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         

Contentment – Not a Dirty Word

1. Hayden 11-24-19

In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul addresses the church thanking them for the gifts that they had collected on his behalf. He was not necessarily in need of the gift they had given, in fact he goes on to say that very thing to them. But he was thankful for their generosity and the blessing that was attributed to their account for showing Christ’s love in their giving. The Scripture reads thusly, ¹⁰ ”But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:10-13).

Contentment—what a word for growth! When the Apostle writes to the Church at Philippi and tells them that he “can do all things in Christ”, it is in reference to being content no matter what the circumstances may be in our own personal lives. Paul declares that no matter the circumstances that surround him or what the state of his economics may be, he will live in contentment and joy regardless. In fact, the Book of Philippians is known as The Epistle of Joy; being joyful whether good or bad may knock on your door. It is in Philippians that we read such things as “Rejoice in the Lord always”, “Be anxious for nothing”, and “by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7).

Peace, love, joy, and relatedly so, contentment are to be what the world sees when viewing God’s Church throughout the whole year, and especially at Christmas time. As we enter the season of gift giving and gift receiving, let us remember that having Christ in our hearts and family at our side is the most precious gift we can give to ourselves and those we love. Mark Twain wrote a famous quote that was later adapted to the film “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The quote goes like this, “No man (“No one” in the movie) is a failure who has friends.” And if you think you don’t have a friend in the world, you are wrong. As your Church family, we want to be here for you. But One who knows you the best, loves you the most. Jesus Christ wants to be the friend of every man, woman, and child in the world. And a better friend no one could ever have! That fact only should make us content in all things. Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Be blessed even more!!

Pastor Chris