Interesting Times

1. Hayden 2-10-20

We sure do live in interesting times. With news of the impeachment acquittal behind us, the upheaval in the relationship change among European nations (Brexit), the rising angst surrounding our next election, proposals for peace in the Middle East on the table, and now with a 10-week extension of professional football through the newly formed XFL, we are left to wonder what is next around the corner. Well what is next around the corner? It is not always clear what may be lurking just beyond eyesight and earshot, but we certainly are experiencing an increasing interest in apocalyptic knowledge. Many people are asking, what in the world is going on?

David Jeremiah, one of the foremost and well respected teacher of end-time events released a book in 1992 entitled, “The Handwriting on the Wall: Secrets From the Prophecies of Daniel.” In this offering Dr. Jeremiah reveals the Prophet Daniel and his cry to the children of Israel about what God is revealing to His people, just around the next corner. However, Daniel’s apocalyptic vision was not released only for the benefit of his generation. The Book of Daniel translates to our generation as well and begs a very important question. Do we see the handwriting on the wall? As Dr. Jeremiah puts it, “This is a time when all of God’s people need to keep their eyes and their Bibles wide open. We must ask God for discernment as never before.”

Well this is why end-time prophecy and Biblical revelation of future events are so important. Biblical prophecy helps us foster a sense of urgency in regards to taking our faith to those who do not know Christ. Quoting the good Dr. Jeremiah one more time, “My study of prophecy convinces me that God intends knowledge of future events to help us ‘occupy’ with a sense of urgency until the Lord returns.” Throughout Scripture we are told to “keep watch for you do not know the day or hour of your Master’s return” (Mark 13:35). The fact that we do not know when Christ is coming back should never give us a feeling that we have plenty of time to share our faith with others (or to receive Christ for ourselves), but that we may not have enough time for the Lord may be on the cusp of His return! Do you have that sense of urgency that time is slipping away and Christ may be returning just around the next corner? Interesting times indeed!

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris       

The Law of the Lord is Perfect

C. Hayden 1-12-20

I love the Scripture passage in Psalm 19, verses 7 through 8.  This passage declares, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. ⁸ The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” If anyone wants to know what converts the soul, it is spelled out right here.  It is not our great charisma, or programs, or talent. It is God’s Word that brings an individual to the point of salvation.  As we preach God’s Word and teach His statutes, the Holy Spirit opens the heart of a receptive unbeliever, enlightening them to their sinful condition and revealing the way to everlasting life through the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The New Testament confirms the importance of God’s Word in a person’s conversion.  In Hebrews 4:12 we read, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” This verse reminds us that it is the Word of God that gives us the ability to decipher what is our own thinking from that which God is revealing to us.  It discerns human soul thoughts from God infused spiritual insight.  Through God’s Word we are able to separate and recognize the truth of God from the lies of the devil.  And doing so, are free to believe in Christ’s sacrifice, setting people free from the penalty of transgressing against God’s law. 

The law is good! Through the Word of God we are able to see our need for a Savior.  After the Holy Spirit convicts the non-believer of their transgression of the law, faith in Christ leads us to receive God’s grace through the Blood of Jesus Christ! While hearing God’s Word at first may taste bitter, being condemned by the Truth, through repentance the Word of God turns sweet as we humble ourselves before the Lord and become beneficiaries of the God’s grace through faith in the Savior: For it is by grace through faith that we are saved!  It is a beautiful thing! 

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris         

The Christmas Presence

C. Hayden 12-10-19

Brother Lawrence (Nicholas Herman), a 17^th century Friar, wrote one of the all time great Christian classic books on the subject of God’s presence in the life of the believer.  Titled “The Practice of the Presence of God,” Brother Lawrence’s work is a collection of letters and teachings examining what it means and ways we may achieve an awareness of God’s tangible presence in everyday life.  The Scriptures are clear that having an awareness of God’s abiding presence should be the norm for Christians and not the exception.

 In Mathew 1:21-23 we read about Joseph’s conversation with an Angel, “’She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means God with us).”

That’s right, Immanuel, God is with us.   Jesus confirmed this understanding that we may enjoy his presence when He said this, “’He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.’ ²² Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, ‘Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?’ ²³ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him’” (John 14:21-23 KJV).

This Christmas holiday, may we celebrate Christ our Lord with the understanding that He is with us in the midst of all of the activity and busyness we find ourselves in.  He is Immanuel and we can always recognize His presence if we choose to do so.  Not just in theory, but in the tangible real presence that the Holy Spirit provides.

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris