Living Proof

Rock Higher Than I

2010-12-14T07:11:00.001-08:00

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

It is amazing to think that God can hear us from where ever we are. Last night I tried to get my wife's attention from across the store. I hollored, and whistled no matter what I did I couldn't get her attention. We finally had to walk all the way across the store and stand right next to her. (It probably wasn't the best thing to yell in the store, but everything )

I'm glad that no matter what situation we find ourselves in and no matter how loud the voice of the world is, God can always hear our cry. In times of difficulty, when life seems to be drowning us, we have a Rock that is higher that we are. We can run to Him. Stand on Him, and have confidence and security.

What's The Big Deal About Christian College? Part 4

2010-12-05T04:15:00.000-08:00

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

The 4th benefit of Bible college is the emphasis on the local Church. It is safe to say that secular universities do not emphasize local church involvement. I imagine that secular university dormitories are filled with sleepping college students on Sunday morning. Why, because they were too busy partying the night before, or perhaps they just didn't prepare to make church a priority in their life. I know what some of you are thinking. I'm 18 year old. I'm a man I can make my own decision about going to church. That's true. You can, but if you are going to make the right decision about church attendance and involvement then you won't care if a Bible college requires you to attend and serve. The only people this type of requirement would bother are those who do not want to go to church.

Bible college provides a positive accountability to be involved in church. Some might ask, "What's the big deal about being involved in church?" I'm glad you asked. First of all, church is not my design. Jesus Christ created the local church. Jesus Christ began the local church. He established while he was on earth. He died for it on the cross. He commissioned it before he left, and empowered it on the day of penetecost. He promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. In short, God is working through the local church to carry his message to a lost and dying world. I don't know about you, but regardless of my occupation or field of study, I want to be involved in what God is involved in.

You may have never thought about this before, and I may be the first person to ever tell you this, but it is more important that you are involved in God's local church than it is for you to have a career. Now, while I don't believe you have to choose between the two, there is a clear priority.

A strong Bible college pushes everything back to the local church. That is a big deal. Hopefully by the time you leave for college, you have already determined to be committed to local church attendance and ministry, but if you haven't God will use a strong Bible college to continue to work in your heart about this matter. You will have four more years to allow God to show you how important it is to be connect to a group of believer that are actively fulfilling the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

What's The Big Deal About Christian College? Part 3

2010-12-04T02:41:00.000-08:00

2 Corinthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

Imagine being born on the little house in the prarie. For those of you too young to know what that is, just imagine being born 200 years ago before they had autombiles and tractors. Now imagine that you grow up to be a farmer, and it is time to plow the field. Remember there is no tractor, so you go out to the barn and pick out two animals to hitch to the yoke and plow the field. Above is a picutre of two animals yoked together. There are 3 donkeys, 2 cows, 4 horses, and a pig. What would be the best choice if you had to pick two? How about using a doney and a pig or a cow and a horse together? I hope you can see it. Neither of those choices would work. The two animals are so different in size, strength, and height. I think that the donkey would end up dragging the pig all around the field. It would work much better if you used two cows or two donkeys, or two horses. It just wouldn't work if these animals were "unequally yoked." Deauteronomy 22:10 outlawed this type of farming practice for the Israelites. In the New Testament, Paul uses this illustration to help us as Chrisitan believers to see the importance of choosing the right friendships, relationships, business parterns, and marriage partners.

Here is another reason why Bible college is so important. Let's imagine you go to U of Z (where ever that is). This university is a secular college where atheism, evolution, and other false teachings are promoted. Let's say that there are 5,000 people that attend the university. What are the chances that you will find a person that is a godly, growing Christian??? Not to good. Better yet, what are the chances that you will ended of marrying someone that cares very little about God, the Bible, and building a relationship centered around these things??? More than likely this is what you would find.

My point is NOT that you could never find another believer at a secualr univeristy. My point IS that you have a far greater percentage of godly candidates for marriage in a Bible college setting. Don't misquote me. I'm not saying that if your a girl every guy on a Bible college campus is a good candidate for marriage. I'm simply saying that there will be more guys that are likeminded about spiritual matters, and this is so very important.

Think about my marriage for a second. What if Mrs. Lahmann didn't like church, teens, the Bible, soulwinning, and helping people? How much do you think I would be able to do for the Lord? Not very much. You might say, "Pastor Matt, but I'm not going to be a preacher." Yes, but don't you plan on having a Christ-centered marriage, raising a godly family, and serving faithfully in a local church that is involved in fulfilling the Great Commission? Okay, then. You may want to think about going to a college where you will find a greater percentage of men/women (whatever your case may be) that are living a godly life.

Again, Bible college is not a REQUIREMENT of the Bible. You don't NEED it to find God's will, but if you are planning to go to college a Bible college offer far more benefits for Chrisitans than secualr universities.

Below is some additional material I found that exapand the application of this passage. This is not an endorsement of other Bible versions, but the materail contained in this link is Biblical and helpful to see a broader application of 2 Corithians 6:14 CLICK HERE

What's The Big Deal About Christian College? Part 2

2010-12-02T06:06:00.001-08:00

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

In a multitude of counsellors there is safety. This next principle goes hand in hand with the first. A good Bible college allows you to gain experience living on your own but with some protection. Instead of graduating high school on friday and then moving out on your own on monday, Bible college provides you the opportunity to experience "adulthood" away from home (this is a natural desire that most teenagers graduating from high school have), while still providing godly guidance and safety nets along the way.

Areas of Experience

Keeping A Schedule-You will gain practical experience in scheduling life. Mom will no longer be there to wake you up six times. She won't be there to ensure that you are on time to your classes. This decision will now be your, but you will also have people that will "encourage" you in this direction.

Keeping Your House Clean- I know what your thinking, "I'm 18 years old. I don't want someone telling me to clean my room." Let's face it. This wouldn't be a bad habit to learn.

Paying Bills-During Bible college the bill may be a challenge to pay, but you only have to pay one bill. If you live on yoru

Miscellaneous Life Lessons-While I was in college, I expereinced getting a job, serving in a local church, fixing my car without my dads help. Getting my own bank account, and many other things. These are practical life lessons that can be intimidating to learn how to handle. That is the blessing of Bible college. You get to grow up slowly with godly guidance. You don't have to do it cold turkey.

Keeping your walk with God-You will also gain practical experience in developing your own individual walk with God. God will use the circumstances of college to grow your faith. Bible college provides a network of godly people that want to help you in your relationship with God. Instead of being out on your own in a city 4 hours from mom and dad, rooming with someone from oklahoma who does not believe there is a God, you could have a prayer captain in your room that will encourage you to walk with God, a floor leader, dorm supervisor, a faculty advisor, coach, professor, and many others who not only walk with God, but want to help you do the very same thing. These people are what the Bible refers to as "Counsellors"

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

One of God's blessings to us is other godly people who He will use to give us advice from God's word. Bible college is a blessing.

What's The Big Deal About Christian College?

2010-12-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the privilege to sit down with one of our teenagers and talk about Bible College. I believe I was able to give her some Bible principles to guide her decision on finding God's will for her life. Over the next few days, I would like to talk about those principles. I believe they will be a help to anyone sincerely looking to find God's will for their life.

Please reserve final judgment until after all the principles have been read. This is just one of them. I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and/or arguments. I would be glad to try to respond with God's world.

1. Bible college provides a college education with a Biblical foundation for life.
I understand that there are some teachers who work in a secular university that are Christians, but for the most secular college professors are not born again believers. Many times you will find these people to be atheistic and promoting a lifestyle that goes directly against God's word. It doesn't matter how strong you are, these people will have an affect on your faith. Just as a godly teacher/mentor/influence would be a spiritual blessing, ungodly teachers/mentors/influences will be a detriment to your faith. Don't believe me? Listen to what the Bible says.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

This verse teaches us that we can be spiritually spoiled through

Philosophy which refers to a love of wisdom. It is an exaltation of academic logic and reasoning
above faith. It looks to explain away God logically rather than believe that He is and that he is
the rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Vain deceit carries the idea of empty deception. This is another attempt by the world to
explain away God and give them an excuse to live as if they are their own God. These are
taught in many forms such as evolution, humanism, atheism, feminism, and many other "isms"
that pop up from time to time.

Rudiments of the world are the basic foundational truths that unsaved people operate by. Today we live in a society where people are pressured to believe that absolute truth is unknowable. You can't know anything for certain. Secular universities promote acceptance of homosexuality, immorality, drunkeness, atheism, and many other ungodly practices and beliefs. No where is God emphasized or given a proper place of exaltation.

These philosophies, vain deceits, and rudiments are after traditions of men and not after God's word. I would also say that they are against God's word. The core values these universities are promoting are not after Christ; they are anti-Christ. This is why these places are so dangerous for young people at such a crucial time in their lives. Even in choosing a "Christian" college, you must carefully consider their beliefs and teachings. It is sad to say, but many institutions that have the name "Christian" have departed from teaching sound Biblical doctrine.

As a youth pastor, it is not my goal to see every teenager go to Bible college. My greatest desire is to see teens graduate from our youth group knowing God's will for their life, having a strong personal relationship with God, and being able to find answers for life's question in God's word. You may neeed to read this paragraph again so you don't misquote me.

For further evidence consider Psalm 1 as a Bible reason why Christian young people put themselves in danger by choosing to attend a secular university/college.

Psalm 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (this sounds like what you would be doing if you attended a secular college) 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (this sounds like something you would be doing at a Bible college)3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (this is the blessing and promise God makes for seeking him and staying close to him) 4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. (this is the end result of education without an emphasis on God)5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. (more promise if we follow God)

Shooting Yourself In The Foot

2010-09-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I had a football coach that must have said this phrase 30 times a practice. A lineman would jump offsides, and he would respond, “Come on guys; you are shooting yourselves in the foot.” A receiver would drop the ball, to which he would yell, “We’re shooting ourselves in the foot.” Anytime we made a decision or play that hurt our own team, Coach would remind us that we were shooting ourselves in the foot. We were hurting ourselves. The idea was that the opponent is already giving us enough problems and he didn’t want us create more problems for ourselves. I imagine we would have won a few more games if our feet didn’t hurt so much from being shot all the time.
Proverbs talks about the slothful person “shooting themselves in the foot.” Proverbs 21:25 The desire of the slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor. Can you see it? Here is a man that is lazy. He doesn’t like to work. The goal of his entire life is to take it easy, have fun, and do what feels good at the moment. The Bible says that this “desire” will be the very thing that destroys him. How? Well, he won’t work so he can’t earn money to buy food and he is too lazy to plant food in order to put something on his table. I know sometimes it’s fun to lay on the couch and do nothing, but remember that relaxed position cannot be your full-time job. You must fight that desire or it will destroy you. Not only will it destroy you physically and spiritually, but it will also make you poor. Proverbs 21:17 He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich. If what you live for in life is “pleasure”, you may find it, but it won’t be exactly what you wanted. Wouldn’t it be great to just be able to stay home from school today and play video games, watch Sportscenter, paint your nails, talk on the phone, and take all the self-quizzes on Facebook? The only problem is you’ll never graduate from high school, no one would ever higher someone who can’t show up to work, and you would have to keep living with your parents until you figured out how to work? There are plenty spiritual reasons why Christians should work hard, but here is a physical reason that should motivate you at least a little bit-money. Not having money is okay, but not having money because you are too lazy to work is a sin. Finally, Proverbs 21:5 states, The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every on that is hasty only to want. Here is God’s answer to those who desire the “Get rich quick” scheme. God promises that the way to plenty is through diligent hard work. God rewards people who are diligent day after day. He doesn’t necessarily make them millionaires, but God will see to it that they have everything they “need”. However, the “hasty”, those who only want to work one day and get paid a million dollars, these hasty people will be want food and shelter before too long.
It’s okay to dream about coming up with some invention that will make you lots of money, but until then work hard and be diligent as a Christian, as an employee, as a student, as a member of your church, and as a member of your family.

What To Do With Your Heavy Load

2010-09-16T03:49:00.001-07:00

Proverbs 16:3 Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Have you ever had a stressful day? Have you ever had a day where you have been overwhelmed? It seemed like you would never be able to make it through the day. There was too much work to be done, too many people to take care of, too many problems that needed to be solved before the sun set. If you have lived very long at all, you have had a day or two or three like this.

Proverbs 16:3 gives the solution for easy days and hard days. We are told to commit our works to the LORD. The word "commit" means "to roll upon". Imagine carrying around a great big burden on your back. It seems impossible to carry it one more step. It's about to kill you. The Lord wants us to roll it to him. Take it of our back and let him carry it. Rather than stressing out about a situation that we really can't handle or fixed, roll the problem on God's back. God is big enough to carry it. He is all-powerful. He also can fix the problem or help you through the problem.

If we will roll the problem to God's back then our "thoughs will be established" We can go through the day with joy, peace, and assurance, that God is carrying my load and he is working on the situation in a far greater way than I ever could.

Consider the following verses which have the same idea of rolling the weight to someone else.

Psalm 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass .

1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

So, how do you roll your problems to God? The answer is simple but it takes some work. Prayer! Prayer is the answer. I can go to God with my problems and then my thoughts can be established because I know God will take care of me and helping me through the day. However, the hard part is being willing to leave the problems with God.

Sometimes we give God our problems like a fisherman. We cast our problems to God and then reel them back in. God wants us to leave them with him. If we will give him our problems, than our thoughts will be established, not in the fact that we will never have any more problems, but that God is working on them better than we ever could.

Sights And Sound Of Sodom

2010-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 2:7-9 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: 8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) 9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

God was merciful in delivering Lot out of Sodom. I use the word “mercy” because it means “not getting what you do deserve.” Lot deserved God’s fiercest judgment. His lifestyle and testimony in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah was detestable at best. He began his journey to Sodom as a righteous man, and according to this verse, that is the way he ended his journey as well. No one’s righteousness in the sight of God is based on personal performance. Righteousness is based on the perfection of Jesus Christ. Lot’s faith was in a coming “Lamb of God” that would take away his sins. This is no different than our faith in the “Lamb of God” that came and took away our sins. Lot’s issue wasn’t an issue of salvation; it was an issue of sanctification. The word “sanctification” carries the idea of being set apart for a special use, holy, separately reserved for god or godliness.

So what happened to Lot that destroyed his testimony? Perhaps the more correct question would be, “Who happened to Lot that destroyed his testimony? Grammatically, it sounds a little rough, but Biblically it makes sense. Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? It’s not that Lot could blame anyone else, he had to take full responsibility, but no doubt there were people that helped sear his godly conscience so that sin didn’t bother him anymore.

Verse 7 says that he was “vexed by the filthy conversation of the wicked” in Sodom. The word “vexed” means “to wear down with labor, “to exhaust.” The word “conversation” means “manner of life” or “life style.” The word “wicked” speaks of rebels against God. These people exhausted his spiritual strength by their continual assault on God’s laws.

Verse 8 Here we see Lot’s first mistake. “He dwelt among them” Lot’s name would have never been connected to such wickedness had he never lived in Sodom. I can hear it now, “We’ll go there and be a witness.” “We’ll make a difference in that city, but first we need to just fit in and be accepted by the people.” I know missionaries go to wicked cities and live there in order to make a difference, but if you read Lot’s story in Genesis, you will see that his true motive wasn’t evangelistic. His true motive was entertainment. The sin of the city drew him in. Psalm 1:1-2 reminds us that it is never a good thing to be influenced by the wrong crowd. Instead of finding delight in the world, we should delight in the Word. Lot’s second mistake was what he watched and what he listened to while in that city. The Bible says through “seeing and hearing he vexed his righteous soul.” In the New Testament we may say “seared his conscience” like in 1 Timothy 3:2…having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Even in 2010 this is how Christian’s quench the Holy Spirit in their life. The 3 major influences: Sinners, Sights, and Sounds. Think about it. Television, Music, and People are the world’s way of influence. There is no doubt that the devil will use these avenues to numb Christians to God’s will in their life. We might think, “well I don’t do that stuff, I just watch it or I just listen to it.” I know. That is the problem. The Bible records no statement that says Lot was personally involved either. It simply states that he saw it and heard it and it numbed him spiritually to what God wanted for him. This didn’t happen all at once; it happened “day by day.” If sin jumped out in a black robe with fire in its hand, we would identify it and run, but that isn’t how sin works. It seems harmless, fun, interesting, cute, and cool, but over time it becomes a monster that is out of control in our life. This truth is evidenced by beer commercials which are the funniest commercials on television, but the end result of alcohol is far from funny. It’s just one cigarette. It’s just my favorite rock song. It’s just a few pages on the internet. It’s just one cuss word, one sex scene, one dirty joke, but before we know it, we find ourselves trapped in sin. Our pet sins become killer monsters. We are no longer separated to be used by God.
So what do I do when I find myself vexed by the sights and sounds of this world? Do what Lot did, Run!!! But, don’t make God pull you out while the walls are crumbling around your life. That kind of exit strategy is painful and it will scar your life forever. Run from sin to the Savior.

2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The ask God for forgiveness and you forsake the sin. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Gunslingers And Bomb Squads

2010-08-20T03:52:00.000-07:00

Gunslingers and Bomb Squads

Proverbs 20:3- It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

In the Wild Wild West, men were considered men by how they could fight. If someone mistreated you or spoke falsely against you or any of your family, the manly thing to do was to challenge them to a showdown. You’ve seen the movies. There is a dusty road running through the middle of town, frightened women and children peaking out the windows and two big cowboys staring each other down, just waiting for the other to draw their gun. Pretty macho, huh? Well, if you ask me, it seems pretty dumb! I understand that this may be “how the west was won”, but many times men would needlessly die because they were just looking for a fight. Remember how the gunslinger all dressed in black would roll into town and some wanna-be cowboy would challenge him to a showdown just to see how good he was. This kind of foolishness is what our passage is referring to.

The Bible reminds us that it is not an honorable endeavor to go looking for trouble, controversy, or a fight. However, it is honorable to cease from strife. Thankfully we no longer find ourselves standing in the middle of a dusty street looking down the barrel of a colt 45, but if we are not careful, we can find ourselves meddling in controversy, and many times the controversy isn’t even ours. Someone comes complaining about how they were treated, and we jump right in the middle of the controversy slinging around our opinions and personal experiences about the subject. Perhaps, a controversy arises and instead of using a soft answer to turn away wrath, we bristle up and start firing away at our Parents, Spouse, Children, Co-worker, or Friend. In situations where there is an opportunity to add fuel to the fire, we should look to be more like the bomb squad than a gunslinger. You see a gunslinger looks for a way to shoot down anyone who stands in your way. He makes it a habit to seek out a fight. He loves to controversy. On the other hand, a bomb squad only responds when called upon. They run in, defuse the situation, and then get out. They are not looking for trouble, in fact I imagine they like it when work is slow.

So what about you? Are you a gunslinger looking for a fight? Don’t get caught seeking out trouble. You are going to have enough challenges of your own today without sticking your nose in other people’s controversy.

Proverbs 25:8-Go not forth hastily to strive, lest thou know not what to do in the end thereof, when thy neighbour hath put thee to shame.

2 Kings 14:1-14- Tells the story of King Amaziah and how he went looking to pick a fight with King Jehoash of Israel. Read the passage and see what happens to King Amaziah. This story may help keep us from looking for a fight.

2010-08-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

Fast Food or Fast Words

Imagine what it would be like if you went to McDonald's and ordered a 2 cheeseburger value meal with a Dr. Pepper (there is really nothing else good to eat there). You swiped your debit card when the cashier turns around and immediately lays your food on your tray. Now that would be fast food! When it comes to having our food served to us we always want it fast. Slow is never better, unless you are making homemade ice cream, then it is worth the wait.
Throughout the Bible, God teaches that our speech should not be like fast food, but rather like homemade ice cream. It takes a good 15-30 minutes after you put in all the ingredients to get something out that is edible. Look at what the Bible says about speaking slowly.

Proverbs 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.

Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty: and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.

You see, when we feel mistreated, misquoted, or misused our tendency is to serve up some “fast words” in our defense just so we can get back at whomever attacked us. Sometimes we get a few facts concerning a particular situation and then we respond quickly and hastily before we get all the facts. This is foolish. For example, last night Bro. Kevin got on to A.J. Strom for texting during church. Everyone knows that A.J. wasn't texting, as it would be highly out of character for him to do so, and that he was in fact using the Bible on his i-touch. Everyone in the youth group knows that, but Bro. Kevin didn’t. Sometimes my son Elijah will respond improperly to my help. We could be out in the yard and he could be standing in a pile of ants, and if I pick him up, he will start to cry. In a sense, he is serving up some “fast words”. He doesn’t see the big picture or have all the facts.

How about you? Are your words and your responses fast or slow? Every Christian should strive for slow words. The next time you fell like exploding, giving someone a piece of your mind, or giving your opinion before you have all the facts, remember that God doesn’t want “fast words”. In fact, no one really appreciates them. If you go around just spouting of foolish words all the time, you become a fool. Let’s be swift to hear, slow to speak.
Helpful Hints

1. Think before you speak
2. Ask God wisdom in what to say before you say it
3. Never speak when anger, you will always regret it

Essential Church: The People of God Part 2

2010-07-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

Romans 15:1-4 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

No man is an island unto himself. We all impact other, whether we like it or not. Hopefully, as a Christian, you take great pleasure in having the opportunity to impact others for the cause of Jesus Christ. One of the blessings of ministry that I enjoy more than any other is when someone tells me that I have been a spiritual help to them. Because after all, that is what ministry is about. I’ve heard people jokingly say, “Ministry would be easy if people didn’t get in my way.” But of course that is a joke, because ministry is people. Every person in Christ has the unique privilege and calling to minster to the people of God. This job doesn’t solely belong to the pastor. When I ignore the Church, I am unable to fulfill my responsibility to edify fellow believers.

In the context of the local church, Paul reminds the Church at Rome about the ministry of edification.

1. Bearing The Weak (1) We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

In a gathering of localized believers, people will be on all types of spiritual plains. Some will be new believers, perhaps old-timers, or people who have strayed away but have now returned. The point is that each of us are at different places in our Christian experience. Remember that God is not as concerned with where we are as he is concerned with which direction we are heading. As we head closer to becoming like Christ, God requires us to bear burdens of weaker Christians. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

A Christian need not be self-sufficient. God has provided a wonderful community of support. Not to mention we cannot fulfill God’s program for evangelism on our own. Picture a Mr. Potato Head with just a tongue. How would he see? How would he hear? He would just roll to the side and off the table. This child’s toy pictures perfectly a Christian who does see the essentialness of the rest of the body of Christ.

I have to admit that there are times I come to church and I don’t feel like going on another day. It is at those times that God uses someone who is stronger than me to be an encouragement and pick me out of the hole I am in. It may be a note the write me, or perhaps just a song that they sung for a special. Many times, just the faithful presence of other believers serving, worshipping, and living faithful lives is a huge encouragement to my walk with God. I need the encouragement and so do you. I hope you see what a blessing it is to have a local church that is serving God together. It is a powerful program designed by God to bring glory to him and bearing the burdens of believers.

2. Building The Weak (2-3) Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me

This verse is in the context of not doing something that would discourage a weaker Chrsitian in his walk with the Lord. Simply put, we need to look at others and be more concerned about them and helping them be grounded in God’s word and helping them to build their life in God. There are two types of people in this area: those who build and those who destroy.

What does a builder look like? A builder is most likely thinking through people he hopes to see in church today. On his way to church or perhaps before he is praying for their needs and asking God to again help him bear and build others through his life. He my see someone who looks like their having a bad day and instead of ignoring them like the priest and the Levite did to the man who was robbed, he stops to see what is the matter. He listens intently and wants to help in any way he can. He is a Good Samaritan. He has kind words, a helpful hand, supportive spirit, and he is involved in the service. He says amen, appropriately. After the service he is looking for someone to minister to. Perhaps a visitor that knows no one. Are they saved? Do they need a friend? Who is taking them to lunch? These are all questions that go through the mind of a builder. I know life is busy and our own families have many needs of their own. Work is crazy and schedules are even worse, but edifying is becoming a lost art. You cannot Biblically edify someone through facebook alone. We need to interact with believer looking for opportunities to encourage one another. One of the evidences of a Christian is that they use their words to build up and not destroy. Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Our words should build others lives biblically giving grace to people. Grace has the idea of the supernatural-enablement to do God’s will. It is amazing to think that what I say to someone at Church has the power to help or hinder their ability to follow God’s will in their own life. “Oh, be careful little mouth what you say.”

What does a destroyer look like? Basically, he is the exact opposite of the builder. He keeps to himself, never looking to help anyone. Spiritually he isn’t even aware of other’s burdens. In fact, he probably walks around half the time offended because he thinks that no one is paying him any attention. If that is you, remember this verse: Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Much of their thinking during the service is selfish and critical. They never notice a visitor and if they did they would never talk to them. Their comments and conversations tear down unity amongst the family of God. They are a hindrance to the work of God through the local church.

God has given us the privilege of partnering with him to make a difference in the lives of non, new, middle-aged, and old believers. It is call edification and it is essential to the Christlike development of the individual believer. In fact, this is the example Paul gives to the Romans. Romans 15:3-4 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Christ bore the burdens of the whole world. His life was given to minister not to be ministered unto. His life was recorded so that we would learn how to act as a Christian. Jesus throughout his life went around doing good. Let this be our mindset as we minister to the people of God in the essential church.

Essent Church: The Priority of Gospel Preaching

2010-07-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

I remember when I was in 6th grade, my parents had an disagreement over how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. My dad still believes that the peanut butter goes on one slice of bread and then the jelly on the other. My mom, however, believes that the peanut butter and jelly should be applied to the same side of the bread. Her logic is that the sandwich will not be soggy by the time school lunch break comes around. It was a classic “how you do things” argument. You believe it should be done a certain way, and they believe there is a better way.

In religion today, there is a trend against strong, biblical preaching. Men have decided that there is a better way to communicate truth or perhaps better said to water truth down. With the increase in technology over the past couple of decades, men think less of preaching and more of videos, multi-media experiences, and light shows that leave people with a warm fuzzy feeling inside but still absent of biblical truth or the holy spirit. Anyone who knows me, knows that I believe we should use technology to assist in the work of the ministry, but we must remain true to God’s design of preaching as the primary mode of conveying the truth to the church and to the lost world. Powerful, Spirit-filled preaching can never be topped, replace, outdated, or become extinct. Bible preaching was God’s idea and it is here to stay.

If God so desire, he could have allowed the internet to be invented when he showed Noah how to build the ark. Then instead of using men to proclaim the truth, he could have live streamed broadcast from Heaven. That would have taken the human element of error completely out of it. However, that was not God’s design. Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; God decided to use men to proclaim his truth from one generation until the next.

Preaching: God’s Design

Nehemiah 6:7 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

Jonah 3:2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

Matthew 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

Preaching: Christ’s Example

Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Mark 1:38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Preaching: The Early Churches Method

Acts 8:4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 5:42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

1Corinthians 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

2Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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My desire for this article is not to build a straw man and then blow him over, but to lay a biblical foundation for biblical preaching through the local church. Here is one of the main supports for this argument.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Christ’s Desire (17) –Jesus Christ sent Paul to preach. He still calls men today to preach the word of God. Where, in the setting of the local church.

Critic’s Decree (18) –The world considers preaching of the cross and the message of the cross to be the activity of fools.

Christ’s Delight (21) –God in his sovereign plan for the universe delighted In the method of using men to preach his message to the world.

Read through 1 and 2 Timothy. Here you will find Paul’s advice to the young preacher Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church. You cannot go very far without seeing some reference to communicating God’s truth to men through teaching/preaching.

The preacher is a gift that was given by God to the Christian through the local church. He is to be someone who would regularly study God’s word (2 timothy 2:15), stand and proclaim the truth of it without compromise (2 timothy 4:2), and would encourage the Christians to live it out in their live by exemplifying its teachings in his own life (1 timothy 4:12).

May we understand the priority of gospel preaching in the mind of God, and as The Method of proclaiming Truth? May we not be found arguing with God about how to do things?

Essential Church: The People of God

2010-07-05T04:54:00.000-07:00

The Church allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability.

Romans 16:1-6 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

In the close of Paul’s letter to the Church in Rome, Paul request the help is given to Phebe a faithful sister in the family of God. He also wishes them to greet Priscilla, Aquila, the church in their house, Epaenetus, and Mary. All of these people had an impact on the life of the Apostle Paul as they ministered together in a local church at some point. Together they served the Lord through good times and bad. I imagine that there were days when one of them felt like quitting, and that was the day when the other didn’t. They encouraged and edified one another to keep being faithful in the Christian life.

One of the reasons church is essential is because God has given us a ministry of edification to every believer in the local church. The fulfilling of the great commission was not intended to be a solo flight. We need other believers, and they need us. I know that with people come problems, but where people are gathered together in the name of Christ more can be accomplished for God’s glory. Proverbs 14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox. You see, it might be cleaner just to keep your “faith” private and not involve a community of local believers, but you cannot possibly accomplish all God requires for the local church. It is a body made up of many members. We must not be so proud as to think we can make it on our own. Having fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that you can meet together to encourage, minster together in evangelism is one of life greatest blessings. There is a special bond in Christ that brings a hodge-podge of people together and makes them closer than family in many ways. We also have a responsibility before God to provoke each other.

Hebrews was written to a group of converted Jews who were considering defecting out of Christianity. It was difficult, unpopular, and they had almost had enough. The writer of Hebrews didn’t encourage an inward focus, but an outward focus of drawing closer to God and meeting together as a church to encourage one another through the difficulty. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Part of our mindset as Christians must be set on helping others. Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. When we neglect the local church, we forfeit our opportunity to influence and be influenced by the people of God. In order to fulfill the scripture, we must provoke (prod/encourage) each other in our assembly to a greater love for God and good works for God.

Lifting weights, working-out, running, diet, exercise of any kind is always easier when you have someone to help. Walking through the dark is easier when someone is holding your hand. A difficult task or chore doesn’t seem as bad when someone else is their working with you. I have been door knocking by myself and it is not as easy as when I have a partner to go with me. When we have others to help bear the burdens of life and minister along side the work of the Lord is easier and more effective. Why? Because we are working according to God’s design. We are working through the Essential Church.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Essential Church: The Protection of Godly Leaders

2010-07-04T05:36:00.000-07:00

Acts 20:28-29 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

1. The Proper Focus of Godly Leaders
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock”
As Paul looks to leave the church at Ephesus, he reminds us of one of the many essentials of the local church in the life of the believer-godly leadership. Here Paul commands the leaders to “take heed” meaning “to pay close attention” or “to be on guard” concerning themselves and all the flock. The “flock” is a reference to the local assembly of believers that have gathered together for the common purpose of worshipping God and sharing the gospel, a.k.a. the “local church.” As a pastor, I have the responsibility to watch out for the welfare of the flock. As a member of our local church, our members have the privilege of godly leadership to help protect them from sin and false doctrine.

2. The Placement of Godly Leaders
“over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers”
The Holy Ghost has placed pastors in leadership of the flock. The imagery of a shepherd reminds us that sheep are not driven, but they are led. If the pastor is to fulfill his responsibility biblically, he must lead people by example into godliness. A man barking orders while never demonstrating how to live a Christian life cannot biblically lead people.

People must also learn to follow godly leadership. They are there because God has placed them there. Many times we don’t understand. Perhaps, you wish they would lead a different way. You believe you could do a better job. We need to remember that God has sovereign placed them there for your protection.

3. The Purpose of Godly Leaders
“made you overseers, to feed the church of God,”
Biblically, we know that a pastor cannot control your life. He is not the final authority. Each of us have a personal responsibility before God for the way we live our life, but a godly church leadership is a gift from God to the flock of God to help protect them from going astray.

4. The Protection of Godly Leaders
“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”
Paul warns of the danger that will come when he leaves. False teachers were waiting in the wings. These “wolves” would come in and tear apart the flock. The Pastors responsibility is to protect the sheep from the wolves. Following the example of the Good Shepherd, the pastor should be willing to lay down his life for the good of the sheep. False teachers are not concerned with purity of doctrine, or glorifying God, they are self-seeking deceivers that lead people away from the truth of God’s word. Some of them may have a hint of truth, but just enough to be believable. Perhaps some wolves are bold to spread their false doctrine. No matter what their approach, the Pastors job is to carefully watch the flock and warn of impending danger.

The world, flesh, and false teachers care nothing for our welfare. They are only concerned about themselves. We need the local church and the leadership of a pastor to help point out the deceit of false doctrine and the dangers of the world.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

This is just one more reason why Church is essential.

Disclaimer: This is not to say that pastors are perfect, because we are not. You must wisely compare what your pastor says with the word of God. If your pastor doesn’t agree with the Bible then you may need to find a different flock with a shepherd that will lead you and protect you by following the Great Shepherd.

Essential Church: The Place To Grow

2010-07-02T03:53:00.000-07:00

The local New Testament Church is essential to the life of a Christian for many reasons. On e of those reasons is Spiritual growth. While it is true that a person can grow in their relationship with God outside of the local church, if they neglect the local church they will also neglect the overall wellness of their spiritual being.

1. In Ephesians 4:7-11, Paul explains what Christ gave to each saved person in order to glorify in the setting of the local church.

Ephesians 4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
-God gave grace that enables us to use the ministry gift that Christ gave us.

Ephesians 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
-This is the imagery of a conquering king bringing home gift and spoils for the conquered nation and passing them out during a triumphal entry on his way back to the palace.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
-These are specific gifted people that God gave as a gift to the local assembly (church) of believers.

2. In Ephesians 4:12-14, Paul explains why these gifts and people where given to the local church.

Ephesians 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
-This is why God gave the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the believers in local congregations.
-“Perfecting of the saints” = “Maturing or Growing – Why?
-“For the work of the ministry” – “Those people help us to grow so that we can serve God.” –Why?
-“For the edifying of the body of Christ.” = “So that the Church grows and is built”
Remember, building the church is what Christ is doing. We want to be involved in Christ’s work.

Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

This growing-working-building cycle should continue until everyone is like Christ. If we are following the Great Commission, this cycle will continue until Christ returns or until we are promoted to heaven.

Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Here is the key verse for this point of why the church is essential to the life of the believers. If we fail to utilize the gifted people that God has given to us as a local assembly of believers we will, at best, be stunted in our spiritual growth.

God has given us the support, accountability, and diversity of people in the local church to help ground us in what is true so that we can grow and are not tossed around or carried away be every new thing that comes by. He wants us to learn and grow so that we are grounded in the truth and won’t be deceived by the sleight or craftiness of deceitful men.

So many people are involved in false doctrine and extra-biblical activity because they never matured and they never matured because the never availed themselves to the gifted, essential church.

Essential Church: The Pillar Of Truth

2010-07-01T04:23:00.000-07:00

The Pillar and Ground of the Truth

1Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Paul believed that he would shortly come to visit Timothy in Ephesus, but if he was detained he wanted Timothy to know how to direct himself and the members of the church should behave. He also tells Timothy that the church is the pillar and ground of the truth. Herein lies our second reason why church is essential to the life of the believer.

#2 God has entrusted the church to keep the truth so that others might see.

What does Paul mean by the church being the pillar and ground of the truth? First, we must understand Paul’s use of the word “truth.” Not only did Paul use the word truth in contrast with lying, deceit, and evil, but he also use it synonymously with the content of the faith in the New Testament.

Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Local churches have been given the responsibility to:

1. Proclaim the truth
We consider this in reason #1. It is the great commission Christ gave to the apostles.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The idea that the church is dead or irrelevant is building momentum daily. Many have been turned off to churches that seem irrelevant or fail to connect with real life. However, the answer to this real problem is not to throw out the Church. We cannot, because this is God’s design. To leave the local church concept is to disobey the command and model of scripture. To privatize or familiarize (house church with just my family) church is unbiblical, not to mention dangerous in that we need the accountability and the encouragement of other brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Protect the truth

The Church is responsible to protect to the church. We must maintain God’s Word and the interpretation thereof in order that false doctrine does not overtake true Christianity.

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

3. Pass the truth.

The church is God’s chosen vehicle to passing on the truth. In this vehicle, people are used to share the message of salvation with others. God could have chosen to proclaim the truth through clouds, chicken eggs, or facebook, but he didn’t. He chose us. What a privilege. The responsibility is to pass it on. If we as a local church fail to pass on the truth, the next generation will never know it.

2 Timothy 2:2 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.

It is our Biblical mandate to share the truth from one person to the next.

“Pillar”

This word would have painted a vivid picture in the minds of those who lived in Ephesus. The temple of Diana was located there and it showcased 127 beautiful pillars. The idea is that the local church is there to uphold the truth so that the entire world can see the truth. Remember Samson and how he pushed over the pillars and the entire building collapse on top of the Phiistines (Judges 16:29). This is an example of the how essential the pillar and ground is. The definition of the word “ground” in this context is uncertain, but is believed to be synonymous with the word “pillar.” God has entrusted the local assembly of believers with the truth.

If the world is ever to know Christ (Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.), if Christians are ever to be like Christ (John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy word: they word is truth.), there must be a church proclaiming the truth. The Church is the pillar and ground of the truth.

Essential Church -Part 2 -When will the building be done?

2010-06-30T04:47:00.000-07:00

Secondly, we want to know if the building of the Church will ever be completed?

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Here we have the Great Commission. Jesus Christ gives the marching orders to the church. He tells them to go, and as they go they are to shared the gospel, baptize, and teach believers to observe the commands of Christ. Jesus promises his presence with the church unto the end of the world. I believe this indicated to us when Christ building project will be over. The event that will end the “Church Age” is the Rapture.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. The Rapture the day of presentation that is mentioned in the following verse: Ephesians 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. The individual believer is promised in that Christ will continue to work in his life, to make him more like Christ (sanctification), until the very same day. Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Paul explains to the Ephesians the work of the Church is to be done until we become like Christ, which will only happen in eternity. Ephesians 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 1John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Until Christ returns, or until I go to heaven, the Bible commands my participation in the building of local New Testament churches on this planet. This is not drudgery. This is a privilege. 1 Corinthians 3:9a For we are labourers together with God…

You see, God doesn’t need our help, but he gives us the privilege to work with him. Picture a 7-year old walking into the garage when his dad is changing the oil. Dad asks, “Would you like to help?” The boys replies, “Sure.” Here is the question, is the boy going to truly be a help, or will he more than likely slow dad down. He is going to slow him down, but that is okay. Dad doesn’t mine. He wants to involve his son and help him to learn. It is the child’s privilege to help his dad with the car. So it is our privilege to help our heavenly Father with the building of the local church. Church is essential if you want to work where God is working. One day the work will be over and we will no longer be able to help. I remember countless times running from my dad when there was work to do. Now that I am gone from my father’s house, I would love the opportunity to help him do anything I could, mow the lawn, change the oil, rake the leaves. I miss the opportunities to help him. As Christians, we will miss the opportunities to serve God through the local church, but once in heaven there will be no more opportunities to serve God in the Church.

Essential Church: The Program of God

2010-06-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

Many people are leaving their church as they reach young adulthood. Statistics say that more than half of those who leave are not leaving because they are rebelling against God, although they are and don’t know it. They are not leaving because their mad at someone. They simply can’t find a reason to stay. They feel disconnected, unneeded, and perhaps they sense more connection with another group in their life such as: co-workers, college buddies, sports team, etc. Some of them don’t intend on staying away forever, they just want a little break, but the reality is that weeks turn into months, turn into years, and the little break because an extended vacation. I remember a girl who used to attend our youth group. At the time she was the godliest girl in the group. She decided that she just wanted a little time away from any responsibility home, school, church, it didn’t matter. She just wanted a break. Sadly, several years later she is still on her break. I don’t believe she left because she hated God or because she wanted to be rebel against everything she knew was right, but I do believe that church became unessential to her for some reason. I understand that if young people were more doctrinally grounded in God’s word they would have a greater commitment to the local church, but that is part of the problem. They are not grounded in the teachings of scripture and therefore they get tossed to and fro while they try to find meaning in young adulthood.

Teenagers and young adults, my desire for writing this is two-fold. First, as a pastor I want to know God’s reasons for wanting us to be a part of a local church. I believe the Bible contains the answer for this. Secondly, I would like for you to develop the Biblical conviction that church is essential to your life.

In life we will outgrow many things, clothes, shoes, 2^nd grade desk, nap time, sippy cups, diapers, training wheels, happy meals, but we will never get so big that we outgrow church. Let’s consider why this is true.

Church is essential because:

#1 Christ is building the church

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

While Jesus Christ was ministering on earth, he began to build the Church. The word “rock” is not a reference to Peter. It is a illustration of Jesus Christ. All throughout the Old Testament this word “rock” or “petra” is used in reference to God, never to describe a man. Even in the New Testament, the word “rock” is used to describe Jesus Christ. Christ said in this verse that he will build his church and the devil or any other evil work will not stop it. I think of a few questions when I read this. Where is the building of this church taking place? And, Will the building ever stop? Well, the building started in Jerusalem. Remember Acts 2. The believers are gathered in that upper room on Pentecost and they are empowered by the Holy Spirit and some three thousand people are added to the church. They were not only added to the sum total of all believers in the world, but they were added to that local group of believers that Christ start to build while he was on earth Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. They heard the truth of the gospel and then they connected themselves with Christ’s work. In the remaining part of Acts 2, we see how these believers gathered together around the teaching of the apostles (Old Testament), how they encouraged one another, and evangelized their area. In just a short while, God would allow persecution of this church to aid spreading them to God was at work building churches all over the world. It all started in Jerusalem, but soon is would spread all over and turn the world upside down. Acts 17:6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Today the building continues in many parts of the world. This is not a man’s doing. It is Jesus Christ still working, doing what he promised. This work cannot be stopped. It is empowered from Heaven and nothing can withstand it advance.

The following is a passage that shows one of the Jews first attempts and stopping Christ’s work of building the Church. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, gave a great prophetic statement without even knowing it. He basically confirmed what Christ promised in Matthew 16:18. Read and be amazed at how his statements have come to past.

Acts 5:34-42 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.

I believe “Church” is essential because it is where a current building project of Jesus Christ. He died for me. He sacrificed so much so that I could be restored to God, my sins could be forgiven, and that I could have a home in heaven. I want to demonstrate my love and devotion to him by being a part of the work that he started and is still doing. Some people go to church. I like to think of it as going to build a church. Working as a partner is a big deal. I want to be where the action is. I want to be right in the thick of everything God is doing in this world. If that is your attitude too, then Church is Essential, because local churches is where God is and where he is working.

Tomorrow, I will work to answer the second question I posed: “Will the building ever stop?”

You Look Like Your Daddy

2010-06-28T04:44:00.000-07:00

My grandpa called and wanted to buy 100 of the "Just Like My Daddy" books. He is convinced that everyone in the whole world will want to read them. Perhaps it's because the book uses his son, grandson, and great-grandson as illustrations in every chapter. He had only one request, and no it had nothing to do with fixing typos. He wanted me to add one more chapter on the following subject. If anyone would like to proofread this and copy/paste it in a email to me @ centralbaptistocala@gmail.com I would be grateful.

You Look Like Your Dad

John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As a little boy growing up in the small town Sullivan, Missouri, I heard it a lot. In the grocery store, at the state park, at church, wherever I went people would say, “You must be a Lahmann?” At the age of of nine I wasn't sure if that was a compliment or an insult. However, now that I'm almost thirty I am very proud to be a Lahmann. People would also say, “I don't know who your momma is, but I know who your daddy is.” It seemed that everywhere I went in that town people knew me before I knew them. They didn't necessarily know me personally, but they could see my family resemblance before I ever got close enough to shake their hand. It's funny people do the same thing with my son. The day he was born, which was fourteen days late, he came out ten pounds two ounces. The doctors said, “We know who this kid belongs to.” It was obvious he was already taking after his two hundred and fifty pound father. I put on a few pounds during the pregnancy. His resemblance is still being argued but because of his size and his bald head, people automatically say, “He looks just like his dad.” He is a Lahmann there is no doubt about it.

In the Bible, Jesus identifies the father of the Pharisees by their resemblance. The way they act has told the world who their father was. Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. The Bible tells us we can see who a person belongs to by what they produce in their life. The Pharisees were rightly identified as children of the Devil because of their lying, deceptive, sinful lifestyle. They looked good outwardly but inwardly they were sinful. Their hearts were full of sin, but they were counting on their good deeds to gain them favor with God. No one has ever gained favor with God by doing something. Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Every man is born resembling the devil. We are all born bent toward sinning. Psalms 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

We all need to be adopted into God's family in order to begin to resemble God and not the devil. Without the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, the forgiveness of sins from God, and the power of the Holy Spirit, we have no hope of ever resembling God. However, when we are saved, God adopts us into his family and empowers us with his Holy Spirit. Then he gives us spiritual blessings, according to Ephesians 1:3, that enable us to begin to look like him. Phlippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: When a person is saved they now have God's power and help to live a life free from sin and the ability to live and look like their new Father.

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

There is this little smirk that Elijah makes and every time he does it, I laugh. It's a little grin he does when he is sort of embarrassed, but wanting to laugh and smile at the same time. He holds his lips tightly together, looks up at you out of the corner of his eyes and slightly smiles. It reminds my of my dad every time. There is no denying it, he looks like a Lahmann. But Christian, we look like our family. We say we are saved. We tell people that we believe Jesus Christ makes a real difference in our life, but then why do we not want to act like him? Why are we so drawn to look and act like the unsaved who are simply emulating their father. If you are saved, you have the great privilege of resembling your Father today.

A Plan To Purify The Palace - Part 4

2010-06-25T04:50:00.000-07:00

4. A Pure Palace continues with the king's house. (4-8)

Psalm 101:4-8 …4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD.

In these 5 verses, King David lays out the disqualifications for serving in his house. There are certain types of people that he will hire and others that will be fired. Take a look.

a. Disqualifications for Serving in the Palace

1. Froward Hearts will be fired (4)

· An attitude or state of mind that is set on doing wrong, not changing, there is no desire to live for God.

· King David wants his palace pure, and he understands that in cannot be so if the people who are helping him do not have a pure heart for God.

2. Wicked People will be fired (4)

· very simply stated people who rebel against God’s work

· We think of wicked people as murderers or adulterers, God defines them as people who disobey his Word.

3. Slanderers-will be fired (5)

· speaking lies about others

· Honesty, integrity, working as a team, being helpful is a must for a pure palace

4. Proud and cocky people will be fired (5)

· those who are not humble, they don’t need anyone’s help, they are self-sufficient

· Proud people will never help others, they will be selfish and stir up strife amongst people.

· Deceitful people will be fired (7)

· People who bend and twist the truth, they are not honest, keep back parts of truth, ½ truth tellers

· The King need servants who will be 100% honest, even when the truth hurts. He cannot get wise counsel if his counselors are keeping back part of the truth.

· Liars might refer to bold faced lies. They know they are doing wrong and keep doing it.

b. Qualifications for Serving in the Palace

1. Faithful people will be hired (6)

· These are people who will always do right no matter the circumstance or situation.

2. People walking perfectly will be hired (4)

· King David wants those who are likeminded. They have the same desire to live for God. When his servants wake up their first thoughts are towards God and pleasing God with their attitude and actions. They are not perfect, but they are striving to please God in everything they do.

If we are ever to have a pure palace/life, we must consider the people we allow into the walls of our life. If they are forward, slanderers, wicked, deceitful, eventually their sinful will become mine. Because I’m a sinner by nature, I will always have a leaning toward sinning. This is why it is extremely important that I surround myself with Godly people that will challenge and encourage me to keep my palace pure.

Take inventory of your friends and the people who influence you from the media. If they are not Godly, they need to be “fired.” Then put up a sign that say, “Now accepting applications.” Look for Godly people to “hire” as your friends.

Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 22:11 He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.

I intentionally left one empty bullet point on each disqualifications/qualification. See if you can find a Bible verse to fit each of these qualifications/disqualifications.

A Plan To Purify The Palace - Part 3

2010-06-23T05:10:00.000-07:00

3. A Pure Palace continues with the king's hatred. (3)

Psalm 101:3b …I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

If King David ever hopes to keep his palace pure, he must not keep company with evil people or people that turn aside. In his plan for purity, David declares that people who hinder the work will be hated by him and he will not allow these types of people to be a part of his leadership and/or presence. In life there will always be people who try to “turn aside.” They want to discourage the work of God in whatever way possible. Perhaps it is because they love sin more than God, or maybe they want to discourage others from righteousness so that it is not a conviction to them personally. Whatever the logic, David sets an example of hating the work of people who pull others away from God instead of towards him. In order to keep the palace of our life pure we must hate the work of those that turn aside.

What about movie stars? I’m not suggesting that all movies are bad, but do movie stars help people live for God, or do they turn them away from godliness? What about your friends? Do they help you live for God, or do they turn you away? David had a clear desire to live in God’s presence and he wanted to help others to do the same. Therefore, anyone that would hinder this was hated and no catered to.

What do you do if someone is trying to “turn you away” from following God?

Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

Proverbs 1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse: 15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:
o Don’t consent
o Don’t follow
o Run the opposite direction
o Stay away from them

Sometimes we think that Christians are never to be angry or hate anything, but this isn’t Biblical.

Ps 97:10 Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.
Ps 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
Ps 119:113 SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.
Ps 119:163 I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. Ps 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Ps 139:22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Pr 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
Pr 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Ec 3:8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Isa 61:8 For I the LORD love judgment, I hate robbery for burnt offering; and I will direct their work in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
Jer 44:4 Howbeit I sent unto you all my servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate.
Am 5:15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph.
Am 6:8 ¶ The Lord GOD hath sworn by himself, saith the LORD the God of hosts, I abhor the excellency of Jacob, and hate his palaces: therefore will I deliver up the city with all that is therein.

I suppose, we get the point. God hates sin and so should we. Remember that our main job is not to go around clean other people’s palaces. If we truly have a godly hatred for sin we will be pretty busy just keeping up with all of our own “housework.” Make it a habit not to allow influences into your life that would turn you away from God. Whether they live with you, you work with them, or you simply hear them on the television, don’t let these people stop you from loving God.

The Galatian Christian’s were doing so well in their spiritual growth, but someone happened to them. No, it is not a typo. Someone happened to them.

Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

They allow someone to influence them to the point where they stopped living by the Bible and followed after sinful idea. Don’t let anyone hinder you from Godliness. Keep the Palace pure.

A Plan To Purify The Palace -Part 2

2010-06-22T04:04:00.000-07:00

2. A Pure Palace continues with the king's head. (3)

Psalm 101:3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.

Purifying the palace takes a decision to have a pure heart, but this can never happen if what is set before the king’s eyes in wicked or evil. If the entertainment he enjoys is sinful, it will not be very long before the king’s heart is no longer pure.

Proverbs 23:7a For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…

The Bible is clear that what I allow my mind to dwell on, I will become. If my thoughts are always on chocolate, I’m constantly reading about it, comparing different types, thinking about how good it taste, eventually I am going to eat a bunch of chocolate. If I’m constantly watching television shows that are filled with cursing and using the Lord’s name in vain, it will only be a matter of time before I begin to use these words in my mind and then out loud. What I watch I will become. Think about the influence of television on America. I believe that Hollywood steers the direction of our beliefs, convictions, actions more than Washington or the Bible does. Many sins that were once abhorred by the majority of Americans are now tolerated and allowed because of the influence of what we have seen. Sin no longer shocks us. Sin no longer bothers us. We have the attitude that everyone is doing it so it can’t be wrong.

Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city.
This affect can be either good or bad. If I allow myself to view things that are godly and wholesome, it will help my heart to be the same. I remember going to Brazil and seeing the poverty and the spiritual needs of so many people. What my eye saw there has forever changed my heart. I’ll never see the word Brazil without thinking of poor people picking through the trash at the city dump. I’ll always remember those dear people who need Jesus Christ more than they need food, clothes, or a house to live in. Mine eye affected my heart for the better.

Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it. Achan’s sin began when he saw what was prohibited. You can read Joshua 7 for the entire context.

2 Samuel 11:2 And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.

2 Samuel 11:2 shares a story later in David’s life when he no doubt was not thinking of purify the palace but rather fulfilling the sinful desires of his flesh. David saw Bathsheba and he began to think and think and think on what he saw. Eventually, he had his servants send for her and he committed adultery with her. I believe David’s first glance was an accident, but no doubt he look again and again. I can imagine what he saw consumed his mind for some time as he wrestled with what to do, but eventually he gave in to sin and fulfilled the promise of James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

If we are to keep the palace of our life pure, we will need to be careful what we set in front of our eyes. I am tempted with materialism (wanting more, better, nicer, bigger, what he has) when I go shopping. I don’t think about all the stuff I don’t have until I see it. I’m not suggesting that you quit shopping. I’m just trying to prove that what I see affects my attitude, heart, and eventually actions. All of us have bought something we thought we needed so bad, only to realize a few days later that it wasn’t that vital to my life.

May God help us to keep a pure heart by keeping a pure head.

A Plan To Purify The Palace

2010-06-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

Scholars believe that Psalms 101 was written at the beginning of King David's rule. It seems to make sense that in the very early days of his reign he declares the standards for his own personal conduct as well as all those who will serve with him in the palace. In most palaces, the farther back to went the more wickedness and evil deeds you would find. David was determined that this would not be the way his kingdom was run. Immorality, fornication, evil, sinfulness, indulgence to the flesh would not find any place in his palace.

Notice David's plan to purify his palace.

1. Pure Palaces begin with the king's heart. (2)
Psalm 101:2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto
me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.

David's declaration to God and to the people of his palace was that he we behave

A. Wisely in a perfect way

There is no doubt that David was not perfect. Even after this declaration he sinned. He sinned because he is a sinner just like every other human being. However, David's perfection was found in his whole-hearted desire to please God with every day of his life. It was more important to David than popularity, riches, or a bigger kingdom. He wanted to have God's presence with him and his kingdom. In the middle of this verse David interrupts himself by saying, "O when wilt thou come unto me?" Most likely this is a reference to the Ark of the Covenant, which was where the presence of God dwelt. David wanted God's presence in Jerusalem with him. He understood that God could never be present with someone who would not strive to please God with their entire life. He no doubt witness first-hand how that God's presence left King Saul when he because filled with sinful and selfish ambitions. Having the Ark of the Covenant close by would have been a confirmation to David that God was with him, please with him, and that he would receive constant aide and direction from God.

Our desire should be to have God’s presence with us at all time. However, this takes a desire to walk/live wisely in a perfect way. But what does that look like. When you wake up in the morning, is one of your first thoughts about spending some time with God? As you encounter difficulty throughout the day, do you ever think to ask God for help? Do you ever notice other people and think, “this person needs to know about salvation?” Do you struggle with your flesh on a regular basis because you are fighting to do what is right? Do you catch yourself before you tell a lie, say a bad word or a critical comment about someone else? Do you turn your head when you see something that you shouldn’t? Do you ask God to clear your mind of wrong thoughts when they appear on your brain’s monitor? These are some questions that will help you know if you are striving to walk wisely with God in a perfect way. Remember not to be discouraged when you fail. We will all fail until heaven, yet failure should motivate us to depend on God’s help even more. Failure should help us realize how wicked our hearts truly are. This is why David praise God for his mercy and judgment because he knows God is forgiving if we will turn back to him after failure and strive again with his help to do right.

I Need Thee Every Hour

Annie S. Hawks

I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord;

no tender voice like thine can peace afford.

Chorus

I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee;

O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby;

temptations lose their power when thou art nigh.

I need thee every hour, in joy or pain;

come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need thee every hour; teach me thy will;

and thy rich promises in me fulfill.

I need thee every hour, most Holy One;

O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

2. Walk within his house with a perfect heart

David realizes that if the outward appearance of his kingdom is to be godly, then the inward heart of the king must be godly as well. This godliness was not just to be during public appearances, but also in his private residence. His desire is not to put on a show that looks perfect, but his desire and promise to God is that his heart truly will be perfect. The King could easily cover-up his wickedness with threats and bribes, but King David’s desire was not to be a hypocrite. He wants his heart to be continually striving to depend on God and to please God with every thought, goal, and desire of his life.

If we ever want God’s presence in our palace/life, our first desire must be for a perfect heart. We must also strive for godliness in private as well as in public. Some many of us are really good at acting like Christians at church or when others are watching, but what about when we are at home. May God help us not to be so concerned with the outside first, but with the inward. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. The word “transformed” means “to be changed from the inside out.” It comes from the same word that means metamorphosis. If we are to be godly, we need to ask God to help us in our heart. David wants everything that goes on in his palace to please God. Psalms 101 reveals to us his plan to purify the palace. Step #1 of that plan was to purify his inward and private life. May God help us to do the same so that our life is pleasing to God as well.

Take Heed Lest Ye Fall

2010-06-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Have you ever warned someone of something, but they ignored the warning?
Has anyone ever warned you of something, and you ignored them?

In our passages, Paul is warning the Corinthians to pay close attention in a few areas of life otherwise we will fall. Some people think people who fail are older, different than me, more wicked than me, not as smart as I am, but everyone is susceptible to spiritual falling/failure
Consider Peter, who did not think he could deny Christ, but He did three times. There is also Samson that never imagined his strength would vanish, but his confidence in himself led to his own demise. King David was a victorious king, but he lost the battle against sin when he chose immorality of godliness.

Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

4 Areas to take heed
-Take Heed and Worship God Alone (1 Cor. 10:7) 1Co 10:7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
Idolaters-people who love something more than they love God.

We are guilty of worshipping pastimes. -You know you are guilty of worshipping pastimes if you get angry when these things are taken away from you.
-You think, “I have to watch the finale, I have seen all 23 other episodes”
-You think, “I have to watch this or I will feel so LOST”
-You think, “If I don’t see this last show I will be the BIGGEST LOSER.”

We are guilty of worshipping people -live for constant communication with our friends, but never desire to communicate with God.
-live to follow friends instead of obeying God.

We are guilty of worshipping our possessions -Living for things, money, vacations, material products.
-if they get messed up, we are furious, angry, and depressed (indicators of materialism)

Take Heed in Your Morals (1 Cor. 10:8) 1Co 10:8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
Take Heed in Tempting Christ (1 Cor. 10:9) 1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
What is tempting Christ?
-Complaining against God because God won’t give us pleasure in sin.
-We also tempt Christ by holding on to sin and becoming bitter
-Paul gives the example of the Israelites despising God’s provision of manna.
Take Heed To Submit To Authority (1 Cor. 10:10)
1Co 10:10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Using the example of Korah’s rebellion. God punished him and others for not submitting to God-given authority.

Types of Rebels -Assertive Rebels – rebel in your face. (Outright disobedience) -Cooperative Rebel – obey because it gets them what they want (don’t want to be grounded but in their heart they are not submitting) -Passive Rebel – I can’t do that; they don’t want to obey; makes excuses; (I forgot to wash the dishes, no you chose not to remember)

Through Christ How Can I Take Heed?
1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Realize
-Temptation comes to everyone -God is enough – faithful – Lord can deliver out of every temptation -There is a way to escape from every temptation

3 Test Of Assurance

2010-06-17T05:15:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:7-12 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

3 Tests of Assurance

1. Possession of the Holy Spirit

a. Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

b. 1 John 3:24 And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

i. Subjectively – we just know that the Spirit is in us and we are saved

ii. Objectively-

1. We have a desire to grow

-Colossians 3:13- If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

2. We have conviction of sin

-1 John 3:9- Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.

3. We have the fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 2:22-23- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2. The Confession of Jesus Christ

1 John 1:1-3- That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2 (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) 3 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

People who are saved are people who confess that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation.

3. The Love of God

a. Love is the nature of God (7)

We cannot know true “love” apart from God giving us this understanding

b. God’s nature is given to all believers (8)

When we accept Christ as our Savior, we can love as he loves. Unsaved people cannot do this.

c. God has loved us through his Son (9)

Praise the Lord for God’s great expression of love in giving his only Son to die for us.

Did Jesus Teach You That?

2010-06-16T02:51:00.000-07:00

Tuesday nights message from the Wilds
Walk Worthy of the Lord Ephesians 4:17-32
1. Don’t walk like the Gentiles (the unsaved)
a.Hardened towards God
b.Blinded towards God
c. Work Uncleaness

2. Live out the life of Christ
a. Put off the old
b. Put on the new

5 ways to live out the new life

1. Tell the truth (v.25) Different types of liars
a. Bold-faced liars
b. Misrepresenters
c. Insuators
d. Exaggerators
e. Evadors
f. Silencers

2. Control Your Emotions (v.26-27)

3. Work With Integrity (v.28) “God prospers me not so that I can raise my standard of living but so that I can raise my standard of giving.” What a powerful thought.

4. Speak Grace-Filled Words (v.29)

5. Put on a Christ-like Attitude (v.30-32) In Eph 4:20 "But ye have not so learned Christ;” This was the main thought of the night. He said it like this, “Did Jesus teach you that?” When we start acting like the unsaved, we should remember where we learned to act that way. We didn’t learn it from Christ, but from our old sin nature. Jesus didn’t teach us how to lie, gossip, get bitter, angry, and carry malice in our heart. He never taught us to steal from others, or to use our words to slander or gossip. While Christ was on the cross, he never instructed us to have a bad attitude. But instead, through his life he demonstrated truth, righteous anger under control, hard work, spirit-filled words, and a godly attitude. As you go throughout your day today, ask yourself this question, “Did I learn that from Christ?” If not then confess that action and forsake it.

Enjoying Jesus

2010-06-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Evangelist Will Galkin preached a messages entitled "Enjoying Jesus" last night from Philippians 4. He concentrated on 4 sins that will hinder our joy in Jesus.

1. Disruptive Relationships Phil. 4:5
2. Anxiety and Fear Phil. 4:6-7
3. Undisciplined Thinking Phil. 4:8
4. Materialism Phil. 4:10-12

These 4 sins might seem impossible to avoid, but God's word gives us a promise of possibility in Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

This was a great challenge as many times I allow these sins to rob my joy. Relationships if the are not taken care of can steal much joy. You end up spending much of your idle time having imaginary arguments in your mind with that person that has offended you. Forgive them and get your joy back. Anxiety and Fear steal my joy when I think I let my problems get to be bigger than my view of who my God is. Undisciplined thinking strips joy from my heart when I don't think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or virtuous. Finally, Materialism swipes joy from my life when I am not content with all the blessings that God has given my. When I focus on wanting more, I cannot be joyful.

I need this joy, because the joy of the Lord is my strength.

Bless The Lord By Count Your Blessings

2010-06-14T17:08:00.000-07:00

We bless God when we simply thank him for what he does in our life. Today, I feel the overwhelming desire to bless the Lord for what he has done through our local church (Central Baptist Church) in Ocala, Fl. In the last few weeks, we have seen God answer very specific prayers and work miracles right in our midst. What I will right about will only be a few that I am aware of. I understand that God in constantly doing works in other lives that I am not aware of.

First of all I want to praise the Lord for giving me an incredible wife that shares my heart, drive, and passion for our family and our ministry. What I am able to accomplish for the Lord is in large part due to my wife’s support and desire to see the same accomplished. This is only the work of God, where he takes two people and makes one. If you are reading this an you are unmarried and looking for a mate, may I encourage you to look for someone that shares the same heart for ministry. If you want to plant a church and they want to build a business, more than likely you will struggle to get anything done. God thank you for the wonderful wife you gave me.

Secondly, the greatest desire that I have in the ministry is to be a part of a church that fulfills the great commission-soulwinning, discipling, and doing it again and again. This week God has several people that are doing this at Central Baptist Church. I think of Mark, who joined our church last night. Someone led him to the Lord, as he has been coming to the Loyd’s Sunday School Class and into the preaching service, he has been growing. God has been teaching him truth. Last night he came forward for baptism and to join the church. What make a grown man humble himself before a group of “strangers” and obey God’s word, nothing but the Holy Spirit of God. At this very moment I am on the travel bus with a load of teens headed for the Wilds Camp. It’s 4:30 a.m., half way back in the bus is a young lady that was saved about 3 weeks ago. She came into our youth group a few weeks ago all by herself. Our teens were friendly, helpful, and outgoing. Many of them made her feel welcome and last night she was baptized. Why? Because she just wanted to obey God. She knows very little about the Lord but is hungry for God’s word. I love it when teenagers like this keep coming to our youth group. You know it isn’t for the rock concerts. It is because she desire to hear truth from God’s word. Amen! Back in Ocala, there is a young man that has his heart surrendered for ministry. For three years he ran from the Lord, but tonight he is headed to a Christian college to train for the ministry. What make a young man surrendered to the ministry? God’s loving, longsuffering, gracious work in his heart is the answer. Blessed be the name of the Lord. Other example could be written but time it is almost 5 a.m.

Thirdly, I am thankful for a pastor who is not flashy but faithful. Every week, he studies his brains out so that he can stand behind the pulpit and rightly divide the word of truth. It a society where many preachers spend much of their time golfing, fishing, or compromising doctrine, we are fortunate to have a man of God to lead our church. I am confident in him because I know that he tirelessly walks with God. Bless the Lord for Pastor Andy Bloom.

What about your life? Can you see the blessings of God? Here are some Bible reasons to bless the Lord.

1. Bless the Lord because he fills you up. De 8:10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.

2. Bless the Lord Because He is Great. Ps 104:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

3. Bless the Lord Because he will not abandon you. Ge 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren.

4. Bless the Lord because he saved you. Ex 18:10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

-Ru 4:14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

5. Bless the Lord because of the children he has given you. 1Ki 5:7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be the LORD this day, which hath given unto David a wise son over this great people.

6. Bless the Lord because he speaks to us through his word.1Ki 8:15 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying,\

7. Bless the Lord because he will always do right. Job 1:21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

8. Bless the Lord because he keeps his word. 1Ki 8:56 Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

9. Bless the Lord because he protects us from the enemy. Da 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

10. Bless the Lord because he daily loads us with benefits. Ps 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

I believe God is working in our lives daily, but many days we never take time to notice. It’s easy today because of these mountain top experiences, but even in the valleys God is good. Take some time today to bless the Lord by counting your blessings.

David’s prayer for his son Solomon - O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee: 19 And give unto Solomon my son a perfect heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testimonies, and thy statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for the which I have made provision.

BIgger Isn't Always Better

2010-06-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

Judges 7
At the end of Chapter 6, Gideon sent messengers throughout Mannesseh to announce that volunteers were needed to battle against the armies of Midian. As some 32,000 men began to gather beside the well of Harod, God comes to Gideon and informed him that there were to many people (v.2). Can you imagine having too many volunteers? This is a problem we usually never run into. However, the problem wasn’t necessarily that there were to many people, but that God knew the wickedness of man’s heart. If they conquered the Midianites, they would believe they did it in their own strength because of their numbers (v.2). God wanted to make sure Israel and Gideon understood that their deliverance would not come because of Israel’s military might, but it would come by the power of Almighty God. God begins to widdle away at the army until only 300 men were left. Now there was a group that God could use, not because they were the 300 best men in Israel. These men weren’t realistically the strongest men. Their intellect would not have surpassed the others that had went home. Even their experience could have been questioned, but what could not be questioned is how God would use just 300 men, instead of 32,000, to win a great victory.

I know many times, I am tempted to believe that bigger is better, but this isn't always true. That nothing can be accomplished until we have more. While I do believe we should always be moving forward, and I also believe that Bible-believing, New Testament, Local Churches should be fulfilling the Great Commission on a regular basis, the truth remains that God does not need big to accomplish his purpose. In fact, more times than not, God chooses to use small instead of big, because he knows that humans would put confidence in themselves instead of him.

1 Corinthians 1:25-31- Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

You see, God chooses to use insignificant vessels to do his work. Someone with a big head cannot be used by God because they take the glory for themselves. God will reward you for your faithful service, but he will never share his glory with another.

Isaiah 43:8-I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. If God will not share glory with a false god, he will not share it with us either. Not because he is selfish, but because we truly have nothing to glory about except Jesus Christ.

God doesn’t need big, God needs willing hearts that will live by simple faith and obedience to his Word. No matter how small you may feel in this world, no matter how insignificant you feel your local church is, remember that God can accomplish his will through any person and/or church that will give God the glory and walk by faith in obedience to his Word.

Zechariah 4:6-Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

The Old Ball & Chain

2010-06-12T02:57:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 9:36-37 Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: 37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

We are back in this incredible prayer in the book of Nehemiah. In every verse something jumps out at me, but these two verses are so sad. They remind me of the way many Christians live when they don't have to. We live shackled by the ball and chain of self, Satan, sin, and the system of the world.

Consider these observations:

1. When we sin, we will always become the servant of our sin.
Our flesh is quick to lie to us and tell us that God is the one who is the tough taskmaster. God doesn't want me to have any fun. He is keeping back something from me. For Israel, the reality was that God is the one who gave them the most fertile piece of land in the whole world. He wasn't trying to jip them in any way. God always gives the very best. Dr. John Goetsch posted on his twitter account one time, "life is not about finding freedom; it is about finding your master." You see, all of us will serve someone or something until the day we die. We have the choice.
a. We could serve God
Who loves us (John 3:16), daily loads us with benefits (Psalm 68:19), and cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
b. We could serve our Self
Which is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9), bent towards doing wrong (Romans 7:18), and constantly wanting something God doesn't (Romans 13:14).
c. We could serve Satan
Who will make you do what he wants (John 8:44), not to mention he will deceive (Revelation 20:10), distract (Galatians 1:6-7), discourages (Ezra 4:4), and when he is finishes will devour you (1 Peter 5:8).
d. We could serve Sin.
However, this is probably not the right choice because Christ died so we would not have to serve sin (Romans 6:6).
e. We could serve the System of this world
The only problem is the world will pass away one day (1 John 2:17), the popularity you can gain here will fade (1 Peter 1:24), and the riches they offer will fly away (Proverbs 23:5). Not to mention that the world is just really serving Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Here's the deal,
(1) you only get 1 choice. You can't pick 2 (this isn't Panera Bread).

Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

(2) You must make your decision daily
Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD

The reality is that we demonstrate our choice by they way we live our life each day.

Romans 6:15-18 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

2. Serving sin doesn't give you control, it leaves you out of control.
Nehemiah 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
What God intended to be Israel blessings, sustenance, and wealth was now being used by conquering kings because of Israel's sin. The king had control over their

a. body
b. possessions

2 Timothy 2:26 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God
peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they
may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. When we serve sin, self, Satan, or the system of the world, the Devil is able to take us captive whenever he wants (2 Timothy 2:26)

So how do we break free from the ball and chain of sin?

1. Serve God. Romans 6:22 But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

2. Yield to doing right. Romans 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

3. Realize the end. Romans 6:20-21 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Remembering God's Road For You

2010-06-11T03:25:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 9 -Israel now sits in sack clothe and ashes. They have had a time of rejoice, but now they are confronted with their sin compared to their holy God. Chapter 9, is basically their prayer of humility asking God to forgive the sin of their nation. In the prayer you will find Israel's disappointment of who they are as a nation and their confidence in who God is. Read Nehemiah 9:1-37. Warren Wiersbe outlines this passage like this:

1. The Greatness of God (9:1-6)
2. The Goodness of God (9:7-30)
3. The Grace of God (9:31-37)

1. I believe as we pray to God, we should always begin with praising God for his greatness. Evangelist Steve Pettit wrote a book How To Pray 30 Minutes A Day. It was the first time anyone had taught me how to pray "Biblically". In the Book he list scores of attributes and names of God that helped me so much focus on God's greatness. He encourages people to spend 10 minutes of prayer daily praising God for his greatness or who God is. Try it. Take 10 minutes and tell God what you think about his greatness, power, knowledge, faithfulness, love, kindness, mercy, grace, providing power, power over death, hell, nature, sending Christ to die for us, redemption, atonement, etc.

2. In the 2nd part of our outline, we see the Goodness of God in verse 7-30. It is simply a brief history of how God worked in the nation of Israel to bring them to where they were today. As you read it you will have a simultaneous feeling of "how could they disobey God after all He did for them" and "I guess I understand because I do the same thing in my own life." Yet God still loves both us and Isreal. I think it would be a neat exercise to write a brief history of how God worked to bring you where you are today. Mine would go something like this: God thank you for Vic Logan, a WW2 veteran, who used his jeep to pick up my dad and bring him to church. It was there that you saved him and he began to grow as a Christian. Thank you for bringing my mom to Sullivan, Missouri, where people from the bus ministry at First Baptist Church were faithful to bring her to church as a teenager. Thank you for allowing them to go to the same high school and marrying each other. I praise you for calling my dad to be a preacher, for leading him to Bible College in Lakeland, Florida. From there you led us to many places like tampa, florida; jacksonville, florida; sullivan, missouri; brandon, florida; oxford, florida; and ocala, florida. There were many move in my younger years. Some perhaps were moves ahead of your plan, yet your cloud still led the way by day, and your pillar of fire by night. In 3 different states your presence was with my family as they served you in full-time ministry. Each move led to another that eventually is the reason I am the assistant pastor at Central Baptist Church today. While we know that many people played a part in this, God was working his good plan the entire time. Take some time to write out your testimony of how God brought you to where you are in your life today.

3. The 3rd section we simply apply to our own life and see that we have failed so many times, yet God is still there to forgive us and help us start over. Here the leaders of Isreal set out again to follow God. Verse 37 - And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. If today, you find yourself away from God, proclaim his greatness, goodness, and grace. Admit your sin and commit to following him. That is what Israel did when they "Made a sure covenant or promise" to God, wrote it down, and the leaders sealed it.

Tearing Down Idols

2010-06-10T04:53:00.000-07:00

Judges 6 - God gave Gideon a job to do. He told him to throw down the altar of Baal that his father had built and to cut down the grove by the altar. Israel has long since forgotten what God had done for them. God miraculously brought them out from under the oppression of Egypt and brought the safely through the wilderness to dwell in the Promised Land. However, Israel was incomplete in their obedience to God once they reach Canaan. Israel was commanded to destroy all the inhabitants of the land, but they failed to trust God and pursue this goal with all their might. Instead, they compromised and began to dwell with the Canaanites and other nations in the land. At first Israel was in control, forcing the Canaanites to pay tribute, but through the years the Canaanite’s pagan lifestyle influenced the Israelites to turn their backs on God and begin to worship false gods. This is where we find ourselves in Judges 6. Gideon gathered ten men and waited for the sun to set. In the night, Gideon and his men overthrew the altar of Baal and built an altar to Jehovah. There they sacrificed a bullock that God commanded. Imagine after several years of Baal worship, coming to the altar to worship again and finding the it torn down. There next to that pile of rocks now stands another altar dedicated to the worship of Jehovah. What a reminder of what should have been. To see the bold obedience of God’s servant willing to risk his life to reestablish true biblical worship in his city. However, the men of the city did not respond in humility or repentance. In fact, they responded in anger. They stormed to Joash’s house, and demanded that Gideon be brought outside so that they might kill him for his action.

Gideon’s father, Joash responded with two simple questions, “Will ye plead for Baal,” “Will ye save him?” In other words, if Baal is such a great god, let him fight his own battles. Someone tore down his altar let Baal revenge this wrong action. He was trying to help these men see that Baal was nothing. Why would they serve a god that can’t defend himself?

It is unfortunate that many Christians, today defend the “Baal” of their own life. Someone takes a strong stand on truth and strongly applies it to 2010 and others get all bent out of shape. The preachers stands and proclaims God’s truth; the truth doesn’t agree with their life and instead of changing their life to match the Bible they are ready to kill the messenger. What area of your life do you defend? What sin in your life are you not willing to let go of? Truthfully, you can’t think of one reason why that sin should be in your life, not one reason why it is a help to you, but yet you defend it. The practices of your life should be able to be defended by the truth of God’s word. Think about it for a moment are you fighting for Baal when you should be living for God?

Maybe you’re the preacher in one of these scenarios. You question whether you should throw the altar down. What will they say? What will they do? They may leave. Yes, they may. But the goal of God is not peace. The Goal of God is truth, and He has called you to tear down the false altar and build one dedicated to Him. So whether it is music, attitudes, a lack of faith, gossip, unfaithfulness to the local church, worldliness, movies, relationships, PREACH THE WORD. TAKE A STAND. Tear down the altar of worldliness and build an altar of holiness. Tear down the altar of idleness and build an altar of godly productivity. Tear down the altar of worldly music and build the altar of Christ-honoring music. Tear down the altar of bad attitudes and anger and build an altar of Christlikeness. Proverbs 28:1 " The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as the lion."

My New Home

2010-06-09T03:24:00.000-07:00

Nehemiah 8:13-18

When you read the above passage, you will find the Israelites experiencing revival. They have just completed the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem. They called for the Ezra to read God's word and help them understand it, and they are striving to obey each new truth they hear. This is the way revival always comes to us. When we hear the word of God and seek to obey it with our whole heart, we should expect revival in our life. Soon after God's Word becomes a joy, and God's way is the best and only. In our passage Israel had already been doing so much, but when Ezra told them that part of the feast of Tabernacles was living in a "booth" or "shack" during that week, the people immediately obeyed God's command. Their response could have been rebellious. "Come on Ezra, we are already doing so much." But Israel was all to happy to obey God's command. They all immediately went to work building "booths" or "shacks" to live in for the next week. God's will does at times seem uncoventional, but it is always the perfect idea.

So why did God want the Israelites to dwell in "booths" during the Feast of Tabernacles? (Tabernacle means dwelling place) This time of celebration was a time to look back and remember the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. God wanted them to always remember how he redeemed their nation from the bondage of Egypt and how they then rebelled and God punished their rebellion by making them wander in the wildreness. Secondly, this celebration was a time to look around and see all the blessings of the harvest that God had given to Israel. Finally, the Feast of Tabernacles was a time to look forward. It was a reminder not to grow comfortable in this world because every believer no matter if they lived before, during, or after Christ's death is a pilgrim temporarily living on this earth. The booths were just simple lean-to's that were not intended for long-term living.

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Hebrews 11:13-14 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

1 Peter 2:11-12 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

I'm not suggesting that we go live in a tent for a week, although that might be fun. I'm not telling you to cut down your neighbor's dead tree to make a framework for a booth like the Israelites did. I just want us to see that the 2 reasons for this passages. #1 Sometimes God's commands do not make total sense to us. The point is not to make sense of all God's Commands. The point is living in a constant state of revival where we jump at the opportunity to obey God's word. #2 Think about the reason God had them live in a "tent" for a week. He wanted them to look behind, look around, and look ahead. This is a great exercise for Christians today. Look behind and realize the grace of God in redeeming you, not from Egypt, but from sin and hell. Secondly, look around and take time to notice the blessing that God has given you (Ephesians 1-3, Psalm 68:19), Thirdly look ahead, always remember that were pilgrims just passing through this world. We are looking for a permanent dwelling in heaven with God.

The Preaching of God's Word: How Does That Make You Feel? Nehemiah 8:8-12

2010-06-08T03:26:00.000-07:00

1. The Reading of God's Word
Nehemiah 8:8 - So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
After many days of building and restoring the walls of Jerusalem, the people of Israel gathered together and called for the Word of God to be read to them. God's Word was declared distinctly. They "gave the sense" that is they made what they were reading come alive to the people. They helped them to understand what God's word had to say to them. You might say, they talked some sense into them.

2. The Response of God's People Nehemiah 8:9-10 - And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
This should be the typical response when we get a clear glimpse of our lives compared to a holy righteous God. As the law was being read, conviction was setting in on the congregation. They could not help but cry for their wickedness and sinfulness.

3. The Rejoice of God's Mercy
Nehemiah 8:11-12 - Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. 11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. 12 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
Ezra encouraged the people that this was a day of rejoice in God's mercy. It was a day of restoration. Yes, there had been mistakes. Yes, God exiled his people, Israel, because of their stubbornness and rebellion, but today focus was on God goodness and mercy in bring Israel back into the Promised Land.
When we see ourselves compared to God, it should cause us to weep tears of sadness, because we fall so short of the mark. However, we must also remember that we are not saved because of any good work that we have done. Jesus Christ did it all for us, and this should cause us to rejoice. May God's work at Calvary be our joyous strength today.
Sunday Pastor Andy said, "God doesn't tolerate sin, therefore, there was a Calvary, but God does tolerate people, therefore there was a Calvary." You see, sin should cause us to weep, because of its devastating effect on my Savior, but praise God sin no longer can hold me down because Christ Jesus became sin for us, he who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteous of God in him. - 2 Corinthians 5:21

How To Be Thankful

2010-06-06T04:56:00.001-07:00

Thankfulness can be defined as a gracious attitude toward someone when you have received something from them. But am I gracious? Sometimes I tend to think I deserve more. Perhaps I even feel insulted by what a person gives me or doesn’t give me. So how can I have a Christlike thankful attitude? I need the Attitude of Gratitude.

There are 3 facts that will help us to always have the attitude of thanksgiving.

1. Always Remember We Deserve Nothing. We live in a culture that teaches its citizen that there are certain things we deserve. We believe we deserve a nicer car, bigger house, fine dining, nice clothes, a grand vacation, a pay raise. I do not think there is anything wrong with being compensated for hard work or using the money God has blessed you with to enjoy luxuries in life. But we must always remember that we deserve nothing. In fact, if that statement isn’t completely true. According to God’s Word, we deserve to go to the place called hell. (Rom 6:23) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. I deserve death because I am a sinner before a holy, righteous, perfect God. If I receive anything more than this, God has been good to me. God gave more more than I deserved when he demonstrated his love toward me on Calvary. (Rom 5:8) But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Not only did God give me more than I deserved by sending his Son to die in my place, but he also daily administers benefits in my life. (Psa 68:19) Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Think about, We deserve nothing, but through Christ we have received more than we could have ever imagined.

2. It Is Okay For Others To Have Nicer Things Than Me. Many times we are ungrateful or unthankful because someone else got what we wanted. This reality immediate steals our gratitude and runs away. We are perfectly content with the car we drive, until our friend rolls up in his new ride. As soon as they leave we surf the web to see how we can sell our old rust bucket and afford a newer car. It is difficult to be happy for others and thankful for what God has given us when other people have nicer stuff. (Php 2:3) Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. I opposition to point #1, if we will think that they deserve that, I don’t, thankfulness will never depart from our heart. Instead of being jealous, believe that they earned it, they deserve that, I don’t. Continue to be content with all God has given you.

3. Stuff Won’t Last. Usually our thankfulness or lack thereof revolves around material possessions or temporal recognition. We don’t usually complain because others receive the opportunity to work on the bus route and I didn’t. However, we may be upset because he was chosen to sing the solo, and I was robbed. We aren’t usually unthankful when someone else is chosen to clean up the room, but we do get upset when Bill gets a pay raise and we didn’t. You see, we can easily be upset over temporal recognition and/or material possession. Remember that these things won’t last. (1Pe 1Pe 1:24-25 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. If we will remember that Cars and house are not the point of this life, we won’t mind not having the nicest one on the block. Unthankfulness is a sign of the last days. (2Ti 3:1-2) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,. May we as Christians strive to not be a sign of the times. My we endeavor to a thankful people continually realizing that God has given us more than any one else.

Ways To Display Gratitude

Say It

-When someone does something nice for you, tell them. When I leave our Church office, I make it a habit to say thank you. Sometimes I just go in check my box and leave, but I still say thank you. Why, because I want it to be a habit in my life. Those ladies are constantly doing work for me and I want them to know I’m thankful. I try always to say it to people no matter what, not because I’m faking it, but because God is using them to work in my life whether I recognize it or not.

Write It

-Writing a letter of gratitude works wonders. I know of people who have been given large amounts of money and never said thank you. I also know the people that gave the money would never given them another dime because of their lack of gratitude. Sometimes it pays to be thankful.

Show It

-Many times an act of kindness can do more to impact people and glorify God than saying something or writing something. Buy them their favorite candy, soda, gum. When you are on vacation buy them a book or something that reminds you of them. Maybe you just help them with a chore because they helped you. This demonstrates that you are thankful for the contribution they made into your life.

Put Down The Remote And Activate Your Summer

2010-05-28T06:39:00.000-07:00

Ephesian 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

You've been working hard all school year. Finally, it's time for a break, but how many episodes of your favorite T.V. show can you watch? Is it really a good thing to sleep until 3 p.m. every day of the summer? And remember there are only so many continuous hours you can play video games until your brain turns to mush. Some people actually think that being on facebook all day constitutes as doing something constructive. God's word has a lot to say about how to spend your summer vacation.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the Heaven.
Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

1. Get Some Rest.
You have been working hard all year long, so some good rest is well deserved, but don't let it get out of control. God created rest. In fact, he was the first one to ever rest.
Genesis 2:2-3 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.
God also created something else call “moderation” or “temperance” which means self-control. Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit. This means that as we grow spiritually we will be able to have control over ourselves, our desires, and feelings. Scientifically if you lay around all day you will just continue to feel tired, lazy, and lethargic. Get some rest, but then get up and get control of yourself.
Proverbs 6:9-11 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: 11 So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.
The wisest man every, Solomon, wants to know how long you plan on sleeping. He also warns that poverty comes like a traveler (getting closer to his destination all the time) and want (having a need) like a robber. It is going to catch up with you and take success from you.

2. Plan a fun activity with your friends.
Spending time with your friends building relationships and making memories an important part of life. Instead of just laying around texting them all day, make some plans to go do something. Perhaps your friend has a project they have to do for their parents this summer. Go help them. Remember, relationships are built on met needs. Purposefully try to meet a need in your friends life and watch the relationship grow. Maybe you could take them to McDonalds or to go play some miniature golf. Bring them to my house and I'll beat you both in NCAA football. It could be constructive or not so much, but make sure that you interact with some human beings this summer. Make sure your best friend isn't the T.V. Or the Internet. These activities are idle, and an idle mind is the devil's workshop.

Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

3. Plan a game/movie night with your family.
Imagine the shock of your parents when they come home from work. The house is clean, and you are too. Dinner is made. It doesn't matter that it is hot dogs and macaroni and cheese. Just the fact that you made dinner will be a blessing. The table is set, and soft music is being played in the background. They sit down and you serve them dinner. After dinner, you announce that you have prepared a night of entertainment. It may be a board game, or an old home video, perhaps just looking through old family photos and asking questions about their childhood. I know this all may sound a little strange, but I believe this will be a night you will never forget. It sure beats the alternative of spending the night staring at a computer screen waiting for one of your friends to sign in on facebook.
Ephesians 6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)
Trust me, after you parents pick themselves up off the floor, you are going to have a fun night.

4. Be Faithful to Church
It still amazes me how many teenagers say they are bored during the summer with nothing to do but they aren't faithful to church. And not just the church services but also the teen activities like camp, neighborhood bible time, the All-Nighter, after church fellowships, etc. Not only is this suggestion commanded of God, beneficial to your spiritual growth, but it will also just give you something to do. Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night and other random times throughout the week.
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Forsaking mean “to take lightly” We know being in church is a big deal, but when we skip church because we stayed up until 3:30 a.m. or because we want to play xbox some more we are telling God by our actions that church is no big deal. I know you don't think that, so let me encourage you to not act like that either. Be in church every chance you get, and you'll grow spiritually this summer.

5. Read your Bible.
For whatever reason, it seems like the more time we have, the more time we waste. When a schedule is slammed full of stuff, we use every minute wisely in order to get everything done. However, when we have a lot of time, we usually push back important activities and tell ourselves that we'll do them later. Don't believe yourselves. Make reading your Bible a priority each and every day. We have several good devotional books at church that will help guide you through God's word. You could also study a character in the Bible like Joshua, Ruth, or Paul. One of the wisest activities you could do this summer is spending some time reading and thinking on God's word.

6. Read a good Christian biography.
Hold a just a second. I know its summer time and reading is something reserved for months that don't sound like June, July, and August, but reading a good Christian biography is not like reading an ordinary book. We have several interesting biographies on great missionaries and people how used their lives to make a difference for the Lord. These books are good to read because they will strengthen and stretch your faith. They will also give you new ideas of how you can serve God.
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Christians from the past are an encouragement to us as Christians today. You will be greatly challenged as you read about their walk with God.

7. Contact your friends about coming to church with you.
This should be really easy, your friends are bored too. They need something to do this summer, so bring them to church with you. Summer break is from school, but it is never a time to stop carrying for lost souls. Colossians tells us to make wise use of our time concerning reaching people we know with the gospel. Never waste an opportunity to make a deposit into their spiritual life.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming
the time.

8. Write thank you notes to people who have made an impact on your life this past school year.
The Bible tells us that one of the signs of the last days will be that people will be unthankful. 2 Timothy 3:1-2 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. When you start to make a list of people that have invested in your life, it may keep you busy the rest of the summer writing notes to them. Teachers, parents, grandparents, youth workers, friends, coaches, pastors, and other people at church. These people spend a good deal of time investing in your life. Take a few moments and say thank you. You'll be amazed how your attitude of gratitude will help you to grow and strengthen your relationship with those who invest in your life. Don't be a sign of the last days.

9. Make a prayer list of 10 items each day and pray for them.
Perhaps the most effective exercise you could do this summer is prayer. Imagine being able to have a conversation with important people everyday of the summer. The President, Congressmen, Lawyers, Movie Stars, Professional Athletes. Not only would you get to talk to them, but they want to do favors for you. They want to help you with your problems, relationships, desires, and questions. Well the truth is that most of those people don't have time for us, but there is someone greater than all those types of people and he is waiting to hear and help us.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
If you prayed for 10 different needs every day this summer. It would take about 10-20 a day, and at the end of the summer you would have prayed for over 900 needs. Its amazing how small things add up in a hurry. You can accomplish a great deal this summer by moving heaven and earth with your prayers.

10. Do something each week to spend time with you siblings.
For some of you, this may be the toughest task of the whole summer. More than likely your siblings are the people you will spend more time with this summer than anyone else, so it makes sense to develop a good relationship with them. If they are older, you will most likely have to ask them to do something with you, but if they are younger, just tell them (no you can ask them too, but I know what their answer will be). Make sure it is something that they like to do. Guys, it may mean playing house with your 5 year old sister. Ladies, it could be playing cops and robbers outside in the heat. Whatever it is, this will benefit you in two ways. #1 This exercise will help you develop an attitude of serving others, and putting their desires in front of yours. #2 This exercise will strengthen your relationship with your sibling(s). This is important because the stronger your relationship is the more spiritual influence you can have in their life.
Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
I realize if you are 16 years old that playing house may not be cool, but understand life isn't always about being cool. When your life is over, you won't wonder if you were cool. You will wonder if you had an impact on anyone's life.

11. Work
I realize this may be the last thing on your mind, but if you sit around the house all summer long you are wasting your life. Maybe you could get a job, and start saving for a car or for college. I believe that any diligent young person with a lawn mover could almost make enough money during the summer to buy an old car. I know life isn't all about money, but life isn't all about laying on the couch all summer long either. Here's what I'm saying. At the end of the summer you'll go back to school, and those who worked all summer will have something to show for it, and those who sat on the couch will have the highest video game score.

Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.
If you ever want something in life you won't get it by waiting around for someone to give it to you. “But wait Pastor Matt, my parents won't let me get a job.” Okay, then work around the house. But my parents won't pay me money. No, but they will give you a roof over your head, a comfortable bed to sleep in, clothes to wear, and food to eat. But how do I get a car out of that. If you make it your job to clean your room every day, make your bed every day, mow the lawn every week, wash the dishes every day, wash your Dad's car every week, vacuum the car out every week, not only will your parents love me for suggesting such a thing, but you will learn something that will pay you big time in the future when you can get a job. It is called a work ethic. You will learn how to work. There are many people in the world that don't know how to do this. They sit around waiting for someone to give them something, and they end up being miserable because they aren't working, and broke because no one is going to give you enough money to rich.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
If your parents don't want you to work around your house, call me, I have a house and plenty of work around the church to do as well.

12. Make a new friend at church
Making new friends is not easy. It takes a lot of work, but it is a rewarding task. You could make it your personal mission to be at every church service this summer and get to know someone each week. Trying coming into the youth room and introducing yourself to someone you really don't know. Ask them if you can sit by them in the service. Then ask them some of the following questions to get to know them better.
How old are you?
Where do you live?
What grade are you in?
What have you been doing this summer?
Are you going on vacation?
Do you want to go to the Wilds?
How long have you been coming to Church?
Do you have brothers and sisters?
What is your favorite ___________?
Do you like sports?
Where do you like to eat?
What is your favorite Andy Griffith episode?

Luke 10:33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

You might even be able to ask the to do something with you during the summer. If I could pick any job for you to do this summer, it would be this one. There is no better way to build and grow a youth group than when teens start going out of their way to make friends.

13. Plan to spend time with your youth pastor and his wife
If all else fails and you find yourself sitting on the couch saying, “I'm bored. I need something to do.” Call me (352) 454-6100 or my wife (352) 445-5351. We are very busy people, but we love spending time with you all teens. You may think we are boring, but that really won't matter since you bored sitting at home being boring. I guarantee if you hang out with us for a day you will have the time of your life. It may even be better than going to Disney World. Well, almost. Maybe you could help us do a few things around the church, or go out to lunch. Perhaps we could visit a few people and invite them to church. I have been working very hard this April in May so that I can spend more time with you all this summer. If you don't call us, we may be calling you. There would be few things more enjoyable for me than spending time with you this summer. I have a play station, 8 Baby Einstein DVD', keys to the gym, a football, and money to go to lunch with. Call us! We would love it!
2 Timothy 2:2 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.
Lets go fishing, or golfing, or something else besides sitting, sleeping, or snacking your summer away.

Summer 2010 June, July, August

2010-04-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Central Baptist Teenagers are busy all year long and summer time is no exception. We are thrilled to have several exciting activities planned for the next few months. Teen camp in North Carolina @ The Wilds, Teen Warrior Wars, A Missions Trip To Puerto Rico, Preacher Boys Classes, Teen Soulwinning, as well as weekly teen services on Sunday morning and Wenesday night. This summer's preaching will be focused on "Becoming Like Christ". Check out the schedule for more details or call Pastor Matt @ 352-454-6100. Come join in the fun this summer @ Central Baptist Church.

April & May -Becoming A Lifeguard

2010-04-09T06:39:00.001-07:00

The Book of Ezekiel employs Christians to watch for the souls of men. More than ever, people all around us are drowning in sin without anyone looking to save them. Jesus Christ set the ultimate example when he came to earth to save us from our sin. It is with a heart of deepest gratitude that follow in his steps warning people of the impending danger of sin. God wants us to be "lifeguards" helping to rescue lost souls in desperate need. Throughout April & May, we will be training spiritual lifeguards in different aspects of soulwinning. So far we have learned how to work with people who know very little about God or the Bible. Last week we examined the reality that salvation requires more than a prayer. On April 21st, we will consider "How To Become An Atheist". Actually it really hard to do. You have to deny the testimony of Creation, Conscience, Christ, and hopefully Christians. April 28th, we will examine how Salvation will not only change your eternity, but also your entire life. Heading in to May we will consider the beliefs of Catholics, Mormons, and Jews to see how we can witness to these people as well.

Come and join us Wednesday Night at 7. You will receive a blessing from being there. I am sure!

Living Proof and Twitter

2009-07-02T14:28:00.000-07:00

Let me recommend to teens and parents that you follow Living Proof on Twitter.com. Now you go to twitter.com, create an account and choose to follow matt_lahmann. This way you can get youth group updates and reminders sent right to your cell phone. There would be no more problems remembering youth activities or teen soulwinning times. Once you select to follow my twitter account and are approved; click on the "settings" tab, then the "devices" tab. Set up your cell phone to receive the updates. Once you cell phone is set to receive updates, click on the Living Proof Logo. When the new screen appears, look at the line right underneath the Living Proof logo. Change the the Device updates to on. You are ready to go.

Who Needs More Frogs?

2009-06-29T06:09:00.000-07:00

In Exodus God plagued Egypt with a multitude of frogs that covered the land. Then in response to that miracle, the Egyptian magicians brought more frogs into the land. What a dumb thing to do. Who needs more frogs when they are already covering every visible surface.

Many times we add frogs to a situation by adding sin to sin. Someone treats us wrong (a frog) and we in turn treat them wrong (more frogs). Our brother or sister mistreat us (frog), and we look for a way to get revenge (more frogs). Have you added frogs to you situations this week.

Remember the old saying, "2 Wrongs don't make 1 Right."

Who Needs More Frogs? No One

Standing Between the Blessing and the Curse

2009-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

I hope you enjoyed listening to these messages last week. Lets just ask one simple question.

As you listened to the message, I am sure you thought of some areas in your life where you are standing between the blessing and the curse. What areas do you see this truth real in your life?

Summer Sermon Series: The Sights and Sound of Sodom and Gomorrah

2009-06-12T02:15:00.000-07:00

What Is The Most Shocking Truth Presented In The Message: The Sights and Sounds of Sodom and Gomorrah? What were you most surprised about? What Bible verse stuck out to you the most that explains that this lifestyle is a sin against God?

Leave your comments below. Also read the comment of others and reply to them if you like.

Wisdom From The Wild

2009-06-12T02:09:00.000-07:00

Last week we look at Matthew chapter 4 to where Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him and become fishers of men. Remember that if we are not FISHING for MEN we are not FOLLOWING HIM. Don't forget to ask God for a burden for lost souls. Your friends, neighbors, classmates, strangers. Souls are everywhere. Christians need to constantly be aware of the souls of men. More than likely lost people are not going to come to us looking to get saved. We are going to have to come to them.

What is the first question that come to mind when someone ask if you want to go fishing?

My wife asked, "Do I have to touch the worm." =)

Leave a comment of your question.

Living Proof Summer 2009

2009-04-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

2009-04-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Last month we examined the Bible idea of faith and saw that faith is not something you try to obtain but rather something you do. This week we will continue our series on Faith. We will examine the faith of Abel and see that we too can have this kind of faith. We will study is Family, Flock, and Faith. Invite someone to come to Living Proof this Wednesday night at 7.

This message will have a clear presentation of the Gospel. If you have a friend that is unsaved or you are not sure, invite them to hear this message.

March Madness Scavenger Hunt Pie in the Face

2009-04-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tucker Was Attacked By Something

2009-04-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

He was attacked by a dog most likely. He had 7 puncture wounds in his chest and shoulder. He is doing a lot better this morning.

HOME ON THE RANGE

2009-04-05T04:35:00.000-07:00

Developing A Biblical Vision For My Life

2009-02-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision the people perish." We need in our own life a Bible vision of what God could use our life to do. Many of us dream of all sorts of goals or things we want in life, but are any of those dreams eternal? Are any of your goals for the Lord? Just imagine what God could do with your life? God used William Carey to reach thousands of people for Christ in India. God used John Jasper to reach thousands of people in Virginia after the Civil War, and God still wants to use people the same way today. Have you ever stopped and considered what God could do with you? You see, God is not looking for someone with greatness. He alone is GREAT! God is not looking for someone with power. He has all the POWER anyone needs. God is looking for someone who will be available. All through out the Bible, God uses flawed men who are yielded to Him to accomplish great things to glorify God. God is still working in that very same way today.

I challenge you to listen to the Living Proof messages on our website, and ask God to give you a vision (truth from God's Word) of what he wants to do with your life.

Church Membership Matters -Tim Christoson

2009-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

Being a member of a local church...
1. Gives me an environment in which to grow spiritually.
Acts 2:42

2. Identifies me with my fellow believers.
1 Peter 2:9-12

3. Allows for genuine friendships, edifying relationships, and voluntary accountability.
Romans 16:1-6

4. Enables burdens to be shared and loads to be lightened.
Acts 4:32-37

5. Builds a prayer network for mutual intercession.
Acts 12:5-12

6. Places me under the spiritual protection of godly leaders.
Acts 20:28-29

7. Provides a means to honor God financially by supporting local and world evangelism.
Philippians 4:14-18

8. Serves as a place for me to bring others, so they may hear the Gospel.
Matthew 28:18-20

9. Creates an opportunity to discover and exercise my spiritual gifts.
Romans 12:6-8

10. Connects me to something eternal and more significant than myself.
Romans 12:4-5

What In The World Is God Doing In My LIfe?

2009-01-20T06:39:00.000-08:00

Last weeks message, "What in the World is God Doing in My Life?" did not get recorded. I do apologize for this. We will try to get it recorded and up on the website a.s.a.p.

It is important for us to be aware that God is working in our life? Hebrews reminds us that the Lord said he would never leave us nor forsake us. Therefore, we may boldly say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do unto me." Let us look to see God at work in our life. I believe that this is the beginning of the beginning spoken of in Proverbs 1:7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. If we are going to an awareness of God in our life, we must take special note of what he is doing.

Last week I had the priviledge of going to Crown College in Knoxville, TN. The Lord showed me so many things about the ministry. He directed me to be able to witness to a man at a ski lodge. He taught great Bible truths through different services and classes that I was in. He allowed me to make a difference in the life of four of our teenagers. God did so much in my life last week, I could have written a 100-page book about it. I imagine that this is what the Psalmist had in mind when he said, "He daily loadeth me with benefits."

Please continue to check out our blog. Feel free to make comments regarding the post and sermons you read.

What In The World Is God Doing?

2009-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever stopped to really think about God is doing in your life? Have you ever considered what God is doing in the world? Understand that the God who spoke the world into existence and hung the stars and earth in the galaxy is active in your life today. God fashions the events of our life to bring us to a closer fellowship with him each and every day.

We would love for you to attend each week and find out just exactly what God is doing in the world. We meet every Sunday (945 a.m. / 11 a.m. / 6 p.m.) and Wednesday (7 p.m.)

Log on to our blog each week for the newest Living Proof sermon.