YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD!

Sorry for the typo’s in the earlier release.. I was tired and did not check it.

Thursday October 18, 2007 School Board Approves Birth Control Prescriptions at Maine Middle School (if you want to read the story follow this link http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,303058,00.html). To those of us who are spiritual this is not surprising nevertheless we morn over the poor choices our governing bodies make. To those without kids try to imagine someone giving any those children that you see on this site (look to the right) birth control. My children are 15, 12, 10 ( 10th, 6th, and 5th grade) it blows my mind to even imagine what they are facing everyday at school. Well this is not a shame on them speech or some pious pity party. I want to use this to stir up the body of Christ to continue to work in the vineyard until Christ returns. What happened in Maine can happen where ever you live, if it has not already. My brothers and sisters there is work to do and we have been charged to be salt and light in a dark world.

Jesus teaches in Matthew 5: 13-16

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus teaches that the church, the body of believers, is the salt of the earth. We are charged with teaching, and preserving the laws and commandments that God has set forth for us. As the church we are an example on how to live to those who are lost. Also we are to challenge false teaching and false philosophy that is abundant in this world. It would not surprise me that some of the school board members that voted for this consider themselves Christians. If we had an opportunity to speak with some of them they would probably say they had no choice in the face of the rising pregnancy rate in their school. We need to understand the world has no solutions to the problems of this world only God can save us from our sins and destructive behavior. Only the cross of Christ has the power to address teenage pregnancy, the rising teenage sexual activity or fornication of any kind. The decision to allow birth control in schools does not address the principle of sin and it was not intended to. It may cut the pregnancy rate in this district then again it may not. One thing it will do is ruin the lives of several young children because instead of hearing the message of abstinence this will be viewed as free pass to do whatever they want without consequence. I have middle school children and I am constantly reminding them to do basic things such as brush their teeth, take a bath, do homework, and other personal hygiene tasks that only those with children would understand. How can anyone expect a middle school child to handle contraceptive when they can barely remember to bring their jacket home everyday? As the church we have the answer and his name is Jesus. We should look among ourselves and explain what the bible teaches about sex and lead people to Christ. If there are young people in our communities and churches who are pregnant or who have children we should not ignore them but embrace them in the name of Jesus. Remember we are the light of the world. We are to let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

Choosing A Spouse

Some General Guidelines for Those Seeking a Mate.

I hope this helps but above all things WAIT ON GOD!

1. Young Man……Young Woman-----look for the opposite sex. NO same sex unions.

2. Believers marry other believers….it is a sin to develop a romantic relationship with unbelievers.

3. Look for biblical qualities

   1. Look for a Proverbs 31 woman, Look for a God fearing man.

   2. Does he/she love God’s word?

   3. Is he/she a student of God’s word?

   4. Is he/she teachable?

   5. Do you see this person demonstrating spiritual gifts you expect in a Christian?

   6. Can he/she take correction?

   7. Is there a drug problem? If so get them some help not a RING!

   8. Is he/she violent? If so get them some help not a RING!

   9. What is their relationship with their parents?

   10. How many sex partners has he/she had?

4. If you have Godly parents what do they think of that person?

   1. Do they welcome him or her?

   2. Do they think that this person is a wonderful compliment to your life?

   3. Do they think that this person is good for you and why?

5. What about your Godly friends or people in your Church.

   1. Do they think that this person is a compliment…or a cancer for you?

   2. Do they think that this person brings out the best in you?

   3. Are you a more faithful servant because of this person being in your life?

6. Do not rely on the quiver in you liver to tell you …….use your head as well as your heart.

   1. There should be things you like and dislike about that person. There should be evidence for and against marrying this person.

   2. This does not mean that you should not feel any romantic love for this person. We are assuming that as you are developing in the word of God, God will cause you to desire what He desires for you.

7. Note how things like sexual gratification, looks and money are not high on the list.

   1. We are not advocating marring someone who does not work or unattractive, but BIBLICAL priorities are important.

Take Me to the Water

Recently I had the unique privilege of baptizing my second son. It was a great event in my son's live as well as mine. I was so proud and honored to be a part of this great step in my son's life. I was more nervous that I have been in a long time in the pulpit. I believe the Holy Spirit is with his people all the time but He meets with his people in a special way at baptisms and the Lord's Supper. This naturally got me to thinking and reflecting about my baptism and meditating on baptism in general.

I was baptized in a pond in the back of a relatives house. That was the way it was for us growing up in the country. My family was and still is a member Clear Creek Missionary Baptist Church and at that time there was no money in the budget for a heated baptismal. So when it was time for baptism the deacons would scout out a place (there were several ponds used during this time) and depending on the conditions on the pond on was selected. The deacons would go out on a Saturday or early Sunday morning with sticks to mark off the boundaries so that no one would slip off in the deep end. Around seven or eight in the morning the members would gather at the dedicated place for Baptism. The Pastor would say a few words followed by that great hymn Take Me to the Water. How many remember that song? The Pastor would take the new convert in his hand and say “In obedience the great head of the church, I baptize you my brother/sister in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit”. The he would dunk him/her and the mothers of the church would swarm on you with about a million towels. I get excited just thinking about those times. I call that Old Time Religion!!! True old school!

Well however you were baptized in a pond, a puddle, or heated baptismal, baptism is truly special. One of the two ordinances Christ left for the Church until He returns. For me it is one of the first acts of sanctification that a believer does. I love the way the New Hampshire Baptist Confession of 1833 defines it:

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer , into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost ; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life ; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lord's Supper in which the members of the Church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ ; preceded always by solemn self-examination .

For my tradition this sums up my belief very well. Allow me to emphasis a few things that will encourage us.

1. Baptism is the immersion of believers. The water does not save the Holy Spirit does. I believe that one is saved before baptize. This is an act of sanctification not justification. Romans 10:10 teaches with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

2. Primary New Testament text:

   1. Romans 6.3ff This is a central discussion of the function of baptism. Paul is not talking about the deed of baptism but what it symbolizes. NOTE: the following is not about the physical act but the spiritual baptism that it symbolizes.

      • “Baptizo” the word refers to having an overwhelming influence. It doesn’t mean to be “dunked” in this case, but to have a pervasive influence, controlling power over something. The physical act is symbolizing the actual relationship. Baptism symbolizes the controlling, influencing, pervasive power of Christ. In baptism we are:

        • 6.4 “We are buried together with Him”

        • 6.5 “We are united with Him”

        • 6.6 “We are crucified together with Him”

      • Union with Christ causes the change.

   2. Baptism is connected with union with Christ; we are connected with Him in His death and resurrection.

3. Central Meaning of Baptism - It is a sign of God’s covenant promise to faith of salvation through union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Its administration proclaims God’s promise and is a public acknowledgment that the recipient has a place in the covenant community.

Remember in the tough times that we are joined with Christ. It is imperative that we look nowhere else and rely on nothing else than Christ for our salvation and strength in time of need.

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

Driving home this week I noticed this picture in front of a church. I drove passed and immediately turned around to make sure my eyes were not deceiving me. BAPTICOSTAL? I guess this is a mix between Baptist theology and Pentecostalism. Baptist theology and Pentecostalism may have some small similarities but the heart of their beliefs are fundamentally different. So what we have here are some confused people trying to make up some denomination out of two existing ones. That is like saying your are a republicrate or demoblican the two do not mix. This prompted me to write about this in order to challenge and encourage you to -KNOW WHAT YOU ARE AND WHY YOU ARE WHAT YOU ARE. What do I mean by that? If you are Baptist, Pentecostal, or some other denomination take the time find out what your church believes. Take the time to examine your church creeds and doctrines. Simply put know the theology of your church.

When we were children we went to church with our parents, but we are the parents and adults now. So we have to pass along to our children and others why we do what we do. If you attend a Baptist church do you know why? Are you familiar with the articles of faith? If you attend a Non-denomination church do you know the principles and doctrines on which it is organized. Denomination is generally defined as a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices. So it is fundamental that you know the beliefs and practices that your particular church is unified in.

Now one question that always been asked is, “why are their so many denominations?” Another common question is, “do denominations really matter?” These are valid questions and they speak to a person's understanding or lack there of. There are so many denominations and churches because there are many ways to organize. Some are scriptural and some are not. Denominations matter because the principles a church chooses to organize around define that church. So if your church is unified around something that is not scriptural that should matter to you if your aim is to please Christ.

People also ask me, “why can't we just preach Jesus and not worry with doctrine?” I believe you cannot preach Jesus without doctrine (Jesus himself taught and preached doctrine Mt 16:12, Mark 1:27, John 7:16 etc..). Just consider all the difference beliefs and practices surrounding the Lord's Supper and baptism which are all ordinances from Jesus himself. This whole discussion revolves around this, we are not free to approach God or worship God any way we choose. WE MUST WORSHIP GOD ON HIS TERMS! Jesus has taught us if anyone would come after him, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow him. From beginning to end it all about God not about us. Therefore we must examine the scriptures to make sure that our beliefs and practices are not of man but of God, for the Proverbs teaches us there is a way is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death (Proverbs 16:25).

I leave you with encouragement from the Apostle Paul.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Rom 16:17-18)

Stay turned for Why I am a baptist?

Sex from the Biblical Perspective

WHAT IF -most of my natural inclination and perspectives about sex are misguided. What if - a lot of what I thought to be true and “right” is just wrong? What if many things I “know” are really deception and error. Do I really know, embrace and practice what God has said when it comes to sex? Do I view sex as commitment building or sex as a way of building a relationship or fostering a good relationship. Do I view sex as a sport?

What if we return to the Biblical perspective? Sex was intended to be between one man and one woman in the confines of a marriage. Sex is not how you introduce yourself to another person. Meaning the physical should not proceed the spiritual, mental, and emotional in getting to know a man or a woman. I am afraid that many today are deceived in this area. Our way of thinking has been tainted by worldly philosophy and contaminated by world system of lustful desires.

I want to examine sex from a biblical perspective under these three headings: What we know and understand from the biblical record regarding sex, what we should embrace, and what we should practice.

What I know and understand from scripture.

Man and woman were created perfect by God to be monogamous – one partner for life – and to be a family. However before Adam knew his wife, He knew his God. He knew his God loved him. He knew his God's laws and commandments. He had a relationship with his God prior to a relationship with his wife. He was complete in God, emotionally secure and spiritually aware of his creator. Then, the scriptures tell us that there was not a comparable helper to be found for Adam, thus the creation of Eve. Eve's creation is necessitated by two points: First, in order to fulfill the cultural mandate given in Genesis 1:28, they must be both male and female with the ability to procreate. Secondly, Adam is not able to serve and obey God properly without a corresponding, horizontal relationship. Eve was to be a partner, not a substitute for God or the things of God, to help Adam worship God fully. She was not created to be a sexual object, but rather a partner in the glorification of God through the carrying out of the cultural mandate.

This is very important because it illustrates the intent of God for both the man and woman. When we as men consider a woman, it should be with this understanding. Without this understanding one can be easily led away to all manner of perverted philosophies and doctrines. If we allow ourselves to venture off into fantasies that are in conflict with God's intent We are in sin. This does not mean sex is bad, but rather, it is gift to be enjoyed by two people in a marriage. When it comes to sex, we as men should think of our wives. The Song of Solomon goes into great detail about how we should treasure a woman’s anatomy. For instance:

Song of Solomon 1:2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— For your love is better than wine.

Song of Solomon 4:1-5 Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove's eyes behind your veil. Your hair is like a flock of goats, Going down from Mount Gilead. (2) Your teeth are like a flock of shorn sheep Which have come up from the washing, Every one of which bears twins, And none is barren among them. (3) Your lips are like a strand of scarlet, And your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil Are like a piece of pomegranate. (4) Your neck is like the tower of David, Built for an armory, On which hang a thousand bucklers, All shields of mighty men. (5) Your two breasts are like two fawns, Twins of a gazelle, Which feed among the lilies.

Song of Solomon 4:10-11 How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, And the scent of your perfumes Than all spices! (11) Your lips, O my spouse, Drip as the honeycomb; Honey and milk are under your tongue; And the fragrance of your garments Is like the fragrance of Lebanon.

So it is not a sin to enjoy your wife. From what we see in the Song of Solomon the man and woman really enjoyed each other.

It should also be mentioned here that even in marriage sex can be used in the wrong way. Sex is a part of a healthy relationship not the main part or the most important part but a vital part nonetheless. Moreover sex is a part of intimacy between a man and a woman and not the totality of intimacy. Many times we try to use sex as a cheap substitute to actually talking or spending time with each other or we use sex in marriage as a manipulative tool to get our way. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, “Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” It is very clear that in a marriage we are to enjoy sex and not deprive our partner except for fasting and prayer.

So from the word of God it is clear how sex is to be enjoyed. We live in a fallen world, which has a different idea when it comes to sex. What we need to realize is that if we go our own way sin will have an effect on our minds and hearts. Ask anyone who will be honest with you and they will admit that many of their problems in regard to trust or sex stems from their own past lifestyles. The “game” if you will affects the players as well as the ones getting “played”. If we continue go our own way, there is a hidden cost to be paid. Aside from unwanted pregnancies or HIV and other STD’s there is also a spiritual, emotional, and mental cost that may not be realized until it is too late. Again Paul exhorts us 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For "THE TWO," He says, "SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH." But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.”

So, what I know from scripture is that sex is a gift from God and is intended to be between one man and one woman, to be enjoyed in a marriage. But, even in marriage there is a way to sin sexually without committing adultery. Lastly sex outside of marriage has hidden emotional, mental, and spiritual consequences, as well as physical.

Stay tuned for parts two and three of this posting.

KMJ

Facing Your Trials - James 1:2-4

I have never been one for “the don't worry be happy” motto. Neither am I one who believes that worrying profits anything. I have to admit, though, sometimes when my Christian friends tell me to “count it all joy”; I think to myself they have no idea what I am facing. Sometimes I feel like I just can’t take another, “hey just pray about it” or “you need to pray about that”. I feel like they just don’t understand the emotional weight I am under and they have no idea how many times I have prayed. But, now I realize that I was struggling with a bigger issue than the questions and comments from my friends and loved ones. The source of my frustrations was how to cope during the trial. So, I wondered, how should we (Christians) face difficult situations? In James 1:2-4, James exhorts us as Christians to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. I would like to share three things that have helped me face my trials and relieve my frustrations.

First, we see in this passage that we are to rejoice when we fall into various trials. James does not say count it all joy if, but when we fall into various trials. As children of God, it is very important that we understand trials and tribulations are inevitable. We have a tendency to think maybe we are being punished for doing something wrong or maybe we have fallen out of the will of God when troubles come into our lives. Sometimes we to o solve our problems in the typical worldly way, blame someone, get angry and respond carnally, instead of spiritually. But, it is during these times of trouble that God's word tells us to rejoice; hold tight to our faith and trust God even when we do not understand what he is doing. The Saints of old were able rejoice in times of trouble because they trusted God all the time, as we should. For encourage in this very thing read Hebrews 11 and observed that by faith the Saint of old overcame many obstacles. My friend do you trust God like this? Can you REJOICE in trials as well as triumphs? Well, stay tuned and you will find, like I did, that this is an issue of faith and understanding.

Secondly, this passage teaches that these trials or the trying of our faith produces patience. The word trial has the meaning of putting someone to the test in order to discover their nature. These tests reveal where we need help, revealing the weaker aspects of our personality, especially the ones we try to ignore. Also these trials reveal where we need to be closer to God. We must learn to realize that God brings such tests to prove the strength and quality of our faith with the purpose of strengthening it. Paul teaches us in Romans 5:3-5, to rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. My friends God is at work in us at all times, but especially in time of trouble. So, in times of trouble, KNOW that He is working to purify and sanctify us trough these trials.

Lastly, James teaches us in verse 4 of chapter 1 to allow patience to have its perfect work, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Simply put, trust GOD. In times of trials UNDERSTAND that this trouble did not come to destroy but to BUILD something in you by the grace of God. God through trials make us perfect and complete, lacking nothing. So, knowing this, our reaction to troubles should not be to ‘lay down our religion’, but rather to cling to the cross of Jesus. Do you see how radically different this is from how the world reacts to problems. Why? Because we know that through the hurt and the tears, God loves us and sees us in our time of trouble and is working to make us perfect. We must hold and walk by faith and not by sight.

I hope this helps someone that maybe enduring hardship on the job, at home or even in the church. Remember our response to trouble is not despair but joy. Know that this testing of our faith produces patience and through this testing we become perfect and complete, lacking nothing. Remember the words of a popular song, even when we can't track God we should still trust HIM. Count it all Joy.

Put Your Hand to the Plow

Put Your Hands to the Plow and Don't Look Back
Luke 9:57-62

Lately, I have noticed how I sometimes allow distractions to hinder me from what God has called me to do. I am embarrassed to say that there are even periods of time when I have put God’s calling on hold. After talking to other people of God who share the same concerns, I felt compelled to express some thoughts that I hope will encourage the Saints. Please refer to Luke 9: 57-62. In this passage someone says to Jesus as He journeys, “Lord, I will follow You wherever you go”. Jesus replies, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” Another says he can follow, but not until after he buries his father. And still another says to Jesus that he will follow Jesus but he must first go bid farewell to his family. Then Jesus spoke to him saying, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” At first glance Jesus' responses to these reasonable requests seem harsh. But that is just the point, to emphasize the cost of discipleship. Our attention, commitment, and allegiance to Christ should make everything else in our life secondary. HE is first! My friend, do you think of Christ and his calling in this manner or have you misplaced your priorities? The demands of the kingdom override all earthly loyalties. Let me share with you three things that will help us keep our lives focused on Christ and kingdom work.

Remember who you are
We know from 2 Corinthians 5 that when we are saved we are made new; old things have passed away, and behold all things are new. You are now a new creation of the Most Holy God; a “peculiar people”, not of the world. Therefore we don’t think as the world nor should we conduct ourselves as the world does. God has a plan for your life and work for you to do. If you are saved you are expected to contribute to the kingdom as God has gifted you, which is your primary purpose after redemption. Not all of us will be in the spot light but all of us have a job to do. Saints remember who you are and who bought you by his blood on the cross.

Learn to actively ignore things that are negative
These are things that bring no value to our lives and things that can wait. This may sound strange to some but this is very important. Because of our limitations and time constraints, there is only so much that we can get done in a day, so we must choose how we spend out time. We must learn to say “no” to some things and some people, so that we don’t get to the end our lives only to find that we did everything except what God called us to do. Remember, saying “no” to worldly things means saying yes to God. We should not put things or people off forever, but prioritize our lives in an effort to please our Father God. In Ecclesiastes 3, we learn from King Solomon that everything has a season.

But if you find yourself struggling with a to-do list a mile long, you can find great encouragement from Paul in Philippians 4:6-9, where he exhorts to be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. We should pray and give our lives over to God to govern and organize. If you are feeling overwhelmed today, I encourage you to pray and be filled with the peace of God. Additionally Paul, teaches us not to dwell on negative things but whatever things are true, noble, just, lovely, and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. How much time have we wasted focusing on the wrong things while God's work is being left undone? We must learn to put off the things that can wait to get done what needs to be done now.

Simply focus
Singleness of mind - the cost of discipleship. Jesus says that, “No one, having put his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” In other words we must lay down our lives for God. Put down our agenda in order to do the work he has called us to do. It is no longer about us and what we want, but what HE wants. When was the last time you asked God what He wanted from you, from your life? Jesus lets this man know that he can't look back and neither can we. We can't look back! We can't look back to past mistakes or successes; we must keep plowing. We must stay focused on the task at hand whatever God has called you to do, remembering who we are and ignoring the distractions. Saints, it is too easy to lose your way and fall into a worldly routine. Never underestimate Satan or his subtle schemes to get you to sin and stray away from God.

We must stay prayerful and close to the cross.