Opportunities on Purpose

This is a sermon that I preached at Bethel today.  I wanted to post the notes, because as you know, sermons don't always go as planned and there are resources some may find helpful.  Because of the amazing tool called reftagger, provided by logos Bible software, (a tool that turns website Scripture references into hyperlinks that can be change to just about any version of the Bible on the fly!), I've decided to upload these notes so you can search the great passages on the "Mystery of Christ" referenced in the sermon.  May the Lord bless you as you review this text and make the decision to make unselfish praying and evangelistic praying part of your Christian worldview.

Opportunities on Purpose

Colossians 4:2-6

Since Jesus has not come back yet.  We have work to do.  There is a harvest waiting for us.

Next week we will  take up a cash offering for church planting and raise our giving budget for next year.  My concern is that this not be just another item on the church calendar.  God has redeemed us. The Gospel made it this far.  Now we have the privilege of helping get it further.  

God wants to be involved!  God wants to use us!, we have to include Him in the proposition. There is a passage at the end of Colossians that speaks to what we can do...right now.  Turn to Colossians 4:2

LET’S PRAY

1. Believers can Pray with Purpose

Colossians 4:2–4 (ESV)

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 

Delmer Guynes, the former president of SAGU and missionary to China said this about prayer:  “There is no limit to what God can do if you learn to pray unselfishly”

Jesus encouraged his disciples:  Mark 14:38 (ESV)

38 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 

Colossians 2:2 ² that ^ztheir hearts may be encouraged, being ^aknit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of ^bGod’s mystery, which is Christ, 

Ephesians 1:9 ^9 vmaking known¹ to us the mystery of his will, ⁿaccording to his purpose, which he ^wset forth in Christ 

Ephesians 3:3–4 ^3 show the mystery was made known to me ^tby revelation, ^uas I have written briefly. ^4 vWhen you read this, you can perceive my insight into ^wthe mystery of Christ, 

Ephesians 3:9 ⁹ and ⁱto bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery ^jhidden for ages in¹ God ^kwho created all things, 

Ephesians 5:32 ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 

Ephesians 6:19 ¹⁹ and ^dalso for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth ^eboldly to proclaim ^fthe mystery of the gospel, 

Romans 12:12 ^12 zRejoice in hope, ^abe patient in tribulation, ^bbe constant in prayer. 

Ephesians 6:18 ¹⁸ praying ^yat all times ^zin the Spirit, ^awith all prayer and supplication. To that end ^bkeep alert with all perseverance, making ^csupplication for all the saints, 

Philippians 4:6 ^6 rdo not be anxious about anything, ^sbut in everything by prayer and supplication ^twith thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 ^17 wpray without ceasing, 

1. Believers can use Wisdom 

col 4:5

5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 

James 1:5 (ESV)

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Jesus said He would not leave us comfortless.

The original word here implies walking around, “as you go about”.  It makes the best use of the time.

1. Believers can Know what to Say 

col 4:6

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

The Question of course is.....Will You?

Maybe you need to take the opportunity this morning to come to Jesus.  The door has been opened for you.  The Bible says if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creature, old things have passed away, behold all things have become new.

DECISION ONE

Are you willing to take this passage this week and use it? I will intentionally pray for God to open doors for lost people.

DECISION TWO

I will pray that God will provide for all of our missionaries and get us along the road to plant churches.

Mormon Resources

So.  The Mormons are in the news!  I've already written one blog about it, but I prepared this information for an adult Sunday School class at Bethel . I wanted to have this resource available all the time so I'm reposting it here.  May the Lord bless you as you develop relationships with Mormon people who are genuinely trying to believe the Christ of the Bible!

Are Mormons a Cult?  How to Witness and How to Pray

Yes.  Mormons are a cult.  The question is, who cares?  There are 2 main distinctions in our culture concerning religion and cults.  

1. Cults are unorthodox (false)
2. Christianity maintains orthodoxy (truth)
3. Christianity claims the Christ of the Bible is the only way to heaven
1. John 14:6 (ESV)

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The Assemblies of God, as one of over 200 Christian denominations claims the following about Christ.  These statements are relatively uniform among Christian denominations, including Catholics and Greek Orthodox.

www.ag.org/beliefs

The Lord Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. The Scriptures declare:

His virgin birth,

• Matthew 1:23 Luke 1:31 Luke 1:35 

His sinless life,

• Hebrews 7:26
• 1 Peter 2:22 
• His miracles,
• Acts 2:22 
• Acts 10:38 

His substitutionary work on the cross,

• 1 Corinthians 15:3 
• 2 Corinthians 5:21 

His bodily resurrection from the dead,

• Matthew 28:6 
• Luke 24:39 
• 1 Corinthians 15:4 

His exaltation to the right hand of God.

• Acts 1:9 
• Acts 1:11 
• Acts 2:33 
• Philippians 2:9-11 
• Hebrews 1:3 

Mormon or LDS, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints says that Jesus was once only human and became divine.  It also asserts that Jesus and Satan were brothers originally.  

Mormonism is a cult because it denies the reality of the Christ of the Bible.

The good news is Mormons can be saved!  

Keep these things in mind as you pray for and witness to Mormons.

1. There is no geographical record for the lands mentioned in the book of Mormon
2. There is NO archaeological data for the events mentioned in the book of Mormon
3. There is NO textual evidence whatsoever for the book of Mormon texts before 1830 AD

The Bible on the other hand.

1. Has maps, a geographical record for the lands mentioned 
2. Has many archaeological sites for the events mentioned in the Bible
3. Has 40000 manuscripts for the Old and New Testament as early as 500 years BC for the OT, and 100 Ad for the NT

There are many nominal Mormons.  That is, they do not know their doctrine, they don’t go to the temple and they listen to evangelical Christian music.

There are tremendous resources for evangelizing Mormons.

www.sourceflix.com

The Bible vs. the Book of Mormon (youtube)

The Bible vs. Joseph Smith

Lifting the Veil of Polygamy

The Crags of the Wild Goats

and many more.

PRAY 

1. That God will open up the door to the Mormons in our community
2. That God will lead you into conversations with Mormons so they can be saved

Rev. Charles M. Barnes, pastor

The small church that I was saved in, and received my early impressions of the Pentecostal movement in, was Hillcrest Assembly of God in Arlington, TX.  From this small location off Division Street in Arlington, Charles and Geraldine Barnes served as the Pastors of Hillcrest and then Memorial Assembly of God for well over 40 years.  In the early days, Hillcrest was a growing church with an expansive heart for outreach through Bro. Barnes' "Gospel Messenger Broadcast".  I don't know if there are any recordings of that broadcast but I did find this article on the web about Bro. Barnes in 1965.   This article happens to be housed at the Assemblies of God center for Pentecostal history, the  Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center. 

While I won't take the time to comment on the tremendous resource that the IFPHC is, I am thankful that I found this article and I can't imagine how it could have been done otherwise.  Brother Barnes was a treasure.  My family, as one of few families in the church after a split in the late 60s, would help provide the music background to the "Gospel Messenger Broadcast".  I remember one Christmas the church gave Bro. Barnes a "reel to reel" recorder so that he could tape his broadcasts at the church or at home, and then mail them off to the radio stations in Arkansas and other areas around TX.    They would record the introductory to the broadcast on Wednesday evenings. I remember my family helping to sing "Only Trust Him" and "He Could Have Called 10000 angels" as the introductory music to the Gospel Messenger broadcast. 

Brother Barnes died in I think 1981, and his wife Geraldine continued to pastor Memorial until her death some twenty years later. My colleague, Dr. Mary Jackson also preached at Memorial and was a close friend of Geraldine until her death.  I was privileged to receive several books from Bro. Barnes library. His Ironside commentaries are underlined extensively.

I have no idea the breadth of that ministry.  I just remember hearing that "he was a great preacher" and when people who heard the broadcast would come to Arlington, they were disappointed to find he pastored a small church.  Today, many gifted pastors struggle to keep the Church going.  It's not a new problem.

The Langstons left the church when I was ten to go to the big church across town.  My parents were concerned that my older brother and sister needed a youth group.  It was probably the right decision, but I know that many small churches have such a wider impact than they will ever know this side of eternity.

The same year I was born, however, Hillcrest Assembly of God  was a light in the midst of darkness to the growing city of Arlington.  I'm providing this article as tribute to the man who brought the gospel to me, and who knows how many thousands of others.  This article comes from the January 24, 1965 Pentecostal Evangel  available here.  





Hey Governor Perry, Guess What? Mormonism is a Cult

First and foremost, let me provide a disclaimer.  I like watching political news. That's probably why I know about this.  Secondly, I don't ever comment on politics really, unless it involves moral and theological issues.  Third, I am privileged to teach Introduction to Theology at Southwestern Assemblies of God University. So maybe I have a sensitivity to ridiculous theological assertions.  I think its important to point out when error is being propagated, no matter who it is.

This week, Governor Perry was introduced by Dr. Robert Jeffress, the Senior Pastor of First Baptist, Dallas.  I appreciate FBC Dallas for the stand they take for Jesus.  Here is the article that mentions the event I'm referring to.

What concerns me is this comment made by the office of Rick Perry.

"Perry spokesman Robert Black said in a statement after the event, “The governor does not believe Mormonism is a cult."


You can't have it both ways. Let's not affirm the evangelical credentials of ANY candidate that suggests mormonism is not a cult.  


Watch this video about the Bible vs. the Book of Mormon.


Colossians 2:16–23 and Galatians 1:8 make it quite clear that one cannot be a Christian in name only.  Evangelicals and Pentecostals are not ignorant, Governor.  We read our Bibles and and we make our theological decisions based on the authority of Scripture, not the latest poll numbers.  Maybe if you would read your Bible you would discover the difference between truth and error.

Could Mitt Romney be a good president?  Probably.  Is he a Mormon?  Yes.  Are Mormons Christians?  not unless they have denied the jesus of the book of Mormon and accepted the Jesus of the Bible. Is the Gospel available to Mormons?  Absolutely!  Romans 10:9-10 is for everyone.

The Miracle of the Dead Sea Scrolls

I may be one of a minority that care, that's ok.  In 1948, some shepherd boys stumbled upon some scrolls in a cave by the Dead Sea.  The result of that discovery was objective proof that the wonder of oral tradition and the transmission of the Old Testament was clearly telling the revelation of God to man. Now,  this week, 63 years after that discovery, ANYONE can study the Dead Sea Scrolls.  I won't tell you how, I'll just let you click on the links:

Dead Sea Scrolls Online   What an amazing time we live in,   The Israel Museum in Jerusalem; the Shrine of the Book, has just partnered with Google to present the Dead Sea Scrolls to the world.     This just happened this week. Watch a video about it.     The Great Isaiah Scroll   View where Dead Sea Scrolls are stored.     History and  significance of the Scroll. When you look at it, make sure you navigate from right to left, it's Hebrew!

When Peter was writing to the Church at the close of the first century, after Christianity had spread over the known world and as the New Testament was being written, he linked up the power of Scripture in the Old Testament with what God was doing then.  Even as Nero was persecuting Christians, Peter declared this truth about the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament revelation:



2 Peter 1:16–19 (NASB95)

16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.

17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—

18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

19 So we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts.

Now because of this gift from the Nation of Israel.  You can study the "word of the prophets" by simply clicking on a section and watching an pop-up translation in English.

May the Lord bless you as you encounter His word.

The Truth in Two Verses

I read the other day that Salvation is a compilation of many little salvations as we learn over the course of our spiritual journey to "convert" to Christ.  Having been raised in a Pentecostal and somewhat legalistic environment where I was saved every weekend, this blessed me.  It also reminded me of what Billy Graham identified in his own spiritual journey.  In his autobiography, "Just as I Am", Dr. Graham talked about how he made a confession of Christ in a revival service as a youth, but later was "converted".  It could be that this is the normal process of maturing in Christ.  The Bible says if ANY man is in Christ, he is a new creation, old things are passed away, behold all things are new (2 Corinthians 5:17). I'm personally convinced that many believers are not experiencing the abundant life that Jesus promised.  I think this is because of three reasons.

First, they do not understand that the grace of God is sufficient for EVERYTHING.  They are still trying to live out their life on their own terms and suffering because of their decisions. These devoted believers are trying to live for Jesus under their own power. When Jesus was finishing his remarks about abiding in the Father in John 15, He also revealed His purpose for us in verse 11  (John 15:11)

Mrs. Cecil Alexander wrote the hymn, "Jesus Calls Us", the verses help to understand the message of the New Testament to trust Jesus and follow Jesus in everything.

Jesus calls us o’er the tumult of our life’s wild, restless sea; day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying, “Christian, follow Me.”

Jesus calls us from the worship of the vain world’s golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, “Christian, love Me more.”

In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still He calls, in cares and pleasures, “Christian, love Me more than these.”

Jesus calls us: by Thy mercies, Savior, may we hear Thy call, give our hearts to Thy obedience, serve and love Thee best of all.

Second, they reject the power of the Holy Spirit.  The key to purpose for believers is the baptism in the Holy Spirt.  When Paul arrived at Ephesus, he asked them if they received the Holy Spirit when they believed?  They responded that they had never heard of the Holy Spirit.  (Acts 19:2-7)  If Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem until you receive power from on high (Acts 1:1-8), then why would that not be necessary for us in our day?  The Spirit provides the ACTUAL presence and power of God in the believers life.  When Jesus was talking about the Spirit to the disciples, He said this:

John 7:37–39 (ESV)

37 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.

John 14:17 (ESV)

17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

Third, they are content with knowing about Jesus, but not knowing Jesus.  What do I mean by this?  They have correct doctrine, they have checked the theological blocks and may actually be saved, but that is all they want.  They don't really think that serving Christ is a daily activity, just an important religious exercise.  This too, is contrary to what Scripture says.  When Jesus was trying to help His disciples understand the difference between doctrinal religion and true relationship, He quoted from Isaiah 29:13 and said this:

Matthew 15:8 (ESV)

8 “ ‘This people honors me with their lips,

but their heart is far from me;

Thankfully, there is a better alternative than these three perspectives.  We do not need to be content with a nostalgic Jesus, live under our status as believers and ignore the power of the Holy Spirit.  When Paul was writing to Titus.  He identified the essence of Christianity in two verses.  That's right.  Just 2.  Consider the magnificent truths of Titus 3:5-7

Titus 3:5–7 (ESV)

5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  

How did He save us?

Not by works of righteousness, but according to His mercy (by the washing of regeneration AND renewal of the Holy Spirit)

What's our status now?

 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  

The truth is in these two verses.  Today, right now we have the Spirit available to remind us of the grace, love and presence of God.  He's available to release power (Acts 2:4, Acts 10:44-46) in our lives for God's purposes.

At the same time, we are justified in the sight of God until the transition to eternal life.

May God help us all to rise above the ugly negativity of a lost world and find in Him all that we need.

God Likes You

The view is prevalent in our culture.  The view is "God is mean, God is harsh and judgmental and He wants you to give up your life for a set of rules".  I'm not completely sure why this view is so prevalent, but I have a few thoughts.  First, when God is not in the picture, everything defaults to legalism.  Look at the world religions for example.  The Hindu has to "work" to accept everyone. The simple adaptation of every belief system and doing good raises the level of "karma" which works out better.  The Muslim has to pray regularly, deny himself, and work to advance the cause of his false god.  In so doing, he "achieves" favor with god and his future is secure.  The hedonist (the one who's only goal is to get pleasure and avoid pain), works his whole life to make sure he enjoys himself and doesn't hurt anybody. He thinks to himself, "I'm a good person, I try to help people....somebody has to look out for number one".

Add any other religion or worldview and you'll see the same dogmatic and legalistic result.  THEY ARE WORKING to find meaning in life.

The Christian narrative should be different.  The Bible declares that if any man is in Christ he is a new creation,  (2 Corinthians 5:17)  Christ did the WORK for you.  Notice the grand contrast between the religious lies of the enemy and Christian Truth in John 10:10.

UNFORTUNATELY,  many believers live a legalistic life.  They have asked Christ into their heart, they are attending church and trying to follow him, but the orientation is WORKS BASED!  They are living BELOW THEIR STATUS.

If a benefactor downloaded billions of dollars into your account with no restrictions, you would not go begging on the street.  Christ has done the work!  Consider the truth of Galatians 3:13-14  Christ REDEEMED US!  He is the One who did the work not us.

Paul says it this way in Titus 3:5

Believer, God likes you.  He is for you, He has redeemed you and called you by name.  In the darkest days of Judah's history,  Zephaniah wrote an encouraging word about God and his relationship to his people.  You can read it in Zephaniah 3:14-20.

The Psalmist understood this truth as well.  If you are under a misconception of God, let me leave you with this fabulous Psalm as you reflect on the fact that GOD LIKES YOU!

^aFor his anger is but for a moment, 

and ^bhis favor is for a lifetime.³ 

^cWeeping may tarry for the night, 

but ^djoy comes with the morning. 

Storms of Destruction

Right now, in Texas as most of the country it's hot.  We are in a strong upper level heat wave. Today, however, I'm thinking about storms. Today, that might be hard to imagine.  Some might even hope for a good North Texas thunderstorm.   If you're from Tuscaloosa, Joplin, New Orleans, or Houston, you know all too well about the storm of destruction.  Not all storms have to do with weather.  In these hard economic times, you may be in a financial storm of destruction.  Notifications of job termination, sudden unemployment, or  unexpected health expenses can spiral out of control like a storm.  People try to manage these kinds of storms different ways.  Some blame others for their problems, some self-medicate, others turn to eradic and self-destructive behaviors, still others turn to depression and hopelessness.  The good news is there is a better alteranative.  The writer of Psalm 57 had a plan for hardship.  Psalm 57:1 says that he was going to take refuge in the Lord until the storm of destruction passed by.  I think the ESV captures this idea well. It may be true that you are in a strom that is destructive, relationally, financially, or otherwise.  The Lord is available!  This writer understood that he could turn to the Lord in times of difficulty.  Every believer knows this, but somehow we allow ourselves to think that we are the only ones who are suffering.  It's time to turn to the Lord with that trial!  He is more than able to help and more than willing to render aid.  There's a second part of this.  The Psalmist knew the reality that the storm, though destructive, was not permanent. Here is the hope.  The storm will come to an end.  So how long can the Lord be trusted in a trial? Until the storm passes by.  If you don't believe me, then maybe you'll believe Vernon Charlesworth.  Vernon was the headmaster at Charles Spurgeon's school.  Written over 150 yeas ago, his words today illustrate the power of Psalm 57.

The Lord’s our Rock, in Him we hide—a shelter in the time of storm, secure whatever ill betide—a shelter in the time of storm.


A shade by day, defense by night—a shelter in the time of storm; no fears alarm, no foes affright—a shelter in the time of storm.

The raging storms may round us beat—a shelter in the time of storm; we’ll never leave our safe retreat—a shelter in the time of storm.

O Rock divine, O Refuge dear—a shelter in the time of storm; be Thou our helper ever near—a shelter in the time of storm.

Chorus: O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land, a weary land, a weary land; O Jesus is a Rock in a weary land—a shelter in the time of storm.

If you're in a storm today, turn to Jesus  till the storm passes by.






Kenneth W. Osbeck, Amazing Grace : 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Kregel Publications, 1990), 212.

The Hope of the Church

I'm at Kids Kamp. Tomorrow we go home. This week is the second of two solid weeks, 4 camps total.  It's been hot and it's been busy.  I'm serving as one of the boys deans.  We've had great services. I'm personally thankful for my wife Tonya, our family, and our team from Bethel and their ministry to the 5-7 year olds last week in camp 2. It was wonderful to see God use them so greatly after so much hard work.  This week, the district has conducted 2 camps under the ministry of Bill and Becky Harness.  If you aren't familiar with their ministry, let me encourage you to attend one of their services when you get an opportunity. After 4 kids camps, I've come to one conclusion.  There is hope for the Church.  Jesus said let the children come to me and do not hinder them because the kingdom of God belongs to these. It's happening right here in North Texas.

We've also had great leadership!   Rev. Duane and Sharon Swanson, the children's ministries directors for the North Texas District have done outstanding in providing a great set of camps for the children of the North Texas AG churches.  We've seen God work in the lives of children and adults.  Children have been saved, baptized in the Spirit, called to ministry and healed.

There is hope for the Church!  In just a few short years these children will be the ministers, youth ministers, missionaries and church members in ministry.  What a joy to see them connecting with God.  The future is bright for God's church, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will see great days ahead. Last night, as I looked at the hundreds of children and workers connecting with God, I thought of Jesus' prayer request for workers in Luke 10:2.

I found myself praying "Thank you Lord for answering your prayer request for laborers".  The opportunities for ministry are everywhere.  Where will God use you next?

A Love for Scripture

The B I B L E, that's the book for me!  I stand upon the word of God, the B I B L E!  As children we sang this song.  I'm curious how many generations of children sang that song.  There is something resident in that affirmation, namely:  That's the book for Me.  There appears to be a growing chasm between those who have a love for Scripture and those who do not.  Even though the Bible is more available than ever (online, software, e-books, phones, print, etc), there appears to be less reading, studying and thinking about the message of Scripture.  Although I think about this constantly, I'm not sure of the reasons why.  I suppose the abundance and availability of Scripture causes believers to take it for granted.  I also would guess that the message of the Gospel (Romans 10:9-10, Philippians 2:1-10) has been rehearsed and presented through so many different venues that there is a subtle familiarity that breeds contempt among the people of God.

In contrast to this spiritual neuroses, the Scripture makes great claims about its usefulness. Hover your mouse of the references and see the depth and breadth with which the Bible references itself on the claims that it makes.



Mark 12:10 (NASB)

Mark 15:28 (NASB)

Luke 4:21 (NASB)

John 2:22 (NASB)

John 7:38 (NASB)

John 7:42 (NASB)

John 17:12 (NASB)

John 19:24 (NASB)

John 19:28 (NASB)

John 19:36 (NASB)

John 19:37 (NASB)

John 20:9 (NASB)

Acts 1:16 (NASB)

Acts 8:32 (NASB)

Acts 8:35 (NASB)

Romans 4:3 (NASB)

Romans 9:17 (NASB)

Romans 10:11 (NASB)

Galatians 3:8 (NASB)

Galatians 3:22 (NASB)

1 Timothy 4:13 (NASB)

1 Timothy 5:18 (NASB)

2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)

James 2:8 (NASB)

James 2:23 (NASB)

James 4:5 (NASB)

1 Peter 2:6 (NASB)

2 Peter 1:20-21 (NASB)

Consider the passion in the statement of these translators to the New American Standard Bible (NASB) about their work

New American Standard Bible (1995 Update) - Scriptural Promise

The New American Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture as originally penned in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek were inspired by God. Since they are the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation, that men may serve Christ to the glory of God.

Paul encouraged Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6)   We have His word.  Let's do our part in setting the world on fire with His message

A Glorious Church

Bethel just had it's 70th Anniversary.  It was a great day.  We had the joy of singing old songs and new, heard a choir of former and current members, and listened to testimonies of His faithfulness.  The text for the sermon came from Hebrews 13:8 which was posted over the church on Vickery street before they moved to the new location.  Jesus did promise to build His church. He is still building His Church.  Churches that celebrate anniversaries have one thing in common: They are still having church!

Many today are in-between churches.  They can't seem to find the right fit. That's understandable in an age where everything is taylored to our liking.  Customer service and church membership do not always go hand in hand.  I just think there's nothing better than Church.

Church is where children are taught that there are others who live for Jesus in every situation and station in life.

Church is where the people of God gather to worship and receive instruction in the word of God.

Church is the vehicle by which people hear the call of God for ministry and vocational service.

Church is a missionary sending agency.

Church is where the Gospel is preached, the saints are taught, and the mission is started.  Jesus did NOT say I will build my empire, my business, my retreat, or my culture.  Jesus said "I will build My Church"

I know I'm not objective because I think Bethel is the greatest church on the planet.  What constitutes a good church?  Scripture says Christ is returning:


Ephesians 5:27 (KJV)
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Ephesians 4:11-16 talks about the gifts that God has provided for His Church.

Wherever you may be attending church, know this:  God will use you if you make yourself available.

Great churches are built on great relationships with great people in relationship with God.  Hebrews says:


Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Whose anniversary will you be a part of? See you in Church! :-)

As You Wait for the Revealing

The Corinthian church was full of problems.  God still loved them.  Two of the 66 books in the Bible were written to the Church at Corinth.  Every chapter, especially in 1 Corinthians, is an introduction to a different disfunction.  Paul the apostle was careful in how he dealt with the church, but always highlighting the best news in the world, the Gospel of Jesus.  It's interesting how he opens his first book, and herein we discover one of the many great points of how to grow in Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 tells what the apostle viewed, should be the attitude of a believer in a city that conveyed anything but godliness and righteousness.

I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, ⁵ that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— ⁶ even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁸ who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Notice in this thanksgiving section what the apostle says:  "as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ".  This is the point in our day.  The current culture suggests that it is all about me and mine and now.  For the believer, it's about the future.  Stock experts are always quick to point out that the value of a stock is not in what it sells for now so much, but what is it's growth potential?

Believers have a certain future in Christ!  The NT authors frequently referenced the hope of heaven.  Consider what else Christ does for the believer:

who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is more than able to sustain you and I!  This is a sustainment in Christ that is free of guilt!  To God be the Glory!  

Verse nine sums it up well, even before Paul begins to address all the problems in that church:

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Whatever is in your future, you can be sure that in Christ you will ALWAYS find God to be faithful.

Prayers That God Won't Answer

The book of James talks about prayer.  In this book, the half-brother of Jesus says for instance, the prayer of the righteous avail much (James 5:16).  That's an encouragement to pray!  The praying that we do has an effect if it's in accordance with God's purposes. (James 5:15).  There are, however. some prayers that are not answered.  Earlier in the book of James, when he's instructing his readers to ask in faith, nothing wavering (James 1:6), he makes the point that the one who wavers, or doubts should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7), an empty prayer that won't be answered.  The writings of Charles Spurgeon reminded me to day that we are just in good of shape when God doesn't answer our prayers as when He does. Elijah prayed that God would take his life. (1 Kings 19:4).  God did not answer that prayer because it was prayed during a time of depression.  He hears our prayers!  But thank God He does not always answer them.  What is especially interesting about this passage is the point that Spurgeon makes.  Elijah did NOT die!  Could it be that when we are in situations where there seems to be no answer, God not only knows the answer, but has ordained that in our future (whether we realize it or not) the thing we are concerned about, or pray about may not happen at all?  God is in control!  In, through and around our prayers.

William Cowper must have understood the power of God's Mysterious ways when he penned these words:

God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His foot-steps in the sea and rides upon the storm.

You fearful saints, fresh courage take: The clouds you so much dread are big with mercy, and shall break in blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; behind a frowning providence faith sees a smiling face.

Blind unbelief is sure to err and scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, and He will make it plain.

Thank God for His protection!  Thank God for His provision!  Thank God for His mercy!, in answered as well as unanswered prayers!

Davey and Goliath Happy Easter!

As a child I had the privilege of watching Davey and Goliath episodes on channel 5 right before we'd head off to church.  Later I discovered this was produced by the Lutherans!  That blessed me almost as much as when I found out that Mr. Rogers was a Presbyterian with an MDIV!

Here's the links to the Easter special on youtube for those who care:

Part One:  http://youtu.be/HBEXxiol_RU

Part Two: http://youtu.be/cgswW2URu-g

Part Three:  http://youtu.be/QaZy6nqmcl8

HINT, don't watch the first part or the second part unless you are committed to watching the third link.  This is an amazing depiction of how to use the Resurrection to handle grief.

He Lives!

The Truth About Jesus

Jesus actually came to earth, lived a sinless life, was crucified, died, was buried, and rose again!  This is truth.  Here are the passages in the Bible where the authors assert that Jesus was who he claimed he was and the facts around which we celebrate the truth of the Gospel.  May the Lord bless you as you review these passages.

Matthew 27:15 

Mark 15:6

Luke 23:13

John 18:1

I pray the Holy Spirit reminds you in a powerful way of the truth of Scripture, and the truth of this greatest news in the world.

The Idolatry of Erudition

There is a new idol out there. It's not materialism.  It's not pleasure. It's not selfishness.  Those have been around since the dawn of time.  Maybe this one has too.

It's related to a condition called Erudite.  "having or showing great knowledge or learning".  Now there is nothing wrong with reading, asking questions, and thinking critically.  There is something wrong when it is exalted above God.  Let's call it Erudition.  That's idolatry.

Perhaps it first emerged at the tower of Babel.  The builders of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves.....even so some who perceive themselves as intellectuals.  Maybe there was something to God's forbidding the eating of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.....I'm guessing it was a timing issue.  Imagine that.....God can be trusted to tell the truth.  Unfortunately many in our day fit the description of Jesus and Isaiah.

Isaiah 29:13

I teach at a University.  I'm proud of what SAGU has done to train people to fulfill the mission of "the whole Gospel, for the whole man, for the whole world".  I'm also an ordained Assemblies of God minister.  I have the privilege of pastoring a church too. I happen to have a Ph.D. This is not about me.  I'm nothing special.  I simply want you to understand where I'm coming from.  I'm not writing this blog because I'm anti-education.

I do, however see a condition in the current culture that is alarming.  It's idolatry.  They are theologians and church members.  They can be found in Christian universities, and denominational meetings.  They have replaced simple faith with intellectual endeavor.  It's subtle, and yes creepy, but very real.

What are their characteristics?

They prefer reading theologians rather than Scripture.
They prefer ANY type of Christian media to Scripture
They preach on ANYTHING BUT Scripture.
They are bored with the Gospel.

They suggest if you haven't read someone's theology you can't critique it.

They question the education, experience or God help us....prayer life....of those that disagree with them.

It's troubling to these idolaters to sit in a service where the Gospel is being preached.

They take pride in asking questions rather than providing answers, and subtly criticize those who have affirmed their beliefs.

They exalt logic over faith.  

THAT IS WHERE THE PROBLEM BEGINS

In contrast to this, we should look to Scripture.

The Bible is great in speaking for itself.  

Romans 1:22 provides an accurate description.

This has been a problem throughout church history.  My view is not unique.  The Bible says much about false teachers and those who wander from the faith.


In 1 Timothy 1:12, the Apostle was clear in what he believed.


How can you tell if you are in the presence of a false teacher or an idolater?

Usually, they don't mention Christ.

Here are some Scriptures where false teachers and false prophets are mentioned.




Lamentations 2:14
Your prophets have seen for you false and deceptive visions; they have not exposed your iniquity to restore your fortunes, but have seen for you oracles that are false and misleading.


Ezekiel 13:9
My hand will be against the prophets who see false visions and who give lying divinations. They shall not be in the council of my people, nor be enrolled in the register of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord God.


Ezekiel 22:28
And her prophets have smeared whitewash for them, seeing false visions and divining lies for them, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord God,’ when the Lord has not spoken.


Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.


Matthew 24:11
And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.


Matthew 24:24
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.


Mark 13:22
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.


Luke 6:26
“Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.


2 Peter 2:1
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.


1 John 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 




May the Lord bless you as you study HIS word.

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