The Pastor's Pen

Great Day @ Walker Road

2011-12-11T14:42:00.001-05:00

Today has been a great day of worship! I am blessed to serve such a tremendous church family like the one we have at Walker Road. Today, we celebrated with one new believer who came to faith in Christ as well as three new families who joined our fellowship. It is exciting to watch Christ build His church, and the best is yet to come!

The Holiness of God

2011-12-10T17:26:00.001-05:00

In 1 Peter 1:15-16, the Bible says, “But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” I am reading a great book by Jerry Bridges entitled, The Holiness of God. I must confess that it is really challenging me and opening my eyes to some wonderful truth. In the second chapter, he mentions what he call a “cultural holiness” that many Christians of our day have adopted. He says, “They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be more like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than conformity to the character of God.”

It comes as no surprise to us that holiness is not a subject that we hear emphasized much in the church of our day. And this is much to our detriment. Rather than being happy, God is more interested that you and I be holy. Because when we are holy and walking in right fellowship with Christ, then happiness will come as a result. And let me be quick to emphasize that it is not happiness as the world defines happiness; it is the kind of happiness that only Jesus can bring, the kind of happiness that transcends circumstances.

Personal holiness is something that should be in the sights of every Christian. The writer of Hebrews tells us in 12:14, “Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” I am grateful that the Lord has declared me to be holy through my faith in Jesus Christ. Yet this certainly does not negate my responsibility to maintain a life of personal holiness. And I think this is where we are confused in our generation. No one wants to take responsibility for anything. Therefore, there has been a lack of emphasis on the discipline of a godly walk.

And so let let me urge you as a Christ-follower to depend upon the power of the indwelling Spirit, feast on the precious Word, and commit yourself to striving to be holy as the Lord is holy. His holiness is always consistent with His character!

Loving the Lord Jesus

2011-10-11T10:05:00.000-04:00

At the close of 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes a shocking statement. He says in 16:22, "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha."

Notice first that these are words of affection. “If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ..." Paul uses the Greek word 'phileo' for love which speaks of tender affection; not the strong word for love, agape, which is supreme love. This phileo-type love is never commanded to be given to God. An implication of this verse, however, is that such minimal affection is an element of the love that is acceptable to God. When Jesus asked Peter (John 21) if he loved Him, he used agape twice and
Peter responded with phileo. The third time, Jesus changed to phileo and Peter responded with phileo. When Peter answered yes, Jesus accepted that love. Peter did not claim agape, but even his kind affection evidenced his trust in Jesus. Paul’s choice of words in 1 Cor 16:22 flowed from his emphasis on affection. The truth is obvious: If a person does not love the Lord with tender affection, then he obviously has no supreme love for Him. If we can't demonstrate that we love Jesus in the simple, daily decisions that we make such as prayer, spending time in the Word, being faithfully involved in His church, what evidence is there, then, that we love Him with supreme 'agape' love?

Notice second that these are words of admonishment. "If anyone dos not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha." The word 'Anathema' refers to that which is set aside or devoted to destruction. Kent Hughes writes, “The basis of his warning was a lack of love (phileo) for Jesus Christ. Such absence is a sign that a person has never been regenerated.” An absence of simple affection in our lives for Christ is evidence of a lack of genuine conversion. This should cause every church member to stop and truly examine whether or not he or she be in the faith!

I don't know about you, but I want to prove my love for Jesus Christ through the way that I live and the decisions that I make. I pray that it be more than just something I say; I pray that it is something I show.

The Boldness of God's Servants

2011-02-25T06:33:00.003-05:00

In Acts 4, we read where Peter and John are arrested because of their preaching Jesus to the crowds who were assembled in the temple complex. They lock them up in prison overnight, yet the Bible says that upwards of 5,000 people believed the message of the gospel and were saved. The next day, the chief priests begin to question them and ask them about their authority. Peter uses it as an opportunity to magnify the name of Jesus and preach the gospel yet again. He says in verse 12, "There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The gospel is an exclusive message that exalts Christ alone as the Savior of the world.

What I find interesting is how the Jewish leaders respond to Peter and John's message and the way that they communicated it. Verse 13 says, "When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus." When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, they recognized that they had been with Jesus. It is absolutely amazing what the Lord Jesus does in the life of a person. Earlier in his life, Peter had cowered down before the fire of a little servant girl and had denied Jesus. Now, he is staring down the entire religious establishment and is boldly preaching the gospel, even risking his own life. The risen Christ supplies His servants with boldness!

Somewhere in the course of the day, you are going to need boldness as a believer. It may come as an opportunity to share Jesus with someone you work with. It may be an opportunity for you to stand up for truth and righteousness. It may be a problem that needs to be addressed with a family member or a friend. Whatever the opportunity may be, you stand in need of the empowering and anointing of the Holy Spirit, much like Peter and John here in this passage. Ask the Lord for boldness today, and watch and see how He might use your faithful witness!

He Got More Than He Expected

2011-02-24T08:19:00.002-05:00

Acts 3 records the story of Peter and John as they were on their way to the temple for worship prayer. In verse 2, we read, "And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex." Apparently, all that this man lived for was to sit at the gate and beg from those who were entering. He was virtually helpless, and had to have someone place him there every day of his life. Verse 3 says, "When he saw Peter and John about to enter...he asked for help. Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, 'Look at us.' So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them." The man was expecting some kind of monetary contribution, since he could not work or earn a living for himself. He was completely dependent upon everyone else for his well-being. He expected to get something from Peter and John, but he got a whole lot more than he expected.

In verse 6, Peter says, "I don't have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" And the Bible says that the man leaped up, started to walk, and entered the temple with them. Everyone watched him with curiosity as he began "walking, and leaping, and praising God." He got more than he expected.

When I came to faith in Christ, I got a whole lot more than I expected. Not only did I recieve a Savior, but I recieved a Lord and Master, someone who directs my life. The Christian life is so much more than salvation from hell. It is a life of "walking, and leaping, and praising God." It is a relationship with the precious Son of God, the One who gives dead men new life. With this new life comes the awesome privilege and responsibility of being a witness for Christ. Here in the story, I am amazed at how Peter and John were going about their daily life, and the Lord places a man in their path with whom they can witness and share Christ. I wonder if someone like this man will be in your path as you live out your life today? Are you prepared to lead them to Jesus? If so, perhaps they will get more than they expected!

Proof of the Resurrection

2011-02-23T06:54:00.002-05:00

I have often heard it said that "facts are our friends." A fact is something that is unmistaken, something that is tangible, and something that is concrete. The gospel is factual in nature, and by that I mean that those who believe it are not just taking a blind leap of faith into the dark. There is much evidence to substantiate the claims of the gospel. Acts 1:3 says of Jesus, "After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs." Notice the word 'proofs' there in the verse. It comes from a word that literally speaks of concrete evidence. In other words, the resurrection of Jesus is factual, and there is concrete evidence to back it up.

One of the proofs of Christ's resurrection is that it is foundational to all the preaching and teaching of the apostles. They were eyewitnesses who verified it by their own testimony. All of us know the value of eyewitness testimony. Men have been sent to prison for life by the eyewitness testimony of one or two other individuals. It should come as no surprise then that Christ was declared to be risen from the dead by not one, not two, but by hundreds of men and women who saw Him! We read of this in 1 Corinthians 15 where Paul declares the resurrectio with bold assurance. In that passage, he tells us that if the resurrection were not true, we believers would be of all men the most miserable.

Jesus presented Himself alive by many convincing, infallible proofs. The tomb is still empty, friend! Because He lives, you and I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, all fear is gone! Hebrews says that He ever lives to make intercession for us. And the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that is at work in the lives of believers. Live in His resurrection power today!

Strange Fire

2011-02-19T05:55:00.002-05:00

In Leviticus 10, we read of an interesting story that takes place involving the sons of Aaron, whose names were Nadab and Abihu. As sons of Aaron, they were involved in the priesthood and the burning of incense in the Lord's sanctuary. God had specifically outlined His requirements for the way that they were to conduct the service. The Bible says that they offered up 'strange' or unauthorized fire before the Lord. In other words, they got sloppy in their worship. God judged them for it, and we read that fire came from the Lord's presence and consumed them.

What is the lesson that we come away with regarding this passage? You and I need to understand that our God is holy, and we are not to approach Him just any old way that we please. That's not to say that He will consume us, for I'm thankful that Christ has fulfilled all of those meticulous Old Testament demands. But if we aren't careful, we can lose sight of the holiness of the Lord and allow for pride to take root in our hearts. God has clearly stated how He desires for us to worship Him. The psalmist wrote that we are to worship Him in the beauty of holiness. Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2 that we are to not be conformed to this world, but instead should present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. I have a feeling that 'strange' fire gets offered up to the Lord every Sunday as many professing Christians simply go through the motions of worship. They may honor Christ with their lips, but in reality, their heart is far from Him.

Let's always be mindful of the holiness of God, rather than offering up 'strange' fire.

Worship, Prayer, and Fasting

2011-02-17T07:38:00.006-05:00

In Acts 13:1-3, the Bible says, "In the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.' Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off."

It is amazing that such a great missionary movement here in the book of Acts was born from a season of worship, prayer, and fasting. Such should always be the case within the church. If God does anything great through our lives, it won't be because we all of the sudden decide to go out and do something. It will be the result of spending time in worship, spending time in prayer seeking His will, and fasting to get a clear word from His Spirit. As Christians, we are to be actively involved in the work of God, not vice versa. It is arrogant and foolish to expect God to bless any of our feeble attempts when we jump headlong into something having never sought His will or asked for His power. If we desire to be effective and useful to Christ and and His kingdom, we must be faithful to spend time with Him in worship, prayer, and fasting. Notice that the worship of the church in Antioch is seen in verse 2 through the use of the phrase, "As they were ministering to the Lord." It means that they were enthralled with the worship and glory of God. David Platt has said, "Mission in the world is born from worship in the church." In other words, when the church gets her eyes on the glory of Christ, it will result in a passion to spread His gospel. Could a lack of evangelistic zeal in our churches be the direct result of a lack of love for Christ Himself? When we become enthralled with His glory, we will become effective with His gospel.

The church was worshiping, but notice also that the church was fasting. Verse 2 says that they were ministering to the Lord and 'fasting.' To fast means to voluntarily give up food for a season to more clearly focus on worship and hearing the voice of God. I am of the conviction that their fast was the result of a burdened heart. Their burden was to know the direction of the Holy Spirit for their mission. No one fasts for the fun of it. Fasting is hard, gut-wrenching work. It stems from a heart that is more hungry for Christ than it is for daily physical food. If you have a heavy burden in your heart, why not get alone with God and fast and focus on what He would have you to do!

After the church had spent time worshiping and fasting, verse 3 says that they "prayed, and laid hands on them (Barnabas and Saul), they sent them off." I like what John Piper says about this passage: "This fasting changed the course of history. It is almost impossible to overstate the historical importance of this moment in Antioch in the history of the world...This moment of prayer and fasting resulted in a missions movement that would make Christianity the dominant religion of the Roman Empire within two and a half centuries and would yield 1.3 billion believers today with a Christian witness in virtually every country of the world." Mission in the world was born from worship in the church! What mighty movement might God begin today in and through our lives as we surrender to worship, prayer, and fasting?

The Priority of Preaching

2011-02-16T08:33:00.002-05:00

In 1 Timothy 4:13, Paul told the young pastor Timothy, "Until I come, give your attention to public reading, exhortation, and teaching." In other words, Paul called on Timothy to give priority to the preaching and teaching of the Word of God when the church came together for worship.

I must confess that I am somewhat preturbed by a trend that I see among leading churches in our generation. It seems that worship has become more associated with singing and music rather than the systematic teaching of God's Word. I love Christ-honoring music as good as anyone--choirs, praise and worship, hymns, etc. I love the rich theology that so many of the church's hymns have, while at the same time, I also enjoy the truth that many simply choruses and songs set forth. Yet you and I must be careful that when the church comes together for worship, we must not neglect or devalue the teaching of doctrine. The authority of Scripture can be subtly undermined whenever people desire the emotional over the spiritual. Case in point--testimony time. Have you ever been in those services where people, one by one, testified of what God is doing in their lives? I appreciate those testimonies. I'm thankful for the activity of God in the lives of His people. However, whenever it infringes upon or replaces the teaching of doctrine, as Paul writes here in this verse, it subtly undermines God's Word.

I say that we need the soul-stirring, Christ-honoring music in our worship services. I say we need freedom in our worship services for men and women to testify and stand up and brag on Jesus for what He is doing in their lives! But folks, we also need systematic, sound doctrine declared from the pulpit of our churches. This is Christ's design for His church. Let's be careful that we not become unbalanced and unhealthy, like the church at Corinth.

Prepare for Testing

2011-02-15T07:04:00.002-05:00

In Matthew 4:1, the Bible says that Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. It was a time of testing in His life that came on the heels of a monumental victory--His baptism by John. The Lord's baptism was a demonstration of His perfect obedience to His Father. It showed His complete submission to His Father's will. As the perfect Son of God, Jesus had no need to participate in a baptism for sinners. Yet His submission to John's baptism was a way of identifying with sinners. As the Lamb of God, He was demonstrating how He would bear the sins of mankind in His own body on the cross. Thus, His baptism was a great victory and a spiritual high note.

On the heels of this victory, Jesus is led into the wilderness where He is tempted and tested. Thankfully, we have a Savior who passed the test perfectly! Yet it illustrates how times of testing often follows times of victory, times where you have been obedient to God. In 1 Corinthians 10:12, Paul warns, "Let him who thinks he stand take heed that he does not fall." In the aftermath of personal success, you and I are often tempted to think that we were solely responsible for our success, and the result of that pride is vulnerability. We often set ourselves up for failure. We may be tempted to think that the accomplishment came from our own clever strength or ability. Many a believer has fallen into the trap of pride and self-reliance.

What temptation often comes your way after some accomplishment or victory? How are you able to resist pride and defeat? It will only come as you bow before Christ as your supply of strength, even if you think that you can manage on your own. "Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

The Parable of the Sower

2011-02-11T08:48:00.004-05:00

In Mark 4, Jesus tells a story about a man who went out to sow seed. Throughout history, this parable has been referred to as "The Parable of the Sower." Perhaps it could more rightly be called "The Parable of the Soils," for the emphasis is not so much on the one sowing but rather the ground upon which the seed falls. Verses 4-8 say, "As he sowed, this occurred: Some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Other seed fell on rocky ground where it didn't have much soil, and it sprang up right away, since it didn't have deep soil. When the sun came up, it was scorched, and since it didn't have a root, it withered. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it didn't produce a crop. Still others fell on good ground and produced a crop that increased 30, 60, and 100 times what was sown." Then in verse 9, Jesus says, "Anyone who has ears to hear should listen!" In other words, we should be ever so careful how we "hear" the word of the gospel! He then begins to make application.

The sower, of course, is he who sows the word. The gospel is often compared to seed that is sown in the hearts of men. The various soils in the parable is representative of the various conditions of the human heart. First, the seed that fell along the path is the hard heart. The gospel seed is sown, but immediately Satan comes and snatches it away. The hardened condition of the heart keeps it from being penetrated by the seed. Second, the seed that falls along rocky ground represents those who make shallow professions of faith. Because the soil is shallow and lacks proper depth, the seed can never really take root. Initially, these types of individuals make enthusiatic responses to the gospel, but as soon as the "new" wears off, they fall away. Such persons have no true understanding of the gospel. Third, the seed that falls among thorns and briars represents those who seem genuine and interested in the gospel, but they are not serious about true repentance. The cares of this life and the things of this world are more attractive to them than Christ and His kingdom. Fourth, the last soil that is mentioned is referred to as good ground. It is ground that has been tilled, plowed, prepared, and is ready to recieve the seed. Once the seed is sown, it is able to take root and become fruitful. It represents those who demonstrate true saving faith in Christ, a faith that is evidenced in good works. The 'fruit' is only evidence of the root!

So, I close with the statement that Jesus makes in verse 9: "Be careful how you hear!" How have you heard the gospel? What type of soil best represents the condition of your heart?

Esther: Haman's Hatred

2010-12-03T07:56:00.004-05:00

In Esther 3, the Bible tells us that the king promoted Haman the Agagite and gave him authority over all the Persian princes. Because of his newly elevated status, all the king's servants bowed before him and paid homage to him. All except Mordecai the Jew. Perhaps being a Jew, Mordecai would not bow in worship before no one but God alone. Perhaps there were other reasons as well. But the fact that he would not bow before Haman only served to agrivate Haman to the point of hatred. His hatred does not stop with Mordecai, but he also begins to hate all of Mordecai's people, the Jews.

Verse 6 says that Haman determined to destroy all of the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of King Ahasuerus. He plots and schemes and comes up with a plan whereby he smears the name of the Jews before the king. He falsely accuses them of not observing the king's laws and paints them as being nothing more than a bunch of rebels and traitors. So, the king, acting upon the wicked word of Haman, has official letters written sealed with the king's own stamp of approval. Verse 13 says that the "letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, women and children...and to seize their possessions as plunder." Keep in mind that the king is merely acting off of the trusted word of Haman, a man he confided in.

It is absolutely amazing how far some will go when it comes to their hatred of others. Hatred leads as far as murder. In fact, Jesus said that those who are angry with others without just cause are indeed guilty of murder. Often, someone may have a personality that is different from yours. Their likes and interests may be different from your likes and interests. If you are not careful, you can begin to develop a dislike for the person all becasue they are not like you. Jesus said that you and I are to love our neighbors as we would love ourselves. Here in Esther, Haman is blinded by pride and hatred, and he will soon come crashing down. The Bible says that pride goes before a fall, and a haughty spirit leads one to destruction. His pride leads him to smear the reputation of the Jews before the king. This passage should serve to remind us just how dangerous and serious it is to bad mouth others--it is murder.

Instead of judging others through the lens of self-righteousness, try to love people the way that Jesus loves you. Instead of looking at people as being expendable, why not look at people as valuable, no matter who they are or what they have done in life! I pray that we see others through the eyes of Jesus, who sees people as sinners in need of salvation. A soul is valuable, friend. So valualable that the Son of God willingly laid down His life on a cruel cross. Don't allow pride and jealousy to blind you as it did Haman.

Esther: Mordecai Saves the King

2010-12-02T08:20:00.003-05:00

An interesting story takes place at the end of chapter 2, soon after Esther is named queen in the place of Vashti. We read two very significant details that will come to importance in the coming chapters. The first detail is found in verse 20, as it says, "Esther had not yet made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her." In other words, she told no one of her true nationality, that she was a young Jewess. As such, she was a captured slave, one who belonged to a tribe of people that had been led captive. And because of the animosity that was often shown towards the Jews, Mordecai commands her to conceal her identity. That detail is of utmost importance, particulary when Haman devises his wicked plot against the Jews. Little does he know that the queen herself is a Jew!

The second detail that I want to point out is found in the last three verses of chapter 2. One day, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, he overhears some of the king's officials planning an assassination plot against the king. Mordecai then informs Esther, who then informs the king in Mordecai's name. When the plot is investigated and discovered to be true, the officials are hanged, and the situation is written down in the Book of the Chronicles in the king's presence. That is another important detail that we cannot overlook, for in a few chapters we will see where the king has trouble sleeping one night, and he has the chronicles read back to him. Upon being reminded of the loyalty of Mordecai, he asks whether or not Mordecai was ever rewarded. Again, this would foil the plans of Haman who sought Mordecai's destruction.

The point is that God is involved in the details of our lives. There is nothing that goes unnoticed, and there is nothing that He is not aware of. When you and I determine to live righteously, rest assured that God takes notice. His providence is at work behind the circumstances of our lives. As Romans 8:28 tells us that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Friend, trust Him today and place your confidence in Him. The circumstances that you might think are negative may just have positive results in your life as intended by the Lord!

Esther: The Bible's Only Beauty Pageant

2010-12-01T07:58:00.000-05:00

Have you ever watched any of those beauty pageants that are on television from time to time? Once a year or so, there is the "Miss America" pageant where individual competition winners from all 50 states come together on the national state and compete for the crown. After a series of events, a panel of judges name the next Miss America, sure to be the most beautiful woman in the land. Well, here in Esther 2, we find what I am referring to as "The Bible's Only Beauty Pageant."

If you remember from chapter 1, the king has thrown a big banquet and all of his nobles are there. When he calls for Queen Vashti to come and show off her beauty, she refuses. In retaliation, the king strips her of her crown. Chapter 2 begins with the king recieving counsel to call for a competition of sorts whereby all the beautiful, young maidens of the land would come together, and from them one would be chosen to be the next queen. It is here that we are introduced to young Esther.

Verses 5 and following say, "Now there was at the citadel in Susa a Jew whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, who had been taken into exile from Jerusalem...He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had no father or mother. Now the young lady was beautiful of form and face, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter." Evidently, Esther came from very humble means, having lost her parents. Fortunately, there was an older first cousin who took her in and raised her as his own daughter.

Esther was a beautiful young woman, and as such she was forced to enter into the king's beauty pageant. This was not something that was optional, but was a matter of law. Verse 8 says that she was "taken" to the palace and placed into the custody of the king's servant. Immediately, she found favor and was well liked by all. One by one, the young women were presented to the king, and he had made no decision as to who would be his next queen. Then, it was Esther's turn. And the Bible says in verse 17 that the king loved Esther more than all the others, "and she found favor and kindness with him." He throws a banquet and declares to his kingdom that Esther would be his new queen.

I come away from chapter 2 being reminded of the truth that God knows who and where we are, and often He delights in taking the humble and the lowly and exalts them in due time. James tells us to "humble ourselves in the sight of God, and He will lift you up." The success of Esther's life can only be attributed to a sovereign God. Another application that I come away with is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This king is primarily concerned with outward beauty, but true beauty is beauty of the heart. Not only is Esther a beautiful young woman on the outside, but she is also a beautiful young woman on the inside, which makes her that much more beautiful! Our generation needs godly young women who are not so much concerned about their bodies as they are about their hearts. The same is true for young men. We are so prone to emphasize the outward appearance, but may we never forget that God always looks at a person's heart.

The Book of Esther

2010-11-30T10:30:00.002-05:00

In my devotional time, I've been studying through the Old Testament book of Esther, and I must confess that its message has really gotten my attention. It is only one of two books that are named after women, the other of course being the book of Ruth. The book of Esther is a love story much like the story of Cinderella, a story about a beauty pagent, a royal wedding, a king, and an evil enemy. Esther has the unique characteristic of being the only book in the Bible that does not mention the name of God. Not even one time. And yet one cannot help but read the story of Esther and see God behind every word. It shows us how the providence of God is at work behind the scene, how God has a real purpose and intention behind the events that take place in our lives.

The story begins in chapter 1 with the Persian king Ahasuerus and his glorious royal throne room. All of the lords and lordesses are gathered for a banquet, and all of the nobles of the kingdom are present and accounted for. Verse 4 says, "And he displayed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor of his great majesty for many days, 180 days." Evidently, he was proud of all his accomplishments. How true it is that we often brag about what we have, when in reality the Bible says that all that we have is a gift from the Lord. He alone deserves glory and credit for the things in our possession. We must recognize that we are stewards of everything, and owners of nothing. Well, the story continues in chapter 1 as we're told of the lavish and extravagant lifestyle of this king as seen in the decoration of his banquet hall. There were tapestries of fine linen, held up by cords of royal purple, with silver rings and marble columns. It was all so very extravagant, to say the least.

Based on what he boasted of, it would seem that the king had it all. He had power, wealth, fame, and the respect of those within his kingdom. However, things were not so well behind the scenes. For we are told that his queen, Vashti, refused to come when he called for her. Desiring to show off her beauty before those who were gathered, the king calls for his wife and intends on making her a public display. Her refusal to come is taken as disrespect, and the king looses face in the eyes of his subjects. No matter who we are or what we have, we never have the right to exploit and take advantage of others. A man can have all the respect in the world, but if he doesn't have the respect of those closest to him, such as his children and his wife, what then does he have? Don't depend on wealth and riches to the exclusion of your family.

So many in our generation are pursuing material success, but they don't realize the true cost. My idea of success is a wife who loves me, and a home that honors the Lord Jesus. Money cannot buy the true wealth that King Jesus gives! Today on my birthday, I consider myself to be the richest man in the world.

Mustard Seed Faith

2010-10-20T09:17:00.004-04:00

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus says to His disciples, "For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Here in the text, Jesus is emphasizing that great faith is a necessary requirement to overcome any kind of obstacle. I think that it is important that we understand the context of the verse. In the preceding verses, we read that the disciples could not heal a man's son who was possessed by a demon. Frustrated with the unsuccessful attempts of the disciples, the man eventually went to Jesus. Of course, the Lord Jesus casts out the demon and the boy is set free. In verse 19, we're told that the disciples come to Jesus privately and ask, "Why could we not drive it out?" Jesus responds by saying, "Becasue of the littleness of your faith." He then goes on to say that mustard seed faith can even remove mountains.

Some have seriously wrestled with this passage. Is our faith so very small that we can't accomplish even the most insignificant of tasks, let alone move mountains? Some have doubted the Lord's words, which is an obvious lack of faith altogether. But I think our problems come from a misunderstanding of what mustard seed faith really is. Think about it: Jesus rebukes the disciples for having small faith, and yet He turns right around and says that even the smallest faith can move mountains. If we were to go all the way back to chapter 13, we read of where Jesus tells the parable of the mustard seed, where He makes clear that the seed does not represent littleness. Instead, it represents littleness that grows into greatness. The mustard seed is the tiniest of seeds, but it grows and grows and eventually becomes the largest tree in one's garden. Jesus is saying here in verse 20 that it is only when small faith grows into great faith that it can move a mountain.

That tells me that mustard seed faith is persistent faith. It continues to grow and becomes productive because it never gives up. This kind of faith is illustrated in Luke 11 by the importunate man who kept knocking on his neighbor's door all night until he finally got a response. It is illustrated in Luke 18 by the story of the widow who would not rest her case until the unjust judge heard her. It is persistence that Jesus is teaching. It must also be understood that Jesus was not talking about moving a literal mountain, for neither He nor His disciples ever did such a thing. In fact, no one has in the entire 2,000 year history of the church! The answer lies in the fact that the expression "able to move mountains" was a common figure of speech in that day that represented the ability to overcome great obstacles. William Barclay said, "A great teacher who could really expound Scripture was regular known as an uprooter of mountains. To tear up, to uproot, to pulverize mountains were all regular phrases for removing difficulties. Jesus never meant this to be taken physically and literally. After all, the ordinary man seldom finds any necessity to remove a mountain. What He meant was, 'If you have faith enough, all difficulties can be solved, and even the hardest task can be accomplished. Faith in God is the instrument that allows men to remove the hills of difficulty which block their path." Jesus was talking figuratively about those mountain-sized difficulties, such as the disciples had just experienced in not being able to cure the demon possessed boy.

Mustard seed faith trusts God when there is nothing in the cupboard to eat and no money to buy food. Mustard seed faith trusts God when health is gone, work is gone, family is gone, and resources are gone. Mustard seed faith trusts God when the storm clouds build and the rain begins to fall in life. It starts small and grows into something great, just like the mustard seed. I read where George Mueller, great Christian who lived in the 19th century, began to pray for five personal friends of his. It wasn't until five years later that the first one of them came to faith in Christ. After five more years, two more became Christians, and after 25 years the fourth man was saved. He prayed for the fifth friend until the time of his death. Six months after Mueller died, the fifth friend came to faith in Christ, something for which Mueller had prayed for 50 years. That's what mustard seed faith is all about.

Forgetting the Mission

2010-09-08T09:27:00.004-04:00

I am perplexed by a Florida pastor's decision to burn copies of the Koran on September 11, 2010. According to all of the reports, the pastor plans to burn the books in order to "send a message" to radical Muslims in the USA, and it is certainly nothing more than a publicity stunt. From my perspective as a citizen, I understand the grave danger that such an act places our troops in, as General David Petraeus has warned just this week. But even more important, from my perspective as a Christian, a church gathering to burn copies of the Koran seems to ignore the mission of the church altogether. What does that have to do in connection to the gospel? How will this better help us reach Muslims for Christ around the world?

I'm reminded of a passage of Scripture in Acts 19 where Paul went to Ephesus to preach the gospel. With great power, Paul preached the truth of Christ and did many great miracles. Verses 17-18 tell us that the fear of God fell on many of the Ephesians, and in response to the gospel, they came to faith in Christ. As a result of their conversion, the Bible says that they went and gathered all of their false religious books and burned them publicly. Interesting to me was that Paul wasn't the one who initiated the book burning; the Ephesians burned what they knew to be lies only after the truth of the gospel had changed their hearts!

It seems to me that the Florida pastor has totally confused his congregation about what the true mission of the church is. With all of my heart, I believe that when you and I share the truth of the gospel with Muslims, only the power of the gospel and the conviction of the Holy Spirit will change their heart. Once they experience the truth for themselves, they will come to reject all other substitutes. Our responsibility is to be salt and light in a dark and dying world. Muslims around the world need to see Christ in us, the hope of glory! Let's keep the gospel front and center.

The Greatest of These

2010-07-22T05:56:00.000-04:00

In 1 Corinthians 13:13, the Bible says, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13 is what some have called the “Love Chapter” of the Bible. Within this passage, the Apostle Paul reveals to us that even though a person may have all the talent in the world, without love he is nothing. Without love, it doesn’t matter how eloquent we are at speaking. It doesn’t matter what we do. If we don’t have love, we have nothing and are nothing. According to verse 13, faith is important, and hope is important. However, love is the supreme virtue. In John 13:34, Jesus commands His followers to love others as He loves us. A true sign that a person is a follower of Jesus will be the love in his or her life that is shown to others. Elsewhere, Jesus said, “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love one to another.” Of course, this is an extremely tall order, but through the presence of Christ living within us as believers, we are able to love as He loved—even those who are the hardest to love, such as those who don’t love you in return.

Jesus showed His love for us on the cross, and the greatest thing that we can do for others is to show them the love of Christ by sharing the gospel. I want to look for opportunities today that I can share the love of Jesus with those around me.

Father, I thank you for yet another day of life! Thank You for loving me long before I ever loved You. I know that You love me because You sent Your Son to die in my place so that I could be saved from my sin. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me! Fill my heart with Your Spirit today and help me to love others as You love others.

When Crimson Meets Crimson

2010-07-16T08:27:00.003-04:00

In Isaiah 1:18, the Bible says, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; through they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." This verse speaks of the hope and the promise we have as believers that the Lord cleanses us from our sin. In our generation, people are turning to so many differnt places in order to find forgiveness of to have their conscience eased from things that they have said or done in their life. Isaiah says that there is only One who has the power to cleanse and forgive our sin. The phrase, "Come now, and let us reason together," reveals God's gracious invitation to all who would repent and recieve Him. I'm glad that God can save you, no matter who you are or what you have done. You can't out-sin God's grace! Romans says that where sin did abound, grace did much more abound. Notice that our sin is described as being as 'scarlet' and 'red like crimson.' It refers to our guilt before God. It is a bright red stain that we cannot wash away on our own. The crimson red stain of our sin can only be washed away by the crimson red blood of the Son! Only the death Christ on the cross can atone for our sins and completely cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Though our sins are like scarlet, God extends an invitation to cleanse them and they shall be white as snow, indicating that He stands ready to cleanse and forgive all those who come to Him. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." There is no need to live with the guilt of things done yesterday if you have confessed them to God and sought His forgiveness.

Father, I thank you that I am cleansed and forgiven of my sin. Thank You, Lord, that your grace is far greater than my sin. When I lived with the bright red stain of sin on my life, You met me at my greatest point of need and washed me in the crimson blood of the Lamb. Now, I stand before You completely forgiven, justified, a child of the King. I commit myself to You today. Help me to live only for You!

Delight in God's Word

2010-07-14T07:31:00.001-04:00

Psalm 1 is a great reminder this morning of how the blessing of God is with the righteous. He doesn’t live according to the wicked standards of the world, but rather “his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.” The word ‘delight’ speaks of his pleasure or that he views God’s Word as a valuable necessity. The psalmist says that he meditates in the Word day and night, meaning that it is ever on his mind and in his heart. As a result, he is like a tree that is planted by streams of water. He bears fruit, and all that he does will prosper.

I honestly believe with all of my heart that if we live each day of our lives in the Word and in the fear of God, all that we do will prosper and be blessed. That’s not to say that we won’t endure pain and hardship, for that is a given. Yet, no matter our circumstances in life, when we walk with God like this passage tells us to, we will be blessed and will have the hand of God on our life. Can I honestly say that my delight is in the ‘law of the Lord?’ I find myself constantly being faced with the temptation to find delight in so many other things. However, there is nothing that will feed and strengthen my soul like God’s Word! Matthew 4:4 says, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” When God’s Word is my delight in life, then I won’t have a problem meditating therein day and night.

Father, thank You for Your Word! It is my delight and the strength I need for daily living. In addition to Your Word, You have given me Your Spirit who enables me to understand and apply Your Word to my situation. May it be true of my life today that I meditate in Your Word, so that whatever I do shall prosper!

Rejecting the World

2010-07-13T07:23:00.002-04:00

In 1 John 2:15, the Bible says, "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." The reference to the 'world' in this verse is not a reference to the planet, but rather the present world system that Satan has designed that encompasses all false religion, crime, wrong thinking, and sin. Believers are to live with a different set of ideals than those that are of the world. Whenever a person becomes a Christian, he is given a new set of goals and ambitions. The world and its lusts no longer attract him, but instead they repel him. As the verse says, he no longer loves the world nor the things in the world. This is because he is a new creature in Christ and all things have been made new in his life. That's not to say that at times, he may be lured into worldly pursuits, but he is not doing what he loves but what he hates. That's the battle Paul wrote about in Romans 7. The believer's new life in Christ gives him a love for God and the things of God.

Proof that a person does not love God will be their love and desire for the things of the world. They have no appetite for spiritual things because they are spiritually dead. However, a person who truly knows Jesus will demonstrate their love for Him. They will long to spend time in His presence. They will desire to know Him and better know His truth in order to apply it in life. In short, true believers reject the world rather than receive the world.

Time With God

2010-06-24T07:27:00.004-04:00

In Exodus 20:3, The Bible says, "You shall have no other gods besides Me." One thing for sure is that our God is a jealous God. There is to be nothing in our lives that competes with the affection that we show Him. We are to love and serve him with an undivided, loyal heart. This means that every day we are priveleged to live, we are to live in worship of Him. This is done by carving our a time each day where we can be alone with Him and give Him our undivided attention. Some people are "squeezers" rather then "pleasers" when it comes to spending time with God. If they have time, they squeeze Him into their day, but more often then not they crowd Him out of their busy schedules. On the other hand, there are those who are "pleasers." They live out their lives with a keen awareness that their purpose is to please Him. The one who lives to please Christ has developed the habit of spending time with Him every day. Not all habits are bad habits. In fact, there are some habits that are very good. A daily devotional life is a good habit, but it will not be formed in your life without discipline. Those who develop the discipline of spending time with the Lord each day experience a changed life and renewed strength. Time alone with God is the birthplace of revival. When the church gets back to the basics of walking with God in closeness, there will be power supplied like we have never seen before!

Whenever we begin the day in the Word of God, when we begin with our heads bowed, we remind ourselves of the love, grace, and truth of the Lord Jesus. Begining the day in this way will aid us in determining the right priorities for the day and it will give us greater strength in dealing with sin and temptation. God should have our attention at least once every single day that we live. You say, "Pastor, you just don't understand how busy I am!" Even the busiest person on earth can carve out a little time in their day to spend in the presence of God. Don't shortchange yourself, friend. Someone has well said, "Your habits will determine, to a surprising extent, the quality and tone of your day. In fact, daily life can be viewed as an intricate pattern woven together by the threads of habit. And no habit is more important to your spiritual health than the discipline of daily prayer and worship." Bow before God right now where you are and worship Him for who He is and what He has done in your life.

Faith in Christ

2010-06-23T06:58:00.002-04:00

Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." I find it to be true every day of my life that countless numbers of people have no understanding of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. To them, salvation is about being a good person, getting on their knees and praying every night, or doing something else that they think grants them good standing with God. As one person has said to me recently, "I like to do things my own way." Proverbs says that there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end therof are the ways of death. The truth of Scripture is that no one could ever do enough to gain good standing with God. Isaiah 64:6 says that our very best is still a filthy rag when compared to God's standard of perfect holiness. If there were something that you and I could do to earn our salvation, then Jesus would have died in vain. The cross strips away all of our human pride and achievement. It was on the cross that the Son of God bore the full brunt of the wrath of God for our sin in our place. In theology, its called the doctrine of substitutionary atonement. The Bible says that He, the Lord Jesus, who knew no sin became sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. God saves those who come to Christ in simple, child-like faith, who turn from their sin and trust Christ alone for their salvation. Its not about growing up in church all your life. Its not about praying a certain prayer. Its not about walking down an aisle. Its all about faith in Jesus Christ. A person who has demonstrated that they have true faith, according to Scripture, they will live to serve the One who saved them. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The only hope you have, friend, is to come to Jesus. He bled and died in order to pay the price for sin. Trust in Him, not in yourself. Don't be one the countless numbers of people in our generation who think that everything is okay between them and God just because they try to live a good life. Hell is full of well intentioned people who never came to simple faith in Christ.

The Danger of a Divided Heart

2010-06-22T06:35:00.003-04:00

In Psalm 119:2, the Bible says, "Blessed are those who keep His testimonies, who seek Him with the whole heart!" God absolutely detests half-heartedness. To the church at Laodocea in Revelation 3, the Lord Jesus said, "I wish you were cold or hot. But because you are lukewarm, I am going to spew you out of My mouth!" A heart that is divided will destroy any relationship. A husband who is half-hearted when it comes to loving his wife will more than likely be unfaithful to her. The same is true for a wife who's heart is divided when it comes to her husband. Johnny Hunt has said, "Half-hearted Christianity has done its fair share of damage to the church and has rendered it ineffective and powerless when it comes to reaching a lost and dying world for Christ." Half-hearted Christianity wants all the perks without any committment whatsover. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said that the greatest commandment in all the Word of God is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind." As a believer, the greatest commandment that you need to give your utmost attention and obedience to is to love the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, not with just part of your heart. When we as individual believers focus on loving the Lord in this way, then our church will love the Lord this way and will become a powerful witness for Christ in the world. But a divided heart will lead us into complacency and apathy. There's far too much at stake for the church to be asleep in the world!

O, how we often allow our heart to be divided in its loyalties! Because this is so often the case, I want to encourage you to focus on loving Jesus today more than you did yesterday, even more than the day before. Let's return to our first love, knowing that we love Him becasue He first loved us. If you are half-hearted toward the things of God, I encourage you to come to the place of repentance and ask the Lord Jesus to forgive you. May you be reminded of the high price that He paid for your salvation. Think of the cross. Think of His blood. Think of His love and grace shown to you. If you do these things, very soon your heart will begin to overflow, and revival will take place in your life.

Call On the Lord

2010-06-02T08:10:00.003-04:00

In Psalm 120:1, the Bible says, "In my distress I called to the Lord, and He answered me." I'm glad that God is not a God who is distantly removed from His creation, but instead He is in active control. As Sovereign Lord, He is seated on His throne in glory, and nothing is too big that He can't handle. Nothing takes Him by surprise. This includes the struggles that we encounter in life so very often. I have discovered that people respond to pressure and difficulty in different ways. Some people panic and don't know what to do. Other people throw their hands up in despair. Some get angry and bitter. But notice that the psalmist tells us exactly what we should do when we find ourselves in the midst of "distress." He says, "In my distress I called to the Lord." When Jonah found himself in the fish's belly, Jonah 2:2 quotes him as saying, "I cried by reason of my affliction unto the Lord, and He heard me; out of the belly of hell I cried, and You heard my voice." Rather than giving up in despair, cry out to God. Tell Him all about your troubles. Roll your burdens upon the Lord. Peter says, "Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." Don't be one of these "Lone Ranger" believers who think that they can go at it all alone. The truth is that you can't. Jesus said in John 15:5, "Without Me you can do nothing." Call on Jesus when you find yourself in the midst of a stressful situation.

New Day, New Opportunity

2010-05-26T08:03:00.004-04:00

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Did you know that each day is a unique creation of God? I frequently hear people say that there are no such things as miracles anymore. However, nothiing could be farther from the truth. The simple fact that you and I experienced another sunrise this morning is a miracle. The fact that you and I are part of another day is a miracle. Elsewhere, the Scriptures say that the mercies of the Lord are new every morning. God has an unlimited supply of grace awaiting you today, ready to be poured out and experienced in your life. Think about this: what if God decided that yesterday was to be your last day to live? What if He chose not to allow you to wake and have another day to live and serve Him? Could you agree with Paul in Philippian 1:21, "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain?" These are questions that we need to constantly remind ourselves of, because the truth is that none of us are promised tomorrow! We have today to live. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is not promised, so what are you going to do for Christ today? I for one do not want to waste another opportunity with selfish and self-centered living. Instead, I want to make the most of this unique day that God has allowed me to be a part of.

Before you go on any further today, why not stop for a minute and thank God for giving you another day of life! Praise Him for the sunrise. Praise Him for another opportunity to tell others about all that He has done for you. Use the time you have today to share the gospel with someone who is lost.

Out of Darkness and Into Light

2010-05-25T07:28:00.004-04:00

Psalm 107:14 says of the Lord, "He brought them out of darkness and gloom and broke their chains apart." Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving to God for the deliverance of His redeemed. Verse 14 is an account of what He had done in their lives, and if you know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, He has done this in your life also. A person who is lost in sin is a person who is living out his existence in total darkness. Ephesians 2 says that those who do not know Christ are dead in trespasses and sins. They are completely devoid of spiritual life. The light of the gospel has yet to shine on their darkened hearts and minds. Notice that the psalmist speaks of the 'darkness and gloom.' An existence without Christ is an existence of gloom. Nothing but judgment and wrath awaits such a one who has not been saved. Without Christ, his condition is hopeless and his life is meaningless and without purpose. He is a walking dead man. The truth of the gloomy condition of the lost should serve to motivate us as believers to be bold in our gospel witness, knowing that we carry the hope of eternal life within us. The world needs to hear and know of the hope we have in Christ. A better understanding of the lost condition of humanity will motivate you to be a more faithful witness.

The good news that the psalmist shares is the fact that "He brought them out of darkness and gloom." Aren't you glad that as a Christian, you have been brought from total darkness into marvelous light? 2 Peter 2:9 says that Christ has "called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light." The Light of Christ has opened my blinded eyes, and now I can see clearly. He brought me out of a gloomy existence and replaced the gloom with His own special joy. He gave me the presence of His Spirit to lead me and guide me. Not only that, but the psalmist says, "He broke their chains apart." Sin binds and enslaves, but Christ sets the sinner free. John 8:36 says, "If the Son has set you free, you are free indeed." Live your life today in His light and liberty!

The God of All Strength

2010-05-11T08:17:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love what Psalm 68:19 says, "May the Lord be praised! Day after day He bears our burdens; God is our salvation." The Lord is worthy of all of our praise according to what the Psalmist says. Why? One reason is that He bears our burdens on a daily basis. Notice that the Bible doesn't say, "He occasionally bears our burdens." It doesn't say, "Some days He bears our burdens." No, the Psalmist tells us, "Day after day He bears our burdens!" The same God who bore my burdens yesterday is the same God who will bear my burdens today. I'm afraid that all too often, we try to carry the load all by ourselves. Some Christians are never full of the joy of the Lord because they are too burdened down with struggles. They fail to realize that "day after day He bears our burdens."

Peter phrased it this way in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you." I'll be the first one to confess that life is tough and that some days are better than others. All of us know what it is like to feel burdened, almost to the point of dispair. But how I rejoice in the truth when I come to an understanding that day after day, He bears our burdens! You are not alone today, friend. Whether you realize it or not, He is carrying both you and your heavy load. He is our hope and salvation. Jesus said in Matthew 11:28, "Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." We have a Great High Priest who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. Isaiah wrote, "Surely He hath born our griefs and carried our sorrows." Your burden is His burden. Like the hymn writer said, "Are you weak and heavy laden? Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge! Take it to the Lord in prayer! O, what peace we often forfeit! O, what needless pain we bear! All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer."

He bears our burdens day after day after day. Today is certainly no exception! Find strength in His presence. He is your salvation. He is the God of all strength. And so, as the Psalmist says, "May the Lord be praised!"

Satisfied With His Presence

2010-05-03T06:33:00.002-04:00

There's a phrase in Psalm 17:15 that says, "I will be satisfied with Your presence." What are you satisfied with in life? Where do you as a person seek lasting fulfillment? For some, they can't be satisfied unless they have material things. Many go in debt and purchase things that they really can't afford. Others can't be satisfied uless they feel accepted by others. So they'll try to live in a way that 'impresses' people, all in an attempt to be popular and liked by others. Some people find their satisfaction in life in their families. For them, life is all about their kids. Still, others are satisfied with the the things of the world. Well, the Psalmist says that he is only satisfied by the presence of God in his life. Things didn't matter; family, as important as they are, cannot provide the satisfaction that God can. The things of the world are fading away. They tend to rust and break apart and eventually end up in the landfill somewhere. True satisfaction only comes from the presence of Christ in one's life. Far too many people live out their brief lives here on earth for things that do not last. In an attempt to be happy, they look to all of the wrong places. Friend, others cannot satisfy the deepest longings of your heart! Things such as money, clothes, and material wealth cannot satisfy the deepest longings of your heart! But Jesus can and will as you surrender to His Lordship. He said in John 4:14, "Whosoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." Only Christ, the Living Water, can truly satisfy the thirst of your soul. So come to Him today and drink freely! Don't be satisfied with unsatisfaction.

Miserable Comforters?

2010-04-28T06:56:00.002-04:00

All of us would agree that friends are wonderful things to have. Blessed is the man or the woman who can say that he or she has friends that can be relied upon. I can't imagine going through this life without the fellowship of a close Christian friend, someone who can laugh with you, cry with you, or just be there should you need them. But I want to be a better friend to others than the way that Job's friends were to him! In the book of Job, we read that these "friends"-Bildad, Zophar, and Eliphaz-come to Job to try to be a friend in his time of suffering. Remember, he's lost his family, his wealth, and his health (great passage, by the way, for the prosperity gospel preachers). The friends come to offer their advice and counsel. Listen to what Job says to them in 16:2-5, "Miserable comforters are you all! Shall words of wind have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer? I also could speak as you do, if your soul were in my soul's place. I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you; But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the comfort of my lips would relieve your grief." Job's friends tried to convince him that there was unconfessed sin in his life, and that was the reason he was suffering. When he needed someone to just be there for him, they were quick to give their two cents worth without even being asked for it. I'm telling you, we need to be very careful that we be a true friend to others when they are hurting. Some people are so very well intentioned, but often they do more harm than good when it comes to offering advice. Unless you have been in someone's shoes, you don't know what they are going through, so don't pretend that you do. Love them, pray for them, encourage them, and let them know that if they need anything, you are there. That's what a true friend does. And, when opportunity arises for truth to be shared, then do so with a humble and loving spirit. But don't have a proud know-it-all approach like Job's friends. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

Riches in Christ

2010-04-27T07:28:00.002-04:00

In Philippians 4:19, the Bible says, "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." None of us truly realize all that is our in Christ. God gives to believers not "out of" His riches; He gives to us "according to" His riches. There's a very real difference. For example, if the richest man in the world were to write me a check for $100, it would be out of his riches. However, if he were to give me a blank check, it would be according to his riches. God has given you a blank check in Christ. No matter what your problem or need may be, there are all-sufficient resources that exist just for your benefit. God supplies our need in Christ. Charles Spurgeon wrote, "How seldom do we ask counsel at the hands of the Lord! How often do we go about our business without seeking His guidance! In our troubles how constantly do we strive to bear our burdens ourselves, instead of casting them on the Lord, so that He may sustain us!" The reason is that we fail to understand the vast riches that are ours in Christ. He beckons you to come to Him and find strength for your journey. He invites you to drink of the Living Water this day! Tell Him all of your needs and trust Him to supply them. In faith, learn to trust and depend upon Him in every circumstance and trial, on every mountain top and in every valley. Look to Him as your Guide and know that as you lean upon Him and obey His Word, He will lead you in the right direction. In the words of Spurgeon, "Whatever you are, and wherever you are, remember that God is just what you need and just where you need." Never fail to use so great a privilege!

The Vision of Revival

2010-04-26T08:44:00.003-04:00

Our Spring Revival started off with a very high note on Sunday night. The building was packed, and we even had some seated in the balcony as the Talley Trio ministered to our hearts through song. They are very gifted and used by the Lord in a mighty way. I don't think I have ever been encouraged and lifted up in music as I was last night. Then, Pastor Tom Wagoner brought a message from Psalm 24 on revival whereby he challenged us to "ascend the mountain of the Lord." That will be my prayer this week for our church family. I long to see God move in ways that can only be explained abd attributed to the power of God. The church is in desperate need of His power, and if we are going to be used in reaching others for Christ, then we will need a special touch from the Lord. What if God began a work at Walker Road Baptist Church that began to spread to other churches and eventually touched the entire city of Morganton? I believe with all of of my heart that our city is ripe for the harvest, but we as the church must be willing to work in the field. Revival gives us the strength, power, and motivation that we need. It is where we fall in love with Christ all over again. Revival happens when we reorder our priorities and love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hates. In a word, revival is when God has the heart and affection of His people. Can that be said of our church? Do we love Christ and His gospel more than anything else? Do we have a burden for the souls of men, women, boys, and girls?

Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." When revival happens, God's people get a vision. My prayer for revival is that God would give each of us at Walker Road a vision for our city. You may say, "That's a big vision!" It wouldn't be a vision if it were something that we could do on our own. A vision is something that is beyond ourselves. It is something that is beyond our own resources and abilities. A vision is something that can only be completed by the power of God as we surrender in obedience and become instruments in His hands. With all my heart, I believe that God has us here in this location "for such a time as this." Let's pray for revival, be filled with His Spirit, and get a vision for winning Morganton to Christ!

No Fear in Death

2010-04-20T07:15:00.003-04:00

In Hebrews 2:14, the Bible says, "That through death He might destroy him that had the power of death." According to statistics, the number one phobia that most people have is a fear of death. For the most part, man does absolutely everything that he can to prolong his life and health because he is afraid to die. Because of the fear of death, the majority of humanity ignore its grim reality. To tell you the truth, I don't know what is worse--fearing death or ignoring death! At least a fear of something acknowedges that it exists. The writer of Hebrews encourages us as believers in Christ. The glorious truth of the gospel is that Christ has defeated death and the grave and the devil's power over death is destroyed. And since death has lost its sting, you as a child of God should no longer fear it. Spurgeon said, "Living near the cross of Calvary allows you to think of death with pleasure and welcome it, when it comes, with intense delight. It is sweet to die in the Lord...Death is no longer banishment; it is a return from exile, a going home to the many mansions where the loved ones already dwell." In his letter to the Philippians, Paul said that to live is Christ and to die is gain. In 2 Corinthians 5:8, he wrote, "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." For the one who has trusted in Christ, the Victor over Death, death is nothing to be feared, but rather can be embraced with open arms when it comes, for it will usher us from this life into the next. The Psalmist said, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints." The very moment that a Christian's eyes close on earth, they open in heaven. Such is the wonderful promise of hope that is ours in Christ!

Do You Look Like Jesus?

2010-04-05T07:39:00.004-04:00

How much does your life bear a resemblance to the life of Christ? 1 John 2:6 says, "He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked." In other words, the Apostle John is saying that the one who abides in Christ will have a life that looks like Christ. Such a person will have died to themselves and will be living for Christ. Because of the indwelling Spirit of Christ who is living within this believer, his life will be more like Jesus. The things that were important to Jesus will be important to him. He will possess a love for the lost, a desire to love and obey God, a devotion to prayer and Scripture, and a hatred for sin. Understand that John says the key to living like Christ is abiding in Christ. Jesus said in John 15:4-5, "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." Believers draw spiritual life from Christ, even as branches do from a vine. No branch can grow by itself; it must abide in the vine and recieve life-giving sap from the vine.

What does in mean to abide in Christ? To abide in Christ is to remain in Him--not a temporary and shallow attachment, but a permanent, deep connection. John makes it clear that those who truly abide in Christ "walk as He walked." Obviously, this does not mean that our lives will be sinless and perfect. But His life will be the life that we pattern ours after. We will obey His word and ever become more like Him.

When others look at you, who do they see? What kind of pattern do they see? May the world see Jesus when they look on us! This will only be the case as we abide in Him and He in us.

The Test of Obedience

2010-03-30T07:43:00.003-04:00

According to the Apostle John, there are a couple of ways or 'tests' whereby we can examine ourselves to see whether or not our salvation is genuine. One of those tests is the test of obedience. 1 John 2:3-5, the Bible says, "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know that we are in Him." Obedience to the commands of Christ is an indicator that one is a genuine follower of Christ. Now, please understand that a person is not saved by their works. Obeying the Ten Commandments is not what saves someone; faith in Christ is the only way to be saved. However, John is saying that a person who has genuine faith in Christ will be living a life that is obedient and submitted to what Christ has commanded. Jesus said the same thing in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments." A Christian is a follower of Christ. Can one rightly be called a Christian if he or she lives a life that ignores and disregards what Christ has said? The answer is no. John uses strong language to describe the person who calls himself a Christian, yet lives a life of continual disobedience. He calls the person a "liar, and the truth is not in him."

Friend, not everyone who calls themself a Christian is really a Christian. There are many 'Christians' in name, who call themselves such because they grew up in church, becasue they live in the Bible belt, or because they believe in God. James says that even the devil believes in God! It is not intellectual assent or acknowledging the existence of God that saves someone; it is faith, surrender, and trust in Jesus Christ. One must repent of their sins, trust that Christ died on the cross to save them by paying the price for their sin debt, believe in their heart that He is raised from the dead, and surrender to Him as Lord. Once a person has really surrendered to Christ, the fruit of obedience will be seen in their life.

Verse 5 says, "But whoever keeps His word (obedience), truly the love of God is perfected in Him. By this we know that we are in Him." In other words, if obedience to God is being demonstrated in a person's life, then there is proof that they really do love Him. A person who is in perpetual disobedience has no right to assume that he really knows God. And yet how many multiple thousands of professing believers fall into this category! They base their salvation on a prayer that they prayed like it were some magical formula, and they live any old way that they please becasue they assume that they are 'saved.' If you were to ask them what salvation is according to the Bible, they really couldn't tell you. Friend, please do not base your hope of salvation on anything else other than faith in Christ and His atoning death and resurrection.

Test your faith. Does it line up to what the Bible says genuine faith is? Is there a pattern of obedience in your life? Salvation doesn't mean you'll be perfect by any means, but neither does it mean that you will be in darkness with no desire to love, honor, serve, and obey Christ.

The Christian's Enemy

2010-03-24T07:33:00.003-04:00

As Christians, we need to understand that we have an enemy. And, so very often we fail to understand just who exactly our enemy is. Sometimes, we tend to think that the fight is with the people around us, but the Bible says in 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."

I know that we have had a lot of so-called "change" forced upon us here in America lately that we don't agree with, but we need to realize that our enemy is not a Republican or a Democrat. Washington politicians are not the enemy. The enemy is not a disgruntled church member, a mean and insensitive boss, or your husband or wife or your wife’s family. He’s not the pornographer, the liquor store owner, or the one who peddles drugs. These are all people of flesh and blood. True, they may be used by the enemy, but the fight is not with them; the fight is with the one who has blinded them to their sins. 2 Corinthians 4:4 says, "Whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should sihne on them." Satan, the "god of this age," is the true enemy of the Christian.

So many times, the reason we don’t win the battle is because we never show up for the war with the real thing – the devil. We spend our time fighting each other or other things, and all the while he laughs and mocks us. He’s clever and secretive. Jesus said this about the devil, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundant." Don't forget who your real enemy is, Christian. And, understand that you can't do battle when you are not on your knees. Prayer is the battlefield.

You Find Out Who Your Friends Are

2010-03-22T07:35:00.003-04:00

I must confess that I am very concerned with what I am seeing in the lives of many who profess to know Christ. Rather than serving Him with a hot and loyal heart, far too many professing Christians have divided loyalties in our generation. They have a tight grip on the world with one hand while they try to serve God with the other. James 4:4 says, "Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." A Christian who bows down to the idols of this world commits spiritual adultery, which is something that grieves the heart of God. Verse 5 says, "Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?" Our God is a jealous God and will not let the true believer go undisciplined whenever something comes between them and the Lord. If these professing believers would just get honest, the truth is that a lot of things are more important to them than obedience to Christ. They have given themselves over to idolatry, just like Israel did before they were led away into captivity. These people would rather have their alcohol, their sports, their lavish lifestyles, and their Sunday mornings at home in the bed. Oh, you can rest assured that they will call on God when they need Him, though. The moment that they lose a job or have an illness or have some other need, they'll come crying back to God for help. But their problem is that they become forgetful. They go right back to the pigpen of the world and demonstrate their ungrateful, unthankful attitude. TO BE A FRIEND OF THE WORLD IS TO BE AN ENEMY OF GOD! Professing believers who fall into this category need to repent and return to the God that they have abandoned for the fool's gold of this world. In verses 6-10, James gives the perscription for their sin sickness, "But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up."

Our Advocate

2010-03-17T07:36:00.003-04:00

In 1 John 2:1, the Bible says, "My little children, these things I write to you, so thta you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." I can remember when I was young, my dad and me would watch those old Perry Mason reruns that would come on television. I can remember thinking that he had to be the best lawyer in the world, because he never lost a case. An "advocate" is like a defense attorney, someone who comes to the defense of another. According to what John writes, the purpose of his writing is to warn the believer of the dangers of sin. But what a comforting truth it is to know that since none of us are perfect, we have someone who comes to our defense before the throne of God--Jesus Christ. I want you to imagine with me the scene in Heaven's courtroom: All of Heaven is called to witness against us. You and I are on trial for being a sinner. The prosecuting attorney, Satan himself, is making his case against us. He says, "I have proof that this man is a sinner! The proof is in the mistakes he makes and the things he has done!" Of course, you know that you are guilty. You hang your head down in shame as the devil accuses you. When he is finished, with a smirk on his face, he returns to his seat. But then, your "Advocate" stands to His feet. He says, "Your Honor, Father, may I approach the bench?" As He does, He turns and declares to all who are gathered, "It is is true; he is a sinner. But you see, he is a sinner that has been saved by My grace." He then shows the court His hands and feet. "Do you see these nail prints? What about where the spear pierced My side? You see, I have already paid the price for his sin! He received Me as Savior and Lord, and His sins have been forgiven and I remember them no more!" At that, you are declared to be not guilty.

That is what it means to have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He stood condemned to die in my place for crimes that He did not commit. He paid a debt He did not owe because I owed a debt I could not pay. As the hymn says, "Was it for crimes that I had done, He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree!" Now, because I have received Him as my Savior and Lord, He stands as my Advocate who comes to my defense, my Divine Helper and Intercessor before the Father.

Faithful to Forgive

2010-03-12T09:31:00.002-05:00

I love 1 John 1:9 because it records one of the most precious promises in all of the Bible. The Apostle John writes, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Verse 10 says, "If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." Since all of us fall into the category of being a sinner, than all of us have confess our sins in order to experience the forgiveness of God. It means that we have to agree with God about our helpless, fallen condition. We need to see our sin the way that God see it--offensive to His holy and righteous character. I spoke with a man this morning who admitted that he needed the forgiveness of God, and that He prayed for forgiveness every day. The only way that forgiveness is granted is when we confess our sin to God through repentance. Understand that forgiveness is not something that can be earned, nor is it something that we deserve. God forgives us only because of His grace through Jesus Christ. God treats everyone the same way in this matter. Notice that the verse says "He is faithful and just to forgive." People I know are not that way. They may forgive one person, but not forgive the other. God forgives all who come to Him in humble repentance. Forgiveness is available because of Christ's death on the cross in the sinner's place. Ephesians 1:7 says, "In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sin." Sometimes, a person will think that they are beyond the reach of God's forgiveness, that they've committed horrible sin that cannot be forgiven. Notice that verse 9 says that the Lord is "faithful and just...to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." As the hymn so eloquently puts it, "Jesus paid it all! All to Him I owe! Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow!" Rejoice today if your sins have been forgiven and atoned for by Christ. Repent and trust Him as Savior if they have not. He's faithful to forgive!

There's No Such Thing As Perfect People

2010-03-10T06:49:00.002-05:00

After a day of sickness, I'm back to my regular routine. I spent Tuesday trying to recover from that awful stomach virus that has been going around. I'm feeling much better today, like a new man in fact! 1 John 1:8 says, "If we say we have no sin, we decieve ourselves, and the truth is not in us." A person can never be saved without first recognizing the fact that he or she is a sinner. We're not sinners because we sin; we're sinners because we are born with a sin nature. For example, my daughter is three, and she is really testing her mom and dad right now! Believe it or not, we didn't teach her how to throw a fit when she doesn't get what she wants. We did not teach her how to disobey. It all comes natural. Why? Becasue the Word of God says that humanity is fallen. We are all born with a sin nature, therefore we have the propensity for sin. Often, a person believes that he is basically good. Since they have never committed a serious crime, they assume that they are a good person. In fact, many don't see the need for Christ because they feel that they are okay. But according to what John writes here in verse 8, a person who sees themself that way only decieves himself. Rather than being set free by the truth of the gospel, they are blinded by a lie. There is no such thing as perfect people! The Bible says in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God." From the finest upstanding citizen to the vilest criminal in the prison, all of us fall into the same category spiritually. We are all sinners in need of salvation, and none of us are good enough to make it on our own. We desperately need Christ. The good news of the gospel is that Christ died in our place on the cross. He paid the price for sin on the cross, and we can be saved all by His grace by confessing Him as our Lord.

Profession or Possession?

2010-03-08T06:45:00.003-05:00

Not everyone who says they are saved are actually saved. Jesus said that there are tares among the wheat. There are wolves in sheep's clothing. Not all who profess to know Christ possess Christ. In 1 John 1:6-7, the Apostle John says, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin." True believers will bear fruit. Now, that certainly does not mean that they will be perfect, but it does mean that a pattern of righteousness will be evident in their lives if they truly know Christ. Rather than walking in darkness, they will walk in light. The things that they once loved as an unbeliever will now become the things that they hate as a believer. In my dealings with people, almost everybody I talk to is "saved." Ask them what that means, and you'll be surprised that they really don't know. They are in total darkness. Their lifestyle and pattern of unrighteousness is proof enough that they don't truly know the Christ who changes lives and sets the sinner free. Notice the phrase there in verse 6: "practice the truth." Those who are in the light are practitioners of the truth. Truth has changed their lives, and thus consequently characterizes their lives. As John says in verse 7, "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin."

I hope you understand that there is a real difference in professing to know Christ versus possessing a saving knowledge of Christ. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said that one day, many who profess to know Him will hear Him say, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity: I never knew you." O, may it be said that we know Him, and that He knows us!

Mens' Ministry @ Walker Road

2010-03-06T11:11:00.002-05:00

Since today is Saturday, I'll wait to post a new devotion from 1 John until tomorrow morning. I am very excited about our mens' ministry at Walker Road. The name for our ministry is "Bridge Builders." Brother Clyde Flowers is our coordinator, and he has a real vision for the men of our church! We need to build bridges that connect us to people, to those who are lost, and those to whom we can minister and share the love of Christ. A group of eight men met this morning at 6:00am and prepared a wonderful breakfast. Our meeting began at 8:00am, and we had a total of 44 men present. Evangelist Dave Kistler gave us a challenging message from Psalm 133 about unity and the necessity of coming together as believers. What a wonderful time in the Lord we had, and I look forward to all that God is going to do through the Bridge Builders!

God is Light

2010-03-05T07:37:00.003-05:00

The world we live in is dark. The vast majority of mankind stumbles around in the darkness and lives an aimless, meaningless life. Without a saving knowledge of Christ, life for them is all about stuff. It is a man-centered life. However, once a person comes to know Christ, the light is turned on, so to speak. As John Newton wrote, "I was once blind, but now I see." In 1 John 1:5, the Apostle John writes, "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all." The light of God exposes sin for what it is. His light shows us our desperate need for His saving grace. Light has many interesting qualities if you think about it for a minute. For instance, light expels darkness. Darkness has to flee the moment that the light is turned on. Light also enables sight. Imagine trying to find your way through a dark room. There could be obstacles and things to trip over lying there in the floor, and without some kind of light, you would be completely unaware of it. Light extends guidance. I think about all of those lighthouses that are on the North Carolina Outer Banks. Those lighthouses served as beacons to guide ships safely to their destination. Psalm 119:105 says that God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The light of His Word and His Spirit guides us into truth and shows us how to live our lives.

Can you imagine living in a world without light? It would be a horrible place. And yet, there are millions who grope in darkness who need to "see the light" of the Lord Jesus. By the way, Jesus said that His followers are the light of the world. As He lives His life in us, He shines His light through us. And so let's shine the light of Christ so that a dark and dying world may come to know Him!

The Joy of the Believer

2010-03-04T07:15:00.002-05:00

Acoording to what the Bible says, followers of Jesus Christ are to be full of His joy. In the opening verses of 1 John, the Apostle John explains that his purpose in writing is to testify of the truth of the gospel, and his purpose is stated in verses 3-4. But I want you to pay attention to what he says in verse 4, "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full." Knowledge and obedience to the truth will result in the believer's joy. Recently, I just finished with a series through the book of Philippians, an epistle of Paul that many have come to refer to as "The Epistle of Joy." On eighteen seperate occasions in only four small chapters, Paul speaks of joy or rejoicing. What's really interesting is that Paul was writing from prison. The truth is that circumstances do not determine the Christian's joy. Circumstances are frequently changing, but our joy in the Lord is to remain a constant. People are looking for joy in all the wrong places. They look to money, they look to other people, they look to ideal cicumstances. Joy is not something that can be found apart from Christ. Martyn Lloyd Jones defined the joy that the Apostle John was speaking about in verse 4: "Joy is something very deep and profound, something that affects the whole and entire personality. In other words, it comes to this; there is only one thing that can give true joy and that is contemplation of the Lord Jesus Christ. He satisfies my mind; He satisfies my emotions; He satisfies my every desire. He and His great salvation include the whole personality and nothing less, and in Him I am complete joy. Joy in other words, is the response and the reaction of the soul to a knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." If it is joy that you are longing for, then look to the only true source!

Fellowship with the Father and the Son

2010-03-03T07:36:00.002-05:00

In the opening verses of 1 John, the Apostle John explains his own personal testimony that attests to the truth of the gospel. In verse 3, he declares his reason for doing so: "That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." Personally, I'm glad that the disciples did not keep the gospel to themselves, aren't you? If they had been like so many professing believers today, world evangelization would have never taken place. They were convinced of the truth, changed by the truth, and committed to the truth! In the Southern Baptist Convention, our leaders are advocating the need for a Great Comission Ressurgence. Before there will ever be greater committment to the Great Commission in our convention, there must be greater committment in our churches. And before there can be greater committment in our churches, there must be greater committment in the lives of pastors and individual believers who make up those churches. Like John, are you declaring to others what you "have heard and seen" and know to be true? Are you passionate about sharing the gospel to those who are lost in darkness? It is my desire that the lost inhabitants of this world come to know Jesus Christ, that they may have fellowship with us and fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ suffered and died on a cross, He spilled His blood so that we could know that fellowship. He paid the price for my sins! And now, by grace through faith I am able to enjoy fellowship with the Father through the Son. Who are you going to share Christ with today?

The Disciples Were Convinced!

2010-03-02T07:27:00.003-05:00

There are some who would claim that the record of the gospels is nothing more than made up fairy tales, myths, and legend. But such a claim has not seriously considered the facts. In 1 John 1:1-2, the Apostle John, the disciple who was closest to the Lord Jesus, wrote, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life--the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us." John is writing from the convinced belief that he saw God face to face in the person of Jesus Christ. Consider the language he uses. He says, "We've heard...we've seen...we've looked upon...we've touched." The gospel record was not a figment of someone's imagination. It was not a dream of a fancified story. It was real events that took place in real time. The claims of the Word of God are 100 percent accurate without any error whatsoever! Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life. He worked miracles. The life He lived and the words He spoke clearly demonstrated that He was God in human flesh. He is the fulfillment of all Old Testament prophecy. He went to a cross and died as the sinner's substitute, the perfect sacrifice for sin. Three days later, He arose victorious and was visibly seen by His disciples. Anyone who would deny this most well documented and proven fact of history is living in complete denial.

And so the truth is that the disiples were obviously convinced. Think about it--each of them went to their deaths at the hands of persecutors. They gave their lives for what they knew to be the truth! Men don't do that over a lie and a fabricated tale. No, they were convinced. My question for you today is, "Are you personally convinced?"

The Blessing of Being Humble

2010-03-01T07:32:00.002-05:00

In Matthew 5:3, Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." This verse is found in the opening section of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. It is one of the Beatitudes, which I simply define as attitudes that are to 'be' in your life. The first beatitude has to do with our humilty before God. Elsewhere, Scripture says that God resists the proud, but He extends grace to the humble. Without humility, no person can ever come to know Christ. Jesus said that a person has to humble himself as a little child if he desires to enter into the kingdom of heaven. A child is characterized by humble faith. For instance, my little girl doesn't worry about whether or not daddy is going to take care of her. She just believes. The promise in Matthew 5:3 is that those who are poor in spirit, those who recognize their own spiritual bankruptcy, to them the kingdom of heaven is promised. True conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit will lead a person to have this kind of attitude before God. Scores of people miss out on heaven because they allow their sinful pride to keep them from coming to faith in Christ. Not only is this attitude necessary for true conversion, but it is also necessary for living the Christian life. No where is pride to be allowed in the life of a child of God. If you and I are to be truly poor in spirit, we need not ever forget just where it was that Christ found us! It is out of humility that we attribute to Him all the glory for our salvation.

Sounding the Alarm

2010-02-27T20:57:00.003-05:00

Today, all of us awoke to the news that the nation of Chile was devestated by a magnitude 8.8 earthquake. Hundreds of lives were lost. Families were bereaved of loved ones. Hawaii was threatened by massive waves. Is it me, or does it seem that these natural disasters are becoming more and more frequent? Of course, Jesus said that this would be the case before He would come again. As I hear the news, and as my heart breaks for those whose lives have been affected, I am made more aware that my Lord could come at any moment. The most important thing that I can do is sound the alarm. Just like the alarms were sounding in Hawaii warning people of the coming potential disaster, so also should the church be sounding the alarm in an effort to warn the world that judgment awaits those who refuse to turn to Christ and be saved. Romans 13:11 says, "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." The good news that the world needs to hear is that Jesus Christ died to save us from our sins. He is the only hope for the world in a generation of fear uncertainty. Though the ground may move beneath us, I am thankful that the Solid Rock of my salvation is an immovable refuge!

The Secret of Christian Contentment

2010-02-26T09:32:00.002-05:00

Can your life best be described as a "contented" life? Someone has well said that contentment is a highly prized but elusive virtue. People are all the time trying to seek it in places it can't be found--in more money, bigger houses, different relationships, and in substance abuse. The truth is that contentment can only be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ! In Philippians 4:11, the Apostle Paul wrote, "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." That's very interesting, for Paul was not writing these words while stretched out on a beach in the Caribbean; he was writing while imprisoned in Rome. As a believer in Jesus Christ, he had learned that our circumstances are to have no bearing over whether or not we are content. The secret of Christian contentment is that our fulfillment and satisfaction can only be found in the person of the Son of God.

And so I close with the question I asked in the beginning paragraph: "Are you a content person?" Understand that I'm not talking about complacency. I'm referring to a life that has found true contentment in Christ and nothing else. Don't look to more money to provide you with that which only Christ can provide you. Don't look to a new job or a different spouse or a bigger house. 'Things' never satisfy.

The Danger of Losing a Generation

2010-02-25T07:51:00.001-05:00

I think one of the saddest passages of Scripture can be found in Judges 2:10-12. Joshua had just died. The people were settled in the land that had been given to them by the Lord. Verse 10 says, "When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel." As a result, verses 11-12 go on to say, "Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served the Baals; and they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt; and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them; and they provoked the Lord to anger."
From this text, I believe that we come to the learn the danger that is involved with losing a generation. Someone has well said that we are only one generation away from complete apostasy. Here's proof in Scripture of that fact. When we fathers fail to bring up our children in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord, we lose a generation. When the church fails to carry out the Great Commission, we lose a generation. Perhaps the multiplied problems that we are facing in our society today are simply symptomatic of the greater problem of losing a generation. What's interesting is that further on in Judges 2, the Bible says that God would raise up judges to call His people back to a place of repentance and faith. That's where we are today! This generation needs to hear the voice of a God-called prophet who is not afraid to stand up and boldly declare the truth of the gospel.
My question for you is, "What will you do to see to it that a future generation knows the truth of Jesus Christ?" May you diligently teach the truth to your children. Write it on the doorposts of your house. Church, we cannot afford to lose another generation! The cost will be far too great!

On Being Filled with the Holy Spirit

2010-02-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

Tonight in our Bible Study @ Walker Road, we will be examining what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. The question I hope to answer is, "When a Christian is filled with the Spirit, what will his or her relationship with God be like?" Ephesians 5:19 says it will result in, "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns ans spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord." The Christian who is filled with the Spirit will be "speaking" truth and "singing" songs in worship! There will be a spirit of adoration of the Lord Jesus that will consume that person's heart and life. When you are full of the Spirit, you are full of love for Jesus. You will absolutely radiate the Lord Jesus. That's why Jesus said in John 16 that "the Spirit will not testify of Himself, but will instead testify of Me."

My First Blog

2010-02-24T16:18:00.000-05:00

Today marks the day that I finally decide to blog! We'll just have to see how it goes. I hope to use this blog to encourage others in the faith by sharing insights and thoughts that God gives me through His Word. There's plenty of what I call "bashing blogs" out there, and this is certainly not one of those! I'd encourage you to follow, and my prayer is that you will be encouraged and strengthened in your faith. Blessings on you!