Link - PETA sues to get animals copyrights!
However, as the bank will not let my cat open an account, how unfair, please make any checks for Flop out to me, and I will use the money on her behalf!
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Please see picture below, and send my cat some money!
Link - PETA sues to get animals copyrights!
However, as the bank will not let my cat open an account, how unfair, please make any checks for Flop out to me, and I will use the money on her behalf!
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where can you get access to some of the most theologically sound books available, for free?
If you want theologically sound books, you will likely be disappointed if you visit your local "Christian" Bookstore. However, if you life in the Raleigh, Garner, Clayton or Benson NC areas, you will be pleased to know you have access to some most excellent written and video resources at the Mount Herman Christian Church Library!
Library Hours are:
Sunday Morning's after our Morning Service from 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Tuesday Afternoon's from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday Evening's from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Other times may be arranged by appointment.
Follow this link to explore just a few of our - Library Resources
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Good news, but a little sad.
There are a limited number of theologically sound churches around Garner and Clayton NC, where I live and Pastor. I was blessed to have several folks who had left a local Presbyterian church attend and worship with us for several months. A new church plant that they are a part of has now begun, so I am sorry to see them leave our fellowship, even while I am very glad another church committed to the Scriptures and sound reformed theology is now available in our area.
If you are looking for a conservative Presbyterian church, I encourage you to check them out here -
Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church
If you are looking for a conservative Presbyterian church, I encourage you to check them out here -
Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church
Monday, January 19, 2015
Hope in the eternal, all powerful, holy and gracious God!
Things change, life seems too short, and our plans often fail, but God does not change, nor does He fail, hope in Him!
Psalm 90:1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place[a] in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1 Lord, You have been our dwelling place[a] in all generations.
2 Before the mountains were brought forth,
Or ever You had formed the earth and the world,
Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
3 You turn man to destruction,
And say, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
5 You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.
In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up;
In the evening it is cut down and withers.
And say, “Return, O children of men.”
4 For a thousand years in Your sight
Are like yesterday when it is past,
And like a watch in the night.
5 You carry them away like a flood;
They are like a sleep.
In the morning they are like grass which grows up:
6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up;
In the evening it is cut down and withers.
7 For we have been consumed by Your anger,
And by Your wrath we are terrified.
8 You have set our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
And by Your wrath we are terrified.
8 You have set our iniquities before You,
Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath;
We finish our years like a sigh.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years;
And if by reason of strength they are eighty years,
Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow;
For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger?
For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
13 Return, O Lord!
How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,
The years in which we have seen evil.
16 Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
How long?
And have compassion on Your servants.
14 Oh, satisfy us early with Your mercy,
That we may rejoice and be glad all our days!
15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,
The years in which we have seen evil.
16 Let Your work appear to Your servants,
And Your glory to their children.
17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Good bye Walter, see you on the other side!
Walter Mohn lived to a good old age (86) and was gathered to His heavenly Father on this past Sunday. From what I knew of Mr. Mohn, he lived out his faith by seeking to know and do God's will from His word, and by being committed to His church. Mr. Mohn was also encouraging to me, even though I am sure he thought I was wrong about the direction I led the church in at times.
I will miss him!
I will miss him!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Pray for pastors - me included!
Lately, I have noticed a number of high profile pastor have found themselves responding to accusations of sin, resigning for disqualifying sins, or even being fired for such things. In some cases I am not surprised, as the church models the pastors are operating under put too much emphasis on their high profile pastors, and don't seem to provide enough biblical accountability through other Elders.
If a church, or even multiple sites calling themselves one church, are all known predominately through the fame of their pastor, it may be very scary for that organization to consider disciplining or removing that pastor. However, sin must be addressed, and I hope lessons will be learned by the mega churches and smaller churches as well. It gets proven over and over that bilbical accountability is essential for pastors, and you can't let fear of the fallout, keep you from addressing sin when you see it, even when it involves your famous or just very popular pastor.
With that said, but for the grace of God go I!
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
I know my load is far less than many of these high profile leaders, so I need to examine my faithfulness in the areas where God has called me. I also need to help others who are overtaken in sin, and be careful, lest I find myself in sin as well!
We know pride comes before the fall, so I need to thank God, as He is the power for any faithfulness I have.
I need to continue to seek His help to be faithful, and to be open to accountability from my Elders, and church as a whole.
Finally, I ask that that you pray for me, and other pastors, if you don't wish to see more pastors disqualified through sin.
Blessings!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
If a church, or even multiple sites calling themselves one church, are all known predominately through the fame of their pastor, it may be very scary for that organization to consider disciplining or removing that pastor. However, sin must be addressed, and I hope lessons will be learned by the mega churches and smaller churches as well. It gets proven over and over that bilbical accountability is essential for pastors, and you can't let fear of the fallout, keep you from addressing sin when you see it, even when it involves your famous or just very popular pastor.
With that said, but for the grace of God go I!
Gal. 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For each one shall bear his own load.
I know my load is far less than many of these high profile leaders, so I need to examine my faithfulness in the areas where God has called me. I also need to help others who are overtaken in sin, and be careful, lest I find myself in sin as well!
We know pride comes before the fall, so I need to thank God, as He is the power for any faithfulness I have.
I need to continue to seek His help to be faithful, and to be open to accountability from my Elders, and church as a whole.
Finally, I ask that that you pray for me, and other pastors, if you don't wish to see more pastors disqualified through sin.
Blessings!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, August 4, 2014
Better that God be in control!
Isaiah 45:5 I am the Lord, and there is no other;
There is no God besides Me.
I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
6 That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting
That there is none besides Me.
I am the Lord, and there is no other;
7 I form the light and create darkness,
I make peace and create calamity;
I, the Lord, do all these things.’
If God was not in control of those things we call calamities, who or what would be?
Satan?
Chance?
Us?
Them?
I know it is tempting to credit God with all things that seem good to us, and then to place the blame for those things we count as calamitous elsewhere. However, it is far better, biblical, and very comforting to know that the God who created the universe, who is perfectly wise, who is all powerful, and who loves me for Jesus' sake, chooses to send good things or calamity into my life for reasons that make sense to Him, than to think Satan, other people, me, or random chance are responsible!
The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
5 things about the American church that make me sad!
These are simply impressions based on my own observations and experience, so don't get too outraged if you know of some exceptions to these...
1. The rush of "Christians" to twist the scriptures to make them affirm gay marriage. If someone wants to take the stand that we live in a secular culture and gay marriage is none of the church's business and inevitable, I would disagree, but I would not count it as heresy. However, to be so concerned about pleasing the world that you would actually try to take things that are incredibly clear in scriptures and say they mean something completely different is sad, dangerous, and unloving.
2. Youth group culture. I don't blame the youth, but we adults have used fleshly means to attract and keep youth involved in the church and I see nothing positive that has come from it. Once we set the precedent that exposure to the word of God must be linked with pizza, soda and games, I think we have done harm. I know we may draw a bigger crowd by using worldly means, but I see little evidence of that crowd ever making the transition to wanting the word for the word's sake. I wonder how many of the adults who attend church now, but want to do almost anything more than sit under teaching, were kept well fed and entertained during their early church experiences?
3. Preachers using the crucifixion of Jesus as an example of how to deal with our own trials and suffering. The crucifixion of Jesus was a one time event that we cannot relate to at all! We are sinners who deserve God's wrath, Jesus is the sinless Son of God who took that wrath upon Himself at the cross! The cross is about Jesus showing God's perfect holiness, justice and hatred of sin, and at the same time, displaying His love for His people by paying the price for their redemption. Can we learn about how to face suffering from Jesus, of course, but to discuss the cross without stressing the unique God glorifying redemptive purpose of it, is sadly missing the point, no matter how helpful it might seem. Unfortunately, this is not just an Easter sermon problem, the Bible is about the glory of God in redeeming His people, yet that is often completely ignored as people preach countless messages where the Bible is simply used as a moral guide for living better lives.
4. The health and prosperity gospel. In the Bible, the church is often in a state of financial poverty and faced with severe persecution. Are they told that this will change if they have enough faith? No, they are told:
Phil. 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
5. The lack of discernment in "Christian" publishing houses and bookstores. Today we find the internet and bookstore shelves overflowing with ear tickling books that multiply errors and fail to teach sound doctrine, so that these other very sad things that characterize the American church are encouraged, rather than being seen for what they are.
But, praise be to God! None of this has caught God off guard! We have full eternal hope in Him, and during these seemingly sad times, we are simply to continue doing those things He has called us to do.
2 Tim. 4:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
1. The rush of "Christians" to twist the scriptures to make them affirm gay marriage. If someone wants to take the stand that we live in a secular culture and gay marriage is none of the church's business and inevitable, I would disagree, but I would not count it as heresy. However, to be so concerned about pleasing the world that you would actually try to take things that are incredibly clear in scriptures and say they mean something completely different is sad, dangerous, and unloving.
2. Youth group culture. I don't blame the youth, but we adults have used fleshly means to attract and keep youth involved in the church and I see nothing positive that has come from it. Once we set the precedent that exposure to the word of God must be linked with pizza, soda and games, I think we have done harm. I know we may draw a bigger crowd by using worldly means, but I see little evidence of that crowd ever making the transition to wanting the word for the word's sake. I wonder how many of the adults who attend church now, but want to do almost anything more than sit under teaching, were kept well fed and entertained during their early church experiences?
3. Preachers using the crucifixion of Jesus as an example of how to deal with our own trials and suffering. The crucifixion of Jesus was a one time event that we cannot relate to at all! We are sinners who deserve God's wrath, Jesus is the sinless Son of God who took that wrath upon Himself at the cross! The cross is about Jesus showing God's perfect holiness, justice and hatred of sin, and at the same time, displaying His love for His people by paying the price for their redemption. Can we learn about how to face suffering from Jesus, of course, but to discuss the cross without stressing the unique God glorifying redemptive purpose of it, is sadly missing the point, no matter how helpful it might seem. Unfortunately, this is not just an Easter sermon problem, the Bible is about the glory of God in redeeming His people, yet that is often completely ignored as people preach countless messages where the Bible is simply used as a moral guide for living better lives.
4. The health and prosperity gospel. In the Bible, the church is often in a state of financial poverty and faced with severe persecution. Are they told that this will change if they have enough faith? No, they are told:
Phil. 1:29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
5. The lack of discernment in "Christian" publishing houses and bookstores. Today we find the internet and bookstore shelves overflowing with ear tickling books that multiply errors and fail to teach sound doctrine, so that these other very sad things that characterize the American church are encouraged, rather than being seen for what they are.
But, praise be to God! None of this has caught God off guard! We have full eternal hope in Him, and during these seemingly sad times, we are simply to continue doing those things He has called us to do.
2 Tim. 4:1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, January 13, 2014
Is God well pleased with us?
I am preparing a sermon on the baptism of Jesus as I teach line by line through the book of Matthew. It is a labor of love as I seem to never find the bottom of the well, but must stop going deeper at some point, because Sunday will come!
In studying Jesus' baptism and the Father's words to/about Him, "this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17b), I was struck by the relationship between Adam, Jesus and us!
All was created "very good" by God, but he was not pleased with Adam/Eve when they sinned. God was often not pleased with Israel, because they too sinned against Him. Remember the gold calf, their failure to enter the land after the first spies went in, and the later removal of Israel from the land by their enemies.
God's disposition toward sinners is not positive -
Psalm 5:4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (NKJV)
Now consider what Jesus says about those who believe upon Him -
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (NKJV - Underlining added for emphasis)
God the Father is well pleased with Jesus and, for those who believe and are in Him, we are the recipients of the same kind of love the Father has for his Son!
God is not well pleased with sinners, but He is well pleased with us if we believe upon Jesus, for His sake and for His glory!
Thank you Father, Son and Spirit!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
In studying Jesus' baptism and the Father's words to/about Him, "this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17b), I was struck by the relationship between Adam, Jesus and us!
All was created "very good" by God, but he was not pleased with Adam/Eve when they sinned. God was often not pleased with Israel, because they too sinned against Him. Remember the gold calf, their failure to enter the land after the first spies went in, and the later removal of Israel from the land by their enemies.
God's disposition toward sinners is not positive -
Psalm 5:4 For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
5 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
6 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (NKJV)
Now consider what Jesus says about those who believe upon Him -
John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (NKJV - Underlining added for emphasis)
God the Father is well pleased with Jesus and, for those who believe and are in Him, we are the recipients of the same kind of love the Father has for his Son!
God is not well pleased with sinners, but He is well pleased with us if we believe upon Jesus, for His sake and for His glory!
Thank you Father, Son and Spirit!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Monday, January 6, 2014
Record low temperatures are being caused by global warming, really?
I am not a scientist, I am not qualified to say what affect global warming is having on the earth's climate. However, right after I was joking with my wife this morning that someone will probably blame the record low temperatures on global warming, they did! An expert on one of the national news morning shows suggested that this record cold snap was likely linked to global warming. He could be right, but it makes as much sense as saying -
The high flood waters are due to the ongoing drought conditions.
OR
The obesity epidemic is being caused by a worldwide famine.
OR
The population explosion is due to decreasing fertility rates.
OR
As we see in this record cold being caused by global warming claim - all the data that conflicts with the experts theory, actually proves it to be true!
The high flood waters are due to the ongoing drought conditions.
OR
The obesity epidemic is being caused by a worldwide famine.
OR
The population explosion is due to decreasing fertility rates.
OR
As we see in this record cold being caused by global warming claim - all the data that conflicts with the experts theory, actually proves it to be true!
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Words of hope for the new year!
John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
OT Israel, were they so bad or are we in denail?
I am finishing preaching through the genealogy of Jesus found in Matthew 1:1-17 this week. I had previously focused on the promises made to Abraham and David and their prominence in the genealogy. This week I will go through the rest of the list and hopefully we will marvel at the ability of God to use and complete His plans through such a bunch of sinners.
Some of their sins do seem unimaginable:
Joseph's treatment by his brothers is taking jealousy to an extreme level.
David's affair is one thing, but killing Bathsheba's husband Uriah is shocking.
Ahaz made his children pass through the fire and then liquidated the articles of worship in the temple to buy protection from pagan nations.
I could list many other heinous acts among those listed in the genealogy, but should we see the list as people to look down on or people to identify with!
If there is anything I have learned in my time in ministry it is that everyone has sin and it is often far worse than we would like to admit to God or share with others! Our situations may not always be as extreme as these listed, but we do plenty that is quite shocking and we may only have the lack of opportunity and cultural changes to thank for not doing exactly what these OT folks did.
The list given in Matt. 1 should have caused Israel then and us now to realize we are a mess and we needed the Messiah Jesus to save and change messes like us!
I think one of the most profound statements of scripture on Israel's history and the need to admit we are sinners is found here:
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (NKJV)
The genealogy in Matt. points out that Israel had always been in slavery to sin and was often in slavery to other people, but a refusal to admit our slavery means we can never receive Jesus as our deliverer and be truly free.
May God grant us the eyes to see our own history and current lives clearly, such that we might abide in Jesus and His word, and be free indeed!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Some of their sins do seem unimaginable:
Joseph's treatment by his brothers is taking jealousy to an extreme level.
David's affair is one thing, but killing Bathsheba's husband Uriah is shocking.
Ahaz made his children pass through the fire and then liquidated the articles of worship in the temple to buy protection from pagan nations.
I could list many other heinous acts among those listed in the genealogy, but should we see the list as people to look down on or people to identify with!
If there is anything I have learned in my time in ministry it is that everyone has sin and it is often far worse than we would like to admit to God or share with others! Our situations may not always be as extreme as these listed, but we do plenty that is quite shocking and we may only have the lack of opportunity and cultural changes to thank for not doing exactly what these OT folks did.
The list given in Matt. 1 should have caused Israel then and us now to realize we are a mess and we needed the Messiah Jesus to save and change messes like us!
I think one of the most profound statements of scripture on Israel's history and the need to admit we are sinners is found here:
John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?”
34 Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. (NKJV)
The genealogy in Matt. points out that Israel had always been in slavery to sin and was often in slavery to other people, but a refusal to admit our slavery means we can never receive Jesus as our deliverer and be truly free.
May God grant us the eyes to see our own history and current lives clearly, such that we might abide in Jesus and His word, and be free indeed!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Thankful for the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
I, like most people, am thankful for good things that happen to me and those I care about and thankful when bad things that could happen to us don't happen. However, I also tend to undervalue the eternal relationship I have to God by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written:
Rom. 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written:
“For Your sake we are killed all day long;
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.”
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For
I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor
principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor
height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to
separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)
When the things I think are good happen and when the things I count as bad occur, I am still blessed beyond measure in Jesus Christ!
Lord help me to remember!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
The priests must spend time examining lepers?
Leviticus 13-14 describes laws concerning leprosy and the priest's role in examining and helping those with this this dreaded and contagious disease. Part of the reason for taking leprosy so serious, was so that the rest of the people could be protected from catching it.
Let's be clear, being given the job of examining/helping lepers is to be put in harms way. It might be nice to think this task is totally irrelevant to anything we deal with in ministry today!
After all -
As believers, we have Jesus as our High priest. Jesus died on the cross to provide a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. By believing upon Jesus and His work, our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled to God and all the effects of the fall, including diseases like leprosy, will be removed from us when we leave here to go to Him or He returns to rule and reign! Not only does Jesus fulfill the role of priests today, but leprosy has been eradicated from much of the world today through medical advancements.
So how is the OT priest spending time with lepers relevant today? I am sure there is much that could be said, but I was moved as I read it yesterday and realized how those who were to serve as spiritual leaders for Israel were constantly put in harms way for the sake of the people.
Imagine having to spend your day examining lepers! Would you feel afraid at times? Would you be rejected by others, simply because they new you spent time with lepers and could be contagious? What if you decided the risk was too great? What would the cost be for the individuals and the people as a whole?
To truly do ministry as Jesus calls us to do, is to be put in harms way for the good of the people -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Let's be clear, being given the job of examining/helping lepers is to be put in harms way. It might be nice to think this task is totally irrelevant to anything we deal with in ministry today!
After all -
As believers, we have Jesus as our High priest. Jesus died on the cross to provide a perfect and final sacrifice for our sins. By believing upon Jesus and His work, our sins are forgiven, we are reconciled to God and all the effects of the fall, including diseases like leprosy, will be removed from us when we leave here to go to Him or He returns to rule and reign! Not only does Jesus fulfill the role of priests today, but leprosy has been eradicated from much of the world today through medical advancements.
So how is the OT priest spending time with lepers relevant today? I am sure there is much that could be said, but I was moved as I read it yesterday and realized how those who were to serve as spiritual leaders for Israel were constantly put in harms way for the sake of the people.
Imagine having to spend your day examining lepers! Would you feel afraid at times? Would you be rejected by others, simply because they new you spent time with lepers and could be contagious? What if you decided the risk was too great? What would the cost be for the individuals and the people as a whole?
To truly do ministry as Jesus calls us to do, is to be put in harms way for the good of the people -
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. (NKJV)
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
A truth to meditate on and find peace!
We may spend much time asking why things are the way they are. We may believe God is totally sovereign, but still spend time trying to figure out how specific things going on in the world could ever serve His purposes.
The fact that these things are hard to nail down should not surprise us -
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (NKJV)
Much more important than figuring out the why of everything God does, is simply believing He is wise, He is powerful and He loves us for Christ's sake! Then we can answer the question Abraham asked -
Gen. 18:25b "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (NKJV)
And to this we can answer 100% yes and Amen!
This is a source of great peace and comfort to me in a world which seems so out of control.
To Him be the Glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
The fact that these things are hard to nail down should not surprise us -
Isaiah 55:8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. (NKJV)
Much more important than figuring out the why of everything God does, is simply believing He is wise, He is powerful and He loves us for Christ's sake! Then we can answer the question Abraham asked -
Gen. 18:25b "Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (NKJV)
And to this we can answer 100% yes and Amen!
This is a source of great peace and comfort to me in a world which seems so out of control.
To Him be the Glory!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Have I missed something politically?
All I hear from politicians and the media is - "we need to raise the debt ceiling quickly", "we will loose our good credit rating if we don't raise the debt ceiling now" and "we are doomed if we don't raise the debt ceiling straight away!"
I may be simple, but if we have to keep borrowing more money to meet our existing debts, why would anyone give us a good credit rating, and aren't we doomed as a nation financially if this need to borrow more and more does not change?
I hear complaints that one party makes an issue of raisng the debt ceiling every year. I have a proposal, cut the budgeted expenses for next year, by the amount they are having to borrow this year, and next year there will be no reason to raise the debt ceiling!
I may be simple, but if we have to keep borrowing more money to meet our existing debts, why would anyone give us a good credit rating, and aren't we doomed as a nation financially if this need to borrow more and more does not change?
I hear complaints that one party makes an issue of raisng the debt ceiling every year. I have a proposal, cut the budgeted expenses for next year, by the amount they are having to borrow this year, and next year there will be no reason to raise the debt ceiling!
Monday, July 29, 2013
Where did 5 years go?
As of this week I have been the Pastor of Mount Herman Christian Church for five years. It seemed to go by quickly, but much has happened during this time and I can't help but reflect on and evaluate my years here.
Here are some things that have changed:
- Membership and attendance have dropped significantly since I arrived.
- We have fewer programs going on at the church than when I arrived.
- We have less paid staff than when I arrived.
- We have a smaller budget now than when I arrived, although we have adjusted to live within it.
- Closely related to the above facts is that it is much more difficult to maintain our facilities now than when I arrived.
- We have a much more biblically educated congregation than when I arrived.
- We have less conflict than when I arrived, as many people have matured in their faith and handle problems in a more biblical and graceful way.
- We are more equipped and enthused for going into the world to reach the lost than when I arrived.
- We have a greater commitment by parents to disciple their children/youth than when I arrived. Parents no longer see children/youth discipleship as primarily the child/youth leaders job.
- We are far more Gospel centered than when I arrived. Not that the gospel wasn't preached before, but now the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ are truly at the center of our ministries.
How would I evaluate these past five years? By looking at my job description and seeing if what I have done matches what I was expected to do!
Several scriptures come to mind as I think about my job description:
First, a very general description of the ministry the church is called to carry out, and the leaders (Pastors/Elders) are expected to keep the church focused on:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Next, a passage with a little more specifics regarding the role of those called to pastor and teach the church:
Eph. 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Finally, Paul's evaluation of his own ministry:
Acts 20:25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
Have I done what I have been called to do? I have tried, but know I have fallen short in many ways. However, it seems very important that many of the things that could easily be taken as the tests for success, the first five points I mentioned at the beginning for instance, are not really a consideration when evaluating my last five years against the job description I have received from Christ and His word.
Therefore, I can only hope that I have been faithful to the Lord up to this point, and seek to lead and teach the flock at MHCC from His word, to accomplish His purposes as His church in the years to come!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Here are some things that have changed:
- Membership and attendance have dropped significantly since I arrived.
- We have fewer programs going on at the church than when I arrived.
- We have less paid staff than when I arrived.
- We have a smaller budget now than when I arrived, although we have adjusted to live within it.
- Closely related to the above facts is that it is much more difficult to maintain our facilities now than when I arrived.
- We have a much more biblically educated congregation than when I arrived.
- We have less conflict than when I arrived, as many people have matured in their faith and handle problems in a more biblical and graceful way.
- We are more equipped and enthused for going into the world to reach the lost than when I arrived.
- We have a greater commitment by parents to disciple their children/youth than when I arrived. Parents no longer see children/youth discipleship as primarily the child/youth leaders job.
- We are far more Gospel centered than when I arrived. Not that the gospel wasn't preached before, but now the person, work and teachings of Jesus Christ are truly at the center of our ministries.
How would I evaluate these past five years? By looking at my job description and seeing if what I have done matches what I was expected to do!
Several scriptures come to mind as I think about my job description:
First, a very general description of the ministry the church is called to carry out, and the leaders (Pastors/Elders) are expected to keep the church focused on:
Matt. 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Next, a passage with a little more specifics regarding the role of those called to pastor and teach the church:
Eph. 4:11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; 14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, 15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— 16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
Finally, Paul's evaluation of his own ministry:
Acts 20:25 “And indeed, now I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.
Have I done what I have been called to do? I have tried, but know I have fallen short in many ways. However, it seems very important that many of the things that could easily be taken as the tests for success, the first five points I mentioned at the beginning for instance, are not really a consideration when evaluating my last five years against the job description I have received from Christ and His word.
Therefore, I can only hope that I have been faithful to the Lord up to this point, and seek to lead and teach the flock at MHCC from His word, to accomplish His purposes as His church in the years to come!
"Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved."
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sometimes it really is a man with a monkey!
I have a family member who has had a variety of health issue recently, including hallucinations relating to medications and/or old age. We have been asked to keep track of these hallucinations while our relation is in a rehabilitation center, so the doctors can make decisions about possible medication changes.
Recently, while my wife was asking the nurse about any hallucinations she had observed, in the background she overheard my son being told by our relative, that a man with a monkey came by the room and the monkey turned off her lights. When my wife told me about this, we both thought it was worth reporting to the doctors as a pretty serious hallucination.
Well, lesson learned I hope, at the next visit a roommate, who is totally in their right mind, mentioned a man with a monkey who came by the rehab to entertain some people. Of course the man stopped by their room and the monkey turned off their lights.
Moral to the story -
Sometimes, even the most unlikely account is worth taking some time to investigate before dismissing it.
I wonder what else I may have assumed was untrue?
Recently, while my wife was asking the nurse about any hallucinations she had observed, in the background she overheard my son being told by our relative, that a man with a monkey came by the room and the monkey turned off her lights. When my wife told me about this, we both thought it was worth reporting to the doctors as a pretty serious hallucination.
Well, lesson learned I hope, at the next visit a roommate, who is totally in their right mind, mentioned a man with a monkey who came by the rehab to entertain some people. Of course the man stopped by their room and the monkey turned off their lights.
Moral to the story -
Sometimes, even the most unlikely account is worth taking some time to investigate before dismissing it.
I wonder what else I may have assumed was untrue?
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Agnostic language lessons?
I had a discussion about spiritual things with a lady who was cutting my hair recently. She claimed to be an agnostic and was quite willing to discuss our different beliefs. Here are a few things I learned as I spoke to her.
One thing I realize is that she had not thought very critically about her beliefs. She discussed what she thought God might be like, the kind of God she could believe in, if there was one (loving), and what kind of God she definitely would not believe in (harsh/evil). I asked her if there was a real God, does what I, her, or any of the other 7 billion people on earth think of Him change who He is? Her reply was no, and she had never really thought of that before.
Another question that caught her a little off guard was this, if there is a real God and we are to know anything about Him, rather than us just speculating about what He might be like, would He need to tell us about Himself in some objective way?
I further suggested that if God had not revealed Himself, so that we might know what He really is like, then we might as well be atheists, because faith in an unknowable God was pretty pointless. Even her belief that any God that does exist must be loving, does not mean the real God could not be an evil tyrant. Only by God revealing Himself can we know anything about Him with certainty and of course I suggested He had done just that in the Bible.
She agreed that some of my logic made sense, but at this point brought some more murkiness into the conversation. She suggested that faith was not a mater of facts at all, but feelings and everyone must decide what they believe.
Wow! This really shows a difference in definitions. She is discussing God and faith in terms of what works or feels good for the individual, while I was discussing, if there is a God, how can we know and how must we respond!
So what do I suggest?
Make sure we are talking about the same things when it comes to God and faith. Are we both asking does a real God exist? If so, what is He like and how can we know what He wants from us? Or, are they simply talking about different concepts of God that are simply personal preferences?
If so, then I need to get us on the same questions about God, before the conversation can be fruitful.
Further, as to faith, are we talking about how and why we believe in the God who does exist or religious/spiritual feelings that make us feel better while we have no definite knowledge of God?
I ended by telling her that God's word/Bible, says the world is not about us finding a God we are comfortable with, but about the real God showing His justice in the punishment of all who rebel against Him and Him displaying the greatness of His mercy, grace and love, by saving those who believe upon the person and work of Jesus Christ!
I pray God uses something we discussed and my hair will grow back, so I will definitely look for her next time!
One thing I realize is that she had not thought very critically about her beliefs. She discussed what she thought God might be like, the kind of God she could believe in, if there was one (loving), and what kind of God she definitely would not believe in (harsh/evil). I asked her if there was a real God, does what I, her, or any of the other 7 billion people on earth think of Him change who He is? Her reply was no, and she had never really thought of that before.
Another question that caught her a little off guard was this, if there is a real God and we are to know anything about Him, rather than us just speculating about what He might be like, would He need to tell us about Himself in some objective way?
I further suggested that if God had not revealed Himself, so that we might know what He really is like, then we might as well be atheists, because faith in an unknowable God was pretty pointless. Even her belief that any God that does exist must be loving, does not mean the real God could not be an evil tyrant. Only by God revealing Himself can we know anything about Him with certainty and of course I suggested He had done just that in the Bible.
She agreed that some of my logic made sense, but at this point brought some more murkiness into the conversation. She suggested that faith was not a mater of facts at all, but feelings and everyone must decide what they believe.
Wow! This really shows a difference in definitions. She is discussing God and faith in terms of what works or feels good for the individual, while I was discussing, if there is a God, how can we know and how must we respond!
So what do I suggest?
Make sure we are talking about the same things when it comes to God and faith. Are we both asking does a real God exist? If so, what is He like and how can we know what He wants from us? Or, are they simply talking about different concepts of God that are simply personal preferences?
If so, then I need to get us on the same questions about God, before the conversation can be fruitful.
Further, as to faith, are we talking about how and why we believe in the God who does exist or religious/spiritual feelings that make us feel better while we have no definite knowledge of God?
I ended by telling her that God's word/Bible, says the world is not about us finding a God we are comfortable with, but about the real God showing His justice in the punishment of all who rebel against Him and Him displaying the greatness of His mercy, grace and love, by saving those who believe upon the person and work of Jesus Christ!
I pray God uses something we discussed and my hair will grow back, so I will definitely look for her next time!
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