have been made.  The original Christmas involved a Father giving up His only begotten Son.  The original Christmas involved a young couple surrendering to a life of absolute uncertainty and instability, beginning with a baby born far from home in a manger.  The original Christmas was not focused on food and receiving gifts, but on a cross, hatred, tragic violence, and giving of the most sacrificial kind.

The original Christmas was all about saving mankind from hell.  The original Christmas included the willingness to give up everything for everyone to have the opportunity to gain salvation.  The original Christmas was founded in the deep depravity of mankind but was built by focusing on the deep love of our holy God.   The original Christmas was comprised of sacrifice, death, and giving people a chance to find salvation.

How can we think of Christmas or Easter and not consider the lost people of this world? 

I hope this Christmas you will determine to carry Gospel tracts, to witness to those whose path you cross, and pray for lost souls. That is what Christmas is all about. We are to sacrifice in order that others might be saved. This is the Gospel message that started in Bethlehem and ended on a cross.

Merry Christmas (with the real Christmas in mind)!

Pastor

The Fight

Good Morning,


A battle is raging. Do we ever wonder why the battles come?  Of course we do, yet God said we are "soldiers" and that we are to "war a good warfare." Satan has no use for churches that continue to train folks to live for the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:3 "Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."

vs. 4 "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."

2 Corinthians 10:4 "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)"

1 Timothy 1:18 "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;"

If we read our Bibles, we ought to expect a fight.  Paul spoke of our "wrestling" in spiritual battle as well.  

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 fight because we live in a troubled world, just as every other human being, saved or lost. We all face sickness, car accidents, family struggles, and much more.  As Christians, we have spiritual wickedness in high places to face.  The demonic evil will always fight against us; especially if we daily seek the will of God.  We should also remember that we are flesh, and that we live in a fleshly house that is prone to wrong.  Our old body would rather eat than fast, sleep than read the Bible, or relax than teach a Sunday school class.  Our enemies are the world, the flesh, and the devil. 

1 John 2:16 "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."

Although none of us like it, we should accept the reality that we will fight, will wrestle, and will have enemies that will try to keep us from doing the will of God.  The fight is normal; just do not give up the fight.  

Pastor

Active Christians

Good Morning,

James 1:22 “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”

James 4:17 "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

We have created a sedate society that sits, watches, and does very little.  Americans are television watchers; they have no fight, and they do not strive for the goal, labor to succeed, or spend long hours staying up late to achieve their desires.  We have raised a generation that plays video games rather than kickball on the playground.  Children used to ride bikes, run outside, go to ball courts, put up basketball hoops, build forts, and dig holes – not now.  

We have adult-controlled games so no child gets punched in the mouth for saying stupid things. (There ought to be a healthy fear of getting beat up; that is life, and every person should learn it.)   Children used to learn that being stupid yields hurt: riding bikes, climbing trees, or even by saying dumb things.

We have developed passive parenting.  Parents want to reason, talk, and logic with their children, but that is not what the Bible says about raising children.

Matthew 7:21-25 tells about being “doers," and ends up with the story of the wise man who built his house upon a rock.  Notice that he built something.  

vs. 24  “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”

Those who DO what the Lord says, are the wise men; not those who just sit, watch, or hear. Matthew writes again on this subject:

Matthew 12:50 “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

In our present day, the government controls our speech, tells us what can and cannot be said. (Why cannot I say you are tall, short, etc?) Employers have training about how to address co-workers or customers.  Why does someone else’s feelings control my right to speak?  That is the philosophy of the Old Europe our founders left behind; hence, they wrote the First Amendment - the freedom to speak.  Satan likes people who obey, sit quietly, and do what they are told to do, even if it is drink Kool-aid from Jim Jones in Ghana.  I think it is confusing that the parents who allow all kinds of language on the television do not want anyone to say the word "stupid."  

Our government wants to develop a mindset that obeys without resistance: "put on a mask," "get this shot," "work on Sundays." I do not care what you do; that is your free choice, as long as it is your free choice.  I care when someone forces another to do things against their will.  One may consider someone bad for not wearing a mask, yet another may consider them weak and uneducated for wearing one. The choice should be that of the individual, not because someone said he must.

1 John 2:3 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”

John says that if you are not a KEEPER of the commandments, you do not know God.  Keeping the commandments is not accomplished by simply sitting in church, but by doing what the Bible says; that makes you true to God.

Running a risk, taking a chance, and trying, even if you fail is reality!  Who will start businesses or churches if no one is willing to get involved and do something?

For years, we have been changing into people who stay out of situations; such as not helping when someone is getting beat up or robbed.  I like the commercial of a Texas store where a guy pulls out a gun to rob the place, and instantly, ten customers pull their guns to stop the robbery.  Some years ago, a bank security guard in Southern California was fired from his job at the bank. The bank policy was to allow robbers to go so that harm to customers would be avoided. This security guard waited until the robber was out of the bank to pursue him.  He caught the robber and held him for police… but the bank fired him anyway.

Many convenience store workers are told to allow folks to steal rather than to allow a conflict. If those guys were caught and were tossed into jail, they would not rob, and then the rest of us could pay less for our goods.

Satan wants folks to allow criminal elections to take place and for honest people to do nothing. That is a passive response; we need an active response. The American revolution was not passive.

Back to the church; we need folks to get involved!  We need people who go soul winning and teach Sunday school classes to be active not passive. Get involved in giving, in teaching, in spreading the Gospel, in working on the buildings and grounds, and in becoming a part of active Christianity!  For Christmas, give God an active Christian life.

Our church motto is “A Church of Active Faith.” May we live it.

Pastor

Disillusioned

Good Morning, 

I have heard people say they were disillusioned with church. I find it interesting how many other things people are not disillusioned with that are just as frail and often disappointing.  Whining about being “disillusioned” is due to two basic mistakes we make. 

The first mistake we make is that we do no realize:

1. How wonderful the church is.  The church is so awesome that God bought it with His own blood.  It is the church that is responsible for most people getting saved and to Heaven.  It is the church that has kept spiritual truth alive. The church set the foundation of America. The church is the place missionaries are called, marriages and funerals are conducted, broken life’s are mended, and countless other good things – but most importantly, God loves it!   If God loves the church, I may be frustrated by some of the sinners within it, but God knows best. I chose to love the church!

Regarding being disillusioned, the second mistake on our part is that we forget:

2. How woefully sinful mankind is. 

Man is so bad that the Son of God was the only One capable of paying their debt. Man is so bad it required the torture of God’s Son to pay for our redemption.

Satan wishes folks to become dissolution with the church: he hates it. The church is his arch rival because it is the entity responsible for souls being saved, for the truth being preached, and for God being glorified.  

If folks stop attending church, all those things will cease. 

Consider how many times folks have been disappointed by those around them. Dads or moms have allowed drugs, booze, job and moral shame to ruin their potential as a good husband and father or mother and wife.  So what do all those kids do, commit suicide?  Give up on life and sit around useless?  No, they went on, cried, and though the road was harder, they continued to do what they thought best.  Most did not give up on the family or the marriage.

How many business partners have wronged their partners and stole money or clients or the entire business.  What happened next was sorrow, shock, and self-examination. Those who were wronged went on with life.  They did not give up on the business world; often, they went right back in; and in some cases, they were better for their hurt. Though hurt, people are not dissolution with business or family, they get hurt but go on.

Spiritually, we can address other areas in life the same way.  The Bible commands us to tell the world how to get saved.  The Bible also commands us to go to church, to read our Bible, to pray, to forgive, to serve, to teach the Bible to others, as well as countless other lessons on money, marriage, children, and our relationship to others.   When we are hurt or disappointed, do we simply those out those lessons? Do we ignore the eternal jobs God designed us to accomplish because someone disappointed us?  (Tell that to Joseph as his brothers sold him into slavery.) 

Can I make this personal for a moment? After four decades of pastoring, how many people do you think have disappointed me? How many people did I invest countless hours, countless dollars, and incredible amounts of love and attention into, only to see them disappear, or worse yet, attack and slander me.

If I were to quit because people disappointed me, I would have quit my first year. To some extent, I understand how precious the church is and how sinful people are; and for those two reasons, I stay true to my Bible, my church, my God, and my spiritual heritage. 

When the thought, “Someone let me down,” crosses my mind, I wonder what I was expecting? Was I expecting no one to ever let me down, or no one to turn and walk away?  Have I read my Bible all these years and not seen how Saul, as the leader, tried to destroy his loyal follower David?  Have I spent the decades reading the Scriptures and not noticed that Jesus had a Judas? Did I also fail to see that the disciples accepted the reality of Judas’ sin, and they went right on about their business preaching the Gospel and starting churches all over the world? 

I may go on with a sick stomach, but by God’s grace, I will stay faithful to a soul-winning Baptist church.  I may weep often during my day, but I will still read my Bible, pray, and as God allows, teach the Bible to a group of adults or children.  Someone hurting me does not lessen the temperature in Hell.  Someone doing me wrong does not make Heaven any less wonderful; I still want to help people get there.  Because someone walked out on me, does not justify me walking out on others. I will still sing in the choir, play in the orchestra, work in a ministry, or drive the Sunday school bus. When someone sins, the value of my visitation to a jail or rest home does not decline; bringing the Gospel to those who cannot get to church is priceless. 

My parents split up, and we lived the “single mother” life for some time.  Then there was an addition of a step-dad.  Okay, now what? Should I have changed my life goals? Of course not; I knew I still wanted to be married, have a family, and enjoy life. I did not toss out family dreams because sometimes things did not work. 

I cannot judge a heart, but those who become disillusioned are probably hurt, thinking entirely of themselves, and have an unbiblical view of man and church.  If we get those two right (the biblical view of man and church), we can go on.  Whether we are weeping, hurt, or wounded, truth and right should be our guide. I would like to assure you that I know many who have done this very thing, and enjoyed life and Christian service.  God can heal you and help you get back on the biblical road of Christian victorious living. 

Pastor 

Go Fund Me

Good Morning,

I heard Pastor Domelle make a statement on his morning youtube video: "Go fund me or God fund me?"   He was speaking of how we run to a social media platform when trouble comes instead of going to God.  I am 100% in agreement.  I have never sent money through "Go fund me.”  I will send a check or cash to help with a need, or I will do whatever I can to help people I know (and those I do not know). Regardless of the need, I will not participate in a program that makes God-hating liberals rich, and will keep money back if they do not like the cause.


What happened to prayer, the church, and Christian friends? 

Have we forgotten the Canadian truckers who never got the money that was sent to them?  Some social / political demon determined that freedom was not to be funded. 

Now some will say that getting the word out is so much faster through go fund me. That may be another problem: we do not want to wait on God to fix our problem.  As everything else in our culture, we want it NOW!!

I will take a shot in the dark to say that I bet few, if any, of the go fund me projects ever had a group prayer meeting over the need. I doubt the "friends" who want everyone to contribute through this heathen organization ever fasted a day for a friend in need.  Now I admit, I could be wrong, but think and ask yourself, when have you had anyone send out a group text for a special prayer meeting, or to ask friends to take a meal or a day to fast for the friend in need?

Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

I do not think it a sin to use go fund me, but I think it is an occasion for the flesh to take the lead rather than the spirit. Likewise, I am not against giving to friends or strangers in need. In four decades of ministry, we have rarely kept a Wednesday night offering; we give them away.  We give away special offerings when we have communion.  We give money away when we gather food and grocery gift cards for the poor. We give away millions of dollars to missionaries. I encourage people to carry cash for the needs of the poor we meet throughout the week.  The beggar does not have a way to use "cash" from phone to phone.  

Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you…"   That statement is in the Bible! 

Giving is an intimate part of the Christian life, but like many mission boards who retain endless donations, I want my gift to go to the person I intend it for, not an organization taking advantage of the needy.  

During the holidays, check the percentage of your donations that actually get to the need.  You will find that some of the biggest charitable organizations are sucking away your gift and giving it to advertisers, administrators and office staff who get the majority of the donations.

Let us give, but may we be sure it gets to the intended person, and perhaps waiting on time in prayer and fasting can be reinstituted.  

Pastor

Personality

Good Morning,

Years ago, I had a dentist that I loved to visit.  He had the personality of a doorknob (absolutely none at all), but the guy was punctual, financially reasonable, and made my teeth better.  I do not visit the dentist office looking for a friend, I want my teeth to work and I do not want to wait forever to get in the office.  He retired, and I have yet to find his equal.  My current dentist will ask over and over if he is hurting me; and I admit, I like that, but most dentists can shoot enough novocaine into my gums to stop the pain.  Can the dentist be a good steward of my time, which is short? I am amazed how many people cannot keep appointments.  My dull dentist was amazingly punctual, and I loved it.

Before I offend this delicate generation, allow me say that I think being nice is good, and I think being polite is proper, but this generation has made "nice" the "priority."  One of our young men who played tackle football would smile and help the other guys up (after crushing them on the field), and I am not against that, but I want him to take the opponent to the ground with passion. Winning the game and having character to do right in a difficult situation is the priority!!  Nice?  Take it or leave it.  It is called football - not "niceball!"

John the Baptist called people vipers and whited sepulchers. Paul called out Peter publicly and often named people who were trouble makers in the church.  Elijah made fun of the gods of the prophets and mocked them publicly.  (Then cut them to pieces; he was not nice.)

Luke 3:7 “Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

John 8:44 “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.”

Acts 13:10 “And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?”

Galatians 2:14 “But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all,”

Verses like these are all through your Bible.  (Another reason boys need dads is because moms tend to elevate nice.)

We allowed the media to get people to resent Trump's temperament while the nation prospered like never in my lifetime. I do not want a nice doctor, I want one that can get me well.  I do not care if the president says, "I just love our Chinese neighbors" or  "Speak softly and carry a big stick,” I want our nation free and safe.  I am not looking for a pastor in the White House or Congress.  I am looking for political leaders who will protect my freedom, the freedom of others, and keep our nation functioning economically.

Stupid Americans or crooked people took away the most prosperous time Americans have had in generations, and the only real complaint was, "He is not nice.” Those people would not have liked Jesus, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Micah, or any other man of God in the Bible; neither would they have liked Patton, MacArthur, or Bobby Knight (who won 902 college games).

Pastor

Angry At God

Good Morning,

Job lost ten children and all his wealth, and he handled it okay. Another attack of Satan brought about the loss of health. Job’s answer to his wife was still one of faith, "Shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord and not evil also."  It was not those things that brought Job to the precipice of wrong.  Job had some friends who were innocent and broken for their friend, but it was at that point the hole in Job’s armor was discovered.  While his friends attacked his personal righteousness, accused his children, and slandered his character, Job began to bathe in self-pity and turn in frustration toward God.  

When we are pressed, I mean pressed until the weak spot is discovered in our spirit, mankind sometimes has the idea that he can be angry at God, at the church, or at people the Lord placed in their lives.  People may go through life almost ignoring the existence of Deity, but when hurt comes, someone needs to bear the brunt of their anguish.  Even the faithful Christian may, as Job, find himself so deep in sorrow that he begins to cast verbal or heartfelt wrath at the loving Lord Who gave His Son for our sins.  

Many a backslidden Christian sits home bitter at the former church or pastor over failures of their own children or their own marriage.  Many people blame God for their trouble, and perhaps it really is the plan of God, but we had better be wise enough not to become angry at the One Who holds the world in His hand.  

Ezra 10:3 “...those that tremble at the commandment of our God;”

Job 38:2 “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?”

vs. 35 “Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?”

God railed on Job for a long time and Job gave the right answer.

Job 40:4 “Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.”

vs. 5 “Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.”

God ignored his humble submission and continued to rebuke him. This man, made by God for the glory of God, who had no power or wisdom, dared to challenge and to accuse God.  Job was reminded that he ought to fall before God and tremble.  

Psalm 99:1 “The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble.”

God asked this question:

Jeremiah 5:22 “Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence…"

When circumstances of life go hard against our dreams and goals, and when suffering enters our life, may we weep, cry out to God, pour out our hearts, and lay broken before Him, but may we not foolishly accuse Him.

Job 1:22 “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”


Do we think God is hurt that we are angry at Him?

Do we suppose God is a grade-school friend whose feelings will get hurt when we do not treat Him kindly?

Do we suppose that God even cares that we disagree with His eternal will?  

Understand that this God, against Whom man is foolishly angry, has no problem sending multitudes of people to an eternal Hell.  The God towards Whom some spew vicious words allows cities to crumble under earthquakes, villages to be buried under mud slides, and sends hurricanes and tornados to shred communities.  Yet man, who cannot tell right from wrong much of the time, sits bitter and angry at the God Who holds all in His hands. 

God makes this observation clear in Solomon's writings;

Ecclesiastes 6:12 “For who knoweth what is good for man in this life…"

What makes mankind think they know what is best or right?  We do not know what tomorrow holds.  We do not know the length of life or the course of nations.  We can sit and weep before God.  We can sit submissively broken over our loss, but how vain and frail is man to harbor bitterness towards the Almighty.  


David wisely said, "LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am." (Psalm 39:4)

Yet some bask in the useless spectator's seat in a church where nothing eternal happens, preaching is guarded so as to never offend, ministry never touches sacrifice, and sin is never named or condemned.  As they sit there, they growl at God for the hurt they faced in life and condemn God never to be the leader or Lord of their behavior.  

Do not be angry at God!  It is better to curse the police or have a child scream at his parents than for man to be angry at his Creator.  

On the other side, do not be too hard on people; heavy burdens enter into our lives.  If you sense someone is bitter at God, just love them and allow God to bring them around. (It is probably not your place to correct their thinking.)   We know there is no reason to be bitter at the Lord, but we also know there is an enemy who is vicious as well as experienced at manipulating the emotions of men.

Whatever it is you are facing, remember anger toward God is too risky.

Pastor

Purpose For Life

Good Morning,

Many times, God is busy working, yet men have no concept that He is.  Consider the situations surrounding one's salvation or the great success of a business. These situations often seem random, but we understand that God works exactly where He sees fit.


Such was the case when Israel was in captivity and Satan had set out to destroy the people of God.  Haman (as other satanic men throughout history have done) sought to kill the Jews.  Esther had providentially found herself in the palace of the king, but the information that she was a Jewess was still not known.  Mordecai asked Esther to approach the king, but that could only be done at great risk to her life.  Mordecai said the choice was hers to make, but God would save Israel one way or another.  Esther had a chance to be a part of something God was going to do; the choice was hers.

Esther 4:14 “For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Notice several truths from this passage.

1. The choice to speak up or not is ours to make.

"For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time..."  This might refer to soul winning, speaking a word of praise or encouragement, or perhaps teaching a class at your church.  There will be times placed specifically before us when we have an opportunity to be involved in the work of God.  


2.  God will get His work done one way or another.

"...then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place..."  God has plans to accomplish, and He will find a way to fulfill those plans.  God will be sure to accomplish His plans, with or without us.  I am not saying everything will turn out great even if we fail to do our duty.  The children God gave us will not turn out the same if we do not do our Scriptural duty.  A marriage will not be the same if we do not each treat our spouse in a biblical manner. Missionaries will not have the same provision they might have had if we do not give financially.  In all these situations, God will help folks survive, and somehow they will get along, but the end result will not be what it could have been.  Life will be more difficult.  Struggles will be greater, and trials will be more fierce. God will find a "Plan B" and folks will continue to go on through life; the solution will just have to come from somewhere else.  

3. We will lose if we do not jump in and do what God has led us to do.  

"...but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed..." We do not know all that would have happened if Esther had not stood up for her people, but it appears that her family would have suffered for her failure.  

Consider the story of Esther and what Haman might have accomplished if Esther had not stood for God and right. Haman was an evil man, a man who was thoughtless of life and an enemy of God and decency.  Without a doubt, Haman was a tool in the hands of Satan.  What evil might have been accomplished in future years if Esther had not stepped out of her comfort zone? Man cannot force events. We may be able to see little inklings of what might be or not be, but only God can see the potential of a given hour.  For this reason, He asks us to live by faith and to trust Him.

When I started Faith Baptist, if I had not been willing to do what I had never done before (go without financial resources and live a different life), there is no telling what would have happened in thousands of situations:  More than a dozen churches might never have been started, thousands of people might never have been saved, and tens of thousands of people might never have heard the Gospel. People may not have been fed, the lonely may not have felt loved, the hurting may not have been helped, the broken may not have been given hope, and countless unknown good things may not have been accomplished if my wife had not been willing to live on a shoestring.

4. What evil was suppressed by our presence?

What evil was suppressed by your proper behavior that may have run rampant without your decision to stand for God and right?  We might see the hurt and suffering in our lives and wish we had not been there or done that, but how much more terrible might it have been without the good that you brought into that world? Too much good has been accomplished for me to despair about the wrong around me. Enormous good has been accomplished by the people of God who stepped out to serve Him.  The wrong that Satan has slipped into our world would only have been greater without us. Would Jesus have wished not to come to earth because he knew Judas would betray Him? Would Peter have regretted following Christ and preaching Pentecost because he went to prison unjustly? Would Paul have looked from Heaven and regretted his decision to follow the Lord, having known all of the sufferings he would face, but also knowing the Bible books that would be written by his hand?  I think each of these people would do what they did again and a thousand times more if the chance was given to them.  

5. There is a reason (a reason unique to me) that I am here.

 Esther 4:14 “...who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Mother, your children will grow up with or without a Bible-reading mom, but life will be easier and more honoring to God if you do walk with God.  God will receive much more glory and you will have fewer sorrows from a situation lived properly – but the choice is up to you. You can either miss out or glean the blessing of being the grateful participant in the eternal work of God in the hearts of eternal souls.   Dad, you can choose to be the father who sits in church with his family and teaches them the importance of loving God, the Bible, and the house of God. But if those children care, God will find a way to get His work done without you; you will simply miss out on the blessing of doing something spectacular and eternal.  Dad, in the long run, you will suffer loss for your failure to perform the duties God outlined in the Scriptures.   Whether God has you on this earth to work a Sunday school class or sing in the choir, He has designed specific jobs for you to perform – and no one can do them just like you can do them.  

Giving to your church will help you more than it will help the church.  Supporting missionaries financially will help the giver more than the recipient.  We have the opportunity to be a part of the work of God, and we have been invited to partake in heavenly plans. We will be eternally rewarded for serving the Master and His ministry.  

I am here on earth for a reason.  There is a reason for my background, my physical and emotional makeup, and my education – for “…such a time as this."  (Esther 4:14)

If we quit on our church and go back to our old lives,  God will find a way to continue His ministry, but it is we who will "suffer loss."  (1 Corinthians 3:15) We might sit in church doing nothing, yet know we can participate in the bus ministry, a rest home service, or a Sunday school class. Service is our choice; God will accomplish His goals one way or another, but we are the ones who will suffer the loss.  No one is more perfectly fitted for a job than we are; we are each exactly what God needs for a specific situation.  

At one point, I found myself directing the choir at our church, and I loved it, but I was probably not the one God had specifically trained for the job. I was simply a willing substitute.

I might move to another city for money. In so doing, I may pull my children away from a key influence in their lives. With that move, my children may be directed to a different college, have different friends and teachers in school and church, and may, perhaps, find a different spouse. Who knows what hardship my children will face because of my desire for worldly prosperity.  I will suffer loss as I and my family fail to participate in key events that God specifically designed for us to accomplish for His eternal glory.

Some people might feel that one path might be more difficult than another, but how difficult was the path Esther traveled? She suffered the loss of her family and her nation, and she was married to a heathen king – but she was exactly where God wanted her - "for such a time as this." She has been recorded in the eternal Bible to encourage all of us to do our duty to God and men.  

How much better might our lives had been had choices been made for God and eternity rather than convenience and money?  John warns about some who will be ashamed at the appearing of Christ.

1 John 2:28 “And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." 

May we be prayerful, careful, diligent, and spiritual in all the things we do or do not do.  "That no man take thy crown."  (Revelation 3:11)

Pastor

King James

Good Morning,

I asked a Bible teacher, "Do you believe the King James is the Word of God?"  He answered, “Yes,” and then as I asked followup questions. I received many varied answers regarding the Bible. He finally agreed that without Hebrew and Greek one cannot really know what the King James Bible says. He admitted that there is no English Bible that is accurate, word for word.

This idea is not new; it is actually common in the academic world.  In the middle of writing these words, I walked over to witness to a lady sitting in her car. She said, “With all of the different Bibles written by men, I simply have to trust what I feel God thinks.”  That is one of the reasons the devil has encouraged so many different versions – but that is not the big issue.  The varied editions and versions of the Bible take out vital doctrines: the deity of Christ, the reality of hell, the blood atonement, the second coming, and much more.  

Either we have a Bible or we do not!  The academic pastor or teacher would love to have people rally around him to hear what he thinks God said.  Saying things like, “What this word really means” or “This word should have been translated as...” should (in all honesty) alarm us and prompt each one of us to “study to show ourselves approved.” Paul reminded Timothy that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” 

I will not attempt to explain manuscript evidence or establish versions and their authenticity in this article, but I will simply state that either we have a Bible or we do not.  Either God‘s Word has been preserved for us, or we have no idea where God‘s Word is.  In Matthew 4:4, Jesus did say, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”  I believe that God knows what He is saying and that He did preserve His Word so that we might live by every word as Jesus said. 

Here are a few verses to support this thought: 

Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Deuteronomy 4:2 “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” 

If we are not to add to HIS WORDS, and we are to believe that EVERY WORD OF GOD IS PURE, then logically, we need to have God’s Word.  

When Paul was writing to Timothy, Paul reminded him that he had known the Scriptures since childhood and that the Scriptures were given by inspiration of God.

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

vs. 16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

I have been told that Timothy and the average person in that era spoke Aramaic, and that the Old Testament Scriptures were, for the most part, written in Hebrew.  If Timothy spoke Aramaic, then he probably had a translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into that language.  Whatever language he spoke, Timothy had Scriptures in that language so he could KNOW it from childhood.  The Scriptures that Timothy had were given by inspiration.  Therefore, there were and must be today, SCRIPTURES that were given by INSPIRATION or we would not be able to obey these verses. 

Matthew 21:42 “Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures…"

Matthew 22:29 “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” 

John 5:39 “Search the scriptures…"

Since no one claims that any version of the Bible is inspired except for our KJV, and since the KJV has been responsible for every revival and great movement of God in modern history, I will simply believe my Bible to be inspired and preserved – It is the only Book I need to know the will of God for my life. 

Do not allow anyone to rob you of your Bible by silly intellectual debate about which language or which version is best.  With dozens of books on the subject and countless hours of research and study, I can assure you that our Bible is perfect and from God.  In simpler terms, when Jesus said we should live by EVERY WORD OF GOD (Matthew 4:4), He did not lie and He did not give you a command that you cannot obey.  It is only logical to assume that if He commanded us to live by every word then He would give us what we need to accomplish the assignment.  


Pastor 

Holiday Hints

HOLIDAY HINTS

Dear Friends,



Here are a few thoughts I have mentioned in the past; perhaps they will help lend some sanity to your holidays:



1. Budget - Create some kind of a budget for spending, either a total amount for the holidays or a per person budget plan.



2. Schedule - Schedule your shopping so that you do not wear out your family by staying out all night.



3. Keep Shopping Lists - Parents should have lists that record what was purchased for whom, especially those who are early shoppers.  Sometimes a gift is purchased early in the year and we forget that it was purchased and we end up repeating the purchase.



4. Forget the "I Have To" - You do not “have to” go to someone's house; you do not “have to” spend money; and you do not “have to” drink booze because others do.



5. Stay Spiritual During the Holidays - Stay in church; keep reading your Bible; and make a plan to keep your family close to God.



6. Remember Those Who Are Hurting During the Holidays - The poor, lonely, widows, and those who could be depressed or discouraged are in need of your encouragement during the holidays.



7. Keep Yourself Alive With A Vision — If you face some discouraging hours, write down things you plan to do in the new year. 



8. Have Fun - Do not get so focused on the holiday that you forget to smile, play, goof off with your family etc…



9. Keep Your Expectations Simple - Do not allow yourself to expect "things" or expect a "reaction" in response to things you give.

10. Remember Jesus - Take time with Him; it is His birth we are celebrating.

Pastor

Enjoy

Good Morning,

With holidays consuming our bodies and souls, I would like to encourage each one of you hard-working, passionate men and women to stop and enjoy your labors.  Sometimes we can get so busy working that it is difficult to stop, to relax, and to watch the grandchildren play.  

God says it is fine to enjoy the fruit of our labors.

Ecclesiastes 2:24 “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”

Ecclesiastes 3:13 “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

Ecclesiastes 5:18 “Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion.”

You have worked; and you have worked long hours.  Stop and spend some time doing nothing, watch Muppets Christmas Carol or Mr. Smith goes to Washington.  Enjoy a walk with children to the park, or go on a bike ride.  If you are anything like me, the work is never all done, nor will it ever be. 


I could get up on Christmas morning and work eight or ten hours just like any other day.  Notice what God wrote:

Ecclesiastes 2:24 “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.”

“Nothing better” than to enjoy the good of your labor.  Take a cruise; go camping; and if you like guns, go shoot them. 

Do not miss the end of the verse (especially you high-pressure, non-stop people):

2:24 “…that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour.”

3:13 “... it is the gift of God."

Make yourself enjoy the good gift of God.  Force yourself to stop, play, and relax. Honestly, it will not hurt. 

Pastor