America's Idol Is In Trouble

The late Larry Burkett, in Whatever Happened to the American Dream, wrote in 1993:

When I grew up in the fifties, the American Dream could be defined rather simply: if you work hard and get an education, realistically you can expect to live better than your parents did.

This dream was expanded in the sixties to include a nice home, a nice car, a good education for the children, and retirement at 65, with a reasonable degree of comfort.

In the seventies, the American Dream expanded to include a bigger home, two cars, longer vacations, guaranteed employment, and government aid in everything from housing to health care.

By the eighties the Dream had begun to fade, as the side effects of welfare, drugs, and the "me" generation surfaced. But rather than allow the dream to die, Americans borrowed their way back into prosperity.

The borrow your way back into prosperity plan has not worked for us. In fact it is what led to the economic crisis in the first place. Yet this is government's current solution, borrow your way out of trouble. Not a day has gone by lately without news of more bad news. Currently, GM and Chrysler, the great American symbols of prosperity, are on the brink of bankruptcy and collapse.

What is America's idol? Mammon- materialism, affluence, and prosperity. Cars, houses, clothes, and leisure that money can buy. All of these things are contemporary symbols of a person's relative worth.

Idolatry separates us from the peace of God, it drains life from us, and it sends us in the wrong direction seeking meaning and satisfaction in life. Idolatry separates us from the One, True, Living God.

An unhealthy focus on material possessions deeply affects your spiritual life. Jesus said in Mark 4:19 "The worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful."

What can we do to break the grip of this idol?

* Be aware of the things in your life that breed discontentment.

Root them out of your life so they do not lead to poor stewardship.

* Seek to imitate Jesus.

You are the image bearer of God. Your security and worth is through Him, not your possessions. Imitate Jesus, not your neighbor who is deeply in debt.

* Invest with an eternal perspective.

Lay up for yourself treasures in Heaven, lasting treasures. Invest in other people, and look at the world with a Kingdom perspective.

* Simplify your life.

Who are the most panicked people in this current economic environment? People who are loaded down with debt. Don't be afraid to live simply, and modestly, within your means. It is a biblical concept after all.

Perhaps we should stop worrying and praying for an economic recovery. Maybe we should be praying a whole lot more for the mercies of God to be poured out on this nation.

CLBC Easter Family Event

We had a wonderful time on Saturday ministering to our community through the pre-Easter Event. God blessed us with around 500 people attending, and we were able to make contact with 85 new families.

At CLBC we love the community, and we want to be able to have contact with a many people as possible. It is our desire that people know of the love of God in Jesus and share that love with them.

If you are a part of the CLBC church family, I want to ask you to pray specifically for our community and all of the contacts we made. Pray that we will see many people embrace the Gospel in the coming days and weeks.

CLBC Men's Ministry Retreat

A group of men from CLBC went on a retreat this weekend to Faith Mountain in Rosedale, West Virginia. It was a great time together. We spent time studying God's Word together, praying, and enjoying the fellowship. I appreciate the men who set aside time for the retreat and look forward to future opportunities for fellowship.

Faith Mountain is a non-denominational Christian retreat center up in the mountains. I have been on a retreat there on several occasions and it is always a blessing to be there. I would encourage you to check out their ministry.

Let Us Encourage One Another- Part 4

In Acts 10 the Bible gives the account of Peter going up to pray on the roof of the house were he was staying and when he did, he became hungry. He saw a vision, with Heaven opening and a sheet descending down, held by its four corners, and filled with various kinds of animals. A voice told Peter to get up, kill, and eat (Acts 10:13). To a Jew, this was a radical message because he had never eaten anything that was "unclean" according to the law, and there were some unclean animals included in the vision. He was confused about what the message was in the vision.

In the meantime, God spoke to Cornelius, a Gentile living in Caesarea. Cornelius had been seeking God and he also had a vision. An angel of the Lord came to him and said look for Peter in Joppa. He sent three men after Peter and when the arrived, they found that Peter had been prepared by his own vision. He traveled to meet with Cornelius and his family. God was unfolding His redemptive plan to Peter and the fact that He would not show favoritism to anyone, and that Jesus Christ is Lord of all men. Acts 11 records that the Jews who had been scattered, began to speak the message to the Gentiles also, and a great number of people believed in Antioch.

News of what was happening reached Jerusalem. Peter went back and told what was happening also. Some saw the need to send someone to Antioch to help encourage the new Gentile believers.

Who did they choose to send? They chose to send Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement. Acts 11:23 says when he arrived in Antioch he saw the grace of God in their lives, was glad about it, and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord.

People knew that Barnabas was an encourager. He had developed a reputation as being a man who was concerned about others. When he arrived in Antioch he was glad about what he saw because he was excited about what God was doing in their lives.

In Acts 11:24, Barnabas is described as a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. He was gifted and Spirit-filled. He lived what he believed.

My prayer would be:

- That God would give us spiritual eyes to see the grace of God at work in the lives of others so that we would be able to encourage them.

- That God would give us joy and gladness over His work.

- That we would be full of the Holy Spirit, who is the ultimate Encourager.

- That we would be full of faith, empowered to live what we believe.

Let Us Encourage One Another- Part 3

When the early church was growing and expanding, persecution quickly set in. Early on the Jewish religious leaders felt threatened by the growing church. Stephen was martyred for his faith and persecution against the church exploded. (Acts 7)

Saul was in the midst of the persecution, leading it. He was, at least, until he met Jesus, and his life was radically transformed. He became just as zealous for Christ and the Church as he had been against Christ and the Church. The Christians were still afraid of him however, and with good reason. Barnabas stood up for him, and reported to the apostles that Saul had preached in the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:27) He verified that Saul was indeed a changed man.

* Barnabas was willing to make an investment in Saul's life. He didn't have to take the time to get involved. But he knew he could help and be an encouragement in the situation. He knew Saul was a changed man.

* Barnabas was willing to take a risk for the sake of someone else. Everyone questioned Saul's sincerity. After all, he was a murderer who had approved of Stephen's death and who had attacked the Church with vengeance. Barnabas, on Saul's behalf, went straight to the apostles and told them why he believed Saul. He was concerned for this man, and he had a deep faith in God. That is unselfishness!

Years later after this defense, Saul and Barnabas were serving as a missionary team. John Mark was along with them assisting them in the work. He left them at one point and they completed their mission without him. Later, Saul and Barnabas were to return to the established churches and offer help and encouragement. Barnabas suggested taking John Mark along. Saul (then called Paul) didn't think that was such a good idea because he had "deserted" them. The disagreement was great and Paul and Barnabas parted ways.

Barnabas took John Mark with him and headed for Cyprus, while Paul took Silas with him. Now, I don't know who was right and who was wrong in the situation, if there was a "right and wrong." What I do know, is that Barnabas' encouraging spirit came through in giving John Mark a second chance. He wrote one of the Gospels, so I have to think that the hand of God was in it. Paul would later on recognize John Mark's contribution to the ministry. (2 Timothy 4)

Barnabas as an encourager, believed in people.

There are several lessons to be learned and applied for all of us.

1) We should be willing to think the best of others, and give them the opportunity to follow the calling God has placed on their lives.

2) To trust others, we must get involved in the lives of others, looking for opportunities to encourage and strengthen them in their faith.

3) We should be willing to stand up for others, for what we think is right, even if it is not popular.

Who can you encourage today?

Let Us Encourage One Another- Part 2

Barnabas is a model for all Christians when it comes to encouragement. His name means "son of encouragement." When he comes on the scene in Acts 4, the Scripture says that all believers were one in heart and mind. They were sharing everything they had. One of the believers who sold what he had and gave it to those in need was Barnabas.

Originally he came from Cyprus, but at that point he lived in Jerusalem where he owned land. When they needed money, he sold the field he owned and brought the money to the apostles. (Acts 4:37) Originally his name was Joseph but the apostles changed his name to Barnabas, even before this. His character made such an impact that they changed his name to match it.

Barnabas, by his actions, was unselfish. He was more concerned with the needs of others than with his own needs. His actions are not necessarily normative in teaching that all believers should sell what they have and give the proceeds away to facilitate communal living. But it is descriptive of what an unselfish Christian lives like. The unselfish believer is concerned about doing acts of love that are pleasing to God and helpful and encouraging to others.

Barnabas, by his actions, was cooperative. God gave the apostles clear instructions on what they were to do. But in order to accomplish the will of God, the apostles could not do it alone. They needed help from people like Barnabas who were willing to come alongside them and cooperate in the work. Barnabas was one of those people. He wanted to follow God and be obedient to God.

Barnabas, in his actions, had pure motives. How do we know that? Well, in Acts 5, after Barnabas had given his gift, it records that Ananias and Sapphira also sold property and brought money. But they kept back a portion, and in doing so, lied to the Holy Spirit. They both were subsequently struck dead and taken out. Barnabas on the other hand, had pure motives and was commended for what he had done.

Are you like Barnabas, encouraging others by your actions?

Let Us Encourage One Another

I have been thinking a lot about encouragement recently. I am blessed to serve a church where there are numerous encouragers. I realize however, that there is a deficit of encouragement in our culture. There is more than enough negativity and criticism to go around, but not nearly enough encouragement.

There are many words in the New Testament which describe the functioning of the body of Christ and what believers are expected to do for one another. One that is used frequently is parakaleo, translated "to encourage." One of the most comprehensive passages instructing us to encourage one another is in Hebrews 10:19-26.

Christianity involves a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but it is lived out in a corporate experience. Christians are not intended to grow in isolation from one another. We are to come together regularly for the purpose of mutual encouragement, and in order to develop our faith, hope and love together. We come together around the Word of God, to celebrate the Good News.

After Jesus ascended back into Heaven, the Holy Spirit came as the Counselor or Comforter. The word that is used in the Greek is parakletos, or paraclete. So it would be appropriate to identify the Holy Spirit as the Encourager. He encourages us now with the Truth. God wants us to use what we have learned to encourage one another. We can encourage one another with His plans and promises.

Think about it from a practical standpoint. Who are the people that you are drawn to? The negative, critical people? Or the positive, encouragement-minded people? It is the encouragers. People are drawn to encouragers. Biblical encouragers tend to be people who are humble, and whose faith is well grounded in God.

I pray that God would raise up more encouragers. Over the next couple of days I am going to consider the subject of encouragement, and focus specifically on Barnabas, the son of encouragement. I hope to offer some practical examples of how we all can do better in this area.

Forgiveness Through the Cross

Focal Passage- Ephesians 1:7-8

Listen to Message Here

What is the greatest need every person has? A relationship with God, which only comes through the forgiveness of the cross.

* Forgiveness is needed by all people.

Trespasses- crossing the boundaries of God's Law

Redemption- sin is our captor and slave owner and demands a price for our release.

* Forgiveness is costly.

Redemption through His blood

To understand forgiveness we must see the severity of our sin. A greater price could not have been paid than the blood of the Savior.

- A Manifestation of Divine Love
- A Manifestation of Divine Grace
- A Manifestation of the Glory of God

* Forgiveness is received through faith.

Repentant faith is the doorway to forgiveness.

All forgiveness results from the work of Jesus.

* Forgiveness is complete.

If forgiveness were incomplete, then the death of Jesus would be incomplete. Yet the Bible describes it as a finished work.

God takes away our sins and blots them out, cancels them, expunges them, and wipes them away to be remembered no more.

* Forgiveness received is then to be extended.

We are to be imitators of God and Jesus it the ultimate example.

The forgiving life grows from the soil of forgiveness beneath the foot of the cross.

The cross and the forgiveness that it brings as part of the plan of God has had a profound eternal impact. Revelation 7:9-10

Secularism is On The March

An article appeared recently in the Wall Street Journal entitled "God Will Provide- Unless the Government Gets There First". It was written by W. Bradford Wilcox, Professor of Sociology at the University of Virginia.

He accurately assesses that secularism is on the march in the United States and this is demonstrated by increased government involvement in the lives of the people. The number of Americans claiming no religious affiliation is now 15% of the population, compared to 8% in 1990. This is a significant statistical shift.

Wilcox cites the pending expansion of government under the Obama Administration, in the areas of healthcare reform, a larger federal role in education, etc., as potential concern for the vitality of American religion. Federal, state, and local spending next year is estimated to be 40% of the Gross Domestic Product. This is not appreciably less than the European Socialist model that currently stands at 46%.

Wilcox writes, "The European experience suggests that the growth of the welfare state goes hand in hand with declines in personal religiosity." A 33 country study demonstrated an inverse relationship between religious observance and welfare spending. Rather than relying on the church, people realize they can get what they need from the government with less commitment. Under the emerging government structure, people will have cradle to career education and cradle to grave healthcare.

One particularly interesting statistic in the article is that after the New Deal was put in place in this country in the 20th century, charitable giving to churches went down 30%.

These are interesting statistics. I am not thoroughly convinced that greater government involvement leads directly to the decline of religion. I think there could be some impact the other way around as well. As people rely less on God, they look to other sources to fill the void. There is no doubt however, that as the tax burden becomes heavier and heavier, people are stretched financially and it has a negative impact on the amount they are able and willing to give to charitable causes. This in turn has a negative impact on benevolence ministries.

What I do know is this. We need a spiritual awakening in the United States. Without it, in a generation the church in this country will be dramatically different, and not positively. I also know that God's expectation for the church has not changed. We are still called to be salt and light, and to minister in the name of Jesus. Regardless of what the tax rate is, or how big the government gets, we must be about our Father's business. The church has been too willing to turn over responsibilities to the government in the first place. In conservative circles, many were so afraid of being labeled as promoting a "social gospel" like the liberals, that they failed to be faithful to what God called them to in the first place.

The church needs to stop complaining about what the government is or isn't doing and rise to the occasion. We have never had a greater opportunity than now. May the church be the church and may God be glorified through it.

Wilcox concluded his article with this: "Many of those who initially turn to religious organizations for mutual aid end up developing a faith that is as supernatural as it is material. But first they need to enter the door."

Let's help them do that.

The Living Church- Book Review

The Living Church: Convictions of a Lifelong Pastor, by John Stott (IVP Books, 2007)

John Stott Ministries

John Stott wrote this book from the perspective of seeking evangelical renewal in the Church of England but the principles are universally applicable in any church. Stott's decades of experience and wisdom come through clearly.

Stott is very perceptive in his approach. He writes, "It is not that the church's calling is to shape the world, for it is called rather to develop a Christian counterculture. At the same time, we must listen to the voices of the world in order to be able to respond to them sensitively, though without compromise." pg. 12 He recognizes that the church must be in the world but not of the world.

He advocates for what he calls, "Radical Conservative Churches". These are churches that are conservative in the sense that they conserve what Scripture plainly requires, but radical in relation to that combination of tradition and convention which we call culture. Scripture is unchangeable, culture is not. pg. 15

Stott asks the question, "What is God's vision for His church?" It includes according to Stott, the following:

1) Worship

"It is often said that the church's preeminent responsibility is evangelism. But this is not so . . . Evangelism comes under the heading of our duty to neighbor, whereas worship is our duty to God, and our duty to God must take precedence over our duty to our neighbor . . . Evangelism is a temporary activity, which will cease when the Lord Jesus comes to consummate His kingdom. But our worship will continue throughout eternity." pg. 34

2) Evangelism

"Worship leads to witness and witness leads to worship." pg. 56

Stott offers a scathing evaluation of many modern churches. "Some zealous churches organize an over full program of church based activities. Our static, inflexible, self centered structures are heretical." pg. 56 According to Stott, all churches should ask the question, "Is the church in reality organized only for itself?" In doing so, we determine our effectiveness in evangelism and how to improve in it.

3) Ministry

Everybody cannot do everything.

- God calls all people to ministry.
- God calls different people to different ministries.
- God expects those called to the ministry of the Word to concentrate on their calling and on no account to allow themselves to be distracted by social administration. pg. 73

4) Fellowship

Small groups are indispensable for our growth in spiritual maturity. Fellowship takes time and involvement with others. pg.88

Stott is concerned with authentic spiritual community that develops through time spent together, living life.

5) Preaching

"Authentic Christian preaching is both biblical and contemporary. One of the major tragedies in the church today is that evangelicals are biblical but not contemporary, while liberals are contemporary but not biblical. Comparatively few are building bridges. But authentic Christian preaching is a bridge building operation." pg. 98

6) Giving

Giving is an expression of the grace of God. pg. 112

In conclusion, Stott writes, "I believe in the power of God's Word and Spirit to reform and renew the church. I also believe in the patience of God. Max Warren wrote that 'the history of the Church is the story of the patience of God.'"

At the 150th Anniversary of All Souls, London, John Stott read the following:


I have a dream of a church that is a biblical church – which is loyal in every particular to the revelation of God in Scripture, whose pastors expound Scripture with integrity and relevance, and so seek to present every member mature in Christ, whose people love the Word of God, and adorn it with an obedient and Christ-like life, which is preserved from all unbiblical emphases, whose life manifests in the health and beauty of biblical balance. I have a dream of a biblical church.

I have a dream of a church that is a worshipping church – whose people come together to meet God and worship him, who know God is always in their midst and who bow down before him in great humility, who regularly frequent the table of the Lord Jesus, to celebrate his mighty act of redemption on the cross, who enrich the worship with their musical skills, who believe in prayer and lay hold of God in prayer, whose worship is expressed not in Sunday services and prayer gatherings but also in their homes, their weekday work and the common things of life. I have a dream of a worshipping church.

I have a dream of a church which is a caring church – whose congregation is drawn from many races, nations, ages, and social backgrounds, and exhibits the unity and diversity of the family of God, whose fellowship is warm and welcoming, and never marred by anger, selfishness, jealousy or pride, whose members love one another with a pure heart fervently, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, and bearing one another’s burdens, which offers friendship to the lonely, support to the weak, and acceptance to those who are despised and rejected by society, whose love spills over to the world outside, attractive, infectious, irresistible, the love of God himself. I have a dream of a caring church.

I have a dream of a church which is a serving church – which has seen Christ as the Servant and has heard his call to be a servant too, which is delivered from self-interest, turned inside out, and giving itself selflessly to the service of others, whose members obey Christ’s command to live in the world, to permeate secular society, to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, whose people share the good news of Jesus simply, naturally and enthusiastically with their friends, which diligently serves its own communities, residents and workers, families and single people, nationals and immigrants, old folk and little children, which is alert to the changing needs of society, sensitive and flexible enough to keep adapting its programme to serve more usefully, which has a global vision and is constantly challenging their young people to give their lives in service, and constantly sending its people out to serve. I have a dream of a serving church.

I have a dream of a church which is an expectant church – whose members can never settle down in material affluence or comfort, because they remember that they are strangers and pilgrims on earth, which is all the more faithful and active because it is waiting and looking for its Lord to return, which keeps the flame of the Christian hope burning brightly in a dark, despairing world, which on the day of Christ will not shrink from him in shame, but rise up joyfully to meet him. I have a dream of an expectant church.

John Stott (pg. 167-169)

In this book Stott is:

* Determinedly biblical in his approach to the Church.

* Fairly balanced.

* Keenly aware of modern culture.

* Faith focused on the power of the Spirit and the Word.

* Encouraging to younger pastors seeking not a model to follow but biblical principles to implement.

* Wise and reflective.

This is a valuable tool for anyone who loves the church and desires to be fathful to biblical principles.

The Lord is My Light and My Salvation

I love the Psalms. Believers through the ages have found solace and strength in the Psalms. We can easily relate to the expressions of the Psalmists as we make our way through life.

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 27, "Of whom shall I be afraid?" v1 This is a rhetorical question. The answer is I should be afraid of no one because the Lord is "the stronghold of my life."

Evildoers may come against me. I may have adversaries and foes. An army may even encamp around me. Yet my heart will not fear. I will be confident.

"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple." v4 These are words of relationship, an enduring and encouraging relationship.

"You have said, 'Seek my face'. My heart says to you, Your face, Lord, do I seek." v8 The heart of David wanted to seek the face of God and in seeking the face of God he found confidence.

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage, wait for the Lord." v14

Are you waiting on the Lord or worrying over your circumstances? Do not fear, seek the face of the Lord, and wait on God. He is always on time.

Spiritual Intimacy With God Conference

Excerpts from Tuesday Evening with Dr. Greg Frizzell

What brings a turning point where things can change?

There must be a point of obedience.

Acts 1:4-8

Wait = pray, expectantly, believing.

Why are we seeing so little power in our churches? We are without surrender, and without obedience. When the early church met and prayed, a surrender took place.

2 Corinthians 7:1

Grace, holiness, reverence

Cleanse ourselves of all filthiness. Search our hearts, attitudes, all of it.

Perfecting = ongoing, daily process of cleaning that we have to choose. It is about the fullness of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, know my heart, try me.

Refine me, turn up the heat in my life.

How can we seek God? There are a few things that have gone under the radar screen that are hindering revival. To obey God is to surrender and give Him our whole heart.

1. We have to mean business and obey God in abiding power.

Shut the door, give God total attention, turn the cell phone off, and seek His face.

We learn to pray by showing up.

Lord, I want to pray your heart. Jesus said, can you watch with me? Essentially, will you join me in this great labor?

If we are not praying that, we are part of the problem. You can join God's heart and when you do, His presence becomes more real.

2. We have to give God our eyes and our time.

We are in an epidemic of impurity in the church and there has been a desensitization of believers.

Psalm 101:2-3

Ephesians 5:11-12

Many believers have opened up the door to the enemy.

People are eaten up by wrong thoughts and imaginations and it grieves the Holy Spirit. My eyes have to be holy for God to fill my heart.

3. We need to have the right attitude.

Anger- we are an angry nation, fighting more than ever.

Complaining

Subtle unbelief- We begin to give up on things and are beaten down.

You don't get what you pray for, you get what you expect.

Who we really are is who we are by ourselves.

4. We need to be right in our relationships.

Matthew 5:23-24

With God it is all about relationships

It is about yielding the heart.

Matthew 6:14-15

We don't deserve God's forgiveness.

5. We need to give God our Isaacs.

Romans 14:23

God will bring us to a place of sacrifice. Are you willing to yield it all to God?

You cannot make excuses. You cannot hold back on God. Is there something God is calling you to do? The healing and joy comes when you do.

What is God saying to you? Do you love Jesus? Obey Him, press toward the mark, pursue holiness.

Spiritual Intimacy With God Conference

The Pioneer Baptist Association is hosting a prayer conference at Cross Lanes Baptist Church with special guest, Dr. Greg Frizzell. Dr. Frizzell serves as Prayer and Spiritual Awakening Specialist of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma and the North American Mission Board. We are seeking to draw closer to God through prayer and to be used by God more effectively in the Kingdom.

A group of pastors has been meeting for a year or so to pray and seek the face of God. We opened up this conference with church specific prayer meetings on Sunday evening and then Dr. Frizzell is with us for two nights.

The following are some excerpts from Dr. Frizzell's message on Monday evening.

Revival begins with a remnant. Great moves of time do not come when times are easy, they come in times of urgency.

*What time is it really? How does God bring a turning point?

20 years from now we will not recognize the church without an awakening.

Paraphrase of 2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people will desperately humble themselves. If my people will cry out to God with desperate prayer.

We must ask God to search us, with a fine-tooth comb, to break us, to change us, with intensity.

Humility is a key in that God will not move in a church that is full of pride. We don't need the kind of prayer we have had. We need a different type. The problem is we have had a weaker version of prayer that has kept us from the real thing.

- We must to make the choice to draw near to God. We have to seek Him by His ordained means.

It is not that we have to, it is that we get to. For most believers it is not like that.

- We are to have faith to believe what God can do.

God, grant us a spirit of hunger and thirst for You. God, reveal to us a new joy. With God it is all about your heart. Will you seek Him with all your heart?

- We are to seek Him corporately.

When we don't, it is arrogance. You have no right to call yourself a New Testament church if you don't have powerful patterns of corporate prayer. Either we are doing it or we are not.

Stop making excuses because these are urgent times.

The Sacrifice of the Cross

Focal Passage- Hebrews 9:11-28

Listen to Message Here

Sacrifice= the surrender of something valuable for the sake of something or someone else.

The greatest sacrifice that has ever been made is when the Son of God laid down His life for sinners.

Hebrews 9:1-10 contrasts the Old Covenant and New Covenant

The Law demonstrated the absolute Holiness of God and the inability of man to measure up to the Holiness of God on his own.

The sacrificial system including the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16) was a foreshadowing of what was to come in the once and for all sacrifice of the Lamb of God.

* The sacrifice of the cross ensures our redemption. v12

- Sin made the sacrifice necessary.

- The penalty for sin is death.

- The provision of God is the sacrifice of the cross.

* The sacrifice of the cross ensures our sanctification. v14

- Your sin is exchanged for Christ's righteousness.

- We are no longer slaves to sin.

- The active practice of sin is to be replaced with the active practice of righteousness.

* The sacrifice of the cross ensures our eternal standing with God. vv27-28

- Everyone had an appointment with death.

- Everyone has an appointment with judgment.

- Heaven and Hell are the final realities following judgment.

At the cross, God the Son, the self existent Word of God, who from eternity past had dwelt in unapproachable light, took the nature of a servant, took on human flesh and came to earth. He was falsely accused and condemned. He was in agony as He was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. His was the punishment that brought us peace. His were the wounds that wrought our healing!

Deep Rooted In Christ- Book Review

Deep Rooted in Christ: The Way of Transformation, by Joshua Choonmin Kang (IVP Books 2007)

Joshua Choonmin Kang is the author of 30 books in Korean, and this was his first book in English. He is the Pastor of the 7000+ member, Oriental Mission Church in Los Angeles.

This is a wonderful journey into the process of spiritual transformation. Spiritual transformation is a process and not an event. The author states that we don't start our spiritual lives as deep people, we have to choose the course of action.

Pastor Kang focuses on several key areas:

1. Spiritual transformation takes time.

"Spiritual formation isn't like a quickly spreading fire, it's like a tree with deeply descending roots, establishing a foundation for future growth and fruitfulness." (pg. 35)

2. Spiritual transformation grows from a heart of humility and dependence on God.

"Some people delight in showing off. Notice how Jesus tried to conceal His own identity. . .In our own world we often think our greatest task is to let the crowd know how wonderful we are. We measure our own worth only by what others think of us. If we aren't recognized, we get anxious. We brag about our ministries and puff up our accomplishments. But if we are as good as we think we are, shouldn't we let God do the publicizing? To offer a helping hand to others is a noble thing, and God will publicize it in His own good time. Self promotion isn't what pleases God." (pg. 21-22)

3. Spiritual transformation brings stability.

"When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our inner world is stable in spite of the shifting world outside." (pg. 43)

4. Spiritual transformation's goal is to exhibit Jesus in our lives.

"Despise sin, be passionate for holiness, and balance your work with mature living. Not only that; spiritual maturity shouldn't be the goal itself. Instead, our goal should be to exhibit Jesus in our lives." (pg. 167)

Pastor Kang offers a summary of the way of transformation:

* Walk the straight path.

* Abide in Jesus always.

* Live a Spirit filled life.

* Deny ourselves daily.

* Try to always be awake and on guard.

* Love of God compels us to serve others.

* Balance spirituality and the Word in your life.

This book is an excellent treatment of the subject of spiritual transformation. In an instant, quick fix society, Pastor Kang focuses on a lifelong focus of following Jesus and putting deep spiritual roots down. This is something that is sorely missing in American church culture. I would recommend this book to anyone who genuinely wants to follow Jesus.

God's Ultimate Purpose for His Children

What is God's ultimate purpose for our lives? Is it to bless and prosper us? Certainly God does bless His children. But that is not God's ultimate purpose.

God's ultimate purpose is that we, His children, be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren.

We will never on this earth be perfect like Jesus, but we are to become like Him in motive, attitude and thought. Because we are partakers of so great a salvation, we can become like Jesus.

This is a lifelong process. In our flesh it is not natural for us to love, think, do, and respond like Jesus did. The Holy Spirit works in us to bring about the change that God desires as we submit to His will.

Ask yourself these questions-

Does my life reflect Jesus?

Am I progressively becoming more like Jesus?

Is there anything in my life that is hindering me from becoming more like Jesus?

Father, I thank you that it is your will that I be conformed to the one who lived, died, and rose again. Lead me in the path of righteousness for your name's sake.

The Church in the United States is dying, or is it?

Is the church dying in the United States? Well, the American Religious Identification Survey came out this week describing how religion is declining in America. According to the study, those who identify themselves as Christian have declined more than 11% in just a generation. In the northern part of the country it has become less Catholic. In the southern part of the country it has become less Baptist. Now according to the study, 15% of people describe themselves as non-religious.

What can we conclude from this study?

* America is becoming less religious. If you have been paying any attention at all, you already knew this. The study simply confirms it. We really should not be surprised as there has been a concerted effort in this country in the last generation to secularize everything, and whitewash as many things as possible from Christianity. This has been confirmed in West Virginia by studies that have shown that less than 20% of our population is churched. This is in a state that is traditionally conservative, and while not the buckle of the Bible belt, certainly has a strong faith tradition.

* Minority religious groups are growing. Muslims, Mormons, and others are on the rise but the population as a whole is still becoming less religious.

* As a percentage of the population, the Church is losing ground.

So, what are we to do in response to the situation we find ourselves in?
* We must focus our faith on God, and not despair. God is still Sovereign. Light will triumph over darkness. Jesus promised He would build His Church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it.

* We must repent of the business as usual attitude that has dominated many of our churches. This is a spiritual battle that demands the proper weapons to engage in it. We should be broken about our condition.

* We must pray for a spiritual awakening. A spiritual awakening could turn this around dramatically in a short amount of time.

* We must aggressively engage the culture with the Gospel. The Gospel is still the power of God unto salvation. People are spiritually hungry. Don't get caught up in all the press of how people are not religious. In many instances, they are non- religious because they are ignorant, not because they are resistant. People will listen to the Gospel.

* We must purposefully strengthen existing churches, and strategically plant new churches. Now is not the time to back off. Now is the time to charge ahead and sow the seed of the Gospel.

* We must learn how to reach the people groups that God has sent to us. For the Church in the United States to thrive again, it is going to have to be much more multicultural than it presently is. We have the opportunity to engage people from around the world like never before, right here on our own soil. May God grant us wisdom in how to do that.

Is the Church in the United States dying? Not hardly. It is certainly losing ground currently, but to say it is dying would be to say that the plan of God has been thwarted. We certainly do not seem to be the epicenter of what God is doing in the world, but He has a continued plan and place for us in His Kingdom. The Church is the Bride of Christ and will continue to march forward until Jesus returns. God help us to be faithful.

Cross Lanes Baptist Celebrates 50 Years

March 8, 2009 marked 50 Years of Growing God's Forever Family at Cross Lanes Baptist Church. The church had its beginning when four Baptist friends met for lunch on December 2, 1958. Those four men were the Rev. Roy Tippett, Mr. Gary Barker, Rev. John Snedden of the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board, and Mr. Bill Frazier, who had been burdened for some time about a need for a Baptist Church in the community of Cross Lanes.

The first meeting was held December 20, 1958 at the home of Bill and Myrtle Frazier. They continued to meet in homes until the latter part of January 1959. On January 21, 1959 Rev. DD Elwell was called as Pastor, funded in part by the Ohio Convention of Southern Baptists since, at that time, there was not a WVCSB. Four days later the church had its first official meeting with 25 people present and an offering of $115. The Elwells began their ministry on February 21, 1959.

The church constituted on March 8, 1959 with 39 charter members.

What began as a dream, and a vision, in the hearts of a few faithful and determined followers of Jesus, has come a long way, and we, the family of God at Cross Lanes Baptist Church, are the beneficiaries of it.

CLBC is larger in number than it has ever been before. We have more resources than we have ever had before. Our reach is greater than it has ever been before. The hand of God is clearly on this church and He alone knows what the future holds. I believe our best days are ahead of us.

On the church's 15th anniversary, Pauline Patton, who had been responsible for compiling much of the early history of the church, wrote as follows:

We are reminded of I Corinthians 3:6 where Paul says, "I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase." More important than the wood and brick of the building is the increase, people who have been won to Christ through the ministry of this church in the few short years of its existence. No church springs forth fully grown from the ground overnight, but it is slowly built through years by the love, prayers, hard work and self denial of people called of God to the task.

To all those who have prayed, preached, given of their money or worked with their hands, we owe a debt of gratitude. . . If Christ tarries, we trust this church will continue to grow, not only in numbers, but in the knowledge and the love of God, faithful to the work of preaching the Gospel and pointing men to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Reporting for Duty

(I do not know the source of this, but I like it. I have seen it circulating a couple of different places on the internet.)

I am a soldier in the Army of my God.
The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.
The Holy Bible is my code of conduct.
Faith, prayer, and the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I am protected by His Spiritual Armor,

. . . guided by the Holy Spirit,
. . . and surrounded by His hand of protection.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit,

. . . trained by experience,
. . . tried by adversity,
. . . and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this Army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will either retire in this Army or die in this Army;
But I will not get out, sell out, be talked out, or be pushed out.

I am faithful, reliable, capable, dependable. If my God needs me, I am there.

I am a soldier.

I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered,
. . . petted,
. . . primed up,
. . . pumped up,
. . . picked up,
. . . or pepped up.

I am a soldier. No one has to call me,
. . . remind me,
. . . write me,
. . . visit me,
. . . entice me,
. . . or lure me.

I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place,
. . . saluting my King,
. . . obeying His orders,
. . . praising His name,
. . . and building His Kingdom!

No one has to send me flowers, gifts, cards, food, candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for, or catered to.

I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad enough to turn me around.
I cannot be discouraged enough to turn me aside.
I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this Army, I had nothing.
If I end up with nothing, I will still come out ahead.
I will win, with Him, eternally.

My God will supply all my needs.
I am more than a conqueror.
I will always triumph.
I can do all things through Christ.

Devils cannot defeat me.
People cannot disillusion me.
Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me.
Battles cannot beat me.
Money cannot buy me.
Governments cannot silence me, and Hell cannot handle me.

I am a soldier.

I am given only my mission and I am foremost concerned only with my part of the battlefield,

. . . but I pray daily for the other soldiers in the battle.

I am a soldier.
Even death cannot destroy me.
For when my Commander calls me from this battlefield,
He will promote me.

I am a soldier, in the Army, and I am marching, claiming victory.
I will not give up.
I will not turn around.
I am a soldier, marching, Heaven bound.

Here I stand, will you stand with me?

Chronos vs. Kairos

We are completing a midweek Bible Study based on Daniel Henderson's book, The 7 Most Important Questions You'll Ever Answer. It has been a blessing to me and I hope to others. The last week of the study makes a point to distinguish between chronos and kairos.

Let me explain. Chronos, from which we get chronology, basically relates to continuous time as measured in hours, minutes, and seconds. Kairos, on the other hand, basically relates to a fixed moment or a season of opportunity.

To illustrate the difference, Henderson draws on the way we treasure memories. When we think of memories, they are reflected in moments, not exact minutes. When we speak fondly of an event, we speak of it as a moment.

The Apostle Paul did not use chronos when he instructed us to make the most of our time. He was referring to redeeming, or buying back the moment not the minute.

Ephesians 5:15-17 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk- not as unwise people but as wise- making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So don't be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Time is valuable. So often I know that my time is measured in minutes. I feel pressure to complete one task so I can move on to the next task. I think in doing that I often miss the moment that God has for me.

God help us all to value the time that He has given us and treasure the moment.

Search and Rescue

Four men left Clearwater Pass earlier this week. They headed out in the ocean on a boat for recreation. The weather was calm. That is, it was calm until the winds picked up. The seas got heavy, and the waves eventually crested as high as 15 feet. The boat capsized and all four men were thrown into the water.

A full search and rescue effort was kicked into high gear. The United States Coast Guard searched 16,000 square miles of water until they located the first, and possibly only survivor. The search continues even now for the other three. Pray for these men, their families, and the search and rescue team.

All of the resources available to the United States Coast Guard in that region were brought in to search for these men and if possible rescue them. Wouldn't it have been strange if once the call went out that they were lost at sea, the rescue boats stayed in the harbor? Wouldn't something have been wrong if the rescue helicopters and search planes had stayed grounded? In the church, we are on a search and rescue mission.

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost. Luke 19:10

Every person who does not have a relationship with God in Christ is lost and on their way to Hell, forever. The boat of their life is capsized and the waves are high. Eventually death will come and they will be faced with eternity.

We have all of God's resources at our disposal. We have the Word, the Spirit, and the power of the Gospel. Yet most Christians stay in the harbor, in the comfortable confines of the church, and never care enough to lift a hand and throw out a life preserver. How can that be?

I want to be like Jesus. He came to seek and to save the lost. I want to live my life to seek and to save the lost. I want to motivate the people that God has called me to lead to seek and to save the lost. When we do that, God receives the glory. Let's go!

Called Out to Be Sent

Focal Passage- Acts 14

Listen to Message Here

As followers of Christ, we are called out of the world to belong to God, and we are sent back into the world to witness and to serve God. Our mission is modeled on the mission of Christ Himself. Authentic mission is incarnational mission.

The theme of the 2009 North American Missions Emphasis, and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering is Live With Urgency, Sowing Together for the Harvest. The national SBC goal is $65 million. Our church goal is $15,000. There are more than 251 million people in North America who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. They are hopeless without the good news of salvation. We are partnering together with more than 5,500 North American missionaries to sow the Gospel for the glory of God.

3 areas of focus that are critical to being on mission for God:

1) Proclaim the Gospel

2) Persist in times of opposition

3) Persevere in the faith

There are only two kinds of people-

- Those who are being called out.

- Those who are being sent.

What is the Spirit of God saying to you?