9/8/2010

THE PROMISES OF GOD

  In the modern age of limited liability, few things are as advertised. Wise consumers have learned to be careful when signing contracts or purchasing products which come with warranties. The small print typically reveals the real terms and a not-so-ironclad guarantee. This is the way it is in a world system where the bottom line is profit and the end justifies the means. Thinking back on how many times I have been taken by a so-called good deal has made me very weary of promotions, pledges, and promises. "Thanks, but no thanks" has become my usual response to those trying to interest me in a once-in-a-lifetime or limited-time offer. I have come to understand that what they are really interested in is separating me from ...  more

4/27/2010

THE GOSPEL STORY

  From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible speaks with a divine authority which calls every man, woman, and child into accountability to their Creator.  Man has never been free to do his own will. God’s command to Adam not to partake of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil marked the beginning of man’s responsibility to submit to His Sovereignty: “And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16, 17). Unfortunately, Adam did not comply with the Lord’s command and his rebellion brought ...  more

3/6/2010

A HOPE AND A FUTURE

  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). This verse was a great comfort and assurance to me during a very uncertain time in the early years of my Christian life. Faced with a difficult situation I had never experienced before, the words of Jeremiah the prophet were spoken to me just days apart by two different people as a means of assuring me of God’s presence and the wisdom of His ways. Twenty-five years later, I have never forgotten them. The words at the end of the verse, “to give you an expected end,” are best understood to mean a hope and a future. As believers, we know that all of ...  more

1/19/2010

Consider Your Ways

    How often have you been sidetracked on a project which you began in earnest but failed to complete? This was the story of the children of Israel, who returned from captivity in Babylon in 538 B.C. Their numerous sins had led to their exodus from the land for seventy years, but God had graciously kept His word to bring them to their homeland: “For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:10, 11). After the death of King Nebuchadnezzar ...  more

12/8/2009

Spiritual Infancy

   “And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). This was Paul’s bleak assessment of the spiritual state of the Christians in the church of Corinth. They were suffering from a case of arrested spiritual development. Much to his disappointment, he could not speak of them as Christians advancing in the knowledge of God and in holy living. They were struggling in spiritual infancy, despite the abundant measure of God’s grace which they had received (1 Corinthians 1:4-7). What was prohibiting them from feeding on the solid meat of God’s Word? We learn from his letter to them that pride was a big factor. Their ...  more

10/24/2009

The Light of Life

Genesis is the first book of the Bible, and the Holy Scripture concludes with the Revelation to John. I find it interesting and theologically significant that the first words of Genesis are, “In the beginning,” and that Revelation concludes with John’s prayer, “Come Lord Jesus” (22:20). From the beginning to the end, the Word of God points to the Alpha and the Omega, the Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:8). Our Lord’s own testimony to the disciples on the Emmaus road confirm that Moses and the prophets spoke concerning Him (Luke 24:27). If these holy men of God wrote about Jesus, what did they want us to know? Just as darkness was upon the face of the deep (Genesis 1:2), so it was with ...  more

8/26/2009

The Apple of God's Eye

What comes to your mind when you think of Gods mighty works among the children of Israel? Moses, the great prophet and deliverer who led his people out of bondage in Egypt, described his nation as “the apple of God’s eye”: "For the LORDS portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed him, he kept him as the apple of his eye”(Deuteronomy 32:9-10). Hundreds of years later this sentiment was uttered again by the visionary prophet Zechariah: “for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye” (Zechariah 2:8). The apple of the eye is the pupil of the eye, which is very delicate ...  more

7/11/2009

Worldliness

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”(James 4:4). I began my spiritual walk as a Christian in the mid 70’s, in a church that preached a very clear message of separation from the world. Sunday mornings were never short on sermons that focused on abstaining from sinful practices that were contrary to Scripture. The preaching often aimed at social drinking, dancing, immodest dress, rock music, and movies that would probably carry the label “PG” by today’s standards. I was taught that every Christian must earnestly endeavor to separate himself from the world and avoid even ...  more

5/17/2009

Day Hiking In Proverbs

If you’re someone who enjoys day hikes in the outdoors, you  probably don’t like to carry a heavy pack. One good option to cut down on weight is to look for maximum nutrition in the smallest possible size. Fortunately, many such compact meals can be readily found. While I do enjoy God’s beautiful creation when I can, I am a regular day hiker -–indoors. The trail I take is called the Proverbs, and you can find it in the Bible. Proverbs was written by King Solomon, a man very experienced in the paths of life. As a matter of fact, he makes an excellent trail guide because he was renowned for his great wisdom. Ecclesiastes 12:9 states, “And moreover, because the preacher was wise, he still taught the ...  more

3/25/2009

The Terror of the Night

What is normal to an adult is often very frightening to a child. Costumed characters like those at Disneyland do not always bring smiles to the faces of little ones. Likewise, going to bed in a dark room can bring an array of fears before them. Ordinary shadows and sounds become sinister forces threatening to do harm as their imaginations run wild. Thankfully, children outgrow these fears, but other terrors of the night are not as easily overcome. Many adults, Christians among them, also find the nighttime disturbing, as worries about tomorrow and an uncertain future invade their minds like monsters in a child’s room. Rather than facing the imaginary villains of a child’s overactive imagination, they confront fears and ...  more

1/16/2009

Life's Unexpected Storms

Where do you go when you are facing a trial that seems to press in from every side? At such a time there is nowhere to flee. Perhaps you have been there, dear Christian, so you already know the answer: Your only hiding place is the omnipresent God (Psalm 32:7).He alone is our refuge, our surest port when the fierce storms of life come our way. We sing songs and hymns and read Scriptures that remind us of the assurance of the Lord’s presence, and it is well that we do; but only in the midst of the tempest can we know the reality of it. The disciples of Jesus experienced such an event when they set out one night on the Sea of Galilee, a familiar experience for seasoned fishermen (Mark 4:35). However, they quickly learned that ...  more

11/26/2008

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. It is the Christians nature to sing of the grace which God has bestowed upon him. "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD" (Psalm 40:3) . The chorus above is one which all Christians should sing frequently with great joy in their hearts. If you know Jesus as your Savior, that is the grace of God and you are blessed. If sin no longer has dominion over you like it once did, that is the grace of God and you are blessed. If you are no longer ...  more

10/16/2008

Be Anxious For Nothing

Mark Twain once said, “Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it." Certainly, many of us would agree with Twain’s advice in theory, but in practice we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of anxiety prompted by circumstances over which we have no control. Why does the “inner peace” which is the Christian’s birthright so often elude us? Is it really possible for the Christian to be anxiety- free? The Scripture commands, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and ...  more

9/22/2008

Time Alone with God

The Bible has much to say about time. Certain significant numerical references in the form of days, months, and years make for interesting Scriptural studies. The Word of God mentions the creation of the heavens and the earth and all living things in six days (Genesis 1:31). Noah preached righteousness for one hundred and twenty years in the antedeluvian world (Genesis 6:3; 2 Peter 2:5). We are also told that the average life span of men on earth is limited to around seven decades: “For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon ...  more

7/10/2008

Religious Belief In America And The Coming Apostasy

No one should be surprised that in a country founded upon the principles of individual liberties, tolerance for a diversity of religious traditions would find fertile soil. What may come as a surprise to some is the extent to which Americans now embrace a faith without dogmatism.[1] Just as moral absolutes have fallen by the wayside in the land of the free, so have theological absolutes. This is the finding of a recent survey of 35,000 adults conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. In the words of Rice University sociologist D. Michael Lindsay: “Religion in America is 3,000 miles wide and only three inches deep.” Paul’s words to Timothy ring more clearly today than when they were first written: ...  more

5/19/2008

The Lordship of Christ Controversy

Some years ago, the evangelical church world was caught up in the debate over a controversy about the nature of Christ’s Lordship. Some prominent names in the evangelical landscape were pitted against each other in an attempt to defend their respective beliefs. On one side were the Lordship advocates, who maintained that the grace-based salvation which comes through faith in Christ is accompanied by a transforming power that is evident in the life of a convert. Lordship Salvation emphasized that submission to Christ as Lord over your life cannot be divorced from trusting in Him to be saved. They proposed that a lack of obedience in the life of a professing Christian gives a warrant to doubt that genuine salvation has occurred. ...  more

4/23/2008

Fighting Spiritual Battles

Every day, the Christian who desires to please the Lord in all that he or she does (1 Corinthians 10:31) will encounter opposition from the enemies of God. Notice that I use enemy in its plural form, for we have more than one. Scripture reminds us of the hosts of spiritual forces confronting the believer: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). We face opponents who are not only a threat in numbers, but by their very nature. Flesh and blood would be more than enough to contend with, but an unseen, immaterial opponent is all the more dangerous. As spirit-beings ...  more

3/14/2008

The Consequences of a Single Sin

“And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Genesis 2:16,17). Several things can be observed as we consider these words spoken to Adam in the garden of God. First is the immediate impression of ultimate authority that accompanies them. This is not a casual conversation between equals in the form of a suggestion from one to the other. The command bears the full imprimatur of magisterial authority. The omnipotent Creator has addressed the creature He formed from the dust of the ground and animated with the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). ...  more

2/4/2008

The Christian Music Controversy

That the Creator God alone is worthy of the creature’s adoration is the undeniable truth revealed in Holy Scripture in the form of many commands, exhortations, and personal examples. But we also know by the same Holy Word that men separated from God because of sin cannot worship God in an acceptable way. True worship must come from one who has received spiritual life through the miracle of the new birth. David’s words of praise for God’s deliverance exemplify the wonderful joy of salvation experienced by the Christian: “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many ...  more

1/11/2008

The Greatest Need of the Church

What is the greatest need of the church in our day? Is it better methods? more programs? effective leadership? a more active and vibrant membership? All of these things and many more have been proposed as crucial to the success of the church’s mission in the world; but are they? What does the church really need? I believe that the greatest need among those who have joined together in one body by a common faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:4), in a common ministry (Matthew 28:19-20), must be defined by the Word of God. God’s Divine revelation in Scripture opens the window of heaven so that we can see more clearly the work of God in human endeavors and earthly affairs. Present day surveys may help to identify the degenerate ...  more

12/20/2007

What Child is This

What Child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? So begins the beloved Christmas carol, written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 when he was twenty-nine. The story goes that Dix was stricken with a serious illness which left him bed-ridden and severely depressed for several months; but during this time he learned to put his full trust in God. Ace Collins wrote: “Not long after regaining his strength, an inspired Dix produced some of the greatest hymns ever written by an English layman.”[1] Collins also pointed out that this time in American history was dominated by Puritan thought, which forbade Christians from celebrating ...  more

12/5/2007

The Duty of Praise

There are many duties incumbent upon the Christian as a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) that prompt the flesh to war against the indwelling Holy Spirit. Chief among them is the believer’s duty of rendering praise to God, who has called us out of darkness and into the kingdom of the Son of His love (Colossians 1:13). J.C. Lambert reminds us that “Praise is everywhere represented in the Bible as a duty no less than a natural impulse and a delight. To fail in this duty is to withhold from God the glory that belongs to Him (Psalm 50:23; Romans 1:20-21); it is to shut ones eyes to the signs of His presence (Isaiah 40:26), to be forgetful of His mercies (Deuteronomy 6:12) and unthankful for His kindness (Luke 6:35).”[1] ...  more

11/15/2007

Let Us Give Thanks

How do you respond to the many blessings of God in your life? In this season of thanksgiving, just survey the wonderful evidences of God’s grace and mercy toward you, and I know you will be surprised with all that the Lord has done. Our heavenly Father has bestowed His loving kindness on us in many different ways, though we are entirely undeserving of it. Such is the nature of our salvation: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). No matter how many times I read this passage of Scripture, I cannot fully take it in. Who am I that God should show mercy toward me, in my rebellious state, and provide a way for me to be reconciled to Him? “And you, ...  more

11/10/2007

The Coming Judgment Upon America

Let me begin with a disclaimer: I am not a prophet who receives special revelation from God. Therefore, I am not predicting a date for the destruction of America in the near future. However, I do believe that this once-great nation cannot continue its present course without experiencing Divine intervention. God does not let people sin with impunity, especially those who have been the recipients of His manifold blessings, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48b). In some measure, America was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles derived from the Bible. Those principles are now considered obsolete, archaic, and irrelevant to an enlightened generation in which intolerance of evil is ...  more

10/20/2007

Plagued By Doubt

Hebrews chapter 11 has been called the Bible “Hall of Fame”. In it we find brief accounts of numerous Old Testament believers who trusted God in a variety of different circumstances and “obtained a good report” (verse 2). The names of these individuals are familiar to many of us and have become the subject of countless sermons throughout the Christian era; but the Old Covenant gave way to the New Covenant, and with it came a new era in the unfolding story of men and women who comprise that great cloud of witnesses which encompasses us (Hebrews 12:1). If you were asked to compose a list of New Testament heroes of the faith, whom would you include? I suppose that a few of the apostles would appear, some devout ...  more

10/4/2007

A Wild Boar In The Vineyard

Numerous scholars of the history of Christianity, while they often differ on many details, are in substantial agreement that a new era in the course of Christianity began in the sixteenth century. Great political, social, economic, intellectual, and religious changes were sweeping the globe. Through the adventures and discoveries of mariners like Columbus and Magellan in the prior century, the oceans of the world had become highways for trade and the exchange of knowledge. Printing by movable-type had also made knowledge available to the common man. In the religious realm, a great battle was being waged. The early reformers like John Wycliffe of England, who died in 1384, and John Huss of Bohemia (1415) had challenged the authority of ...  more

9/20/2007

The Godly Christian

The Bible says that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Lately, I have been thinking about what it means to be a Christian- not just a Christian in name, but one who is truly committed to living his life for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). This kind of Christian will stand out in a crowd. Not surprisingly, this kind of Christian will also bear the spurn of the world just as the first Christians did when the gospel of Jesus Christ penetrated pagan cultures. Not much has changed in this regard. As our society drifts further and further toward a moral abyss, we will find that truly following Christ makes us unpopular. A cross is not, after all, a symbol that defines worldly success. ...  more

9/5/2007

Man's Labor Under the Sun

The first Monday of September, Labor Day, is a national holiday to honor American workers who have contributed to the security and prosperity of our country. It has been celebrated for this purpose since the late 1800’s. America is a nation built by the sweat of many ordinary people who demonstrated the meaning of a good work ethic, day in and day out. In my own family, I witnessed such an example. My parents and grandparents worked hard to provide for the needs of their families, and, consequently, I was never adverse to a hard day’s work. The word ‘welfare’ was never in our family vocabulary. When I became a Christian, I discovered that the Bible had much to say about the subject of man’s “labor ...  more

8/23/2007

Looking to Egypt

After they had suffered for hundreds of years under the oppression of the Egyptians, the Lord delivered His people from their bondage with a mighty hand (Deuteronomy 4:34). One would think that after they had obtained freedom in such a glorious way, Egypt would be far from the minds of the Israelites. They were headed to a land of promise and hope. Moreover, God Himself would be their guide: “And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night: He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people” (Exodus 13:21-22). Furthermore, this vast multitude of people would be ...  more

8/9/2007

The Philosophy of Entitlement

Yesterday was one of those days that every pastor in ministry occasionally experiences. Matters that I hadn’t planned on dashed my hopes for a really productive one. In late afternoon, the phone rang. I must confess that I was somewhat hesitant to answer it, but I did. A familiar voice was on the other end; it was a good brother in Christ who asked me if a had a "few minutes" to talk. It turned out that he was just a few miles away, running an errand, and he wanted to stop by to see me before heading home. I wasn’t sure what was on his mind, but I wanted to be available to reluctantly minister to him in some way if need be. As it turned out, the purpose of his visit was to minister to me. He just wanted to tell me ...  more

7/31/2007

Living in Sodom

The word “homosexual” did not enter the English vocabulary until 1869. It was coined by Hungarian physician Karoly Maria Benkert. Biblically speaking, homosexuals are sodomites. "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel" (Deuteronomy 23:17). The first occurrence of the name Sodom is found in Genesis 10:19 which mentions the border of the Canaanite territory. In Genesis 13, we read of a division which occurred between the patriarch Abraham and his nephew, Lot, because the land was not big enough for their respective herds (6,7). In a deep display of grace and humility, Abraham deferred to Lot and allowed him to choose a suitable place for his family and herds. We read ...  more

7/18/2007

Does God Owe Sinful Men Anything?

It is often the case that people come to God in prayer with the mistaken notion that they are worthy of an audience with Him and that He exists to grant them all they desire. This is a view of God that delights in His love but excludes His holiness. I confess that for many years, before I gave my life to Christ, I approached God with this self-centered view. The truth is that the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth owes sinful men nothing. Apart from Divine grace, no man is deserving of anything from God but eternal damnation: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). The very fact that a sinful creature can breathe another minute is due to the loving kindness and longsuffering of God: “It is of the LORDS mercies ...  more

6/25/2007

Rock Shock

For the thousands of visitors to Grand Canyon National Park, the canyon is truly a “wonder to behold!” For those who have the opportunity to view the canyon from the Colorado River looking up, the word ‘Grand’ is an understatement.[1] Imagine what it must have been like to be the first to see the canyon while riding the rapids of the Colorado without any skills in whitewater navigation, in small wooden boats which modern day river runners have described as the technical equivalent of walnut shells. Worst of all, imagine undertaking such a journey without any knowledge of the course of the river. Major John Wesley Powell and his crew of nine men were the first to take up this epic challenge of exploring the Grand ...  more

6/7/2007

Loyalty

One of the principle New Testament verses on discipleship is Paul’s admonition to Timothy: “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). The Greek word for faithful is ‘pistos’, which can be translated “trustworthy” or “loyal”. It is used to speak of loyalty to a person, a cause, or an official duty. Paul was looking for men like Timothy, whose character would be defined by loyalty - men who would defend the sacred deposit of truth committed to their trust (1 Timothy 6:20). The Bible is full of stories of loyalty, and of the courage of those who stood by a friend, or a ...  more

5/23/2007

The Keys to Spiritual Victory

The ancient Canaanite city of Jericho, a short distance North of the Dead Sea, was the first formidable obstacle in the Israelites’ path of conquest in the land that God promised them. A walled city, it was well fortified: “Now Jericho was straitly shut up because of the children of Israel: none went out, and none came in” (Joshua 6:1). In the military language of today, it was a “high value” target because of its strategic location as the gateway to the central highlands and its abundant water supply, furnished by the Jordan River to the East and by tributaries from the Central Mountains. The key to an Israelite victory at Jericho was rather simple. It takes no in-depth analysis to figure it out. It ...  more

5/10/2007

Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary

I was reading an excerpt from a Puritan writer in The Valley of the Vision. His name presently remains a mystery to me. He was writing about the experience of Jesus on the cross of Calvary. When I think of Calvary I often recall the words of Isaiah 53. How could any Christian begin to fully comprehend the depth of our Lord’s sufferings portrayed there, as the only begotten Son experienced the wrath of the Father? Today, I decided to commit this hallowed ground in the Old Testament to memory. While I know a good portion of it from repeated readings, I can’t say that I know every verse word perfect. I should, and so should every one who names the name of Jesus as Savior. Now, back to the thoughts expressed by the anonymous ...  more

4/23/2007

Gideon's Snare

Everyone who is at all familiar with the Bible knows something about a man named Gideon, whose story is told in Judges chapters six through eight. He lived in the time when there was no king in Israel and the nation repeatedly turned away from God. The period of the judges is characterized by wholesale rebellion. Every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25). A cycle of apostasy, judgment, repentance, and Divine deliverance is the pattern throughout the book. The major lesson we learn from this time in Israel’s history was described in simple terms by Charles Spurgeon, who wrote, “The Lord does not permit His children to sin successfully.” Though His judgment may tarry it will surely come in vindication ...  more

4/4/2007

The Tongue Is Fire

The subject of self-control in the Bible covers many different areas. As believers we are commanded to control our thoughts, emotions, selfish ambitions, appetites, etc. Some of these battles for self-control present a daily struggle. Such is the nature of the Christian life. We all have certain weak areas and besetting sins (Hebrews 12:1). However, I am convinced that there is one area of self-control that is a battleground in every Christian’s life. Satan seems to be unrelenting when it comes to the battle to master our tongues. Why? Because a tongue that is out of control casts doubt on the nature of true Christianity: “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, ...  more

3/27/2007

Moses and Jesus

A few weeks ago I started a series of message on one of my favorite Bible characters, Moses. I cited a statement from Dr. I. M. Haldeman that was thought provoking. Here is what Dr. Haldeman wrote: "The life of Moses presents a series of striking antitheses. He was the child of a slave, and the son of a queen. He was born in a hut, and lived in a palace. He inherited poverty, and enjoyed unlimited wealth. He was the leader of armies, and the keeper of flocks. He was the mightiest of warriors, and the meekest of men. He was educated in the court, and dwelt in the desert. He had the wisdom of Egypt, and the faith of a child. He was fitted for the city, and wandered in the wilderness. He was tempted with the pleasures of sin, and ...  more

3/19/2007

Blessed Assurance

How many times have you sung the wonderful hymn, “Blessed Assurance," the lyrics of which were penned by one of the greatest of hymn writers, Fanny Crosby? I hope it always brings as much joy to your heart as it does mine. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood. Surely the words of Psalm 40:3, “And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,” rang true in the life of Fanny Crosby, for she wrote over 8000 hymns. Blind from birth, she had a vision into the heart of God that few will ever know. Amazingly, she was very content with ...  more

2/28/2007

The Majesty Of God

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork (Psalm 19:1). The word ‘heavens’ in the first verse of Psalm 19 stands in the emphatic position, drawing our attention immediately upward to the creation of God. David, the shepherd and author of this testimony of praise was overcome with the majesty of the God of Abraham as his eyes focused on the works of His hand. The grandeur of God as revealed in the natural world is evident even to the heathen, “… because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things ...  more

2/20/2007

What is Truth?

People from all walks of life in every age have wrestled with the notion of truth. When Jesus was brought before Pilate he declared, “every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). Pilate responded in the next verse with the question, “what is truth?” Was Pilate seeking knowledge from Jesus, or ridiculing the very idea that it is possible to know truth in an absolute sense? The latter thought is the philosophy of the postmodern culture in which we live. Some estimates put these skeptics as high as 70% of the population. In the book, “The Death of Truth”, Dennis Mc Callum wrote: “Postmodernism isn’t a distinct set of doctrines or truth claims. It’s a mood – a ...  more

2/12/2007

Tuning The Church Pianos

In our church we appreciate good music. However, good singing can be undermined by a piano that is out of tune, so as a rule we have our Kwai Baby Grand tuned twice a year. I have since discovered that two tunings a year may not be sufficient. William White, piano technician wrote, "If a piano is neglected, if it be allowed to go through from one season to another, say, from Spring to Winter, without tuning, it will probably at the end of that time be considerably lower in pitch. It will have gone through a rise, followed by a fall, and the fall will be greater than the first rise.” Admittedly I know very little about the art of tuning a piano, but I do understand that “a fall which exceeds a previous rise can’t ...  more

1/30/2007

The Poverty of Riches

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;” (1 Timothy 6:17 18). This morning as I was driving to the church I heard a small portion of the Bill O’Reilly radio program and a statement he made caught my attention. He said that "people who love money and make it their life’s pursuit lose their humanity in the process”. Although I am not absolutely certain how he would define that ‘loss of humanity’ I believe it has a lot to do with the compromise of their personal ...  more

1/16/2007

The Importance Of Second Fiddle

To play second fiddle is an idiom meaning that you take a subordinate role behind someone more important. The term actually alludes to the part of second violin in an orchestra. Speaking of orchestras, Leonard Bernstein the famous orchestra conductor was once asked, "What is the most difficult instrument to play?" He replied, "Second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find one who plays second violin with as much enthusiasm or second French horn or second flute, now thats a problem. And yet if no one plays second, we have no harmony." Pause for a moment and consider how Berstein’s reply is applicable to Christian ministry. Whether it be in a Christian organization or the local church, the ...  more

1/8/2007

Hiding In Plain View

We have all seen pictures of camouflaged insects or other animals that make them nearly impossible to distinguish from their surroundings. Camouflage is the "art of concealment". It involves disguising an object, in plain sight, in order to hide it from something or someone. Many animals depend on camouflage for their survival or hunts to succeed. I once saw a picture of a lion hiding in the tall grasslands of Africa, much like the one accompanying this article. The photo I saw was on the front cover of a popular magazine. The lion was nearly invisible to the eye. When I saw that magazine cover I was amazed how perfectly that lion blended in with his environment. He was literally, “hiding in plain view”. Now that ...  more

1/2/2007

Laboring in God's Word

Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? (John 14:8,9). When you read what Philip said in verse 8 of John 14 does it seem like an unreasonable request? To the contrary, one might conclude that it was commendable. After all, what could be wrong with expressing a desire to see the Father whom Jesus often spoke about? Furthermore, Jesus had just mentioned that He would soon depart to go to the Father’s house and would come back for the disciples to take them there (John 14:1-3). No doubt this peaked the natural ...  more

12/27/2006

The Necessity of Time Spent With God

Matt. 14:22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. The one great need in the life of every Christian is time alone with God. We see here in Matthew’s gospel that Jesus did not allow the demands of ministry to interfere with His fellowship with the Father. A short while ago I was preparing a sermon for the Lord’s Day and came upon a portion of Scripture in 1 Timothy 2 that made a similar impression on me. “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, ...  more

12/11/2006

And Can It Be

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Saviors blood! Died he for me? who caused his pain! For me? who him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me? These words are very familiar to those of us who still love the old hymns of the faith. It is one of my personal favorites. Penned long ago by Charles Wesley, this hymn still provokes me to consider afresh the depth of the rich mercy of God. How Can It Be that the immortal God should take upon Himself the form of lowly man, and shed His precious blood for grievous sinners? Why should He who did no sin (2 Cor. 5:21) face the bar of Divine justice on Calvary’s cross so that I can stand before the highest court in heaven ...  more

12/4/2006

No Greater Joy!

The apostle John expressed his shepherd’s heart in a simple sentence found in his third epistle. To a dear friend named Gaius, John wrote, “ I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (verse 4). To walk in the truth simply means to live consistent with the truth you have received. "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Ephesians 4:1). Christian parents can readily identify with John’s sentiments. Every pastor who serves in a local church hopes to realize the very same joy. But why should John’s joy be tied to the obedience of another brother in Christ? I believe its because John rejoiced to see God ...  more

11/21/2006

For All Things Give Thanks

The time of year has come when once again Americans will gather together with family and friends and celebrate Thanksgiving Day. We certainly have many reasons to be a thankful people as we "count our blessings", but how much of the conversation around the table or elsewhere in our homes will actually take the form of praise toward the one who is the source of these blessings. Dear brethren, if we are careful we can easily fail in this regard. This is why we are admonished by David in Psalm 103:1-2 to, "bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." Notice that David reminds us to take account of "all his benefits". If ...  more

11/13/2006

Blessed Fellowship

One of the great blessings of the Christian life is the joy of spending time with other believers. I have experienced many such wonderful times of Christian fellowship. The word fellowship in the original language is koinonia which etymologically has to do with something people have in common. For instance, Paul spoke of Titus as"mine own son after the common faith:" (Titus 1:4). Jude verse 3 speaks of a common salvation. One of the earliest Christian documents, the Apostles Creed contains the words, "I believe in the communion of saints." This communion is based on the union of the sinner to Christ Jesus by faith. A.W. Tozer said, "Whoever is born of God is one with everyone else who is born of God. Just as ...  more

11/8/2006

Why Should You Trust God's Word?

There are many reasons why I trust the Bible. I will not take the time to list them, but rather focus on one very significant thing that gives the Bible credibility. To put it succinctly, the Bible has "staying power". Upon reading a brief commentary on the book of Jeremiah which I have been studying I was struck by a comment from Thomas Watson. Watson was an English clergyman (1620-1686) best known for A Body of Divinity, long regarded as a Puritan masterpiece. Watsons love and defense of the holy Scriptures was prominent in his writings. Consider for example what he said about the ‘staying power of the Bible’: “We may know the Scripture to be the Word of God by its miraculous preservation in all ages. The ...  more

11/7/2006

Election Day is Here!

Today is election day in America. As a citizen of this country and a Christian committed to the Lordship of Christ, I believe it is my responsibility to vote for those candidates best qualified to serve all Americans, and defend this nation from all threats foreign and domestic. They must be men and women with the courage of conviction who will never capitulate their will to the will of the ungodly for political gain. I will look for candidates who will protect the rights of the unborn and fight for traditional family values that good Americans have long cherished. The Bible teaches that "righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Pro.14:34). This being true, America may be tottering on the ...  more

10/30/2006

What if There Was no Church?

We have all heard the expression "we dont appreciate what we have until we no longer have it." I know from experience that this has proven true many times in my life. We often fail to see the real worth of something until it is gone. Think for a moment what it would be like to suddenly lose someone you dearly loved. As a pastor I know it is easy to find fault with a church. I have had my fair share of complaints when I was on the other side of the pulpit. Now people sometimes share their complaints with me. To some degree they may be justified. There is no perfect church this side of heaven. No perfect pastor, no perfect way of worship. But what it would be like if you found yourself with no place to worship? No fellowship ...  more

10/23/2006

A Worm in the Apple

 The following illustration serves to remind us to be aware of the origin and end result of sin. Have you ever bitten into an apple and found a worm in it, and yet the outside of the apple showed no hole or entry point for the worm? How did the worm get inside the apple? Clearly he could not have burrowed in from the outside. The fact is that an insect lays an egg in the apple blossom. Some time later, the worm hatches in the heart of the apple, then eats his way out. Sin, like the worm, begins in the heart and finds a way out in thoughts, words, and actions. Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Brothers and sisters I pray that we ...  more

10/17/2006

Think on These Things

If you spend any amount of time reading the newspaper or watching the news on television, your mind is filled with thoughts and images that evidence the reality of the fallen world in which we live. We hear of wars, terror threats, famine, the possibility of a nuclear holocaust, murders, corrupt & immoral politicians etc. Even the creation is in a state of bondage as Paul wrote in in Romans 8:22, "for we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now." On Sunday morning, October 16, 2006, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck the big island of Hawaii, a place that is called Paradise in travel journals. Surely there is no paradise on earth. What can the child of God do to maintain a heavenly ...  more

10/16/2006

Real Christianity

How often have you heard it said that the world needs to see "Real Christianity" in action? Sometimes as we go about our daily business we forget the admonition of Scripture that we are living epistles (2 Corinthians 3:2). Recently I read an excerpt from a sermon by John Venn (1759-1813) that addresses this matter. Venn was pastor to William Wilberforce who converted to Christianity in 1785 and worked to abolish the slave trade in the British West Indies. Wilberforce was greatly influenced by Venn’s vision of a Christianity that truly impacts the culture. Here is what Venn preached: "Let us be convinced that all prayer, all preaching, all knowledge, are but means to attain a superior end; and that end the ...  more

10/12/2006

Redeeming The Time

Good morning! Its the start of another new day. Last week a fellow believer gave me a very special gift. It was an hourglass with a small brass plate on it with the words - Redeeming the time because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16. For the past year I had a sticky note with that verse pasted on my computer monitor. It is so easy to waste time, but we as believers living in an evil day are to be good stewards of the time God has given to us. What will we do with our time for His glory? One very urgent thing we can do is "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). The heavenly minded Christian is to maintain an attitude of prayer and praise while he walks the pilgrim path. In so doing we will always be "sensitive" ...  more

10/11/2006

No Greater Than His Prayer Life

It is easy to preach about prayer and talk to others about the need for prayer, but hard to pray. The title of this post is taken from a bookmark that I have on my bulletin board that sits above my desk. On the back are the words of Leonard Ravenhill who said, "the church has many organizers, but few agonizers; many who pay, but few who pray; many resters, but few wrestlers; many who are enterprising, but few who are interceding. People who are not praying are playing.... in the matter of effective praying, never have so many left so much to so few... Brethren, let us pray. But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer (1 Peter 4:7). How may I pray for you? Pastor Tom

10/10/2006

Acceptable Worship

I recently read these words from pastor & author Warren Wiersbe: “I have learned that preaching is an act of worship and that my message must be a sacrifice placed on the altar to the glory of God.” As one called to preach Gods Word I find those words so very convicting. My sermon on the Lords Day must be the fruit of a life lived for God without reservation. We cannot present any sacrifice that would be acceptable to God, or render any service to the Lord, if we do not first offer up the whole of our life to Him. Men may applaud our efforts but only the Lord sees the heart. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto ...  more