God

Jun

2023

Gifted by Grace

We all long for a sense of meaning and significance, and in Ephesians 4:7, the apostle Paul reminds us that each one of us has been given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”

This verse speaks to the unique gifts and abilities that God has bestowed upon each believer.

Think of it this way: just as a master craftsman equips their apprentices with specific tools and skills for their trade, God has equipped us with unique gifts for the work of His kingdom.

These gifts are not earned or acquired through our own efforts, but they are given to us by the grace of Christ. They are meant to be used for His glory and the benefit of others.

Discovering and applying our God-given gifts is an exciting journey. It involves seeking God’s guidance, exploring our passions and abilities, and being open to opportunities to serve.

As we embrace and develop our gifts, we not only fulfill our own purpose but also contribute to the overall health and growth of the body of Christ.

Reflect on the gifts God has given you. Consider your passions, talents, and abilities, and ask God to reveal how He wants to use them for His purposes.

Avoid comparing yourself to others or diminish the significance of your own gifts’ instead, embrace them with gratitude and a willingness to serve.

Remember that your unique contribution is essential to the functioning of the body of Christ. As you use your gifts, you will experience the joy and fulfillment that come from living out your God-given purpose.

May

2023

Hostility

In the Book of Romans 8:7, we come across a powerful statement about the human condition. It says that the mindset of the flesh is hostile to God and does not submit to God’s law.

“The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.”

This verse shines a light on the internal struggle that exists within each of us—the tension between our natural inclinations and the desire to align ourselves with God’s will.

When the passage speaks of the mindset of the flesh, it refers to our human nature apart from God’s transformative work in our lives.

It is the part of us that is self-centered, driven by worldly desires, and resistant to God’s authority. This mindset creates a barrier between us and God, hindering our ability to fully embrace His truth and live in harmony with His will.

The good news is that through Christ, we have the power to overcome this hostile mindset.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit in us, we can experience a radical transformation of our minds and hearts. We can choose to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s truth, surrendering our will to His and allowing His love to shape and guide us.

As you reflect on this verse, be reminded of the ongoing battle between your fleshly desires and the Spirit of God within you.

Recognize any tendencies within you that are opposed to God’s will and surrender them to Him.

Continually seek the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to transform your mind, renew your heart, and enable you to live in alignment with God’s purposes.

May

2023

Broken Chains

In the Book of Romans, we are reminded of the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Paul writes that our old self was crucified with Christ so that the power of sin would be broken in our lives. This means that we are no longer slaves to sin but have been set free to live a new life in Christ.

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—”
Romans 6:6

When we come to faith in Jesus, something remarkable happens. Our old self, characterized by sin and brokenness, is put to death on the cross with Christ.

This is a symbolic representation of the fact that our sins are forgiven and that we are no longer defined by our past mistakes and shortcomings. We are given a fresh start, a new beginning in Christ.

This truth has profound implications for how we live our lives. As believers, we are called to live in the freedom that Christ has secured for us.

We are no longer bound by the power of sin, but we have the power to resist temptation and live according to God’s will.

We can choose righteousness over sin, obedience over rebellion, and love over selfishness.

Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are being transformed day by day into the image of Christ.

So, as you reflect on Romans 6:6, embrace the truth that your old self has been crucified with Christ. Walk in the freedom and newness of life that He has given you.

May your life be a testimony to the power of God’s grace and the transformation that is possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

May

2023

Judged!

Romans 2:1, a powerful reminder about the danger of passing judgment on others.

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”

The verse states that when we judge others, we are without excuse because we, too, have faults and shortcomings; challenging us to examine our own hearts and actions before we hastily point fingers at others.

It is natural for us to form opinions and make judgments about the behavior and choices of those around us.

However, this verse reminds us that we are not in a position to condemn others because we ourselves are imperfect. It calls us to humility and self-reflection, urging us to consider our own flaws and the grace that we have received from God.

Instead of being quick to criticize or condemn, this verse invites us to extend grace and understanding to others. It reminds us that we are all in need of God’s mercy and forgiveness.

Rather than focusing on the faults of others, shift your gaze inward and seek personal growth and transformation; then you can approach others with empathy and a willingness to extend the same grace that has been shown to you.

Apr

2023

God of Hope

As we go through life, we face many challenges and struggles that can leave us feeling hopeless and alone.

However, as believers, we have access to a hope that goes beyond our circumstances. Romans 15:13 reminds us that as we trust in God, He can fill us with joy, peace, and hope.

This hope is not something that we generate on our own, but rather it comes from the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

When we allow ourselves to trust in God and His promises, we open ourselves up to receive the hope that He offers.

This hope is not a fleeting feeling, but rather it is a deep-seated assurance that God is with us and will never leave us.

As we cultivate this hope in our lives, we can experience the freedom and joy that comes from living in the light of God’s love.

This hope can sustain us through difficult times and give us the strength we need to keep going, even when we feel like giving up. It is a hope that is rooted in the character of God, and it is available to us at all times.

So, as you go through your day, I encourage you to take hold of the hope that is offered to you through Christ. Trust in God, and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and presence.

As you do so, you will find that you are able to overflow with hope, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Remember, the God of hope is with you, and He will never leave you or forsake you.

Apr

2023

A New Song

Revelation 5:9 declares . . . And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
because you were slain,
    and with your blood you purchased for God
    persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

We are reminded of the incredible sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross. Through his death and resurrection, he paid the price for our sins and made it possible for us to be reconciled with God.

This is a truth that we should never take for granted, and it should lead us to praise and worship him with our whole hearts.

When the apostle John wrote this passage, he was describing a vision of heaven. In this vision, he saw a great multitude of people from every tribe, language, people, and nation gathered around the throne of God.

They were singing a new song of praise to Jesus, recognizing him as the one who had purchased them with his blood. This is a beautiful picture of the diversity and unity of the body of Christ.

As we think about what it means to be purchased by the blood of Jesus, we are reminded of our incredible worth and value to God. He loves us so much that he was willing to give his only son for us.

This is a truth that should fill us with awe and wonder. It should also lead us to live lives that are fully devoted to him, seeking to honor him in all that we do.

Finally, as we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of our mission as followers of Christ. We are called to be ambassadors of his love and grace, sharing the good news of the gospel with everyone we meet.

We have been purchased by his blood so that we can bring others into his kingdom. May we be faithful to this calling, always seeking to serve and love others as he has loved us.

Apr

2023

Heritage

As we reflect on the verse from Psalm 127:3, we are reminded of the incredible gift that children are to us. They are not just the result of biological processes or a societal expectation; they are a reward from the Lord.

As parents, we are given the awesome responsibility of caring for, nurturing, and guiding these precious gifts.

As we consider the significance of this verse, it’s important to remember that children are not just a reward for us to enjoy. They are also a responsibility for us to take seriously.

It’s our job to create a safe and loving environment where they can grow and thrive. We must teach them about God’s love and show them how to live a life that honors Him.

One of the most important things we can do for our children is to pray for them. As we lift them up to God, we invite Him to work in their lives in ways that we never could. We can pray for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health, as well as for their relationships and future endeavors.

When we pray for our children, we are acknowledging that they ultimately belong to God, and we trust Him to guide them throughout their lives.

Finally, we should never underestimate the impact that our own lives and actions have on our children. They learn from us not only through our words, but also through our example.

We should strive to model the kind of behavior and character that we hope to see in our children. We should also be intentional about spending time with them, listening to them, and showing them love in tangible ways.

In doing so, we demonstrate God’s love to them and help them to understand what it means to be a part of His family.

As we reflect on Psalm 127:3, we are reminded of the incredible gift and responsibility that children are.

As parents, we are called to create a safe and loving environment for them, teach them about God’s love, pray for them, and model the kind of behavior and character that we hope to see in them.

Remember always, that our children are a reward from the Lord, and may we be faithful stewards of this precious gift.

Apr

2023

Remain in His Love

As you reflect on the verse from John 15:9, it’s clear that Jesus is reminding us of the depth of God’s love for us. He tells us that just as the Father has loved Him, He has loved us.

And what an incredible love that is! It’s a love that is self-sacrificing and unconditional. It’s a love that pursues us even when we turn away from it.

So how do we remain in this love?

Jesus tells us that it’s by obeying His commands (John 15:10). This may sound like a daunting task, but it’s important to remember that Jesus isn’t asking us to obey Him in our own strength.

He promises to send us the Holy Spirit, who will guide us into all truth and enable us to do what He asks (John 14:26).

One way we can obey Jesus is by loving others as He has loved us (John 15:12). This means showing sacrificial love to those around us, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient.

It means forgiving those who have wronged us and extending grace to those who don’t deserve it. It means being willing to lay down our own interests and desires for the sake of others.

As we strive to obey Jesus and love others in this way, we can be confident that we are remaining in His love.

What a beautiful place to be! To know that we are loved by the Creator of the universe, and to experience that love in tangible ways through our relationships with others, is truly a gift beyond measure.

So today, let’s make it our aim to remain in Jesus’ love by obeying His commands and loving others as He has loved us.

Be filled with gratitude and awe as you contemplate the depth of God’s love for you, and the privilege you have to abide in it.

Jul

2020

30 Years Ago

30 years ago this week, I had an encounter that irrevocably altered the trajectory of my life.

In an old hot, barn type building, I reluctantly sat listening to a preacher man tell of the need for a Savior.

I wanted so bad to run out of there that night! As the preacher man started his closing comments, I began looking for my escape!

To my left sat my 2 children, David and Shelly; next to them was Rev David Archer, hands folded and praying for me!

As I turned to my right, looking for my wife, Sherri, I noticed she was gone, and was now down at the front of that old building, kneeling in prayer! My little sister Jenniferwas down there too!

I felt like I would explode, anxiety was building and I decided to leave the building . . . I needed air or I thought I would die.

When I reached the aisle, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder; the next thing I knew, I was on my knees at the front of that old church building.

Some say weak men go to Jesus as an out; I wasn’t weak, I was broken, I did NOT want to be there, yet there I was!

Jesus came looking for me, and He gently cornered me that night, and looked into my heart. When my eyes met His, and with tears flowing, I said to Him: ” I got nothing to give you, nothing”

With compassion and grace He replied: “I’ll take it.”

30 years later I still love Him, the oddest thing . . . He still loves me!

Some of my dearest friends think Jesus is a joke, a fallacy propagated for over 2 millennia.

My earnest prayer today, is that the same Jesus that looked into my heart, would be pleased to look into yours!

Apr

2019

The Lamb of God

Dear Friends,

I love all of you; this not a cliché, I mean it! If you get into trouble, I would do my best to help you. I would go to great lengths to provide hope and give a hand where I can.

That being said, if I found you in a situation, where the only way to secure your rescue, required my death, I am not sure you would be on the list, there may be a few, very precious few!

If securing your freedom required the death of one of my children, that list goes to zero. I love you, but not that much!

As we come near to this Good Friday, we are, faced with the reality of what God the Father did on your behalf. You are broken, lost, and beyond repair; according to the Bible, you are condemned already!

God the Father dispatched His ONLY begotten Son, to suffer a gruesome death on your behalf, thereby securing your freedom; the cost was high, the suffering real, and the outcome secure.

When you accept the gift He gave, you can be sure the Father is delighted, that this sacrifice was not in vain for you!

When you reject it, you will grieve the loving heart of God, and His wrath remains on you; wrath rightly deserved. Think twice about casually casting the idea of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection as a light thing; it is YOUR ONLY hope!

Take a moment, and consider Jesus, look into what He did, and why . . . then make a decision, but do not make it lightly!

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” ~Jesus~

Apr

2019

The Arrow Rests

I have noticed how crazy-busy most church folks are; always striving, doing, trying, all the while hoping and praying that God blesses what they do. In this frenetic process, people become weary, fatigued and worn, often to the point of despair!

I recall Jesus offered a solution to this problem . . .

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

A dear friend, Ivar Overgaard, once shared a message at the Lilburn Alliance Church in Atlanta; I will never forget it! Addressing the continuous motion, much of the church engages in; so much energy expended, producing so little, often resulting in exhaustion, he offered this amazing illustration:

“Consider the bow and arrow; the archer reaches for an arrow from his quiver, he knocks the arrow into the string, and pulls the bow, aiming for the target; and the arrow rests. The target acquired in his sights, the archer releases the energy of the bow, the arrow powerfully soaring toward the target . . . BULLSEYE!”

“God is the Bow, Jesus is the Archer, and the Holy Spirit delivers the arrow, YOU are the arrow, and the arrow rests!”

Be the arrow, and rest!

Feb

2019

Grace, Mercy and Peace to You

“To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord”. 1 Timothy 1:2

While reading the letters that the apostle Paul wrote, I noticed that almost every letter he wrote began with those words; “Grace and peace to you from God the Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” In the letters written to Timothy, and to Titus, he includes grace, mercy and peace.

Like many of you, I have read these books written by Paul, dozens of times, and always seemed to overlook the opening greeting, as if it were not that important.

What jumps out at me, is the way Paul says these words. It is bold, and up front, like he was an emissary of God, coming to the people, as if he had just come from God himself. Kind of like an ambassador, proclaiming the heart of the kingdom represented.

I get this picture in my mind of a rider on a horse, riding feverishly through the night, with a message of hope for those in distress; perhaps soldiers, weary from battle, which may need some encouragement.

The rider dismounts, and comes to the people, and the first words out of his mouth are; Grace, Mercy, and Peace to you from your King! How very refreshing and encouraging to hear.

Paul gives us that kind of feeling when he begins his letters, regardless of the content of the letter, he set us as ease, with the reassurance that he has just come from God himself, and God has given a message to His people, “Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Paul chose these words, because he himself was the recipient of them. Paul was a persecutor of the church. He actually chased down Christians, and standing by as they were put to death.

He was actively destroying the very church that Jesus was trying to build. Paul was on a mission to destroy, what he thought was an abomination to God.

Paul knew that he deserved death for what he had done; no question about it; standing by, as saints like Stephen were being, stoned to death, cheering the crowd.

Paul knew that he was an enemy of God, but now, through God’s grace and mercy, he found peace; joy inexpressible! How could he contain it?

Paul was able to express this in almost every letter he wrote, because it was what he received, and it was so valuable to him. He wanted to express it every time he wrote.

Like Paul, you and I received Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God too, and like Paul, we have the authority to declare it to others as well.

So the next time you enter a room with your brothers and sisters in Christ be bold, and with confidence declare, Grace, Peace and Mercy to you from God our Father through Jesus Christ our Lord!

Feb

2019

For the Love of God

The deepest need that we as humans have is to be loved. Love is something we search for and often spend our lives trying to find; thousands of love songs, written over the centuries, try to express this deep need.

For many, the search for love comes up empty; like a familiar song from the 1980’s by Johnny Lee; “Looking for Love in all the Wrong Places” they cannot find the deep satisfaction they long for. Many, searching for love in this broken world, come up hurt, mistreated and abused.

For some, the pain of being unloved causes them to turn to artificial treatments of the condition, drugs, alcohol and relationships without true commitment, anything to ease the pain of not experiencing true love.

In this broken world, love comes with strings attached, and our love is conditional.

God’s love is very different, and it is His love that we must understand and experience, if we are to, truly be able to love and be loved by others.

What is God’s love is like?

God is Love – “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” 1 John 4:15-16

The Bible declares in this verse that God is love; His very nature exudes love. His love is strong, never ending.

God loves His enemies – “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

God’s love is so strong that even when we were in our sin, even when we despised Him, He still loved us; so much so, that He sacrificed his Son in order to provide a way to have fellowship with us, which leads us to the next . . .

God’s love is sacrificial – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17

Think of the most precious person in your life, think of someone who you are well pleased with, someone who is the apple of your eye. Now think of the most pure and loving individual in your life, your own child or even a grandson or granddaughter. What would it take for you, to initiate the loss of that child in order to rescue a group of people who really don’t care?

God’s Love is lavish – “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1

The word we translate into “lavish” here indicates an over-abundance, or super abundant love. It is love we certainly do not deserve and we did nothing to warrant such love; simply that God pours it on and loves us so much!

God’s Love is Eternal – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

To sum it all up, the Bible gives a great description of what God’s love is like . . .

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

How different from the kind of love we are accustomed to in this world.

The greatest hindrance regarding God’s Love seems to be our inability to receive it! Since we have such a corrupted view of what love is, it becomes an obstacle to receiving God’s love!

For so many, the idea of someone loving you to this degree is simply not possible. Some feel so unworthy of this kind of love, and cringe at the idea of a Holy God desiring them this much!

We need to ask God to supernaturally, change our minds about Him, and about our relationship to Him.

We must learn to trust Him, with everything; holding nothing back. It is time to let go of your heart and give it entirely to Him . . . He loves you and has demonstrated it a thousand ways!

Will you receive His love today?

Jun

2018

The Tail of Two Trains

I want to share something that happened early in my Christian journey, something that would define and shape my call to evangelistic ministry. I would like to share a vision I had while I was working at a local factory; it took place a few months after I met Jesus.

I must be upfront and say, over the course of the many years that I have been following Jesus, I have only had a few, what I call “visions” from God; I could count them all on one hand. This particular vision took place while I was running a rotary hammer, drilling through 12 inches of concrete.

To begin, the Bible reveals two people groups on this planet; those who have had their eyes opened to the truth of Jesus Christ and have chosen to follow Him, and those who remain blinded to the truth and cannot see.

The Bible declares that satan (the god of this age) has kept a certain population blinded from the truth . . .

2 Corinthians 4:4

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God

Satan has done an amazing job of keeping people in the dark about Jesus. So many people have bought into the lies perpetrated by faulty science; a science which denies the existence of God and attempts to tamp down any knowledge of God in the creation around us. The Bible says a few things about these folks . . .

Romans 1:18-20

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,¹⁹since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

It is a very difficult thing to try to disprove the existence of God, it takes a long, sophisticated, patient process; one thing for sure, the devil is quite patient and has been laying this demonic groundwork for years and has been quite successful!

The second group is those who have heard the Good News and have believed it; however, it is not enough to believe, one MUST follow the One they have believed in, the One who holds the keys to life, and death, heaven and hell. These folks, having heard the Good News about salvation, have decided to follow Him.

There is no middle ground, you can no more be half saved than you can be half-pregnant, you either are, or you are not! To know the truth of Christ and yet refuse to follow Him, places you in a special category, a place despised by God who gave everything, so you could have eternal life with Him!

At the time of my vision, I was not a pastor; I was a welder and maintenance worker at local manufacturing plant called Pennsylvania Pressed Metals.

One afternoon while I was drilling a hole in the concrete floor, a vision flashed through my mind that was so powerful, so strong that I stood there with tears streaming down my face; hot tears dripping in the dust of the concrete floor.

Since I was a little boy, trains have always fascinated me. These machines are so strong, so powerful; they are simply amazing to watch. Growing up in the little Village of Cameron, I would often hike up the mountain behind our house, and if you were on top of the mountain, you could see the whole train go by; from the engine to the caboose, you could see the whole train, it was awesome!

As I stood drilling in the plant that afternoon, I felt transported from the factory, to a high bank overlooking the railroad; it was so real.

Standing there in this vision, I felt the ground began to tremble, and I heard a strong, powerful sound coming down the track. The sound and vibrations grew stronger and stronger.

Suddenly I noticed a train, sleek, streamlined and moving at an incredible speed, careening around the corner coming in my direction. The train was very long and as it sped toward me I began to feel uneasy and wanted to run away, but my feet, fixed firmly to the ground, prevented me from moving!

As the train came into view and began to scream past me, I noticed that it had number on the front and the number was 666 and just above the number, written in large letters “THE BEAST.” I stood motionless, terrified at what I was seeing!

The windows were black as coal, and as the train roared by, sparks were flying off the iron wheels! There was the smell of death and a feeling of despair.

I could sense inside the train were countless souls screaming for release, but they could not get out; bound to a destination that was eternal, a destination bringing fear and torment to their souls.

As I stood there petrified at what I saw, I felt Someone standing next to me; it was the Lord. I asked Him what this all meant. He told me that the train represented the devil and he is taking his own to their final destination.

The Lord told me that the devil is exceedingly angry and is filling the train as fast as he can, with and many souls as he can, because he knows his time is short.

Jesus said that the train was full of those who had rejected His message of salvation. They were the ones, who had heard what He had done for them, who knew the Way, but chose instead, to do life on their own terms and had died without Christ and now were eternally lost.

I saw tears well up in the eyes of the Savior and He spoke these words to me; “some on this train have never heard of what I had done for them; no one ever told them that they could be forgiven, having everlasting life with Me; these are also forever lost, and are on that train too.”

It was as this point I began to weep too and hot tears fell to the dusty floor of that factory! I began to realize that everyone is born with a ticket to ride this long black train! Josh Turner, a Country Western Singer, became popular when he wrote the song “Long Black Train” written about 9 years after my vision!

As I stood there weeping, it became increasingly clear, that the Lord was sorrowful because many who were perishing, did not have to! He was heartbroken that no one was telling them that they could avoid this destruction!

The Bible declares . . .

Romans 10:13-15

. . . “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

People all around us are perishing because they have never heard the Good News! Moreover, did you know, as a follower of Christ, it is YOUR responsibility to share?

Matthew 28:18-19

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. . .

This is a direct command from Jesus Himself to you and me, to be about making sure this message gets out; it is not secondary, but is His prime directive!

As I stood weeping with the Lord, He pointed in an opposite direction and told me to look and see!

I saw another train, much different from the first. I could sense that it had much more power than the first train. The earth also shook as this train approached. As it rounded the corner, I could hardly contain my excitement at what I saw!

It was beautiful! The train was silver, adorned with gold trimmings and splashed with jewels of every kind and brilliant flashing lights. On the front of this train was a gold emblem “King of Kings and Lord of Lords” and its Conductor’s name is Faithful and True!

As this train went by, I saw an astonishing thing taking place; as the large golden wheels rolled over the rail, it immediately turned to gold!

The windows were large and clear, I could easily see inside, it was beautiful beyond description, and I could see the people, their faces filled with expressions of joy. I could hear beautiful music and singing of praises.

I felt an amazing sense of peace, joy and wonder. The people on this train, also headed to a destination, a place called glory, a place where their joy and happiness would never end!

The Lord told me that only one thing was required to get on this train; a repentant heart, one touched by His Hand, a heart that carried His Spirit!

Oh how the Lord longs for a repentant heart today! The proud stubborn heart has a guaranteed seat on the dark train; it is time to turn in that ugly ticket to hell and get one stamped Glory!

Time is getting short and tickets are running out . . .

2 Peter 3:8-10

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.

The awesome and terrible day of the Lord is drawing near and without a repentant heart, you have no salvation and a black, cold dark train, is bearing down upon your soul!

As I stood there watching this scene play out before my eyes, I saw something terrible and wonderful at the same time!

I realized that these trains were riding on the same track; headed for a collision; one train faces complete destruction, the other would prevail . . . one train would be full of life, the other full of death! One would face an eternity separated from God, tormented day and night forever and ever, the other, unending joy with Jesus!

Today I issue a call and a challenge . . .

First the call . . . there are some reading this today who are unsure of their eternal destiny. Some of you have wanted to follow Jesus, but have been afraid, some have been lulled into a false sense of security, others are fearful of what people may think.

Today the Holy Spirit has uncovered your vulnerability and is giving you an opportunity for life; a chance to get your ticket stamped for glory! Today is the day . . .

2 Corinthians 6:2

For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

Please, I beg you; do not let this opportunity slip by, let nothing get in the way of you and Jesus!

Now, the challenge . . .

The dark train is filling fast; many souls are being lost every day! For those of you who are followers of Jesus, you have a job to do! It is your response – “ability” to share the Gospel of Jesus! Take Jesus with you to work, take Him everywhere you go and ask Him to provide opportunities for you to share!

Finally, one last closing story to illustrate this need . . .

A woman was standing before the Lord on judgment day. As she came near to the Lord, she heard Him say these comforting words; “come over here my good and faithful servant, you belong to me.”

As she stood beside the Lord, she saw an old friend approaching the Lord too. When she stood before the Lord, He looked at her, and with sadness in His eyes, told her, “go away from me, I do not know you” and he sent her to the place where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth! As the women turned to her fate, she saw her old friend standing by Jesus and cried out; “Why didn’t you tell me about Him? Why?

This is the tale of two trains, one bound for Glory, one bound for Hell, which one are you on?

Mar

2018

Hearing the Voice of God

1 Kings 19:9-13

Then he came there to a cave and lodged there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ¹⁰He said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the sons of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I alone am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

¹¹So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹²After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. ¹³When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

The voice that Elijah heard was a rather quiet voice; a gentle whisper. Most of us would rather that God would yell; but do you really want God to yell at you?

Most conversations that I have with my wife Sherri are very gentle; we do not need to yell to one another in order to be heard. Now to be sure, I can be dull sometimes and on a rare occasion, be hard of hearing; in which case Sherri may need to turn up the volume so I can hear her over my own internal noise!

There are those occasions while driving that I tend to be day-dreaming and Sherri may need to shout to get my attention; I can’t tell you how many times a disaster has been avoided because she shouted words of caution.

God works pretty much the same way. Most conversations are intimate and easily understood; a gentle whisper; after all, He is living in me, so He should not need to yell at me!

However, if I am running headlong into some moral danger or temptation of some sort, God will turn up the volume and get my attention!

One of the most amazing things that God has done for us is to preserve His most treasured words in the form of a Book we can read; we call it the Bible.

While it does not contain everything God ever said, nor does it contain every act that God has done, it does have everything we need to know about Him until we meet Him face to Face.

As a small child, one of the most cherished times took place when I visited my grandma. She would break out a children’s book, and I would curl up next to her and she would read to me.

I would drink in every word; my emotions would rise and fall with every inflection in her voice and I would be totally enthralled as she excitedly read the book to me.

The next time you open up the Bible to read; ask God to read it to you! Let Him be the voice you hear as the words tumble off the pages! Let His joy be felt as He tells of the great exploits that those of faith did in His great name!

Listen to the sadness in His voice as He recalls those times that people He loved turned and walked away. Hear the fiery indignation as He recounts how he dealt with His enemies and hear the sweetness as He shares a love story in the Song of Solomon!

Hear the hopefulness in His voice as He shares the great Gospel message of Hope found through His Son; hear the pride in His voice as He thunders from Heaven; “This is My Son. . . In Him I am Well Pleased.” Hear the excitement in His voice as He describes the Day when He is finally united with His bride!

God uses everything at His disposal to speak to His children; He can yell; but He chooses to whisper. He can shout, but He would rather talk across the table with you. He would love to sit down with you and read to you the words preserved for us.

If you will develop your relationship with God, then you will begin to say things like; “The Lord told me . . . or The Lord said to me . . .” It will be as natural to you as talking to your spouse or close friend. It may seem mysterious to those around you, but to you, as natural as breathing!

I remember talking to a dear friend and evangelist, Gene Vincent; Sherri and I met him at a prayer conference in Atlanta Georgia years ago. Gene has a close walk with God and during the course of a conversation at one of the tables; Gene was talking about hearing from God.

Someone at the table asked Gene; “Did you really hear God’s voice speak to you; was it audible?” Gene looked up and said; “Oh, it was louder than that!”

What Gene was trying to convey is that when God speaks to you, it is more than a sound; it is a deep sense of knowing, a deep down conviction, and an abiding awareness that God is communicating something to you. It is undeniable and sure!

Have you had a conversation with God . . . lately?

Dec

2017

Indescribable Gift

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Well, it won’t be long now, soon Christmas Day will be upon us; the greatest birthday party ever! We will be celebrating the most wonderful, most amazing event in the history of mankind; the Birth of our Savior!

Gifts will be exchanged, the Christmas Story will be read, and we will all come together because of Jesus. Even families that do not know Jesus get in on it!

What a miracle Christmas is!

When we stop to consider what God has done, we come away stunned!

The Old Testament Scriptures resound with the prophetic words of Isaiah:

Isaiah 9:2

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.

The people of Isaiah’s day were desperate people, many of them walking in hopelessness and despair; seemingly meaningless lives, being lived out under the oppression of wicked rulers.

During the time of Jesus’ birth, the people were living under the thumb of Herod the Great, and were also very difficult and trying times. Taxes were too high, the demands of Rome were exceedingly harsh, and those who administered justice were often cruel, and extortionary in their tactics.

It was in this world of hopelessness and despair that God brought forth His One and Only Son!

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.

Times have not changed all that much, and for many people today, perhaps even you, life is a grind, a meaningless existence, a pointless journey to a place called death, and you may wonder; is there any real meaning in life?

I spoke with a man just recently and I asked him and his wife if they were ready for Christmas; his reply brought sadness to my heart. He said; “It’s just another day to me, like any other.”

The fact is; there is no other Day like it! It is an incredible Day, a Day in which the God of the universe humbled Himself and was born in a manger, surrounded by the poorest of the poor. It was the result of the Holy Spirit’s Seed, mingling with the seed of a young woman, resulting in the One and Only Son of God being born.

No, there is no other Day like it ever, and we will celebrate it!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

God has given us the most incredible gift; the gift of Life by giving His Son.

Let’s take a few minutes together today to read that remarkable story. . .

Luke 2:1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

I hope you will read that story again Christmas morning, before you open a present, and relive the wonder of that glorious Day when God sent His son into this world. And give thanks to God. . .

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

What about this Gift God sent? Do we really need it? Is it for you?

The Bible tells us that “sin” which is defined as; transgression of the divine law; is something that every one of us is guilty of. We do not have to look hard to realize that all of us have sinned (Broken God’s Law) at one time or another.

The Bible says;

Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Sin entered mankind way back in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, and they gave into temptation and sinned against God’s law!

His law to them was; “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.”

This problem of sin, which originated with Satan, created a serious situation, which called for drastic measures.

First, there MUST be consequences for satan’s sin.

A just and loving God could never ignore such a thing, and by His very nature must take action against sin. So God created a place for Satan and the angles that followed him.

According to Matthew 25:41 God has: prepared an eternal fire for the devil and his angels.

This is a literal place, a real place for Satan to reside for eternity, and the angels that follow him. To sin against God is a terrible thing, and it deserves a punishment fitting of the crime! The devil and his angels will be punished accordingly!

Secondly, there must be consequences for man’s sin

Genesis 3:16-19

To the woman, he said, “I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

To Adam, he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil, you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field.

By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust, you will return.”

Indeed, death certainly touched man because of sin. We have been struggling with sin ever since, and it has affected everything in the universe.

But God has a plan! You see; according to the Gospel of John:

John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

This is the very reason that Jesus came into the world! He came so that we could have eternal life. That our sins (which are many) could be forgiven!

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us! Jesus is God’s gift to us; this is why we celebrate!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

How does one appropriate this incredible gift of life? The Scripture on Romans blazes the way!

Romans 10:8-10

But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Do you believe? Do you have faith to believe? God says you do, and that also is a gift from Him

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Well, there you have it!

Will you receive this great gift, and walk in ALL the Light it brings?

Like any gift, it has little value unless it is received, embraced, and taken in. Imagine taking the time and effort to purchase a special gift for one of your children.

The big day comes, and you present them with the present. They look over the gift, shake it a little, then set it down and simply tell you; “it looks good dad, but I really don’t think I will open it.”

How would you react? How does God react when we do the same thing when presented with His indescribable Gift!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

So, a few closing thoughts. No one really likes to talk about hell; many people really don’t even believe that it exists; and if it did exist, God would never send good, kind and caring people there!

The fact is, He does not send people there; they go there of their own free will. Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels; it was never intended for humans.

God went to extraordinary lengths to redeem fallen mankind and offer forgiveness and a place in heaven with Him. One of the greatest gifts God ever gave mankind, was the ability to chose.

Unfortunately, many people chose to live a life contrary to all God has offered; renown author and pastor Max Lucado put it this way:

“Consider, then, this explanation of hell: Hell is the chosen place of the person who loves self more than God, who loves sin more than his Savior, who loves this world more than God’s world. Judgment is that moment when God looks at the rebellious and says, “Your choice will be honored.”

How about you? The gift has been given and placed at your feet . . . what are you going to do with it? The God who gave it is hoping with expectant hope, that you will open it; if you chose not to, He will honor your choice.

Chose well

Nov

2017

Thankful

Thanksgiving; pumpkin pie, apple spice, and basted turkey! Families getting together, stories retold, new ones shared, hope springs up, and we give thanks!

We thank God for those we love, for the new baby in the family, for the memories of those who no longer sit around the Thanksgiving table this year.
We thank God for the provision He has given, the direction He has led us.
We thank Him for our good health, and we thank Him for giving strength and hope when health fades.
We thank God for a free country, a place where we can express ourselves without fear.
We thank God for the men and women who serve to keep us free.
We thank God for the freedom to worship, to praise, and to pray!

These are just a few of the things that spring to mind when I think of giving thanks to God, but I am just getting started . . .

I thank God that He never leaves me, never! No matter where my journey takes me, God is there, always near, always lending a hand, giving me a good word of hope, encouraging me forward!

I thank God for His laws and precepts, His statues and His ever prevailing guidance; without these I would surely be lost. I would fall quickly and permanently without His ever present Word showing me the way.

I thank God for His correction to me. When I error, when I sin, He does not walk away but rather gets involved. He loves me enough to take me to the proverbial “woodshed.” While painful, I know without a doubt that He loves me! I am so thankful for that!

I thank God that when I pray, He listens! I am so glad that my words do not fall on deaf ears. It means so much to me that He listens to every word I speak. How wonderful!

I thank God for His power, it is limitless! Sometimes I feel so weak, so powerless, and insignificant. I thank God that I am yoked to Jesus and that I am not laboring alone.

I am glad that Jesus loves me enough to tell me that I sometimes try to pull the whole load, and that I should let Him carry it. Jesus is so kind to me, and I am very thankful for that!

I could go on and on and on! How about you? What are you thankful for?

Take a moment and reflect, and be thankful, and if you are like me, it won’t take long before your eyes are full of tears of joy, as the overwhelming reality of God hits you right in the heart!

Be thankful!

Oct

2017

The Lord Disciplines Those He Loves

I had met Jesus during the summer of 1990; what an amazing year! Through the efforts of a local church; my family was drawn to an encounter with God; an encounter that would change the course of our lives forever!

I was employed at the time by a local manufacturing facility. I was a project maintenance technician. My job was primarily to install new equipment, which also required fabricating the necessary support apparatus required; things like steel decking, catwalks, chutes, ladders and much more.

Now, prior to me becoming friends with Jesus, I was quite versed in the ways of the world. What I mean to say is that, among many other things, I had a serious cursing problem . . . I knew all the curse words and was quite proficient in that particular dialect.

However, when I met Jesus, everything began to change; especially my language. After about 6 months of walking with my new found Friend Jesus, I really thought I was making great progress.

One evening at work, a coworker who had a special knack for getting under my skin, was pushing the limits of my new found patience. He was really getting to me and I couldn’t take it anymore, so I spun around and gave him a real verbal tongue lashing, using some of the more disgusting vocabulary I had accumulated over the years.

Now, to be sure, this was not the first time I had delivered such a tirade to this man; but it was the first time I had done it since I’d became friends with Jesus! My coworker was equally versed in this crude American dialect, and as always, gave it right back to me. After he uttered his comeback, he stormed away in a huff!

I stood there feeling awful and quite disgusted with myself for having stooped so low. Since it was the night shift, I headed out back of the building and went outside.

I got on my knees, and looking to the dark sky, I cried out to the Lord; “Oh Lord, I can’t believe I said that to him.” In the quiet darkness, I thought I heard the Lord say back to me; “I do!”

I apologized to the Lord for the unkind and ugly words I had spoken to my coworker; and I asked God to forgive me. The Lord, as always in His kind voice, assured me that I was forgiven. I felt relieved, and as I stood up to go back inside, the Lord said to me; “Now I want you to go in there and apologize him.”

WHAT!

“Wait a minute Lord; you don’t know him like I know him. If tell him I’m sorry, I’ll never hear the end of it! He will only get even angrier with me.” I could tell that the Lord was serious about this and that He was not going let me get out of it.

So . . . I went and tracked down this guy whom I had excoriated a half hour ago. I pulled him aside and told him how very sorry I was that I had said such unkind words to him.

He looked intently at me; then he proceeded to tell what a blankety blank blank jerk I was and then he told me to go and blankety, blank . . . you get the idea!

He did just what I knew he would do . . . and I had it coming. The thing is; after God pressed me to do the right thing with that guy; the whole cursing thing was over and done with! I don’t think I have ever used a curse word since and it has been nearly 30 years!

God will discipline those He loves . . .

When was the last time God showed you some love?

Oct

2017

A Form of Godliness

One of the things I love to do is preach! It seems to be the one thing that is always in my heart and has been burned into my spirit! I long to see the “church” come alive and experience all it should and could be! Indeed, anytime people of faith come together to hear the Word of God proclaimed; amazing things can happen.

There is however, an element of great danger for some who to meet like that . . . so much is at stake! Every time we come together and share the Word of God; which by the way the Bible says is sharper than ANY two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), hardened as it may be; we have choices to make; some of those choices will determine the fate of our eternal soul!

I have a background in metal working and there is a process by which you can make iron very hard. First, you need to get it extremely hot; and when the conditions are right, you quickly quench the iron bar, either in water or oil, depending on the hardness desired.

There is a rather short window of time whereby the heated metal must be thrust into the cooling medium; once done, the metal becomes quite hard. Similarly, over hardened metal can be softened again by heating and allowing the metal to cool slowly; this process is called annealing.

The danger lies wherein the power of God, through His Word, is touching your heart. Often the heart is strangely warmed, heated by the Holy Spirit if you will, to the point of becoming altogether new; the composition is about to change.

Often it is at this critical point, the flesh rebels and quenches that fire; causing the heart to become excessively hard, brittle and even bitter.

1 Thessalonians 5:19-23

Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.

As with previous generations before us, the world once again is generating conditions that seem to indicate that the coming of our Lord is drawing near. No doubt when the First World War began, many within the Christian Community felt that Christ would soon come. The same was true with World War II and other worldwide conflicts; yet today it seems like the increase is feeling like; as Jesus said, “Birth Pangs.”

The Bible gives us a list of things to be alert to concerning the time right before Jesus` predicted return:

Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” We are fascinated with the culture of death and evil.

“Jesus… said many false prophets and false teachings will abound

“Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.”

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God

All of these things are happening right now, and will continue with ever increasing intensity; like birth pains, until the arrival of Christ.

In the midst of all of these forewarnings, there is one particular warning that continues to grow today, and it is the reason for the broken state of Christianity in our country; indeed our community. This warning is found in 2 Timothy 3 and will be the focus of this blog today.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

When we first read this passage we often think that Paul is referring to the world in which we live; yet this kind of behavior is typical of fallen mankind and is not new. The warning given here is that these types of persons have infiltrated the church!

It talks about a form of godliness which lacks power; could this be the problem the church is facing today? Have we succumbed to forms of godliness, yet have none of the Power of God?

We live in a broken world that is dying and swirling in an ever increasing state of despair. Hopelessness abounds and our own nation is getting angry, frustrated and on the brink of destruction! People in our country are calling for revolution; should we not cry out to God for a revolution in the Church!

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

Concerning the current state of the supposed Christian church in America, the Barna group, a statistical Christian research organization, did a study a few years ago examining the divorce rates in America. The divorce rate in America hovers at about 50%.

According to Barna, the divorce rate between alleged Christians was almost equal to that of the general population, and even more startling; the rate among fundamental Christians was slightly higher than the national average!

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

A study on the financial support of the local churches in America revealed startling results as well. The average Christian in America gives 2.3% of their income to the local church.

It is estimated if those pretending to love Christ actually did the bare minimum of 10%, an additional $165,000,000,000 (billion) would be made available to Jesus to use. It is estimated that . . .

$25 billion could relieve global hunger, starvation, and deaths from preventable diseases in five years
$12 billion could eliminate illiteracy in five years.
$15 billion could solve the world’s water and sanitation issues, specifically at places in the world where 1 billion people live on less than $1 per day.
$1 billion could fully fund all overseas mission work.
$100 – $110 billion would still be left over for additional ministry expansion.

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

In the American church, there has been a relaxation of the need to “count” conversions. While many denominations still require it, mine included, we do not place too much emphasis on those numbers anymore.

We often brush off the low conversion rates citing growth groups, relationships, church memberships, and baptisms instead. This is done, I fear, to placate the gnawing sensation that something is very, very wrong in our Americanized church!

When was the last time one of the town drunks, a drug dealer, or person of high or low esteem found Christ in your community! It would have been the talk of the town!

A broken, impetuous, unskilled speaker; a fisherman by the name of Peter preached in the power of the Holy Spirit one day and 3000 came to faith; they counted them! The Book of acts declared that daily people were added to their number.

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

It is evident that the warning Paul gave Timothy is at the heart of the problem we are facing today; a form of godliness, with no power!

The church body has become diluted with men and women who are simply not redeemed! There is no Spirit of Christ in them. They are religious impostors! How, you may ask, does this happen?

It did not happen overnight; but rather by many years of complacency and disregard for the demands of the Gospel. The church once held a position of high esteem; those who joined the ranks of the church were seen as upright and noble people, and getting your name on the rolls was important.

Church membership became the end goal, rather than a means to promote Jesus to the community. This has continued to this day!

It is easy to join a church; go down to the river and be baptized; tell everyone you love God and believe in Jesus, take communion when its offered; give 2.3% of your income and smile a lot; imagining that is well with your soul, do this and in most churches you will be viewed as a spiritual person.

You now have now successfully acquired a form of godliness; you have respect in the church and with your peers. The growing numbers of people, whom you see, are just like you. A sense of self-satisfaction grows, and you truly believe that you are quite safe and secure in Christ . . .

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

Listen to what noted Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon; often referred to as the Prince of Preachers had to say about this subject:

I do not doubt that a form of godliness has come to many because it brings them ease of conscience and they are able, like the Pharisee, to thank God that they are not as other men are. Have they not been to Church? Have they not paid for their pew? They can now go about their daily business without those stings of conscience which would come of neglecting the requirements of religion.

These people profess to have been converted and they are numbered with Believers. But, alas, they are not of them. Of all people these are the hardest to reach and the least likely to be saved. They hide behind the earthworks of a nominal religion. They are out of reach of the shot and shell of Gospel rebukes. They fly among the sinners and they have taken up their quarters among the saints. Sad is that man’s plight who wears the name of life but has never been quickened by the Holy Spirit.

What then is the power of God which is lacking?

True godliness happens on the inside and works its way to the outside. The true power of God comes when a sinful wicked heart, infected with the curse of Adam, is “re-created” and made new, restored to its intended condition; now that’s the power of God!

Remember the promises of God to Ezekiel. . .

Ezekiel 11:19

I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.

Ezekiel 36:25-27

I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.

At the conclusion of Peter’s message in Acts 2, Peter gives the key to the Spirit-filled life, the way to be baptized in the Holy Spirit; it comes by repentance and baptism, and by baptism, I mean being immersed, covered with Jesus.

The key is repentance! Without it, there will be NO SALVATION and NO SPIRIT-FILLED life. None!

We all want “Godliness with Power” we all want to live victorious Christian lives, but we cannot unless we have repented. What produces repentance?

2 Corinthians 7:10

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

“Godly sorrow” produces repentance. I have to ask you if you have ever felt godly sorrow. Have you ever felt the need to repent, and then actually do it! Because if you have not ever repented, you are NOT redeemed, and you are still in your sins, and are as lost as ever; even more lost, because you have deceived yourself into thinking you are redeemed, when in fact you are not.

Jesus said these stunning words . . .

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’

The most revealing and frightening aspect of this passage is that the people we so convinced that they know Jesus; when in fact, they did not!

What can be said of you? Are you holding to a form of godliness, are you the real deal? Deep in your heart, you know the answer.

Will you resist still? Will you quench the Holy Spirit one more time?

This is your chance; for some . . . this is your last chance!

Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones puts it this way . . .

“You do not decide for Christ, the sinner FLIES to Christ in utter helplessness and despair.”

His arms are open wide . . . run to Him!

Revelation 5:9 declares . . . And they sang a new song, saying:

So how do we remain in this love?

When we stop to consider what God has done, we come away stunned!

It was in this world of hopelessness and despair that God brought forth His One and Only Son!

God has given us the most incredible gift; the gift of Life by giving His Son.

What about this Gift God sent? Do we really need it? Is it for you?

Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us! Jesus is God’s gift to us; this is why we celebrate!

We must ask . . . Where is the POWER of the Church!

What then is the power of God which is lacking?

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