Seth Polk

What A Mighty God We Serve

2012-02-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

Series: A Fountain of Life, Proverbs 14:27

Message: What A Mighty God We Serve, Isaiah 66:1-2

Isaiah's primary message, is about an infinitely holy and mighty God who has an eternal plan.

We stand amazed at the greatness of God.

We stand amazed at the grace of God.

We stand amazed at the Word of God.

A reverential fear does not paralyze, it mobilizes God's servants to kingdom living for the glory of God.

Life With God

2012-02-12T16:22:00.003-05:00

Scripture Focus- Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11, Jude 14-15

A Study In The Life of Enoch

Enoch= dedication

His life was remarkable- The Bible states two times that Enoch walked with God.

To walk with God is to live a life of dedication to God, and to be in agreement with God.

3 Essentials of Life With God

1. Believe in God (Faith)

Faith is the root of life with God- the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists.

Faith is knowing, believing, and living. We are saved by faith, we are sanctified in God's grace by faith, and we are sustained in difficult times by faith.

2. Seek to please God (Obedience)

Obedience is the fruit of faith in God- Enoch was approved. . . he pleased God. . . God rewards those who seek Him.

There are only two ways of living. Either you will live to please God or you will live to please yourself.

If you believe that God is, and if you believe that God rewards those who seek Him, it will change your life and directly impact how you live.

How can we please God?

Devotion- Draw near to Him

Diligence- Be approved by Him, please Him walk with Him

Duration- Enoch served God for several hundred years. This is life stewardship.

Are you seeking to please God with your life?

3. Proclaim the truth of God (Testimony)

Enoch did not keep the truth of what he learned with God, to himself. Jude 14-15

Your life is a testimony, and your words and works are to please God.

If you are going to proclaim the truth of God you need to-

Know what you believe- Have a Biblical Worldview.

Stand for what you believe- Get involved.

Speak up for what you believe- Speak the truth in love.

v24 Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.

God took Enoch away and he did not experience death. Only two men in Scripture were privileged not to taste death, but go immediately into the presence of God- one was Enoch, the other Elijah who went to Heaven on the chariot of fire.

We are not promised a living exit from this earth, unless Jesus returns while we are still alive but we have a glorious promise from the Lord.

The end result of faith, is that we will enter into the eternal presence of God.

My Sabbatical Experience

2012-02-09T00:01:00.012-05:00

(This is a revised and condensed version of the Sabbatical Report I submitted to CLBC leadership)

Cross Lanes Baptist recently instituted a Sabbatical Policy for Pastoral Staff. It allows for a forty day sabbatical from the regular duties of ministry, after every seven years of consecutive ministry. I was the first to make use of it and I am extremely grateful. I began my sabbatical after Christmas and resume my pastoral duties on Sunday, February 12th. If you are a ministry friend and would like to receive a copy of the policy I will gladly share it with you. Or, if you attend another church, and would like to encourage a sabbatical for your pastor, I will share it with you also. Email me and I will send you the information.

The sabbatical could not have come at a better time for me, or for my family. Last year and into this year has been a season of milestones for us.

- I turned 40 last June.

- Emilee and I will celebrate 20 years of marriage this June.

- I finished my undergraduate college education 20 years ago this year.

- I have been in full time vocational ministry for 15 years.

- We are concluding 9 years at CLBC and will soon begin our 10^th year.

The past 15 years have been a whirlwind of ministry and life. A lot has taken place in our lives.

- From 1997-2007 I was in seminary studying for two degrees.

- We moved a total of 900 miles from what was home to us. First to North Carolina, then to West Virginia.

- We experienced a lot of family changes, with three children and all of the life that goes along with this.

- We have been involved in growing ministries, 3 building programs, and a whole host of other things.

I realized on the sabbatical, that I have always worked hard, but I have not always worked smart. I did not realize how spent I really was.

I journaled my sabbatical experience, and on the first day I wrote, “I am spent- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

Two verses were my focal verses for this time-

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

My goal for the time away, and for the coming year- Simplify and Prioritize

Goals of the Sabbatical that were agreed upon with church leadership-

Relaxation- Learn the value of stepping back from the busyness of life.

Recreation- Enjoying the time, and especially with family.

Rest- To get back on a healthy sleep schedule.

Renewal- With the Lord, and in my relationship with family.

Revival- To experience spiritual renewal.

Rethinking- To examine and align my core priorities.

Refocusing- To determine where I should be investing myself.

Return- To come back to the congregation with a renewed passion for the work.

I believe these goals have been met. They are not one-time events, but a redirecting and reclaiming of where I should be.

We stayed mostly in the area. We traveled to Alabama and North Carolina to visit family over the holidays. We also went up to Canaan Valley for a weekend, and also to Snowshoe another weekend. While away during the sabbatical, we worshiped at several sister churches.

I began on January 1^st, a Bible reading plan that will take me through the Bible in the first half of the year. This is my usual practice, to select a plan from a different perspective each time - i.e. Chronological, Systematic, etc.

I read a number of helpful books.

I completed work on study materials to utilize with men interning for pastoral ministry.

I made significant progress on a book project. The book will be a core discipleship focus, on what it means to know and walk with God. I have the rough draft almost completed, and hope to finalize it and get it published before the end of 2012.

In addition to the overall goals of the Sabbatical, I set some personal goals for myself that will guide me into 2012:

Spiritual-

Be diligent, committed, and unhurried in my daily time with God in prayer and the Word.

Complete the Bible Reading plan I selected for the first half of the year.

Focus more intently on meditating on, and memorizing Scripture.

Physical-

Strengthen my health and improve physical fitness.

Be disciplined in my commitment to exercise regularly.

Maintain healthy sleeping and eating habits.

Observe a Sabbath day weekly, and take the time off allotted to me annually.

Family-

Regular time with my family.

Continue to lead my family faithfully in devotion and reading Scripture together

Ministry-

Prioritize my time in Prayer and the Word

Maintain a balance in- Preaching, Pastoral Care, Church Administration

Be disciplined to share my faith outside of the church setting regularly

Complete and publish my book project

Purposefully build leadership in the church.

Invest in the people of the church

I wrote a life purpose statement during this time-

My life purpose is to live fully surrendered to God, filled with the Spirit of God, fully following the Lord Jesus and making Him known. I want this to influence every area of my life- personal walk with God, leadership and care of my family, service to the church, and impact on the world.

I am as confident as I have ever been in my call to CLBC. I am thankful to God for His graciousness toward me and my family. I am thankful for our Pastoral Staff and Support Staff who kept things going in a superb fashion while I was away.

I am thankful for the CLBC Church Family. I asked the church before I left for the sabbatical, to simply be faithful. They have done so and the continued growth and vitality of the church is a real testimony to the internal health, strength, and unity of the body of Christ at CLBC. I love the church and we are thankful to God for His grace in permitting us to serve the wonderful people of Cross Lanes Baptist Church and the community.

We are in a growth season with more and more people coming, and we are continuing to baptize new believers. This is all for the glory of God and I believe our best days are ahead of us. Unlike the first day of the sabbatical, I feel renewed, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Because of Jesus,

Pastor Seth

On Sabbatical

2011-12-25T12:00:00.001-05:00

Cross Lanes Baptist recently instituted a Sabbatical Policy for Pastoral Staff. The policy allows for a 40 Day Sabbatical, following every 7 years of consecutive service to the church. I am completing my 9th year of service at CLBC.

I will begin the sabbatical the day after Christmas, and return to the pulpit on February 12th. During this time, Associate Pastor Brandon Carter, Education/Administration Pastor John Foster, and Rev. Greg Carpenter will rotate preaching responsibilities. The Pastoral Staff and Deacon Ministry will cover ministry responsibilities.

For CLBC family, if you have a need you may contact one of the other pastors, or the Pastoral Secretary, Joyce Withrow at the Church Office. If there is an emergency, she can get in touch with me.

Pray that this is a time of renewal for me personally, and for the church. I look forward to fruitful years ahead at CLBC, and I am thankful for God's call on my life and family to serve this great church.

I will be work on some writing that I have wanted to do during this time. I also will be journaling during the time away, and will share a report with the church upon my return.

God's Horn of Salvation

2011-12-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

Scripture Focus: Luke 1:57-80

Zechariah's words give us a clear message of the purposes of God in history, in our lives and for eternity.

- The Promise vv68-71

- The Praise vv72-75

- The Proclamation vv76-77

Has the light of Jesus shone into your life, to guide your feet into the way of peace?

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

2011-12-16T16:24:00.001-05:00

Our goal at Cross Lanes Baptist for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions this year, is $25,000. To date, we are approximately one third of the way toward the goal. Pray about how God would have you give to this very important offering and invest in kingdom work around the globe through the work of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Click on the image below to watch, A Life of Significance.

The Call of the Kingdom

2011-12-11T16:44:00.000-05:00

Scripture Focus- Mark 4:26-29

Jesus often spoke in parables and used common illustrations to make His point. In a parable, the various aspects have symbolic meaning.

Kingdom= God's rule and reign over all things, present/future

Seed= The Good News of Jesus

Scattering= Proclaiming the Good News

Crop= God's family

Harvest= The end of the age, the culmination of the kingdom

Sickle= The ingathering of the harvest, judgment

5 principles regarding the call of the kingdom:

Principle #1- The call of the kingdom is for every follower of Jesus.

Principle #2- The call of the kingdom is to take the Gospel down the street and around the world.

Principle 3#- The call of the kingdom is to sow the seed of the Gospel.

Principle #4- The call of the kingdom is empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Principle #5- The call of the kingdom is urgent.

The hour is late, the time is now, to answer the call of the kingdom.

Orphan Boot Mission Update

2011-12-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

We finished our assignment today. There will be more teams to complete the mission next week in Transnistria. We travel back across the border to Chisinau, Moldova on Friday to start our journey home.

Click Here to See Updated Photos

Orphan Boot Mission Update

2011-12-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

A team from Cross Lanes Baptist has been serving in Transnistria this week in partnership with Children's Emergency Relief International. Our mission has been to take warm winter boots, socks, hats, and gloves and most importantly the love of Jesus to those in need. We are one of several teams serving here over a two week period.

God has blessed us as we have had many open doors for the Gospel.

Click here to see some photos of the week.

Mission Update From Eastern Europe

2011-12-01T16:33:00.002-05:00

I have been in the nation of Moldova this week. I have been here many times in the past few years. Our work started with orphan ministry, and that continues on. But it has expanded into church strengthening and church planting.

We have visited with a number of children and families we sponsor. We started the week in the south of Moldova and met there with a church we partner with. We planned for upcoming summer projects. One of those projects is a Pastors' Conference that I will lead for the pastors in the southern region. Another of those projects is a Children's Camp that our church plant, The Church at Martinsburg will lead again this year.

Then we traveled to the north to meet with a church planting pastor/evangelist. I preached today in a Russian speaking village and a Romanian speaking village. I was able to see a good number of people we led to Jesus this past summer, and some of them will be baptized this Sunday to publicly profess their faith. It is a blessing to see the fruit of our labor and we praise God and give Him the glory for it all.

I will preach again tomorrow in a village near Romania and then travel back to Chisinau. On Saturday the remainder of the CLBC team arrives in country and we will make our way across the border to Transnistria for a week of the Boot Mission to orphans.

Please continue to pray for the work here. We will give updates as we are able in the late evenings here and we are seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Follow In the Steps of Jesus

2011-11-20T17:13:00.002-05:00

Scripture Focus- I Peter 2:13-25

Jesus meets you where you are, and calls you to follow Him. The call is to the new birth, a living hope, and a holy life. It is a challenging call, requiring a costly sacrifice, and carries with it immense blessings.

The example in v21 for a holy life, is Jesus. To follow in the steps of Jesus, to take the same road in life, to be conformed to the image of Jesus. As followers of Jesus, we should have a strong testimony and quality of life, that reflects our Savior, and causes other people to see the difference in us, so they too can know Him.

3 Ways to Follow in the Steps of Jesus

The first way to follow in the steps of Jesus-

1. Submit to authority.

Our following of Jesus in the world, has to be coupled with proper respect for and submission to all legitimate institutions of human authority.

Not blind submission- v13 because of the Lord, in obedience to the Lord, and for His sake. God's law is always the highest law, so we are never under obligation to deny Him or do anything that would violate His law simply to submit to an earthly authority.

God establishes all authority- to maintain peace, order, and stability and to point to His ultimate authority. It is for our good.

God grants freedom to us and we are to be responsible with it.

Submit to the authority of the Government - civil obedience and prayer.

Submit to authority in the Workplace.

There is a greater principle in view here. You are to deal with the reality you are living under and in doing so, you will silence the ignorance of foolish people by doing good. When you follow Jesus and live in a way that honors Him, you silence the critics and give them a powerful testimony of faith.

The second way to follow in the steps of Jesus-

2. Suffer while doing good.

It is of no credit to you if you sin and suffer- you deserve it. But when you do good and suffer and endure it, it brings favor with God.

The purpose of Christ coming, was to be the Suffering Servant and Crucified and Risen Lord. His mission was to seek and save the lost.

Notice the character of how Jesus endured suffering:

He did not commit sin, no deceit was found in His mouth.

When He was reviled, He did not revile in return.

When He was suffering, He did not threaten.

How did Jesus do this? v23 He entrusted Himself to the One who judges justly. He knew God would vindicate Him.

v24 He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree.

Bore= carried the massive weight of sin, and suffered the penalty for sin that we deserved. He is the Suffering Servant, the Crucified Savior, the Risen and Reigning Lord.

What is our response to what Christ has done? We suffer while doing good.

v24b So that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness.

Honor everyone, love the brotherhood, suffer while doing good.

The third way to follow in the steps of Jesus-

3. Serve the Shepherd and Guardian of Your soul.

We are prone to wandering, like sheep going astray. Apart from Jesus, we are perpetually wandering in lostness.

v25 But now you have returned- this is the picture of repentance, turning from sin and turning in faith to Jesus.

God is our Shepherd.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Shepherd- leader, feeder, protector of the flock.

When you come to faith in Jesus, you come under the perfect care, provision, and protection of the Good Shepherd.

Guardian/Bishop- closely observes your life and steps.

When you serve the Shepherd, it is the place of peace and purpose.

You are called to follow in the steps of Jesus, to put your feet in His steps, walking in righteousness for the glory of God and for the sake of the lost.

I Am Praying For You

2011-11-09T20:21:00.004-05:00

Scripture- Luke 22:31-34

I am praying for you. . . important words from a sincere friend.

What would it be like to hear Jesus say to you, I have prayed for you?

Intercessory prayer on behalf of others is a privilege.

- Pray For Faith

- Pray Expressing Love

- Pray After Listening

- Pray With Compassion

Hebrews 7 Jesus is the High Priest who faithfully intercedes on our behalf.

The Dividing Wall of Hostility

2011-11-09T07:58:00.000-05:00

In 1961, a wall was built separating Germany between East and West. East Germany represented socialism/communism and West Germany was more democratic in their government. East Germany was unified in their political positions with the former Soviet Union.

I remember the epic speech by President Ronald Reagan in 1987 when he said to Mr. Gorbachev, "tear down this wall". This day in history, November 9, 1989 marks the day when that came to pass, at least symbolically. After weeks of civil unrest, permission was given for the wall to come down and citizens were given permission to pass from East to West, reunifying Germany. It served as a precursor of the fall of the Iron Curtain and the collapse of the USSR.

There was a far more significant day in history at a place called Golgotha, more than 2000 years ago, when the middle wall of separation between God and man, and between men, was broken down by the blood of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:13-16 But now in Christ Jesus, you who were far away have been brought near by the blood of the Messiah. For He is our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility. In His flesh, He did away with the law of the commandments in the regulations, so that He might create in Himself one new man from the two, resulting in peace. He did this so that He might reconcile both to God in one body through the cross and put the hostility to death by it.

Sin separates us from God who is holy. But through the blood of Christ, we are reconciled to Him and He is our peace! I am thankful that the dividing wall of hostility has come down because of the grace and mercy of God.

Operation Cross The River

2011-11-08T18:39:00.001-05:00

We have been partnering with Children's Emergency Relief International for several years now, serving orphans in Eastern Europe in Moldova and Transnistria. Teams will provide winter boots for several thousand orphans and special needs adults in Transnistria in early December. We will have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with them as we go.

Our church is receiving money with a goal to provide 300 pairs of boots for an orphange for the blind, and one for special needs children, both in the city of Tiraspol. If you are a part of the CLBC family, you can make out your check and simply mark "Boots for Orphans" in the memo. So far CERI has raised $73,500 of the $93,000 needed for this mission.

WVCSB Annual Meeting Recap

2011-11-07T07:00:00.004-05:00

We met last Friday and Saturday, at Westview Baptist Church in Martinsburg, for the Annual Meeting of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. We heard some great Bible preaching and teaching, and experienced powerful worship. I am grateful for the leadership of Executive Director, Terry Harper whom we recognized on his 10th Anniversary of service in the convention.

These meetings are typically not very riveting as it relates to the business proceedings, but are vitally important in carrying out the collective work of the convention. Before this year's meeting, things promised to be lively, and potentially quite contentious. Due to the changes that have come about with the Great Commission Resurgence in the SBC, we gathered a group of people from across the state in a Strategy Planning Group. Our assignment was to evaluate all areas of the state convention, and formulate a plan that would take us into the future. The final SPG Report was approved by convention messengers, with approximately 60% in favor. Read the final report here.

Differences of opinion are perfectly acceptable, and expected, when any group of Baptists meets to discuss important matters. Our final goal is always to discern the will of the Lord and then move forward. I appreciate the way that messengers conducted themselves overall, and all of you who prayed specifically for these issues.

There are no winners and losers to be concerned with. There is a mission to be focused on, and implemented. I was in favor of the Great Commission Resurgence from the beginning and publicly said so. I have not wavered from this position at all. I believe it is a matter of stewardship, and how to best use the resources entrusted to us by Southern Baptists to do God's work.

The Strategy Planning Group report addresses the changes related to the GCR, but it is much more than that. It is a comprehensive look at the overall work of the WVCSB and how we believe it needs to be carried out. I am thankful to God for many of the things that have been accomplished. Yet I believe we can be more effective, and reach more for lost souls for Jesus.

I appreciate the opportunity I have had to serve the WVCSB as President over the past two years. West Virginians are special people, and I am thankful for my friends and co-laborers in kingdom work.

My prayer is that we can stay focused as a convention. We all have the same passion to glorify God and reach lost people with the Gospel. What unites us, makes all of our differences pale in comparison.

Jesus Is The Living Stone

2011-11-06T16:09:00.001-05:00

Scripture Focus: I Peter 2:1-8

Jesus is the foundation and strength of the church.

Jesus is the chosen and valuable Cornerstone.

We are living stones through the New Birth.

How does God intend for us to grow?

1. Grow in your salvation.

v2 Like newborn infants, desire the pure spiritual milk, so that you may grow by it for your salvation.

2. Grow in your sanctification.

v1 So rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.

3. Grow in your security.

v6 The one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.

A continuing construction project is going on. Christ is in the process of building up His church. Dead stones are being quarried from the pit of sin, and brought to life as living stones. They are being fit into His glorious structure called the church. Every time a precious soul comes to Jesus, another stone gets placed in the building.

Believe and Obey

Do Not Forget His Commands

2011-10-28T10:12:00.000-04:00

Scripture- Psalm 119:169-176

(No Audio Due to a Technical Difficulty)

The prayer of the Psalmist:

1. Lord give me understanding. v169

The constant request of the Psalmist was for insight, teaching, and understanding from God.

2. Lord I pour out praise to You. vv170-172

The language here is that of worship. Coming before the Lord in surrender, into the presence of God.

3. Lord help me. v173

This is a determined act of the will to follow the Lord.

4. Lord I long for your salvation. vv174-176

The law of God is for our good. Our reason for living is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Conclusion-

I am insufficient. God is sufficient.

Come to the Word of God in humility.

Surrender to the Word of God in obedience.

Depend on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pray to the Lord to empower faithfulness.

The Word of the Lord

2011-10-24T08:55:00.001-04:00

Scripture: I Peter 1:22-25

God has given us the ultimate letter about life, death, salvation, and eternity in His Word.

v23 Since you have been born again- the beginning of spiritual life is the new birth that comes by the grace of God.

God applies His Word to our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, we respond in faith and are born again, and granted the gift of eternal life.

Focus- v25 the Word of the Lord

3 Characteristics of the Word of the Lord

1. The Word of the Lord is Imperishable.

Not of perishable seed, but of imperishable.

Imperishable= not subject to decay or death or elimination.

2. The Word of the Lord is Living.

. . . the living Word of God

God is eternal, and alive. His Word is eternal, and alive.

Hebrews 4:12

The Word is Effective

The Word is Sharp

The Word Judges

The Word is relevant, applicable, and timeless.

3. The Word of the Lord is Enduring.

The enduring Word of God. . . endures forever.

Psalm 119:89

Peter quoted from Isaiah 40:6,8 which demonstrates the reality of life's brevity and temporary nature. Physical life is temporary, the Word of God endures.

Since you have been born again. . .

Obey the truth

Purify you soul

Love earnestly

Redeemed With the Precious Blood of Christ

2011-10-16T16:03:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Peter 1:17-21

On our journey of faith, we face many temptations in the world that could turn us away from the path of holiness, and drive us off of the path. The Word of God strengthens us against the wandering tendency.

As recipients of God's grace, we are responsible to Holy God, to live holy lives for His glory.

We hope in salvation, and we live in holiness and we have a responsibility to honor God.

Children of God- v17 And if you address as Father. . . We have an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Conduct flows from relationship- v17 Conduct yourselves in fear in the time of your temporary residence.

Fear= reverential awe, human response to the divine.

vv18-19 You were redeemed. . . with the precious blood of Christ.

How can I be redeemed with the precious blood of Christ?

1. Realize the penalty for sin.

v18 Your empty way of life inherited from your fathers.

Before we are redeemed. . .

We are slaves to sin.

We are driven by desires. v14 The desires of your former ignorance.

We are blinded by ignorance.

We are under the death penalty- Romans 6:23. . . the wages of sin is death.

2. Recognize the justice of God.

v17. . . the One who judges impartially based on each one's work.

God is the Judge of all the earth.

Human justice is always limited.

God's justice is absolute justice because He is infinitely holy. He is inherently just in His person, precepts, and purposes.

If we are judged according to our works, and we lack the righteousness of God in Christ, we will receive the justice of God, death in Hell and eternal separation.

The justice of God should motivate us. The justice of God should drive us toward His grace and mercy of God.

3. Receive the treasure of salvation.

v18 Redeemed- to be liberated, to be bought back, from the bondage of sin.

Redemption, the treasure of salvation, does not come by corruptible things like silver or gold.

Redemption was much more costly than those things.

Redemption comes by the precious blood of Christ, the lamb without spot or blemish.

2 Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

We are in debt to God because of our sin. The price must be paid. Only the blood of Christ is sufficient.

Notice how redemption was revealed and secured-

Jesus was foreordained before the foundation of the world.

Jesus was revealed at the end of the times.

Jesus was raised from the dead.

Receive the treasure of salvation- believers. . . faith.

Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ!

What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Oh! Precious is the flow,
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The Vast Treasure of the Word of God

2011-10-12T20:17:00.004-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:161-168

The Word of God in infinitely valuable. In this section of Scripture, the Psalmist doesn't ask for something, he worships. His troubles and enemies are still present. But these things fade when we praise the Lord.

Life Principles-

1. Fear the Word of God. v161

2. Rejoice in the Word of God. v162

3. Love the Word of God. v163

4. Praise God for the Word of God. v164

5. Find Peace in the Word of God. v165

6. Hope in the Word of God. v166

The result? vv167-168 I obey Your decrees and love them greatly.

All of your ways are seen by God. Honor Him, worship Him, live according to His Word.

The Holman Christian Standard Bible

2011-10-12T09:02:00.001-04:00

The Fall 2011 edition of Facts and Trends (Lifeway) has some excellent articles concerning the Holman Christian Standard Bible translation. We utilize the HCSB in our ministry, and the following articles may be of interest to you.

Click On The Links Below to Read the Articles:

Most Bible readers want accuracy, word for word translation

So many choices! What makes one different from another?

HCSB upholds accuracy, and readability, say translators

Side-by-side biblical translation comparisons

Nine reasons you'll love the HCSB

My Study Bible

Be Holy As God Is Holy

2011-10-09T16:03:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Peter 1:13-16

Are you a holy person?

Holy= separate, set apart

Peter gives instruction in the Holy Bible, on how we can be holy people.

For twelve verses, the foundation of our faith is revealed. Now v13, therefore- tied back to v3

Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. According to His great mercy, He has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Holiness is possible only by the grace of God.

Holiness is who you are before it is what you do.

Holiness is a lifestyle not a list of rules.

People who understand that holiness is grace driven, will profess, protect, and practice a pure gospel.

Focus- v16 Be holy, because I am holy.

1. Holiness is rooted in the character of God.

Holiness is the chief attribute of God.

The glory of God is the radiance of His holiness.

Isaiah 6:3 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts, His glory fills the whole earth.

The holiness of God is both intimidating and attractive.

2. Holiness requires spiritual readiness.

Obedient children, v14, literally children of obedience. Because of who your Father is, you are to live a holy life.

Negative warning- v14b Do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance.

You have to make a conscious decision to be proactive in adopting a certain pattern, a certain mold of life.

Holiness requires spiritual readiness and there are action steps on how to be ready in v13.

- Get your minds ready

- Be serious

- Fix your hope

3. Holiness results in righteous conduct in your life.

v15b You are to be holy in all your conduct.

We are to be examples of God's presence in the world.

To be sanctified is to be set apart, to grow to be like Jesus.

Are you a holy person? Or are you treading in the waters of irreverence? The holiness of God is a very, very serious matter.

Revive Us Again

2011-10-06T15:16:00.001-04:00

Will You not revive us again so that Your people may rejoice in You? Show us Your faithful love, Lord, and give us Your salvation. Psalm 85:6-7

Revival basically means a time of spiritual reawakening, from a time of spiritual decline, caused by sin or complacency, in the life of a believer.

Click Here for Helpful Article on Revival

Some would limit the definition of revival and say it only takes place when it is sweeping across at a particular segment of society. Evangelist Rick Coram said, "Revival is individual before it's corporate." I believe the biblical record supports this statement. Sometimes revival takes place among the few, sometimes it is overwhelming resulting in widespread spiritual awakening.

Revival is a time when a believer is supernaturally under conviction by the Holy Spirit, resulting in confession of sins and a renewed commitment to God. Revived life is brought into the people of God by the Spirit of God. This often results in a corporate revival where people collectively sense and respond to the moving of God in their midst. When this takes place, God things happen, and He is glorified.

I am thankful for the worship services we had at Cross Lanes Baptist the past few days. There was indeed a spirit of revival in our midst. Sins were confessed. Followers of God were renewed in their faith. People heard the power of the Gospel and were resurrected spiritually to new life in Christ. Some were obedient to Jesus in believers' baptism. Families made renewed commitments to the Lord. Prayers were answered. Praise the Lord!

In the days ahead, the real test and evidence of what took place among us this week, will be our surrender and obedience to God. Join me in prayer that we would indeed be a revived people and that God would work mightily among us for His glory.

Revival Services at CLBC

2011-09-30T15:29:00.000-04:00

CERI Benefit Recap

2011-09-29T06:00:00.005-04:00

I was privileged to speak at the Spring Benefit for Children's Emergency Relief International. This is video from that event, including the message I delivered.

CERI is gearing up for the December Boot Mission to orphans in Transnistria. Consider how you can be a part of this very important mission.

180

2011-09-28T20:00:00.003-04:00

Everyone should watch this. If you care at all about life, you will be moved to tears, and motivated to action.

Heart Changer

180 Movie

Open the Gates

2011-09-27T23:22:00.002-04:00

Gates are used either to keep something in, or keep something out. Where I grew up, we had a gate at the entrance to the property. Sometimes the purpose of the gate was to keep cattle in, other times the purpose was to keep unwanted visitors out.

Gates communicate there is something behind them that is important and is to be valued.

The Scripture speaks of the gates of righteousness in Psalm 118.

vv 19-21 Open the gates of righteousness for me; I will enter through them and give thanks to the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous will enter through it.

Through the gates of righteousness are peace, joy, and eternal fellowship with God. We give thanks to Him, because we gain entrance through these gates through His grace and mercy.

vv22-23 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord; it is wonderful in our eyes.

The stone is Jesus, He is the chief cornerstone and He is the one who provides access to God, through the gates of righteousness.

Jesus spoke of the narrow gate in Matthew 7.

v13-14 Enter through the gate. For the gate is wide and the road is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go through it. How narrow is the gate and difficult the road that leads to life, and few find it.

In the words of Psalm 118:21b I will give thanks to You because You have answered me and have become my salvation.

Thank you God that the gates into Your presence are opened by your grace and mercy. Thank you that we can enter through the gates of righteousness in Jesus, and find peace, and grace, and eternal joy!

The Salvation of Your Souls

2011-09-25T16:41:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Peter 1:8-12

Physical life is valuable; it is a gift from God. Yet at its best, physical life is still temporary.

Spiritual life is valuable and is also a gift from God. It is infinitely more valuable because it is eternal.

The human soul, created in the image of God, is infinitely valuable. The soul represents the totality of who we are.

Peter wrote to people who were facing significant trials and tribulations. They needed encouragement and hope.

Salvation = deliverance, saved from sin, death, judgment and hell, saved for fellowship and life with God.

Salvation is the grand theme of Scripture, from beginning to end.

New Birth
Living Hope
Imperishable Inheritance
Ultimate Goal- the salvation of your souls.

Concerning this salvation. . .

God has always had one plan of salvation, that it would come by grace through faith.

The Prophets searched and carefully investigated salvation. They looked forward to the promise of salvation. They were not serving themselves but us.

The Apostles proclaimed their experience of being in the presence of salvation, the Lord Jesus.

Angels desire to look into salvation.

Three promises about salvation that will encourage and give you hope:

1) Salvation is received by faith.

v8 You love Him, although you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him.

Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus- He was one of the original disciples and had known Jesus in ministry for several years before Jesus went to the cross. He was writing to people who were not eyewitnesses, they had not seen Jesus in person, yet they had faith and believed, they loved Him.

Believer = to trust in, or rest your confidence in. This is initial faith, and then continual faith.

John 20 gives the account, after the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, the disciples told Thomas, we have seen the Lord. Thomas refused to believe. He said, If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe! Eight days passed, and the disciples were together again. Jesus came and stood among them. He said to Thomas, put your finger here and observe My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer. Thomas proclaimed, My Lord and my God! Jesus said, Because you have seen Me, you have believed. Those who believe without seeing are blessed.

Many put the facts of the faith to an unrealistic test. Typically, people will argue that because they have not seen Jesus, they are unwilling to believe, just like Thomas did. Faith accepts the revealed and written record of Jesus.

Jesus said to Thomas:

Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer.

Those who believe without seeing are blessed.

They were also commended for their love for Jesus. Believing is not based on seeing, but we are promised we will see Him, at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

2) Salvation results in glorious joy.

. . . rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy.

Rejoice = to be glad, to delight.

Joy is a present possession and future expectation. When you rejoice, it builds greater faith and confidence in your life in the midst of the various trials of life.

We are commanded to rejoice in all circumstances of life because our trust is in the Lord Jesus.

Inexpressible and glorious joy- a joy that is beyond human expression or description. God is the giver of this joy.

I Corinthians 2:9-10

3) Salvation causes us to rest in hope.

. . . because you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Receiving/obtaining- literally, you are presently receiving for yourselves.

What flows out of your personal fellowship with Jesus, is the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Salvation of your souls- deliverance from the penalty, power, and presence of sin.

Connects back to vv4-5 Inheritance that is imperishable. . . a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

We have faith, love, and joy because of the certain prospect of our faith as a present possession and a future reality.

Salvation is the full outcome of your relationship with God.

What will be the eternal destination of your soul?

CLBC Missions- Looking Back, Looking Ahead

2011-09-23T09:55:00.003-04:00

Click Here for 2011-2012 Mission Opportunities

Where will you Connect on Mission?

Thankful to God for the IMB

2011-09-22T09:00:00.005-04:00

I visited Richmond, Virginia this week. It is an approximately five hour drive from where we live in West Virginia. A family from Cross Lanes Baptist completed preparations for service to the Lord in South Asia. I visited the main office of the International Mission Board and attended the weekly chapel. I also attended the Commissioning of New Field Personnel service, at the International Learning Center in Rockville, Virginia. It was a moving experience.

The mission of IMB is to make disciples of all peoples in fulfillment of the Great Commission.

The vision of IMB is a multitude from every language, people, tribe and nation knowing and worshipping our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this commissioning, there were 144 new field personnel, along with 50 children in the families. This group is going to people groups in 43 areas of the world, with over 52 languages. Usually four groups per year are prepared and sent out.

Pray for what God is doing among the nations. Give sacrificially so more can be sent!

The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions- Goal $175 Million

WVCSB Strategy Planning Group Report

2011-09-21T23:41:00.007-04:00

The Strategy Planning Group of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists has been working diligently since last spring. In response to the Great Commission Resurgence, and subsequent changes in the direction of the North American Mission Board, we have taken a proactive approach.

The SPG is made up of more than 30 people representing churches from all across West Virginia. We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the convention, and the report represents the direction we believe God is leading us. Please read the report, and join us in prayer for the convention. I am excited about the opportunities ahead.

Click Here to Read the SPG Final Report

Rev. Terry Harper, Executive Director, wrote an important article for the current edition of the WVCSB newspaper. It can be found on page two.

Click Here to Read the Article

A Genuine Faith

2011-09-18T19:14:00.002-04:00

Sunday AM Sermon Notes (No Audio due to a technical difficulty)

Scripture Focus- I Peter 1:6-7

How can I know whether or not my faith is genuine? It will hold up under the trials of life.

v6 You rejoice in this

This=

A new birth

A living hope

An imperishable inheritance

Protected by God's power

1. The trials of life are a struggle.

Various trials-

Israel's history was full of trials. Hebrews 3:7-9

Jesus, in the Parable of the Sower, spoke of trials with a focused intent. Luke 8:13

Paul spoke of trials referring to his experience. Galatians 4:13,14

Peter speaks of trials regarding the direct attacks we suffer from the enemy. I Peter 5:8-9

The trials of life are inevitable, and they are a struggle, but God is faithful and by His power we can victoriously endure.

2. The trials of life are brief.

Though now for a short time- Literally for a season

There will be seasons when you may from a human perspective lack power, provision, position, protection, or permanence.

There will be seasons when you may be the recipient of persecution on account of your faith in Jesus.

There will be seasons when you experience the pain of sickness, or perhaps have to endure the suffering of one you love.

There will be seasons when you are fighting darkness and sin and fending off the attacks of the enemy.

The brief nature of trials is by comparison brief and perspective is crucial.

Trials are brief in comparison to life on this earth. James 4:14

Trials are brief in comparison to eternity. God is eternal, we hope in Him. Psalm 90:1-2

Trials are brief in comparison to what God has in store for you in eternity.

3. The trials of life serve as a refining fire.

What is the ultimate purpose in trials?

Trials serve as a refining fire to reveal the genuineness of your faith.

Do you ever feel like you are in the refining fire?

Sorrow burns up a great amount of shallowness.

Your response to trials reveals a lot about your faith:

Trials root our the impurities in our lives, so we can grow to be more like Jesus.

Trials grow in us a humble dependence on God.

Trials develop in us the ability to minister to others who are hurting.

Genuine faith, endurance of trials, and the fruit of good works that grow out of it will receive commendation from God.

The genuineness of your faith will result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Victory Through Suffering, By God's Mercy

2011-09-15T23:48:00.000-04:00

Scripture: Psalm 119:153-162

(No audio for this message) Wednesday Bible Study

Why me? This is a question we all have asked ourselves in the trials and tribulations of life.

Suffering is expected. No one is immune to suffering and adversity.

Suffering is stressful. There are seasons of pain when it seems there is not possible help.

The question must shift from why me, to- What now?

What is God doing in my life for His eternal purposes?

Suffering is an opportunity to grow.

The key to victory= the mercies of God.

God is compassionate and identifies with your sufferings. (Jeremiah 3:22-24)

We see in Psalm 119, a continual prayer to God. There is a tie-in between affliction and the compassion of God, in the prayer of the Psalmist.

1) Consider my situation.

v153 Consider my affliction

There is confidence in the prayer of the Psalmist.

God will see, care, and deliver what is needed.

God has looked on His people in the past and delivered them. God is aware of His people in the present and will have compassion on them. (Psalm 9:13)

2) Rescue me.

v153b Rescue me v154 Redeem me

Who are we calling to, for rescue? Hebrews 5:7-8, I Peter 2:21-24

Jesus suffered without sin.

Jesus suffered in silence.

Jesus suffered as the substitute.

3) Defend my cause.

v154 Defend my cause.

The Psalmist has not broken the law. Instead he needs representation against the lawless.

Jesus is our Advocate. He intercedes on our behalf. (I John 2:1-2)

He is a helper to us, in our defense.

In a military style court-martial the officer who defends the soldier under accusation is called a prisoner's friend. Jesus is our friend, in this legal sense.

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

v155 Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not seek Your statutes.

4) Give me life.

v154 Give me life as you promised.

Life is not dependent on circumstances- it is dependent on the promises of God.

v156 Give me life according to Your judgments.

Revive me

v159 Give me life according to Your faithful love.

The love of man is fickle, unpredictable, changing, selfish, and conditional. The love of God is self giving, sacrificial, unconditional, eternal.

The love of God is comforting in suffering. (I John 4:17-18)

v160 The entirety of Your word is truth, and all Your righteous judgments endure forever.

There is no such thing as useless suffering for the child of God.

Oswald Chambers- God has one destined end for mankind- holiness. His one aim is the production of saints.

Suffering develops humble dependence on God.

Suffering puts God's strength on display in our weaknesses.

Suffering develops the ability in us, to minister to others.

America's Religious Smorgasbord

2011-09-15T05:30:00.001-04:00

An article appeared in USA Today recently entitled, "More Americans Tailoring Religion to Fit Their Needs", by Cathy Lynn Grossman. George Barna is quoted in the article as saying, "America is headed for 310 million people with 310 million religions." This is an extreme statement, and I believe it was intended to be so, but the point is clear. People are choosing to believe what they want to believe, and people are doing what is right in their own eyes.

I am reminded of the Word of God in the Old Testament.

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25

This is where we are in America, with our religious smorgasbord. These divergent views, are not new. But they are very destructive. For the church, and for individual believers, we must know what we believe and why we believe it.

Truth is at stake. Truth is the issue. If one believes there is no such thing as absolute truth, the logical conclusion of this mindset, is to do what you want. It doesn't matter ultimately. You can be your own god, and construct beliefs that fit your lifestyle choices. If however, you believe there is such a thing as absolute truth, the logical conclusion, is that you must discover it and live by it. You are accountable to God as the Source of truth. If there is absolute truth that is also exclusive, your eternity depends on it.

God has spoken through creation, the Word, and the Living Word Jesus Christ. You don't have to meander through a smorgasbord of beliefs and confusion. Turn to the Word of God. Turn to Jesus, trust Him and He will show you the way!

Ola Cox Week of Prayer WVCSB Missions

2011-09-12T06:30:00.010-04:00

West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists

Cross Lanes Baptist Goal $10,000

Who was Ola Cox?

Prayer Calendar

Additional Resources

Please pray for the Gospel to go all over West Virginia in the power of the Holy Spirit. Ask God what He would have you give to this offering for His glory.

World Trade Center Memories

2011-09-11T16:58:00.003-04:00

World Trade Center Observation Deck

Photo Taken in 1995

Emilee and I took a trip to New York City in 1995. We lived in Florida at the time. I took the top photo, and a stranger offered to take the photo of us together on the observation deck. I can remember how strong the wind was at the top. This was more than 16 years ago. I was 24 years old, and we had only been married for 3 years, and had no children yet. I had not yet surrendered to the ministry.

I pray that God will comfort all affected by the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 in New York, at the Pentagon, and on Flight 93.

Click here for a few more photos I took.

An Imperishable Inheritance

2011-09-11T12:17:00.004-04:00

Scripture Focus- I Peter 1:3-5

Personal Reflections on 9-11-01

How many of those who perished that day were prepared to meet God?

God is merciful and gives the new birth to His children. The new birth results in a living hope of the things to come.

We live in a hopeless age. Most men see life only as a hopeless end. The Christian rejoices in an endless hope.

God's children are given an inheritance that is imperishable.

The focus of the inheritance- salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

What kind of inheritance do children of God have?

1. Children of God have a pure inheritance.

Uncorrupted- undefiled, unstained, unpolluted.

God is holy, holy, holy- the inheritance comes from Him.

Ephesians 1:3

Internal corruption nor external corrosion can destroy the inheritance of the children of God.

2. Children of God have a permanent inheritance.

Unfading- does not change or diminish or lessen with time.

The inheritance God has for us is unfading and contrasted with an earthly inheritance. Earthly inheritances are fleeting.

Isaiah 40:7-8

Earthly inheritances are fading, God's eternal inheritance is permanent.

3. Children of God have a protected inheritance.

Kept in Heaven for you- in the presence of God.

This inheritance is being continually kept and carefully guarded by God Himself.

Romans 8:38-39

God is on double guard on our behalf:

God preserves the inheritance for the heirs.

God preserves the heirs for the inheritance.

Is the inheritance yours?

Salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Praying With Your Whole Heart

2011-09-07T20:31:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:145-152

There is no more accurate barometer of your spiritual life and health, than your prayer life with God.

I will call with my whole heart.

3 part focus in praying to God with your whole heart:

1. Answer me Lord.

This is prayer with earnestness and passion in seeking God.

Answer me Lord is a request for God to look upon your need and answer graciously.

Psalm 66:16-20

Those who hear God, God will hear.

The point of the Psalmist praying is to follow God.

I will obey Your statutes, I will keep Your decrees.

2. Save me Lord.

This is not an unbeliever crying for initial deliverance but a believer crying out to God for deliverance from circumstances.

Save= physical deliverance or preservation through difficult circumstances.

Notice the pattern of his prayer-

I will rise before dawn and cry out for help.

I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on Your promise.

Scheduled times of prayer, and a God centered focus in all of life are important.

Psalm 1:1-2

All of life should be viewed from a spiritual perspective.

3. Give me life Lord.

Revive me- according to the Word of God.

God is righteous, and His decisions are just.

Those who pursue evil plans come near- danger is near.

We are living in the midst of an epic battle between light and darkness. Christ is the Victor!

Psalm 145:18-19

Do not be afraid, do not be anxious, the Lord is near.

When God is near, it affects how you pray and live.

Forever is a long time!

Long ago I learned from Your decrees that You have established them forever.

No Evangelicals Invited

2011-09-07T07:12:00.003-04:00

What do the Bishop of Washington, a rabbi, a Buddhist nun, a lama, a Hindu priest, and the president of the Islamic Society of America have in common? No, this is not the setup line for an inappropriate joke.

All of these individuals will speak at the Washington National Cathedral 9/11 Program this weekend. "A Call to Compassion" is being billed as a religious themed observance, and President Obama will speak as well, although he has stated his appearance will be secular in nature. I'm not sure how one speaks at a religious themed observance, and the appearance be secular, but I digress. The setting reminds me of what the Apostle Paul encountered at Athens, Acts 17:16-34.

The clergy of the National Cathedral are Episcopalian, and will be present for the event. This is of course expected and appropriate, since it is home turf for them. However, there will be no evangelical representation at the National Cathedral event. Most estimates put the American evangelical population at one third or more of the total population and this is being promoted as a national event. Frank Page, President of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention, has called for President Obama to cancel his appearance at the event, due to the obvious exclusion of evangelicals.

Click Here To Read- Evangelicals Left Off National Cathedral 9/11 Program

Dr. Page is quoted in the article as stating, “It’s not surprising, there is a tragic intolerance toward Protestants and particularly toward evangelicals and I wish the president would refuse to speak unless it was more representative.” He went on to say, political correctness is the "elephant in the room. It is very clear that it is not politically correct to include evangelical Christians. Obviously, tolerance is at work here. In a nation whose current God is tolerance, it is absolutely hypocritical that the major group to be excluded and be intolerant of is evangelical Christians."

I wholeheartedly agree with Dr. Page's assessment. I appreciate his boldness in clearly speaking the truth.

To the other extreme, there will be no prayers offered at all at the 9/11 Ceremony at Ground Zero. There will be politicians aplenty, and this alone speaks volumes.

Exclusion. . . confusion. . . as a nation, we have moved so far away from our foundations, it is no surprise at all that we are in the shape we are in. My prayer is that God will be merciful to His remnant, and that He will bring a spiritual awakening to our land before it is too late.

Be Silent, Wait Expectantly

2011-09-06T11:57:00.001-04:00

Psalm 37:7 Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him.

Times of quietness and peace are few and far between in the loud and fast paced world we live in. My family enjoyed the rainy day on Monday, and enjoyed some time of quietness and peace. We also enjoyed some good fellowship with friends to end the day.

As we walk with God, to completely understand what the Bible means when it says be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him, is often difficult. We want to do something, accomplish things, and be productive. It is important to be silent and wait, out of obedience to the Lord.

I am reminded in this verse that I can do nothing on my own. That's what Jesus confirmed in John 15. When I cease from trying to make things happen on my own, and I trust God, all of the energy of faith is put into motion. Only then can I be fruitful in things that truly matter.

This seems like a contradiction from a human perspective. Yet it is only when I come to rest in God, that I become a useful tool in His hand, to accomplish His will.

I am thankful for the quietness and peace we enjoyed on Monday. May that same quietness and peace be present in your soul the remainder of this week.

A New Birth

2011-09-04T12:43:00.003-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Peter 1:1-3

Focus- v3 A new birth

Author- Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ

Origination point- 5:13 The church in Babylon sends you greetings (likely writing from Rome)

Recipients- To the temporary residents dispersed in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia

Because of persecution, they had been dispersed into Asia Minor. Life was hard, and they were a scattered and conflicted people.

Temporary residents

Chosen according to the foreknowledge of God

Set apart by the Spirit for obedience

For sprinkling with the blood of Jesus Christ

Theme- You have a living hope in Jesus Christ, and are to live holy lives looking forward to your eternal home in Heaven.

Defined- A new birth is the action of God, in which He gives new spiritual life.

1) A new birth is necessary to enter into the spiritual kingdom of God.

Our condition before the new birth:

Blind- I Corinthians 2:14

Ignorant- Romans 3:11

Dead- Ephesians 2:1

2) A new birth is an act of God, according to His great mercy.

All praise goes to God, because the new birth, the giving of new spiritual life, is according to the great mercy of God.

The new birth in the Old Testament- Ezekiel 36:26-27

The new birth in the New Testament- John 3

Jesus- Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Titus 3:5-6 He saved us, not by works of righteousness which we had done, but according to His great mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

A new birth- God the Father planned it, God the Son secured it, the Holy Spirit brings it to pass.

3) A new birth is evident in a transformed life.

The great mercy of God is the source of the new birth. The resurrection of Jesus is the power of the new birth. Living hope is the inheritance of the new birth.

Evidences of a new birth:

You will do what is right. I John 2:29

You will love one another. I John 4:7

You will believe. I John 5:1

You will overcome. I John 5:18

John 3:16 For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

2011-09-02T19:59:00.001-04:00

Labor Day from Seth Polk on Vimeo.

Are you striving or surrendering?

2011-09-01T06:00:00.012-04:00

What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Romans 7:24ff

What a wretched man I am! Paul was speaking from the perspective of a believer, who was at the end of his strength. He said that he struggled and wrestled to obey God, and miserably failed, and he was relying on the grace of God.

Who was the answer to his problem and who is the answer to ours? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Paul speaks of the deliverance that he found in Jesus.

There is only one pathway in which a man can be delivered from the law, and find liberty, and His name is Jesus. Is your life following the pathway of liberty?

Many professing believers seem to think the power of the will is enough to overcome life-besetting sin. Nothing could be further from the truth. The power of the will is no more capable of sustaining holiness than it is of securing salvation.

Spiritual victory in your life is not about striving, it is about surrendering.

Make this your prayer. . .

Lord, forgive me for trying to find spiritual victory through my own strength and abilities. I am a wretched man, completely dependent on your grace. I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!

God: Righteous and Just

2011-08-31T22:23:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus- Psalm 119:137-144

God is absolutely righteous in His character.

God's commandments flow out of His character, therefore His judgments are right.

1. God's righteousness is revealed.

- By giving His Word

Your decrees are righteous.

- By fulfilling His promises.

Your decrees are altogether trustworthy

- In the way He rules.

Your decrees are righteous forever.

- In His hatred of sin.

Your word is completely pure.

- In His showing mercy and grace to sinners.

Your judgments are just.

2. God's righteousness gives us perspective.

v141 I am insignificant and despised.

The question is, are we depending on ourselves or on the greatness of God?

3. God's righteousness gives us protection.

v139 My anger overwhelms me because my foes forget Your words.

v143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me, but Your commands are my delight.

John Phillips- Trouble and anguish are two of the devil's jailors. He uses them to imprison our souls. The best way to get free from their clutch is to reach out for the golden key the Psalmist gives us. Nothing can silence the song of God.

4. God's righteousness gives us purpose.

v144 Your decrees are righteous forever. Give me understanding and I will live.

We should not miss the connection here between Words of Life and Eternal Life.

1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

Saved Through The Grace of The Lord Jesus

2011-08-28T14:42:00.004-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 15:1-35

Spiritually, the Gospel is essential for salvation. The Gospel of Jesus is the power of God unto salvation.

Persecution hit the church early on, at the hands of the religious establishment that did not believe in Jesus. The believing Jews were dispersed into the world and the Gospel began to be proclaimed as Jesus had promised.

The Church at Antioch was born. The Church at Jerusalem heard about this, and they sent Barnabas, and then he brought Paul. They taught large numbers of believers and the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Antioch became central to the Gentile mission, and the first missionary journey came out of The Church at Antioch.

Somewhere along the way, some false teachers made their way to Antioch from Jerusalem, some 300 miles away.

There is a dispute over the Gospel. vv1-6

Paul made reference to this very dispute over the Gospel, in his letter to the churches of Galatia. He devoted basically the entire letter to battle the heresy of false teaching regarding the Gospel.

Paul defended the Gospel of grace. False teachers stated that grace through faith in Jesus is not enough, you have to keep the Law of Moses in order to be legitimately saved.

People were being saved- one of Satan's most effective tools to slow down evangelism, is to paralyze the church with inward strife. Get the church fighting, distract them from the mission.

Paul and Barnabas would have nothing of it- they would not stand by while there was an assault on the Gospel. Truth matters!

According to v2, Paul and Barnabas engaged them in serious argument and debate. They went toe to toe with the false teachers- some things are worth fighting for.

The Church at Antioch arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to deal with the dispute. When they arrived in Jerusalem they were welcomed by the leadership of the church.

Some from the Pharisees, who had been attacking the Gospel, stood up and stated their point.

The apostles and elders assembled to consider the matter and there was much debate over it.

There is a discussion regarding the Gospel. vv7-12

Peter stood up and declared the truth to them. It was God's plan that the Gentiles would hear the Gospel, by faith believe, and receive the Holy Spirit.

v10 Why are you putting a yoke on the disciples' necks that neither our ancestors, or we have been able to bear?

v11 We believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus.

The law was an intolerable burden. Grace put the load on Jesus, He bore the burden of our sin, He is our righteousness.

After Peter made his point, there was silence. . . Paul and Barnabas backed up the declaration of Peter telling of the power of God among the Gentiles.

There is a declaration about the Gospel. vv13-35

James stepped up when they finished. This was James, the half brother of Jesus, the leader of The Jerusalem Church, writer of the Book of James, the key leader in the church there.

Quoting from the prophets, Amos and Isaiah- The plan of God is that all of humanity would seek Him- Gentiles/ethnos, the nations.

God called out a people for His name.

The apostles, elders, and the whole church decided to select men from among them to send back to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They wrote a letter to be delivered to the church.

Content of the letter from the Jerusalem Council- some without authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts.

Then James gives a curious list of concerns- What holds this list together is that all of these things were associated with pagan behavior, things they were involved with before they came to Jesus. It relates to the spiritual, ritual, and moral. The mention of these things has to do with unity in the church, and the testimony of the new believers.

The men went back to Antioch and delivered the letter. The church was encouraged and rejoiced. The representatives went back home and Paul and Barnabas and others remained, teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.

- Salvation is dependent on the grace of God.

- The Gospel is worth contending for.

- When the Gospel is proclaimed, many will believe, and rejoice.

Will you believe in Jesus?

Check Your Motives, Maximize Your Impact

2011-08-24T11:53:00.000-04:00

Why you do what you do, matters as much to God as what you do.

If we are not careful, we can allow selfishness, pride, greed, and a whole host of other sinful motives to creep into our lives and minimize our life impact.

Consider these verses:

I Chronicles 28:9 . . . the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject You forever.

Psalm 139:23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns.

Jeremiah 17:10 I, Yahweh, examine the mind, I test the heart to give according to his way, according to what his actions deserve.

Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart.

God sees, knows, and discerns our motives.

How can we keep sinful motives in check, emphasize the right motives, and maximize the impact of our lives?

I Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory.

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

Check your motives today. Ask the Lord to reveal any areas of your life that are displeasing to Him and turn from them. Make a renewed commitment today to make your single motive in life, to do everything for God's glory.

John Tyler: The Accidental President

2011-08-22T19:12:00.002-04:00

John Tyler (The American President Series), by Gary May.

This book is from The American President Series. I enjoyed this particular book and the amount of historical information included in it. It is a digestible amount of information, and not too much to get bogged down in.

Tyler lived from 1790-1862. He came from a well to do family and was active in politics as a young man. He served as a State Legislator, Governor, US Representative, and US Senator. He served as Vice President of the United States under President William H. Harrison.The Vice President at that time held very little power, presiding over the Senate and breaking a tie vote if necessary.

Tyler is known as "the accidental President" because Harrison died in 1841, only one month after taking office. He was the first American President to die in office, so Tyler's transition to President was a first. There was no precedent on how the power transfer was to take place. This was established with John Tyler.

He would serve only one term in office, and it was an underwhelming performance. There were other firsts that are credited to him however. What became known as the Secret Service was established. We tend to think that animosity and difficulties in politics have come about as of late. The truth is, politics has always been a blood sport and at times dangerous.

There was an attempt to impeach him, a first for an American President, due to positions he held on bank and tariff legislation, but it was unsuccessful.

Tyler was deeply concerned with nationalism, and viewed the federal government with suspicion when it came to states' rights. His term in office was instrumental in moving toward the annexation of Texas.

Tyler's impact was marred deeply because he was an advocate of slavery, and on the wrong side of history. He eventually left the Union, and was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives before his death. He is considered by many to be a traitor because of this.

His personal life was marked by ill health. He had eight children with his first wife. She died while he was in the White House. He remarried a woman thirty years his junior, and they had seven children together. Regarding his faith, he was an Episcopalian. The book did not address this subject, and there does not seem to be a lot of information available regarding the practice of his beliefs.

Some notable Tyler quotes:

On the difficulty of Presidential life. . .

In 1840 I was called from my farm to undertake the administration of public affairs and I foresaw that I was called to a bed of thorns. I now leave that bed which has afforded me little rest, and eagerly seek repose in the quiet enjoyments of rural life.

On popularity. . .

Popularity, I have always thought, may aptly be compared to a coquette - the more you woo her, the more apt is she to elude your embrace.

On humanity. . .

Everything dependent on human action is liable to abuse.

On wealth. . .

Wealth can only be accumulated by the earnings of industry and the savings of frugality.

Religion or Righteousness?

2011-08-21T18:59:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 10

Wouldn't it be a tragedy if you spend your life focusing on things that are good, yet missed what God values the most?

Religion can never bridge the gap between man and God.

Righteousness that comes from Jesus is our only hope.

How can we receive the righteousness of God?

1) God prepares people to receive His righteousness. vv1-8

2) God prepares people to reveal His righteousness. vv9-23

3) God empowers the proclamation of Jesus. vv24-48

Do you have religion, or do you have the righteousness of God?

Secure Me Lord

2011-08-17T22:47:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:121-128

- Approach the Lord with boldness.

- Request of the Lord in humility.

- Plead with the Lord in confidence.

There is a progression of spiritual growth. . .

Teach me Your statutes.

Give me understanding.

A love for the commandments of God.

A hatred for false ways.

Speak the Good News Boldly

2011-08-14T14:42:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 4:13-31

When we serve God, difficulties and even persecution are likely to come. The Apostle Peter and the early church faced difficult circumstances in living out their faith after the birth of the New Testament church. They faced some serious difficulties in living out their faith and sharing the Good News.

We can learn lessons from how the early church dealt with difficulties.

Lesson #1- Spend Time With Jesus.

What empowered the Apostles to speak the Good News boldly?

Key- They knew Jesus. . . they had been with Jesus.

God specializes in taking ordinary people- putting them in strategic places- and doing extraordinary things through them- and God is glorified.

How should we spend time with Jesus?

- Walk with Him in the Word
- Speak with Him in Prayer
- Rely on His presence through the Holy Spirit

Lesson #2- Seek to obey God.

The Sanhedrin, after conferring, decided it best to order the disciples not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus. There is no other name, there is power only in the name of Jesus. Our enemy's chief strategy is to hinder the name. He is okay if people speak generally in terms of faith, or about god, or about religion- but the dividing line is Jesus.

God's law is always higher than man's law. If you are ever put in a position to disobey the law of God, or disobey the law of man, you not only have the right but the responsibility before God, to honor Him, even if it means suffering the consequences of man's law.

The limitation is this- You are only permitted to disobey, while maintaining consistency with the law of God. It is never permissible to break man's law and resist, if doing so means you are breaking God's law.

If you are told do not pray, do not worship, do not witness- you are under no obligation to obey this.

Always obey authority unless authority commands you to do something God forbids. Or says not to do something that God commands.

Lesson #3- Speak God's message.

Peter and John were released, and they went to their own fellowship and told what had happened.

They worshiped!

They prayed!

They were filled with the Holy Spirit!

They spoke the message of God!

Live out loud and on purpose, for Jesus!

Sustain Me Lord

2011-08-10T22:14:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:113-120

What do you hate in life?

What do you love in life?

What do you fear in life?

What you hate, love and fear reveals a lot about you spiritually. Scripture challenges us to evaluate how we think about things.

1) Hate the double-minded.

The Psalmist is focused on an unwavering faithfulness to God and His Word. The double-minded are those who say they believe, but promote things contrary to the faith, intentionally opposing the law of God.

Half obedience, is full disobedience.

James 1:6-8 For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. An indecisive man is unstable in all his ways.

To hate the double-minded, is to side with the Divine Judge of all the earth.

2) Love the decrees of God.

From the depths of our soul, we are to love the decrees, the law of God.

What are some benefits of loving the decrees of God?

Shelter in the Storm

Shield in the Battle

Hope in Desperation

3) Fear the Judgments of God

Aren't unbelievers supposed to fear God? Well, God's judgments on the ungodly have a sobering effect on the godly.

Fear= reverential awe of God

We need not fear the eternal wrath of God, but we should fear God and desire holiness.

How do hate, love, and fear go together?

Hate what God hates, love what God loves, fear God and worship Him in holiness.

Psalm 27:8 Prayer

2011-08-10T10:53:00.005-04:00

Psalm 27:8 . . .Your face, Lord, I will seek.

I have been meditating on Psalm 27:8 in recent weeks, and the significance of communion with God. Prayer is not complicated. Prayer is empowered by the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

Prayer includes. . .

Communion with God- This must be primary. God has extended an invitation to us to meet with Him, to know Him, and to fellowship with Him. In communion with God we get to know God as we know a friend, and walk with Him through this life. This is the heart of the Psalmist in Psalm 27:8, recognizing and responding to the invitation of God. Communion with God includes worship focused prayer, thanking God for who He is and what He does in our lives.

Confession of sin to God- In Psalm 27:9 David goes on to express to God that he asked God not to hide His face from him. He knew that sin hinders our communion with God and that walking in righteousness is essential.

Petition to God- In God's economy, He provides for us, as we ask. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray, give us this day our daily bread. Martin Luther said, "Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of God's willingness." You have not because you ask not.

Intercession on behalf of others to God- One of the most common sins in the church is telling someone you will pray for them and then not doing it. I cannot pray for everything specifically every day, but I can pray for the things I have committed to pray for. In my prayer journal, I think in concentric circles. I pray for myself, my family (immediate and extended), ministry (church work and family, and current needs for the sick, etc) , Kingdom work (Great Commission work and other extended ministries), and the world (my country, world affairs, etc.).

Prayer is intended to result in faithfulness. If you seek the face of God and meet with Him each day, it will result in a Kingdom focused life that brings glory to God in all that you do. Seeking the face of God in prayer should result in obedience to God.

Are you seeking the face of God?

There Is No Other Name

2011-08-07T15:11:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 4:1-12

Concerning the variety of spiritual beliefs there are in the world, it gives rise to this question.

How can we know which belief is correct?

Typically, a particular worldview is applied to this question, which results in the approach that a person takes in answering it.

Pluralism- teaches that all beliefs are equally valid and acceptable, yet none is exclusive

Selectivism- teaches that all views have worthwhile components, and one can mix together the parts that are acceptable to them, like a smorgasbord.

Agnosticism- believes there is a god at least nominally, but not sure, or ambivalent about identifying God

Atheism- teaches that there is no god.

Naturalism- the belief that this is a closed world system, and there is nothing beyond this life. The evolutionary system is rooted in this.

Hedonism- no concern for God, or for determining if there is a god, the focus is on living it up, pleasure for the moment, with little or no concern for tomorrow.

Exclusivism- the perspective of Christianity. Truth can be known, truth is exclusive, truth has consequences.

In Acts 3, Peter and John by the power of God, healed a lame man. People were amazed at what happened when they saw this man walking and leaping and praising God and they began to gather around the disciples. The religious establishment was concerned about what the disciples were teaching and confronted them.

They asked this question- By what power or in what name have you done this? Peter began to speak boldly about Jesus.

v10 By the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene.

v12 There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people by which we must be saved.

How can we know which belief is correct? Jesus is the resounding answer of the Bible.

Truth is that which corresponds to reality. It is a fixed reference point. God has revealed Truth to us.

God has revealed Himself to us in Creation. Psalm 19:1

God has revealed Himself through the Written Word, the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16

God has revealed Himself through the Living Word, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-3

8 Characteristics of Jesus that reveal and confirm who He is as Savior and Lord:

1) The eternal existence of Jesus. John 1:1-3

2) The virgin birth of Jesus. Matthew 1:18-21

3) The sinless life of Jesus. Hebrews 4:15

4) The miraculous ministry of Jesus. Luke 4:18-19

5) The sacrificial death of Jesus. Romans 3:25-26

6) The victorious resurrection of Jesus. Acts 3:15

7) The current reign and promised return of Jesus. Acts 3:20

8) The declaration by Jesus. John 14:6

How can I be saved? Jesus

Jesus is not one of many, He is the one and only Savior of the world.

In The Name of Jesus

2011-08-01T10:31:00.005-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 3

- Faith depends on the sacrifice of Jesus.

- Faith recognizes there is power in the name of Jesus.

- Faith results in repentance and following Jesus.

Salvation is found only in the name of Jesus . . .

Great Commission Math

2011-07-28T23:43:00.015-04:00

I have been preaching a series of messages on Sunday mornings on the life of Peter. I read through several sections in Acts again this week, and I saw something in a fresh way. I am going to call it Great Commission math. Let me explain.

Jesus said. . . you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

According to Acts 2:41, after the Holy Spirit came upon them, when Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost, 3000 souls were added to the church. v47 indicates from that point on, the Lord added to the church those who were being saved. The first part of Great Commission math is addition. God adds to the church by the power of the Holy Spirit through the faithful proclamation of the Gospel. On the Day of Pentecost, many heard the Gospel in their own language, and then were dispersed to their homes in various parts of the known world of that day.

This is where the second part of Great Commission math comes in - multiplication. Acts is a missionary book and it tells the story of how the Gospel went to the Jews first, and then to the Gentiles. The second half of the book in particular highlights it. The obedience of the church today to the Great Commission is a continuation of this.

I believe one of the problems in many churches is that there is a focus primarily on addition to the organization, and how the church can add to its number. Clearly, God is the one who adds to the church. He does this through the obedience of His people to proclaim the Gospel. It is an effort in futility to labor pragmatically simply to add to the numbers of the church. If this is the attitude of the church, ultimately a country club mentality is developed rather than a Great Commission obedience. Everything becomes focused on maintaining and building the organization, and the Great Commission gets lost in the clutter of a selfishly focused, human organization.

We are to faithfully proclaim the Gospel in obedience to the Great Commission, and trust God to add to His church by the power of His Holy Spirit. This is where multiplication comes in. I think our focus in the church must be on proclaiming the Gospel, and multiplying the opportunities to do so. God in turn will add to the church and multiply the mission. 10 + 10= 20. 10 x 10= 100. If this were a discussion about money, all of us would choose multiplication. Yet this is a discussion about something far greater - the eternal souls of men. God adds through our obedience, and we faithfully focus on multiplication of the mission.

Some years back, when we were in the early stages of property development and building expansion at Cross Lanes, the Lord planted an idea in my heart that is still growing today. I had this thought: what if we as a church, get to the point some day that we outgrow our space, and the physical limitations of where we are hinder our impact? The Lord impressed on my heart then, that if our focus is on faith in multiplying the mission, our growth potential would be unlimited. I have been praying and thinking about how we can be proactive in this for several years now.

All of the details of what this will look like for us specifically as a church have not been completely clarified for me, but it is beginning to come into focus. We recently presented to the church family, the Greater Things Ministry Vision. I see Cross Lanes Baptist with the opportunity to expand exponentially through faithfulness to the mission, down the street and around the world. We want to be a missions and church planting center to impact West Virginia, North America, and the nations.

In faith, we are launching into some new ministry and mission initiatives at CLBC in the 2011-2012 Church Year. The possibilities are really exciting. It will take a lot of resources, but I believe God will provide all that is needed for the mission when it is carried out according to His Word. I am asking the Lord to show us the way. I am praying for people to catch the vision. I am praying for the power of the Holy Spirit to carry out the work, for the glory of God!

The Spirit Poured Out

2011-07-24T16:17:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: Acts 2:14-41

On the day of Pentecost, the birth of the church, Peter stood boldly to proclaim the truth about Jesus. God's method to communicate the truth was preaching, proclamation of the truth.

1) The Prophecy of Salvation vv17-21

2) The Provision of Salvation vv22-24

3) The Power of Salvation vv24-36

v37 When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart.

They asked this question- Brothers, what must we do?

Repent- turn from sin and turn to Jesus- essential to genuine conversion.

Be baptized- the public statement of salvation

v41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them.

On Mission In Moldova

2011-07-22T09:42:00.003-04:00

I returned recently from a mission to Moldova. I have been going to Moldova and serving there for the past several years. Moldova is a small nation in Eastern Europe located between Romania and Ukraine. It is a nation that continues to struggle with significant political and economic troubles. Yet God is at work there in a powerful way among the people.

We have good friends in the south of Moldova who serve a church there that we partner with. My wife Emilee made the trip with me this time, and we visited in the south the first couple of days. I spoke at a Youth Camp the first evening and it was a blessing. After my Pastor/Translator friend read the Scripture in Romanian, the lights went out and it was completely dark. I could not see anything but we carried on and the youth listened.

A young lady from the area who my family sponsors, traveled with us back to the north of Moldova to work for the week with our mission team. We were able to spend the day with four other sponsored children before the remainder of our team arrived in the country.

I facilitated a team from The Church at Martinsburg who worked for the week in the south at a children's camp in partnership with our sister church. The team did a great job.

The CLBC Team arrived in the country and we worshiped at a church in the north on Sunday morning. I preached and Pastor Robert sang. The pastor told me right before the service that he had a funeral he wanted me to join him for, and that I would preach. As God would have it, my pastor friend in the south had shared with me much about the details of Moldovan funeral culture, just two days before. I recognized immediately this was God preparing me for this experience.

I was deeply humbled to even be asked to participate. We went to the home after church. They do not have funeral homes as we know them. Instead the body of the deceased is kept at home until burial, much like people did in the states for much of the 20th century. The family keeps a vigil and there is usually no embalming. We arrived and the crowd had already gathered. I stood under a grape arbor in a very small courtyard and awaited the body to be brought out. The brother who died had trusted Jesus only days before he passed. He was placed in a simple wooden coffin, adorned and decorated, and his body was visible from head to toe. I stood at the head just a few inches away, with the widow nearby, and began to preach. I was informed that many lost people were present. I greeted the people as a servant of Jesus Christ, and preached the Word, from I Thessalonians 4.

Two other brothers spoke and then the body was laid on a small flatbed truck with flowers stacked on it. His sisters rode on the truck with the body. The family and everyone who had gathered, walked about fifteen minutes following the truck to the cemetery. The cemeteries there are for the most part overgrown with tall grass and many trees. An open grave had been dug and prepared. Another pastor brother preached the Gospel passionately at the graveside, and then the time came to close the coffin. The top was carefully put in place, and the coffin was nailed shut with a hammer and nails. It was lowered into the hole with ropes, and the men began to cover the hole with dirt. There was no vault like we use in the states. What an experience it was to be standing in the region of the old USSR, publicly and freely proclaiming the love of Jesus and the eternal hope of the Gospel.

After that our assignment for the week was to serve at an Orphan Camp in the north and also in a village working with a church plant. On Sunday afternoon we went out to the camp to greet the children and spend some time with them. Each morning during the week we served in the Orphan Camp where we have been the past several years.

In the afternoons we worked in a largely unevangelized village. There is a pastor serving in that region who has a vision to plant churches in thirty villages. He is a Spirit led pastor who is passionate about God and the Gospel. We served well over 100 children in the village.

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit was evident there. We saw a large number of people come to faith in Christ, including a significant number of adults. I was privileged to share the Gospel one on one, house to house with the pastor, and see the power of God firsthand.

The last day of the mission we did a work program with Transitional Program Students. We painted at a Christian Camp and had a good time serving there.

I am praying now about our next steps in the nation of Moldova. I am thankful to God for His grace and provision in making Him known among the peoples of the earth.

When Faith Is Weak

2011-06-26T16:01:00.001-04:00

Scripture: Mark 14:27-31; 53-72

God brings people into deep waters in life, not to drown them but to cleanse them.

We see in Mark 14 what happened in the life of Peter when difficulty came. When he was tested, his faith was shown to be weak, but God in His mercies still had a providential plan for his life, to use Peter for His glory.

Discipleship has ups and downs, peaks and valleys, good and bad times. It reveals the best in us, and the worst in us. Discipleship drives us to trust God more, and trust ourselves less.

Key Events in Peter's Life-

Calling, Commissioning, Testing of Faith, Confession of Christ, Vision of Glory

The time was drawing closer for Jesus to go to the cross.

How many of us have made commitments to Jesus, only to fail Him? Take heed, lest you fall.

1) When faith is weak, be alert and recognize how testing comes.

Jesus actually announced that Peter was going to deny Him, and they all would run away. One would think the disciples would have been on high alert spiritually, but they were not prepared.

Be alert and on the lookout for how testing comes in your life.

Jesus was led away to the High Priest and the religious court convened to try Jesus.

Peter followed Jesus at a distance, right into the High Priest's courtyard.

The High Priest asked, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"

Jesus said, "I am, and all of you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power and coming with the clouds of heaven."

The religious rulers condemned Jesus for blasphemy against God.

Peter was in the courtyard below and one of the High Priest's servant girls saw him. Peter denied Christ the first time. The servant girl followed Peter insistently. Peter for the second time denied Christ.

Testing of your faith wears you down.

Those standing around recognized Peter as a Galilean. Peter for the third time denied Jesus.

One of the things that is so painful about this account of Peter's life is we can see ourselves in him. He cursed and denied that he even knew Jesus.

Each of us are capable of egregious sin if we are not depending on the power of God to help withstand the assaults that come, and we let our guards down. Noah got drunk, Abraham lied, David committed adultery. Nobody is immune. there is more wickedness in the human heart than any of us want to admit.

When we are honest with ourselves about the things we think, and say, and are capable of doing, we realize our complete dependence on the grace of God.

2) When faith is weak, testing strikes you at your weakest point.

Peter had a tendency to be concerned of what others thought of him.

Apparently this was a problem even later on for Peter. Galatians 2 tells of something that happened much later in the narrative of his life. He had been with Paul, Barnabas, and others. They had been on a Gentile mission and the mother church in Jerusalem became suspicious about it. There were some who were insisting on keeping old covenant food laws and circumcision and days even though they were Christians. When Peter got back to Jerusalem he separated himself from the Gentiles, because he feared the Jews. Even Barnabas was carried away by his hypocrisy. Paul called him out and said he was deviating from the truth of the Gospel. He was concerned about what other people thought about him.

Sin waits at the door. Each of us has blind spots.

Denial of Jesus can come in four forms:

Direct denial- do you know Jesus? No.

Silent denital- we do not speak up, or we are paralyzed by our own cowardice.

Hypocritical denial- being with Jesus, then denying Him openly before men. This is living like hell on Saturday night, then being in church on Sunday morning.

Disobedient denial- professing, but not obeying.

When faith is weak, testing will strike you at your weakest point.

3) When faith is weak, God's mercy is strong.

From His vantage point in Caiphas' house, Luke 22:61 Then the Lord turned and looked Peter. He locked eyes on Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.

Every time you sin, you deny Jesus. The eyes of the Lord are always upon you.

Mark 14:72 When Peter thought about it, he began to weep.

Tears of repentance- brokenness, seeking the mercy of God.

When you find yourself in sin, cast yourself on the mercy of God.

God sees the tears of the repentant heart.

Hope is found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What can we do to stand firm in times of testing?

I Corinthians 10:11-13

We go back to the Garden of Gethsemane for our answers:

Watch. . . pray.

Jesus told the disciples- v39 Stay awake and pray so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Watch- stay awake- be alert. Luke's Gospel records that Jesus told Peter to look out! Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, look out! Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith not fail.

We battled the World, the Flesh, and our enemy Satan- Just like Jesus was praying for Peter, He is praying for you!

Pray and depend on the Spirit- pray so that you won't enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

A failure to stay awake and a failure to pray is a failure to prepare for testing.

Cast yourself on the grace and mercy of God. . .

A Love For The Word Impacts All of Life

2011-06-24T09:53:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:97-104

Do you love the Word of God?

Does your reading of the Word of God reflect that you love it?

Does your obedience to the Word of God reflect that you love it?

If you love the Word of God, it will impact your life comprehensively.

A love for the Word of God will impact your:

Affections v97

Attitudes vv98-100

Actions vv101-104

A love for the Word of God comes from a love for God, who is our Teacher. A rejection of the law is a rejection of the Lord.

Cross Lanes Baptist- "Greater Things Ministry Vision"

2011-06-21T01:01:00.004-04:00

Click Here to Read the Ministry Vision PDF

I am thankful for how God is working through the faithfulness of His people at Cross Lanes Baptist Church. In the coming weeks, we will be communicating to you this ministry vision for the next five years. Please click on the link above to read, and be in earnest prayer for the direction God is leading. Each family in the church will receive a print copy of this in the near future.

A Vision of Glory

2011-06-20T20:40:00.010-04:00

Scripture: Mark 9:1-13

Key events in the life of Peter- Calling, Commissioning, Testing of Faith, Confession

Peter, James and John were taken up on a high mountain with Jesus. Jesus was praying and the disciples were sleeping. As He was praying, He was transformed in front of them. He gave the disciples a preview of His glory that He had possessed since eternity past.

We see in Jesus. . .

- The Fullness of Glory

Jesus is the radiance of God's glory.

Jesus is the exact expression of God's nature.

Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word.

We see in Jesus. . .

- The Fulfillment of Promise

For a brief moment, the veil of Jesus' humanity was lifted and His glory shone through. Jesus was the fulfillment of everything the Law had pointed to. The Law and the Prophets were only partial expressions, the final statement is Jesus.

We see in Jesus. . .

- The Focus of Worship

Peter had given confession of who Jesus is.

God the Father gave confirmation of who Jesus is.

Recognize the supremacy of Jesus.

Rejoice in Jesus and take delight in Him.

Listen to Jesus.

The glory of Jesus as revealed to Peter, James, and John was a preview of things to come.

Are you ready to meet God?

Southern Baptist Convention Phoenix

2011-06-16T23:42:00.020-04:00

The Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting was held in Phoenix, Arizona this week. I served on the Credentials Committee, along with my friend Matt Shamblin, Pastor of North Charleston Baptist, and other Southern Baptists from across the country. Pastor John Foster and I flew out to the convention on Sunday evening and returned on Thursday.

I was a bit discouraged in the low attendance this year. I think several factors contributed to this- the location of the meeting in the west, the continued sluggish economy, and the fact that last year was well attended with the Great Commission Resurgence focus.

I am very encouraged by the focus of this convention and what I believe could result from the direction we are going in. From beginning to end, there was a focus on the glory of Jesus, and the mission He has given to us to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. There is a fresh focus on reaching North America and the nations with the Gospel. This includes more than 3800 unreached people groups around the world who need Jesus.

Please pray that God's Spirit will move among our churches and that we will see an awakening that will shake the world.

Some highlights of the convention from Baptist Press and SBC.net. Scroll down and click on the links below to view.

Convention Wrap Up and Summary

SBC Officers Elected

David Platt, Convention Sermon Summary

A New Day For Church Planting

Video Archives of the Convention

Aspire Pastors' Conference Media Online

NAMB Presentation

IMB Presentation

I Am Praying For A Spiritual Awakening

2011-06-10T12:37:00.022-04:00

Like many other Southern Baptists, I will be making my way to the annual convention next week in Phoenix, Arizona.

We desperately need a spiritual awakening and the power of God in our lives, and churches. No methodological shift will substitute for this. I believe however that we need to put ourselves in the best possible position to be used of God.

The most recent Lifeway Study reflects a convention in continued declined. This is the reality of our current condition. None of us like it, but unless we face reality, we have no hope of our condition changing. We need to be on our knees, crying out to God for the power of the Holy Spirit to move in the midst of the churches.

There are several things that I am confident of that give me great hope:

- God is sovereign. There has always been darkness and spiritually. It has always been a battle. We need not be surprised or discouraged. The battle is the Lord's.

- The church is alive and well around the globe. An untold number of people are coming to know the Lord every day. Jesus promised He would build His church and the gates of Hell would not prevail against it. I am filled with optimism and hope because my hope is in the Lord.

- I see evidence of a stirring of biblical faith among the younger generation. God has historically used young people to usher in seasons of revival. I pray He will do it again.

I am serving as Chair of the Strategy Planning Group in the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists. We have a diverse group from across our state working to determine how we can best partner together to reach from our state to the ends of the earth with the Gospel. This is no easy task. We are making progress and continuing to work.

Click Here to Read Progress Report #1 from the SPG of the WVCSB

Click Here to Read Progress Report #2 from the SPG of the WVCSB

We must remember along the way that we are on the same team. We cannot allow Satan to use differences of opinion over how we do things methodologically to drive a wedge between us. Last year, just before the convention, I wrote a piece on why I was in support of the Great Commission Resurgence in Southern Baptist life. I went to the convention and voted for it and said so publicly. I stand by my position. So as we approach this convention, I want to re-post my position with some minor editing to update it.

Click Here to View the Official GCR Website

Why I Support the GCR (originally posted in 2010)

I am no casual observer to this process. I am first and foremost a follower of Jesus. I am also unashamedly Southern Baptist. I just turned 40, and have been in a Southern Baptist Church since birth. I trusted Jesus and was baptized in a Southern Baptist Church in 1979 in Florida.

I began my MDiv seminary education at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary at the Orlando, Florida extension center, and completed the majority of the degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. I am thankful for the Cooperative Program that made my seminary education affordable.

I have served as a Pastor for the past 15 years in Florida, North Carolina, and West Virginia. I have participated in every level of denominational life from the local Association, to Executive Boards in two states, to the Committee on Committees of the Southern Baptist Convention, and will serve on the Credentials Committee for the upcoming convention. I am currently serving a second term as President of the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists.

The church I pastor, Cross Lanes Baptist, is solidly committed to the advancement of the kingdom through the work of Southern Baptists. We contribute 11% of undesignated receipts through the Cooperative Program, 4% of undesignated receipts through our local association, and we also contribute generously to the seasonal mission offerings. By God’s grace and provision we are a leader in mission giving and baptisms in the state of West Virginia.

We financially support several seminary students at Southern Baptist seminaries from our church at any given time. Our church has been directly involved in planting churches in recent years in Charleston, West Virginia, Martinsburg, West Virginia, and Cleveland, Ohio in friendly cooperation with the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists and North American Mission Board. We have multiple mission teams and projects scheduled this year. We are thoroughly committed to and invested in the Great Commission.

I am also personally committed to the Great Commission in my own family priorities, and participate in mission work internationally several times each year. My son is 11 years old and has had a desire in his heart to go to the nations since he was 4 years old, even before he came to Jesus. I took him on his first mission trip internationally at the age of 8. He is currently in his third year of studying a foreign language. My 10-year old daughter went on her first international mission trip this year. My wife and I will be in Eastern Europe ministering to orphans this summer.

Why am I in support of the GCR?

The GCR says out loud, what I have been thinking for a long time.

The Southern Baptist Convention is losing ground in an increasingly lost culture. In the United States, we baptized 33,000 fewer people in 2008 than in 1950, and we have 17,000 more churches than we did then while, at the same time, the population has effectively doubled. The latest statistics reflect a continued trend. Historically, we were a largely rural and white convention. North America is no longer rural or white. Yet 2/3 of Cooperative Program dollars are remaining in states with 1/3 of the population. Furthermore, globally, there are now 7 billion people, 3.5 billion of whom have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We must do more to be obedient to the Great Commission that Jesus gave to His church. Business as usual cannot be classified as obedience. To keep doing the same thing the same way and expect different results is the common definition of insanity. The question is not, will things change? Things are changing all around us. The question is not, will God’s kingdom move forward? The question is, will we be blessed to be a part of it?

The GCR is positive in that it recognizes the good work that is being done by many churches in growing, baptizing, and sending. Yet it issues a challenge to see the greater vision and answer the call.

There is much that is right with the Southern Baptist Convention. We have a rich heritage and there are many things we can affirm and celebrate for the glory of God. But we cannot rest on this while the world around us is lost without Jesus Christ.

A renewed challenge and vision embraces the historical roots of the SBC and allows the people of the convention to once again place personal and corporate responsibility of the Great Commission in the arms and reach of the local church.

The GCR calls every believer to be a part of taking the Gospel to the nations.

“Are we not confirmed in our knowledge that every single believer is called to be a part of taking the Gospel to the nations? If so we will be ready to do whatever it takes to see a GCR change our priorities, reshape our plans, and fuel our lives for God’s glory.”(pg. 5)

I cannot depend on someone else to be obedient to the Great Commission for me. I will answer to God for the stewardship of the Gospel in my life. I must focus my priorities and plans on glorifying God.

The GCR states that the foundation for a GCR is the truth of the Gospel.

“The foundation for a Great Commission Resurgence is the truth of the Gospel.” (pg. 5)

The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes. Without the power of the Gospel, no methodology will be successful. A focus on the Gospel enables God’s people to maintain a clear focus. We do not have time to be bogged down in secondary issues of no eternal significance. The truth of the Gospel has to be priority one.

If the Gospel is not central, other things begin to clutter our priorities and we sacrifice the best for what is good. There are many good things, but the focus of God’s people should be on what is best.

The GCR affirms the primacy and centrality of the local church in the life of the Southern Baptist Convention.

“We must return the local church to the primacy and centrality in the life and work of our denomination at every level.” (pg. 5)

Part of the problem as I see it is that many local churches have passed off their responsibility to denominational agencies, and there has been a disconnect. The church is central to God’s plan as the bride of Christ. Churches made up of individual Christians do the work of the kingdom. Churches plant churches. I believe we can accomplish more together than we can alone, but the local church has to remain central to the mission. Remember, there is no such thing as the Southern Baptist Church, there are Southern Baptist churches.

The GCR presents a missional vision statement that is clear, concise, and challenging.

“The missional vision of the church is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every person in the world and to make disciples of all the nations- nothing less.” (pg. 6)

This is the mission, and we cannot afford to settle for anything less.

The GCR reaffirms the Cooperative Program, and champions the Cooperative Program as our core method of channeling our resources, and challenges churches and state conventions to increase their commitment to it.

I do not believe the Cooperative Program should be treated as a sacred cow, or elevated to a position of idolatry. Remember, as a convention, we existed for 74 years without it from 1845-1919. However, it has proven to be a very effective method of working together to channel resources and carry out the work of Southern Baptists.

“We call on Southern Baptists to honor and affirm the Cooperative Program as the most effective means of mobilizing our churches and extending our reach.” (pg. 8)

“The greatest stewardship of Great Commission investment and deployment is giving through the Cooperative Program. We call upon all Southern Baptists to recommit to the Cooperative Program as the central and preferred conduit of Great Commission funding, without which we would be left with no unified and cooperative strategy and commitment to the Great Commission task.” (pg. 8)

“We reaffirm the definition of the Cooperative Program adopted by action of the 2007 Southern Baptist Convention. We honor and affirm the Cooperative Program as the most effective and efficient means of channeling the sacrificial support of our churches through undesignated giving which funds both the state conventions and the work of the Southern Baptist Convention.” (pg 9)

“We call upon the churches of the Southern Baptist Convention to increase the percentage of their Cooperative Program giving.” (pg 9)

“We call upon the state conventions to increase the percentage of Cooperative Program funds directed to the Southern Baptist Convention.” (pg. 9)

GCR advocates increasing support for the IMB and NAMB.

The report calls for an increase of 1% of giving to the IMB from 50% of Cooperative Program funds to 51%. This is a step in the right direction. It is estimated that there are 586 unreached and underserved people groups in the United States alone. It will take a greater commitment to impact these people groups.

The GCR is a strong statement that Southern Baptists are serious about the Great Commission.

We cannot continue on “as is” or we will look like the mainline denominations after 50 more years have passed if Jesus tarries His coming. We will be but a memory, a shadow of our former selves, if we even exist at all.

I pray to God that we are not in our present condition like the Church at Sardis. If we are, I pray that we will heed the word and warning from Jesus and repent.

Revelation 3:1-6 To the angel of the church in Sardis write: The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven starts says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. But you have a few people in Sardis who have not defiled their clothes, and they will walk with Me in white, because they are worthy. In the same way, the victor will be dressed in white clothes, and I will never erase his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before My Father and before His angels. Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.

I can tell you this, God doesn’t need the Southern Baptist Convention. The Southern Baptist Convention needs God and the power of His Holy Spirit working through us. Change is always painful. There is always uncertainty with change. I thank God for the Conservative Resurgence we have experienced over the past 30 years. Many of the men who led the charge are my spiritual heroes. But I think they would be the first to tell you that we can’t live on past victories. We must work from a strong foundation and be motivated by a present vision. I want to be a part of a generation that “expects great things from God, and attempts great things for God.” Ultimately no strategy or methodology will be fruitful unless we humble ourselves and yield to the power of God working through us in obedience.

Methods are many, principles are few. Methods may change, principles never do.

The Gospel and the Great Commission are the principles.

How we implement them, are the methods.

Let’s not sacrifice the principles for the sake of protecting status-quo methods.

Remember the last words of a dying church - We have never done it that way before.

The Word of God: Fixed Forever

2011-06-09T09:43:00.001-04:00

The Psalmist shared the concerns, challenges, and circumstances of life. He had traveled through some valleys- physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In this passage, he is back on the peak of the mountain.

Scripture Passage: Psalm 119:89-96

Focus- Praise more than petition

v89 Lord, Your word is forever, it is firmly fixed in heaven.

Forever- permanent, unchanging, remains always.

Mt 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

Fixed- settled, permanent in every age.

Where is it settled? Heaven, at the throne of God.

Who is it settled for? All generations.

What has it accomplished that we can see? The earth has been established and salvation is for all who believe.

How long is it settled? Forever.

- The Word leads to life. vv93-94

The Word of God is alive and leads to life

Physical life, spiritual life, holy life

- The Word produces delight. v92

Delight = joy

Delight in the Lord Himself

Delight in the instruction of the Lord

Delight in the salvation of the Lord

Delight in obedience

Delight in the Lord even in suffering

- The Word sustains. vv95-96

The Word guides.

The Word protects.

The Word brings assurance.

The Word strengthens.

Word of God speak. . .

CLBC to Jamaica 2011

2011-06-08T10:55:00.002-04:00

Crown Him

2011-06-08T09:08:00.002-04:00

Revelation 19:12 . . . on His head were many crowns.

The hymn Crown Him With Many Crowns was originally written by Matthew Bridges, based on Revelation 19:12. Godfrey Thring added six verses to the same song later on. May Jesus, the Lord of all glory, rule and reign in our lives.

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne. . .

Crown Him the virgin's Son, the God incarnate born. . .

Crown Him the Lord of love, behold His hand and side. . .

Crown Him the Lord of peace, Whose power a scepter sways. . .

Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time. . .

Crown Him the Lord of Heaven, one with the Father known. . .

Crown Him with crowns of gold. . .

Crown Him the Son of God, before the worlds began. . .

Crown Him the Lord of light. . .

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed over the grace. . . .

Crown Him the Lord of lords, who over all doth reign. . .

Crown Him the Lord of heaven, enthroned in worlds above.

When Culture and Christianity Clash

2011-06-07T10:55:00.005-04:00

I am concerned about professing Christians who see no problem with the things of the world, and even publicly celebrate them. It is prevalent even in the church. It is reflective of a culture that continues to plummet at breakneck speed into the world of porn and impurity. We live in a culture where everyone knows the latest American Idol happenings, or Dancing With the Stars, but they know very little about the Word of God.

Case in point is the recent movie, The Hangover II. I have been surprised and dismayed by the number of professing believers I have heard discussing this movie, and posting for all the world to see that they have actually been to see it. It is a blatant celebration of things that are sinful and are not pleasing to God. If you are not familiar with The Hangover II, I would recommend reading the following review from a Christian perspective to educate yourself on the content.

Click Here to Read a Review of The Hangover II

I have watched plenty of popular movies in my past that I am not proud of, and for which I have since repented. Thankfully, there was not a public medium for me to tell the world that I was going to see them. I am not against popular movies. There are some with good qualities.

The Hangover II is just reflective of a sea of modern culture that clashes with the Christian faith. I don't think it is profitable to stick one's head in the sand and not know what is going on in culture. But I also think for the sake of our walk with God, and our testimony to others, that we must, at all cost, avoid celebrating what God hates.

I Peter 1:13-16 Therefore, get your hands ready for action, being self-disciplined, and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct, for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.

Each of us should ask some very important questions about our behavior and lifestyle choices.

1) Is my hope set on Jesus Christ?

2) Does a particular activity make me more like Jesus? Or does it make me more like the world?

3) Does my behavior demonstrate that I am being conformed to the desires of my former ignorance, before I came to know Jesus? Or does is reflect that I am being conformed to Jesus and His wisdom?

4) Is this holy conduct for my life? Is Jesus pleased with it?

5) How does my taking part in a particular activity affect my testimony? Will my behavior draw people to the hope of God or to the foolishness of the world?

Christians must think with a biblical worldview, and learn to filter out the things that are spiritually destructive. I'm going to fight for my holiness. I'm going to contend for the spiritual well being of my children. I believe in Christian freedom. But Christian freedom is not the freedom to do whatever you want to do, it is the freedom to be who God created and redeemed you to be.

Come on people, if you say you love Jesus, then act like it! Start making some good choices. Stop flirting with the world.

Ephesians 5:3-4 But sexual immorality and any impurity or greed should not even be heard of among you, as is proper for saints. And coarse and foolish talking or crude joking are not suitable, rather giving thanks. For know and recognize this: no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of the Messiah and of God.

James 4:7 Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, doubleminded people!

Halftime Reflections and Adjustments

2011-06-06T15:07:00.004-04:00

Birthdays are a blessing. I am thankful to God for my 40th birthday today. It is a milestone birthday. I can't say that I feel any different, but there is something significant about moving into the next decade of life.

I have heard a lot of jokes in the last few days about getting older, and have chuckled at a few of them. Just for fun, I looked at the social security actuarial tables to see what my life expectancy is. The table indicates for a man my age, I can expect to live 37.84 more years, to the age of 77.84! Of course God is the one who is control of life and we are not promised even tomorrow.

Many people aren't aware that God's Word has something to say about length of life as well. Psalm 90:10 Our lives last seventy years or, if we are strong, eighty years. Even the best of them are struggle and sorrow, indeed, they pass quickly and we fly away.

Of my four immediate grandparents, only one lived past the age of 80. So it is realistic to say that if God blesses me with a long life, the great likelihood is I am probably somewhere around halftime of my life. I would be thankful if God blessed me with overtime, that will be according to His sovereign will as He is the one who numbers our days.

I have always been a fan of American football. I have watched thousands of games over the years. I have noticed that one of the factors that separates a good coach from a great coach, is his ability to make halftime adjustments. The great coaches are able to adjust their game strategy, as well as make adjustments to what their opponent is doing.

With that in mind, I have reflected on the 40 years that have passed, and I am resolved to make some halftime adjustments for the years to come. I am sure there are things that all of us would change about our lives if we could go back and do so. But I have learned to live without regrets and to live forward.

Looking back I am thankful for many things. . . .

- I am thankful for the family I was born into, and the community I was raised in.

- I am thankful for many opportunities afforded to me, living in this country.

- I am thankful that I came to know Jesus as my Savior and Lord at an early age. As a result of that, by the grace of God, my life was set on a course that has truly been a blessing.

- I am thankful for the many educational opportunities I have had.

- I am thankful for God's call on my life to serve as a pastor. There is nothing else that I would rather be doing.

- I am thankful for Emilee who has shared more than half of the last 40 years with me, and for our three beautiful children.

- I am thankful for patient and loving people whom I have been privileged to serve with over the years in the churches I have served.

- I am thankful for opportunities to be a part of what God is doing to the ends of the earth, for the glory of Christ.

That said, I honestly must say as I have arrived at 40, I do sense a great urgency to live purposefully for Christ, and be a good steward of the next season of my life.

A few desires for the next season of my life. . .

- I want to grow to be more like Jesus, and I have a long way to go in this aspect.

- I want to grow deeper in God's Word and prayer so that I can grow to be more like Jesus, and lead others to do the same.

- I want to win more people to Jesus than ever before.

- I want to leave a legacy in my family, and be intentional about investing in them, so they can be all that God created them to be.

- I want to live with a spirit of gratitude and contentment in the Lord in all things.

- I want to listen more, and talk less.

- I want to encourage more, and criticize less.

- I want to love others as God has loved me, and see others with the compassion of Jesus.

- I want to learn more and more to forgive others, as God has forgiven me.

- I want to continue to learn, grow, and be challenged in all areas of life.

- I want to continue to run the race with integrity, and finish strong.

My definition of success is to be found faithful. When it is all said and done, I would be a blessed man if this could be said about my life, he was faithful.

Lord, find me faithful. Bless me and make me a blessing to others, for your glory.

Step Out On Faith

2011-06-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus: Matthew 14:22-33

We have a tendency to walk by sight and not by faith in this life. Yet the Christian life is a call to walk by faith and not by sight. This passage of Scripture tells of a crisis event in Peter's life that was formative in his service to the Lord. It could also be a turning point in our lives, as we learn what it means to step out on faith.

Jesus and His disciples were tired from a long day of ministry. Jesus had fed the multitude with just five loaves and two fishes. He was preparing to send the crowd away, and to send His disciples to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. After doing so, He went up on the mountain to pray.

As they were rowing, a wind came up and the disciples began to be battered on the water.

- They were in the storm because Jesus sent them there.

- They were in the storm for quite some time before Jesus intervened.

- There was not a single moment in the storm when Jesus took His eyes off of them.

If you are going to step out on faith, you have to learn to:

Recognize the voice of the Lord. vv26-27

Respond to the command of the Lord. vv28-29

Reach out and take the hand of the Lord. v30-31

Faith will move you to worship, and worship will move you to greater faith. vv32-33 When they experienced the power of Jesus, their hearts were moved, and their eyes were opened, and they worshiped.

A Stream Of Water In the Desert

2011-06-04T22:12:00.004-04:00

I have not been very diligent about writing on my blog as of late. Why is that? I haven't had much to say. Or at least I haven't felt like I have had much to say.

For a variety of reasons, I have felt like I have been in the desert lately looking for a stream of water. I will be transparent with this post, in the hopes of encouraging you in your walk with the Lord. I have had desert experiences throughout my Christian walk, and God is always faithful to refresh me and provide a fresh drink. I always learn something about myself, and I learn much about God when these times come.

I would liken it to a visit I made once to Death Valley in California with my family when I was a child. The temperature when we visited, was above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. We drove into the valley and stopped and got out of the car. The heat almost took my breath away. I was thirsty and didn't want to stay in it very long.

Have you ever felt that way spiritually? I always ask myself and God some basic questions when I experience these times.

1) How is my prayer life? Am I walking with God closely, seeking His heart, and not just His hand, in fellowship and communion with Him? Am I faithfully spending time in the Word of God?

2) Is there any sin in my life that is hindering my fellowship with God? Is there anything I have thought, said, or done, that has offended God, grieved the Holy Spirit, or hindered my fellowship with God? Sometimes it is the subtle things spiritually that give us difficulty- a bad attitude, a lack of contentment, insufficient thanksgiving. Any or all of these can be hindrances in your Christian walk.

3) Are my relationships with those who are closest to me healthy? Have I wronged anyone, or been wronged and not forgiven that person, which puts me in violation of God's Word?

4) Are my priorities in order? Typically, when I am in the desert, my calendar is on overload and my schedule is on the verge of a complete meltdown. It is healthy to periodically take inventory of your commitments and refocus on the things that truly must be priorities in your life. Am I resting properly and taking care of myself?

5) Father God, what are You trying to teach me through this? What lessons are You teaching me that will help me endure and also be an example to others?

6) Father God, what character traits are You forming in me, so that I will be more like Jesus?

I find it works best for me to keep trusting, and keep serving faithfully in the midst of the dry times until I emerge from them.

I can clearly see the oasis on the horizon and the water is flowing freely.

Psalm 42:1 As a deer longs for streams of water, so I long for You, God.

The Grace of God

2011-06-01T22:54:00.004-04:00

Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared with salvation for all people.

If I were to sum up the Christian faith in one word, my word would be grace. God the Father is the God of all grace. Jesus came into the world full of grace. The Holy Spirit is the agent of grace.

Common Grace

When you consider God's general providence and care for creation, it is common grace for all men. General revelation is God's disclosure of Himself through the created world and in the human conscience. God pours out common grace causing the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust alike.

Common grace also serves as a restraining force against the powers of evil which, if left to their own devices, would wreak such havoc on earth that life would not be possible. Political order, social stability, all of it would be overturned in an instant if it were not for common grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Common grace and general revelation are sufficient to reveal God, but not to reconcile lost people to God.

Saving Grace

Grace is where we meet God. When we think of grace, it begins and ends with praise to God. Even Paul, the apostle of grace, often stretched the capacity of human language to its breaking point in describing the grace of God.

Ephesians 1

Paul's theology of grace covers three time frames- Before the foundation of the world vv4-5, history in which God accomplished redemption through the cross of Jesus Christ v6, eternity when God will ultimately wrap up all of human history v10.

Sustaining Grace

We experience God's grace by pardon- removing our guilty standing before Holy God.

We experience God's grace as power- to transform, energize, and empower.

We experience God's grace as hope- blessed assurance.

We experience God's grace in love.

What is so amazing about grace?

It is undeserved! We could do nothing to earn it. It comes as a gift of God.

What are the marks of a gracious Christian?

- A grateful heart

- A humble spirit

- A forgiving spirit

- A passion for souls

Grace Greater Than Our Sin

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.

Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.

A Summons To Serve

2011-05-29T15:57:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Mark 3:13-19

Jesus summoned the disciples to serve Him, that they might be sent to serve.

v13 He went up on the mountain. . .

Luke's Gospel adds that Jesus continued all night in prayer to God. This is a good pattern for the church as we seek to call servants of the Lord out to do His work. We tend to choose the powerful and popular. Jesus sought the will of the Father.

A summons to serve is a summons. . .

- To Be With Jesus

v14 to be with Him- This is the priority of the call.

Most of us are really good at doing, but not so good at being. Discipleship is a who before it is a what. The key here is we can only do for Jesus, if we have spent time with Jesus.

To be with Jesus is to abide in Jesus- John 15:5 I am the Vine, and My Father is the Vineyard Keeper. . . v4 Remain in Me, and I in you. . . v5 I am the vine, you are the branches. . . v9 Remain in my love.

Abide= remain in, continue with. To abide in Christ is to live in Christ. Jesus is the source of life, the power for life, the purpose for life.

Believing, Knowing, Depending , Enduring

Being with Jesus precedes doing for Jesus. Jesus said apart from Me you can do nothing.

It takes time time to grow in your relationship with Jesus- what are you priorities?

A summons to serve is a summons. . .

- To Proclaim The Message of Jesus

v14 To preach- to proclaim the Word of God, as a herald.

J.I. Packer- Preaching appears in the Bible as a relaying of what God has said about Himself and His doings, and about men in relation to Him, plus a presenting of His commands, promises, warnings and assurances, with a view to winning the hearers.

Preaching is often disparaged in the culture. Yet it is a priority in the plan of God. This is what Peter and the disciples were called and sent to do, to proclaim the Word of God as a herald.

Preaching follows the ministry of jesus

Preachings focuses on the glory of God

Preaching is cross centered and therefore central to evangelism

Whether it is public or one on one, the proclamation of the Good News is powerful.

Preaching is fitting for all seasons whether it is well received or rejected.

A summons to serve is a summons. . .

- To Minister In The Name of Jesus

v15 And to have authority to drive out demons

Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleans the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.

As the disciples spent time with Jesus, they witnessed unselfish servanthood, ministry to others.

We minister in dependence on- His presence, His power, according to His purposes.

He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life.
Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water.
Jesus was weary, yet He is out rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King.
Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons.
Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears.
Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world.
Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd.
Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.
(Gregory of Nazianus, A.D. 381).

Answer the call to follow!

Obey the summons to serve.

How long, Lord?

2011-05-25T21:39:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:81-88

The Psalmist is in need. He knows the only one who can answer his need is God. So he stretches out his arms to God and says help me.

- Troubles make me grow weary.

- Troubles teach me patience.

- Troubles teach me trust.

Give me life!

When Jesus Calls Your Name

2011-05-22T16:39:00.004-04:00

Scripture Focus: Mark 1:9-20

Simon Peter is a prominent character in the New Testament. He was bold, out front, often speaking before he thought, and he would be the leader of the group of 12 disciples called by Jesus. He is mentioned more in the Gospels than anyone else but Jesus.

In the coming weeks we will consider:

-The calling of Peter
- Peter's appointment as an Apostle
- Confession of Christ
- Denial of Christ
- His role at Pentecost
- Ministry in establishing the New Testament Church
- I and II Peter, the letters he wrote

Peter was originally from Bethsaida on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. By the time of his calling, he was living in Capernaum. Capernaum was a major town on the northern side of Galilee. Peter had a wife, and a mother in law, that's all we really know about his family. His house at Capernaum would become Jesus' base of operations during his extended ministry in Galilee.

Key- v17 Follow me. . .

When Jesus calls your name, it is a call to follow. A follower is one who comes after, who embraces. Following is the beginning and end of what it means to be a Christian.

3 Keys To Answering When Jesus Calls Your Name:

Answer in Faith

Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him. I Corinthians 1:26-29

Jesus calls the name of working people to follow Him.

In faith, Peter left his nets and followed Jesus.

Answer With Commitment

Follow me- no conditions, no negotiations, no exceptions.

Christ wants us to consider ourselves as fully committed followers of His.

It is not easy to be a committed follower of Jesus.

Answer Expecting Difficulties

For the early Christians, answering the call often cost them their vocation, family, even their lives.

Luke 9:57-62

It is said that Peter ultimately gave his life for the sake of the Gospel. Clement of Rome stated this in reference to Peter- "Let us take the noble examples of our own generation. Through jealousy and envy the greatest and most just pillars of the Church were persecuted, and came even unto death. . . Peter, through unjust envy, endured not one or two but many labors, and at last, having delivered his testimony, departed unto the place of glory due him."

The call of Jesus is to a meaningful life. Peter had no idea when he dropped his nets that he would be used so greatly by God.

Jesus places a high priority on being fishers of men- reaching others with the Good News.

When Jesus calls your name. . .

- Open the door of your life.
- Repent and believe.
- Follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Holding On To the Promises of God

2011-05-19T08:49:00.001-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:73-80

Perseverance is a lost virtue. Living in an instant society, we don't have very many good models to follow. In our faith, it is a must. We have to have it if we are going to endure faithfully, serve God fully, and encourage others to follow Him.

- Lord Your Plan Is Certain

Your hands made me and formed me

The Psalmist knew he was not created by chance. Everything today seems to be made by a machine. Yet the most cherished work is done by hand. Something that is handmade, or handcrafted implies that it is done with care and special workmanship.

In God's creative work, He spoke all of creation into being. But when it came to the making of man, He put His hands into the clay of Eden and formed man, breathing into him the breath of life, set apart as His special creation.

Isaiah 64:8 Yet Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we all are the work of Your hands.

God has a sovereign plan for our lives.

- Lord Your Judgments Are Just

I know Lord, that Your judgments are just and that You have afflicted me fairly

God makes no mistakes even when things seem wrong from our perspective. He is more concerned with your holiness than He is with your temporal happiness. If God let us go with little attention, we would fall victim to our own foolishness and selfishness.

God matches the affliction to our need for conformity to His character. James 1:2

God knows what you need, and God gives you what you need. You can be fully confident with the judgments of God.

"Who would not acknowledge the right judgment of his piercing work? When the Lord's painful work separates us from our sin, weans us from the world, and brings us nearer to himself, what remains for us, but thankfully acknowledging his righteousness and truth?" Charles Bridges

- Lord Your Love Is Comforting

May your faithful love comfort me, as You promised Your servant. May Your compassion come to me so that I may live.

Several verses in this context have dealt with affliction, and troubles.

All the Psalmist needs, and all he asks for, is the love of God. The key thought here is regarding the mercy of God. The love of God alone can sustain in life's difficulties.

It is the compassion a father has for a child.

Lamentations 3:22ff

- Lord Your Instruction Is Delightful

I put my hope in your Word

Your instruction is my delight

I will meditate on your precepts

May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes

Delight & joy do not come from living on the surface of the Christian faith.

"Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." C.S. Lewis

We have to dig into God's Word for delight and direction.

It takes time to do this- the hurried life is one of the greatest hindrances to spiritual growth. Our enemy fights against us, and his best weapons are those that appeal to our flesh.

The spiritual fruit of your life reveals the inner quality of your life with God.

- Lord Encourage Others By My Testimony

Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with their lies

Let those who fear You, those who know Your decrees, turn to me

We need the persevering power of God in our lives so that our testimony will speak to others of the faithfulness and of the glory of God.

Your standing firm can be an encouragment to others in difficulty.

May my heart be blameless!

Who am I?

2011-05-17T20:45:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Chronicles 29

King David, the man after God's own heart, was not permitted to build the Temple of God. He was a man of war, and God restricted him from doing so but permitted him to gather the materials for it to be built. The leaders of Israel gave to the work of the Lord willingly. The people followed and also gave willingly with rejoicing, wholeheartedly to the Lord and David rejoiced.

David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly:

Praise be to you, O Lord, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.

Then King David asked a key question- But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?

He recognized several key truths:

1) Everything we have comes from the hand of God v14

2) Our days on earth are limited v15

3) God tests the heart and is pleased with our integrity. v17

4) God's power is the source of our wholehearted devotion. v19

Everything we have is from the grace of God. The greatest gift that God has given us is the gift of His Son. He is the Treasure of eternity. He is worthy of our complete devotion!

Prayer: Almighty God, You are the Creator of the heavens and the earth. Everything comes from Your gracious hand. My days on this earth are limited. Teach me to be a good steward of all that You have entrusted to me. Test my heart, that I would have pure motives in my surrender to You. Empower me to be fully surrendered in service to You. For the glory of Jesus.

The Surpassing Value of Knowing Jesus

2011-05-15T15:59:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: Philippians 3:1-11

We spend our lives accumulating things that are important to us, things that we value. When the storms of life hit, they uncover what we value the most. The Apostle Paul made a definitive statement in Philippians 3 about what every believer should value most.

I want to show you today in God's Word, how to embrace the surpassing value of knowing Jesus. This should cause each of us to search our hearts and to ask God to examine us, to see if Jesus is truly our surpassing value.

Look out! vv1-3

Paul said he was writing to protect the believers. Why do we need protection? Because there are enemies of the Gospel. Enemies who distract us by focusing our affections away from Jesus.

If you look out for what is false, you can know what is true and eternally valuable.

Those in a right relationship with God in Christ, the true believers, serve by the Spirit of God, Glory in Christ Jesus, and put no confidence in the flesh.

Look back! vv4-6

Paul looks back to his past to make a dramatic point about what is really valuable. v4 I once also had confidence in the flesh. You think you have confidence in the flesh? I also once had confidence in the flesh.

He speaks of His religious heritage, His religious resume- circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the Tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of the Hebrews, a Pharisee, zealous and persecuting the church, blameless regarding the righteousness of the law.

The turning point- vv7-8

The turning point for Paul was his conversion when he came to faith in Christ. This was his testimony.

Has there been a turning point in your life?

Religious activity and religious resumes are worthless in the sight of a holy God.

Paul said, I count them as filth, rubbish, dung, excrement.

Everything people prize- position, power, possessions- are a pile of excrement when compared to the value of being right with God.

The key to Paul's recognizing the worthlessness of human achievement- He met Jesus, the One of infinite worth!

Have you met Jesus? Have you come to know the One of infinite worth?

Look up! vv8-11

Verse 8 is an intimate statement of faith.

Knowing- indicates a personal relationship. There is a difference between knowing about, and knowing.

A summary of the Christian faith. . . to know Christ:

Righteousness that comes from God. . . based on faith (Justification)

The power of His resurrection, fellowship of His sufferings, conformed to His death (Sanctification)

The resurrection from the dead (Glorification)

You must actively pursue the surpassing value of knowing Jesus.

Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure buried in a field that a man found and reburied. In joy he went and sold everything he had and bought the field. He also spoke of the Kingdom of Heaven like a merchant in search of fine pearls. He found one priceless pearl, and went and sold everything he had and bought it.

Is Jesus the surpassing value of your life?

Growing God Glorifying Children

2011-05-08T16:52:00.003-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 127

We have a sacred responsibility that has been entrusted to us by God with our families. He gives direction on managing that responsibility faithfully.

Appreciate your children as blessings.

Heritage= legacy, inheritance, rooted in the generosity of another.

James 1:17. . . every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.

Children are a gift from God, and they are to be appreciated, and treated with care.

Reward= fruit, provision

If children are a heritage, the only thing you will really leave behind that will live on, how do you grow God glorifying children?

Build the lives of your children with purpose.

You can build for the Lord, and what you build will last.
You can build for yourself, and it will be in vain.

Matthew 22:37,39 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. . .Love your neighbor as yourself.

Living for God must be both modeled and taught.

The comparison of arrows in a quiver is an important one.

Build into the lives of your children a love for God, love for others, and guide them by the Word of God. Protect, shape, discipline, and direct them.

Release your children to live for God.

A lot of parents seem not to understand this principle. Too many are overbearing, overprotective, even living their lives vicariously through their children.

There is a clear spiritual contrast in Scripture between the life of Samuel the Prophet and son of Hannah, and the lives of Hophni and Phineas, sons of Eli.

From before Samuel's birth, his mother Hannah dedicated him to God.

I Samuel 1:11 I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life.

I Samuel 2:11 The boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

Dedicated from before his birth, trained in the ways of the Lord, a life lived for God.

Eli's sons are a stark contrast. Apparently they lacked direction and discipline.

I Samuel 2:12 Eli's sons were wicked men, they had no regard for the Lord.

They slept with women who came to the Temple to offer sacrifices. They took sacrifices that were brought to the Temple, for themselves.

I Samuel 4:11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli's sons, Hophni and Phineas, died.

Teach your children to live for God, then release them to do what you prepared them to do. You and they will be blessed!

Are you growing God glorifying children?

A 10 Year Old Girl On Mission

2011-05-04T08:19:00.002-04:00

Cross Lanes Baptist has been partnering on mission with the Bamboo Circuit of Baptist Churches in St. Ann Parish, Jamaica since 2004 as a part of our international mission strategy. Pastor Crosbert Smith is responsible for shepherding four rural congregations in the hills there. Needless to say, he has much work to do. We work with him to evangelize the communities, and strengthen the churches. God has blessed us to see much spiritual fruit, and the people have been a great encouragement to us.

All three of my children have participated in local and regional mission projects through the years. Three years ago, my son Nathan traveled with me on his first international mission trip at the age of 8, to Jamaica. Nathan has been studying a foreign language and is eagerly awaiting his first mission to East Asia.

This year, my 10-year old daughter Sophia traveled with me to Jamaica. She worked with age 5 and under children in VBS. She was a tremendous blessing to have along. She shared the Gospel at every opportunity she had, and was right alongside of me as we had the opportunity to lead several older children to Jesus. Our team held VBS in two churches, and preached in all of the churches.

Sophia loves people and is passionate about sharing the Gospel. She took a journal along with her to remember the mission. She gave me permission to read it, and also to share a few of her thoughts. The following are excerpts of her thoughts, unedited.

"We are on the plane to Jamaica. I am so excited. This is my first out of country trip and well, let's just say I can't wait."

"Today was the first day we worked with the children. It was totally awesome."

"At the end of today at Mt. Zion, the kids sang a farewell song and shook our hands and hugged us. I was kind of sad to leave but I realized that was selfish of me."

"When we arrived at Sturgetown, God opened my eyes and brought me into the real world not my world."

"It was awesome working with the kids. I just feel like God really used me in a way that was physically possible for me."

"The trip really opened my eyes. I realized that we are extremely blessed and have more than we need."

"I have become closer to the Lord."

I cannot think of a better way to instill a passion for God, for the Gospel, and for the nations in a child, than to actually engage them in the work. I am thankful for the resources that God provided to make this possible. I look forward to taking my youngest child on her first international mission.

Proclaim The Glory of the Risen Lord

2011-04-24T15:23:00.003-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Timothy 3:14-16

God's household- the family of God, God is our Father, we are His children

Church of the Living God- literally the Living God's church.

The pillar and foundation of truth- the church does not determine the truth it declares the truth.

Most certainly- this is our common confession, beyond questions these are the things we believe

Mystery of godliness . . . is great- this is the truth about the faith that has been revealed.

What follows is an early hymn of the faith, containing several key truths about the Glory of the Lord Jesus, the story of salvation.

So that people will know, we proclaim the glory of the Risen Lord.

Proclaim His Life

He was manifested (revealed, shown to)- at a particular moment in time, God stepped out of eternity and into time.

Incarnation> Not Creation> But Introduction

In the flesh- he took on all of the human nature, yet He was without sin.

Proclaim His Death

Justified (vindicated, declared righteous)- He demonstrated in His life, and death that He was approved by God

Difference between overlooking sin and dealing with sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Romans 3:25-26

Our Lord gave His life for the guilty, He paid the penalty, God has accepted what His Son did on Calvary.

The Spirit- active in the conception, baptism, temptation, and resurrection of Jesus

Proclaim His Resurrection

Foretold in prophecy, Jesus proclaimed it, people witnessed the Risen Lord.

Seen by angels (observed, attended to)- "seen" is used in I Cor 15 of the resurrection appearance of Jesus.

Angels are intensely interested in the entirety of the redemption story. I Peter 1:12

Angels were involved before His conception, at His incarnation, at His temptation in the wilderness.

Angels were accessible to Jesus- Matt 26:53

Angels were present when Jesus was taken up into glory. Acts 1:9-11

There are several implications of the resurrection- Romans 8:10-11

- Indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit
- Assurance of the Return of Jesus
- Promise of our Future Resurrection

Because of the death of Jesus you can look back and not be afraid. Because of the resurrection of Jesus you can look forward and not be afraid.

Preached among the Gentiles- the nations
Believed on in the world.

Where truth is proclaimed people will believe.

Will you believe?

Greater Things Are Still To Be Done

2011-04-17T15:16:00.007-04:00

Greater Things Campaign Video

Scripture Focus: John 13:36-14:18

Will we step out on faith and see God do the greater things through us?

Three aspects of the teaching of Jesus that we need to take hold of:

1) Jesus prepared for our future.

Jesus was approaching the end of His years on the earth. He was preparing to leave, to go back to the Father.

Jesus prepared for us and has shown us the way to believe- through His incarnation, life, works, and sacrifice.

2) Jesus promises greater things in the present.

v12 is a staggering claim. Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, showed His power over nature by walking on the water, He fed the 5000 with five loaves and two fish, He boldly rebuked the religious establishment with the Word of Truth.

Those who follow will do this and more?

Key to understanding this- Jesus was not indicating the works would be more spectacular, or of greater power.

Not greater in kind, but greater in scope.

Jesus' earthly ministry took place in a relatively small geographic area. Crowds followed Him, but for the most part He was rejected. Jesus gave the Great Commission which is further insight into the teaching in John.

Acts 1:8

When the Holy Spirit came upon them, on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus' teaching literally began to be fulfilled. There was explosive growth with thousands being saved that one day, and then the work multiplied concentrically from there.

Why did Jesus come? Luke 19:10

The focus of the greater things is on the redemptive mission of Jesus- to rescue from Hell and deliver to the Father in Heaven. God blesses us to be a part of His redemptive mission.

3) Jesus provides power for the greater things.

There is power in faith.

Faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.

Believes- present tense, keep on believing.

There is power in the name of Jesus.

v13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it. . . v14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Asking in Jesus' name is trusting in Him as Savior. I Tim 2:5

There is power in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was preparing His disciples to live, work, and minister without Him. They leaned on Him, sought His guidance, and depended on Him as they ministered.

Jesus in His humanity was not omnipresent. But God in Spirit is omnipresent, and indwells every believer in Jesus to empower us for the mission. Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches, apart from Him we can do nothing.

v15 If you love Me, keep My commandments.

"Growing God's Forever Family" John 15:5

What will the work of Cross Lanes Baptist church look like 5 years from now?

Connect in Worship

Connect in Small Groups

Connect in Ministry

Connect in Mission

It was May 32, 1792 and messengers from 24 associated churches in Nottingham gathered at the Friar Lane Baptist Chapel to hear reports of prayer and signs of revival, to pray, and to discuss business. The preacher that morning was William Carey, a 31-year old shoe repairman, who pastored a small Baptist church. His goal was to stir the people to take the Gospel to foreign lands.

His text? Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the site of your tent, and let your tent curtains be stretched out, do not hold back, lengthen your ropes, and drive your pegs deep.

The crescendo of the sermon came in these six words:

Expect great things. Attempt great things.

The resolution came forth from the gathering the next day. The society would initially consist of only 14 men, all but one virtually unknown. They later appointed two men to be missionaries to India, one of whom was Carey. He would preach in India for 7 years before seeing his first convert.

By the time he died in 1834. . .

Translated the Bible into 34 Asian languages.

Compiled numerous dictionaries in the respective languages.

Started an influential college.

Began a weekly publication that is still in print today.

Printed the first modern Indian newspaper.

Carey is considered the father of the modern missions movement.

Why? Because He expected great things from God and attempted great things for God.

Will we?

William Henry Harrison

2011-04-14T07:30:00.004-04:00

Old Tippecanoe: William Henry Harrison and His Time, by Freeman Cleaves (American Political Biography Press, Newton, CT, 2010)

I took a hiatus for awhile from reading presidential biographies due my workload. I recently read this work by Freeman Cleaves. Harrison is one of the least known of all American Presidents and information on him is limited. He was born in 1773 in Virginia to a prominent family, and lived to 1841.

Harrison was an early frontier leader. His public service included being a Territorial Delegate of the Northwest Territory, Governor of the Indiana Territory, and US Representative and Senator.

Harrison is best known for his efforts in leading US Forces against the Indians, and his service earned him the nickname "Old Tippecanoe" in 1811.

He and his wife Anna had ten children, nine of whom survived to adulthood.

He ran as a Whig Candidate and was elected as President of the United States in 1841. His inauguration address was one hour and forty minutes long. The length of his address is fitting, since he holds the designation of the shortest time in office of any American President. He came down with a cold and died exactly one month after his going into office, of pneumonia.

Some notable quotes from Harrison:

We admit of no Government by divine right, believing that so far as power is concerned the Beneficent Creator has made no distinction amongst men; that all are upon an equality, and that the only legitimate right to govern is an express grant of power from the governed.

I deem the present occasion sufficiently important and solemn to justify me in expressing to my fellow citizens a profound reverence for the Christian religion and a thorough conviction that sound morals, religious liberty and a just sense of religious responsibility are essentially connected with all true and lasting happiness; and to that good Being who has blessed us by the gifts of civil and religious freedom, who watched over and prospered the labors of our fathers and has hitherto preserved to us institutions far exceeding in excellence those of any other people, let us unite in fervently commending every interest of our beloved country in all future time.

I contend that the strongest of all governments is that which is most free.

There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.

Renewal By God

2011-04-13T14:05:00.001-04:00

I have had the theme of renewal on my mind lately. As a church we are in the final stages of completing the renovation and renewal of our Worship Center. My family also recently purchased, and moved into a home that has been completely renovated over the past several months.

It is amazing to watch the process. At the beginning, the old is torn out, and hauled away. Then, in a dramatic process, the new is brought in and everything is transformed. The newness is refreshing and invigorating.

God does a work in our lives when we come to Him in faith, that is far greater, and is permanent in nature, unlike the renewals and renovations we complete in this world.

Titus 3:5-7 He saved us- not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.

God, saves those who believe by grace, and according to mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. We become heirs with the promise of eternal life. I am thankful for salvation through Jesus Christ, the regenerating and renewing power of the Holy Spirit, and the ongoing transformation into Christlikeness that takes place through Him!

The Work of the Messiah

2011-04-10T15:12:00.003-04:00

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 52:13 through Chapter 53

God revealed to His prophet Isaiah the Gospel of Jesus Christ 700 years before the Messiah was born. Isaiah 53 is called a Servant Song and it tells about the Messiah.

3 Aspects of the Work of the Messiah Jesus:

1. The Messiah came to serve us.

52:13 My Servant

Religion says do something for God. Christianity says, God has done something for you.

2. The Messiah came to suffer for us.

He suffered for our griefs, sicknesses, and sorrows. He endured our pains. He was holy, innocent, and undefiled.

3. The Messiah came to save us.

v5 is the turning point because in it we come face to face with the mirror to our souls. We see ourselves close up and it should shock us into reality.

He was pierced for our transgressions, crushed because of our iniquities, punishment for our peace was on Him, and we are healed by His wounds.

Jesus endured the cross to save my sinful soul.

Sin separates- v6 We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way; and the Lord has punished Him for the iniquity of us all.

Messiah came as the susbstitute and gave His life willingly.

It is at the cross that justice and mercy meet face to face.

The situation is clear- either we pay for our own sins, or we depend on the one who is qualified and accepted by God to deal with our sins. Salvation by substitution, Jesus taking our sins upon Himself is pure grace!

Conclusion-

The will of God is certain. v10 The will of the Lord will succeed by His hand.

The will of God is that people be saved. v12 I will give Him the many as a portion.

How can I receive this gift of salvation? John 1:12 But to all who did receive Him, He gave the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.

The Power of God's Gospel

2011-04-03T18:55:00.002-04:00

Scripture Focus: Romans 16:21-27

The focus is on God- v25 Now to Him who has power

The theme is the Gospel- v25 According to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ

Gospel= Good News

The revelation of the Gospel teaches us three truths from this passage:

1. The Gospel has the power to save.

2. The Gospel has the power to make strong.

3. The Gospel has the power to send.

To God be the glory forever!

Radical Together- Book Review

2011-03-31T23:51:00.002-04:00

Radical Together: Unleashing the People of God For the Purpose of God,

by David Platt

David Platt's follow-up to his book Radical is challenging, compelling, and thought provoking. In Radical, he challenges believers to take their faith back from the American Dream. In Radical Together, the focus shifts to the body of Christ working together for the glory of God. Platt utilizes his personal journey of faith, and his experience in leading The Church At Brook Hills in Birmingham.

The thesis of the book is stated in the introduction: "I want to consider what happens or can happen when we apply the revolutionary claims and commands of Christ to our commitment of faith." The thesis forms the foundation from which six ideas are presented, forming the outline of the book.

Platt writes with a humble and engaging style, and uses compelling imagery and illustrations. The strength of the book is in the questions he asks, based on the Word of God. His writing is principle oriented, and rather than offer a cookie cutter, one size fits all solution, the book drives the reader to the Word of God and to dependence on the Spirit of God for guidance. Great questions are presented that will help churches evaluate where they are in their mission, where God is leading, and how to be obedient.

The author has an uncompromised conviction about the authority of the Word of God in the church and the centrality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He asks this question- "Do we want to see our Savior surrounded by a throng comprised of representatives from every nation, tribe, language, and people giving Him the glory He is due?" There is a bold passion for the glory of God, and to reach the peoples, the nations, who are lost in darkness.

According to Platt, the compelling vision of Gospel obedience for the glory of God should form all other priorities for the church. In the conclusion he asks this question, "How can we in the church best unleash the people of God in the Spirit of God with the Word of God for the glory of God in the world?" It is a question all churches would do well to ask, answer, and then respond to in obedience. I highly recommend this book by David Platt.

The copy of the book that I received is a pre-release copy, and there is no Discussion Guide included, but there will be in the release copies, available April 19th.

Note: This book was reviewed through Waterbrook Multnomah's Blogging for Books . I received a free copy of the book.

Am I content?

2011-03-30T20:35:00.017-04:00

Scripture Focus- Psalm 119:57-64

This passage helps us understand how to arrive at a state of contentment in our lives.

1. Find contentment in the Lord. vv57-58

2. Faithfully live according to the commandments of the Lord. vv59-60

3. Follow with consistency the way of the Lord. vv61-64

Contentment is found in the Lord, His commandments, and His faithful love.

What is the sound I hear?

2011-03-29T09:13:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: I Samuel 15:1-16:23

I read this passage early this morning in personal devotion and I want to share some thoughts on it. Samuel the prophet was sent with a message from the Lord to Saul. The Lord intended to punish the Amalekites for what they had done to Israel. The Scripture says they waylaid Israel as they came up from Egypt.

The message from the Lord was for Saul to lead the people out, and to totally destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them. This was judgment from God. So Saul gathered his men and went to the city of Amalek. The Kenites were nearby and Saul told them to scatter so they would not be involved in it. So they moved away from the Amalekites. Saul and his army attacked.

Yet something curious happened. Somewhere between the command that came from the Lord, and the action that followed, Saul decided he was going to do it his way, rather than be obedient to the Lord. He took Agag king of the Amalekites alive. Saul and his army also spared the best of the sheep and cattle, the fat calves and the lambs- everything that was good. They destroyed the weak, and spared the strong for their own benefit.

The Lord spoke again to Samuel and said "I am grieved that I have made Saul king because he has turned away from Me and not carried out the instructions he was given." Samuel was troubled, and he cried out to the Lord through the night.

The next day came and Samuel went to talk to Saul. Here, the story digresses even further. Saul had gone to Carmel and set up a monument in his own honor, and gone on down to Gilgal. Samuel found him and Saul indicated he had carried out the Lord's instructions.

Then the questions came from Samuel. . .

"What then is this bleating of sheep in my ears?"

"What is this lowing of cattle that I hear?"

Saul began to explain himself. He said, "the soldiers brought them, they spared the best to sacrifice to the Lord your God."

Samuel said, "Stop! Let me tell you what the Lord said." He reminded him of the commandment of God and asked this question- "Why did you not obey the Lord?" Saul countered, "but I did obey the Lord."

Samuel said, "Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry."

The Lord rejected Saul as king. Saul began to backpedal and made an attempt to confess. But the situation had gone too far. Samuel said, "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind."

Saul had rejected the Word of the Lord and as Samuel turned to leave, Saul grabbed hold of his robe and it tore. Samuel told Saul that God had torn the kingdom of Israel from him that day.

Samuel followed through with what Saul was supposed to have done, and executed Agag the king of the Amalekites. Samuel would not see Saul again, and the Lord was grieved.

This passage of Scripture hit me like a ton of bricks this morning. I thought of how many times in my life that I have served myself, and been partially obedient to the Lord, and then convinced myself that I had obeyed. Partial obedience is nothing more than disobedience. We can make excuses, and qualify our actions, but God sees into the heart.

How often, metaphorically speaking, does the Lord hear the sounds of sheep bleating, and cattle lowing in the background of our lives after He has told us to do something and we partially obey? Disobedience to the Lord is a very serious matter. It is compared here the sin of divination and the arrogance of idolatry. We need to pray for a pure heart, and the power to obey God fully, and serve Him faithfully.

This is my prayer:

Almighty God, you are Lord and King of my life. Forgive me for the times that I have known Your leading, and then partially obeyed. Thank you for grace, thank you for Jesus. Give me a heart to fully follow You in all that I do. May I never hold back what is best for myself, and then arrogantly call it a sacrifice to You. I pray that there would be no sounds of disobedience in my life. Help me by the power of Your Spirit to serve You faithfully. In Jesus' name.

Watch Out For Divisive People

2011-03-27T18:35:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus- Romans 16:17-20

There is an important warning sounded in this passage of Scripture. The urgency concerns doctrine, the battle for truth.

Three actions to take toward divisive people:

1. Guard against divisive people. v17a

Be on guard against the approach of divisive people to the church. Ezekiel 33:7-9

Be on guard against the dissensions of divisive people. Acts 20:29-31

Be on guard against the pitfalls of divisive people.

2. Avoid divisive people. v17b-18

Divisive people serve their own appetites. Philippians 3:18-19, Jude 12-13

Divisive people use smooth talk.

Divisive people deceive the unsuspecting. Matthew 7:15, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

3. Be wise yet innocent about divisive people. v19

Be wise about what is good.

Be innocent about what is evil.

It is critically important for the health of the local church, and for the followers of Jesus in it, to have three things clearly in place:

* A Statement of Faith regarding core beliefs from the Bible that set the standard for the church.

* A Biblical process of Church Discipline to deal with division, both doctrinal and interpersonal.

* Leaders who serve as watchmen on the wall.

The Hope Filled Promise V20

Revelation 20:10,13 Is your name written in the Book of Life?

There Is Strength In Sending

2011-03-25T08:10:00.001-04:00

I think sometimes in church life, we get caught in the trap of measuring our effectiveness by how many people are coming to the church. The better measure of effectiveness, is how many people are being sent, on mission for the Lord, into the world.

I was reflecting today on the number of people who have been sent from Cross Lanes Baptist Church to various places around the world in recent years, to follow God's calling on their lives.

The following are a few people we have sent out. We have been privileged to invest in their lives in some way. . .

- A Student Pastor serving in another state.

- A Military Chaplain serving in the Middle East

- A Church Planter serving in West Virginia.

- An International Missionary family preparing to go to South Asia later this year.

- A college graduate, currently in East Asia for the semester, preparing for seminary in the fall.

- A current college student, praying for clear direction for preparation for international missions.

- An Interim Pastor serving in state, seeking God's long term plan for his ministry.

- Several individuals studying for ministry and preparing for the assignment God has for them in the near future.

Many other families have served at CLBC through the years in various ministries, and then been called to other places for job relocations and other life circumstances. Our investment in these people is just as significant in the Kingdom of God, as those who are following a vocational ministry path.

Additionally, as Southern Baptists we have the opportunity to partner together to send thousands of missionaries across the globe to make the glory of Jesus known to the world.

I have noticed something very important as we continue to send people out. We never lack at home. God always provides the people and the resources we need to do the work He has called us to do. The church is a river, not a reservoir. God has a funny way of doing math. What is subtraction in our eyes, if done with a kingdom purpose in mind, is multiplication in the eyes of God!

There is strength in sending.

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: Who should I send? Who will go for Us? I said: Here I am. Send me.

We Do Well To Listen To Wise Leaders

2011-03-24T07:30:00.045-04:00

I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Charles Roesel preach earlier this week at North Charleston Baptist Church, at a Pioneer Baptist Association Event. Dr. Roesel is Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Florida. His ministry has spanned more than five decades. His ministry at First Baptist Leesburg, Florida became a model for the nation in Ministry Evangelism. The principles he preaches are biblical, and timeless. He has been a blessing to many.

My friend Matt Shamblin, Pastor of North Charleston Baptist Church posted the MP3 of the message.

Listen to Sermon Here

I took some notes from his message, and want to share them with you. The quotes are in no particular order, but were gleaned from his message, and ministry testimony.

"As long as the church ministers to hurting people it will never lack an audience."

"We live in a nation where you have a better chance at survival on death row than you do in your mother's womb."

"Ministry is not an elective, it is a Divine mandate of God."

"One word that characterizes the Christian faith, is compassion."

"If we are going to reach this world for Jesus Christ, we are going to have to try some new stuff. We don't like change."

"We need to learn to do the old, unusually well."

"We are not the enemy. We should join together as one body."

"You can encourage your pastor into littleness, or encourage him to greatness."

"Never ask, can we afford it? Ask, is it God's will? If it's God's will we can afford it."

"We should quit giving the hurting the leftovers, we should make our ministry first class."

In reference to Elijah- "A God who cannot burn wet wood is no good. God does not have to have ideal circumstances to work."

"I do not believe in missions. I believe in one mission. We start here and we don't stop until the whole world has heard."

Amen, and amen!

Remember

2011-03-23T20:57:00.000-04:00

Scripture Focus: Psalm 119:49-56

(There was inclement weather preceding the service tonight. I think due to temporary power outage, something reset and audio did not record properly. So there is no audio for this message)

To remember is to bring back before the conscious mind things which exist in the memory. The Psalmist was tired from affliction, tired from the arrogance of his enemies, tired from righteous indignation, in need of a song, couldn't sleep, but remembered God and what He had done.

The imagery in the Psalm is of a pilgrimage, a journey- "my earthly life" v54

We are to be on a Word focused, God centered, Jesus honoring, Spirit empowered journey during this earthly life.

1) God remembers. vv49-50

Remember in this context= to pay attention to, to work on behalf of. God remembers us to do good to us, to bless us.

Hebrews 8:12; 10:16-18

God's remembering is not based on your worthiness- "Your servant" is a statement of unworthiness based on a covenant relationship with the Lord.

The Psalmist had hope because of the promises of God.

The Word of God brings comfort in times of affliction- v50 Comfort, the same word used in Psalm 23 of God as our Shepherd.

2) I Remember vv51-53

The Sovereignty of God and the Responsibility of Man are interwoven. It is not enough for God to remember His Word. God remembering us, empowers our remembering God.

Arrogant= scoffers, refusing to submit to God, thinking they are autonomous.

Proverbs 3:34

I do not turn away from your instruction- Not sinless perfection, but the pattern of his life.

v53 Rage seizes me- we tend to either be desensitized by sin or disgusted at sin.

Jesus wept over Jerusalem and we should weep over those who reject God, and point them to the only hope, found in Jesus.

3) I Obey. vv54-56

Your statutes- the whole counsel of God's truth.

Blessings come to the obedient. The heart of the Psalmist is to obey God, and even to sing with joy as he does it. A thankful, singing heart reflects joy.

Affliction is not reserved for Christians, but true joy in affliction is.

v56 This is my practice- I obey Your precepts.

The Word of God has the ability to transform, comfort, and encourage.

Parenting Is Difficult

2011-03-21T23:10:00.000-04:00

Parenting is difficult. Some of the greatest joys in life are found in it, as well as some of the most trying moments in life. We rejoice when our children rejoice, we weep when our children weep. Parenting is a permanent assignment. It is second only to marriage, in the role it plays in shaping and growing us to be more like Jesus. Often we think the lessons we learn in parenting are about how to shape our children and of course they are. Yet God teaches us some powerful lessons about who we are, and about who He is through parenting.

I want to share with you a few lessons I have learned (and that I am still learning) as the father of three children:

1) I am often reminded of the wretched and sinful nature of the human heart.

Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things. And desperately wicked; Who can know it?

We see the best of ourselves in our children, and we see the worst of ourselves in our children. Nobody has to teach a child to sin, it is in the nature of every human being. We are fallen creatures, in need of God's intervention to rescue us.

2) I see the desperate need for redemption.

Left to our own demise, our sin nature leads to eternal separation from God. Jesus delivers us from the slavery and bondage of sin.

Romans 3:23-24 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Our children need to be guided not only to accept the redemption that Jesus offers, but to live it.

3) I recognize that we all are in need of God's ongoing grace.

Who among is us without sin? Who among us is not in need of God's grace every day?

I John 1:8-10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

The grace of God that saves, is the grace that sanctifies, and the grace that sustains.

Teach your children to walk with God. Don't settle for just telling them to do so. Teach them how and why. Children who know the Lord, should be taught the value of living a repentant life. When they fall into sin and error, follow the example of our Heavenly Father. He permits us to experience the temporal consequences of sin, and the tears and pain that it brings. Yet He offers full and free forgiveness to all who come to Him in repentance. God readily restores and teaches us lasting lessons about love.

A parent's prayer. . .

Heavenly Father, thank you for grace that is beyond measure. Children are created in Your image and they are precious in Your sight. Parenting is difficult and tests my faith nearly every day. Grant me the wisdom I need to guide and shape my children as passionate followers of Jesus. Give me the boldness I need to discipline my children when necessary, and love them as You have first loved me. Thank You, Father for the lessons you teach me about myself, and about You, through the gift of parenting. In Jesus' name.

PBA On Mission Celebration

2011-03-18T11:12:00.003-04:00

Southern Baptist Missionaries from around the world are coming to the Pioneer Baptist Association March 19-21 for our On Mission Celebration, our first one in five years.

The weekend begins with a Missions Walk Around at 4 p.m. on Sat., March 19 at Good Shepherd. This is an opportunity for you to meet and talk with 21 missionaries serving with the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists, the North American Mission Board, and the International Mission Board.

There will be an evening rally featuring the 21 missionaries and a message from Dr. Sammy Gilbreath, from Alabama. Dr. Gilbreath has a very rare heart condition and has been sharing a message around the country entitled, "Living Like You Are Dying." He will be kicking off our weekend sharing the message that has inspired thousands in the United States. On Sunday, March 20, the missionaries will be in all of the churches in the Pioneer Baptist Association.

The event concludes on Monday March 21 at 7 p.m. at North Charleston Baptist Church with our annual Spring Celebration of Praise. Dr. Charles Roesel, who served First Baptist Church, Leesburg, Florida for 30 years, led that church to start numerous ministries during his time there including a free medical clinic, feeding ministries, after school program, alcohol and drug abuse ministries, women’s crisis housing and men’s crisis housing. He will be challenging our churches to go outside the walls of the church.

Patrick, Missionary to Ireland

2011-03-17T09:34:00.000-04:00

An interesting article by Susan Verstraete

Click Here to Read the Article