The mind of Christ in us was the subject of the sermon and Scriptures yesterday. The challenge was that this mind of submission, giving up, of others before me, would be our mind. It's not natural for "Me first" , "I" centered humans but should be for the blood-washed, changed believer. The challenge of the sequel is to name someone who has been seen by you showing the mind of Christ. Maybe someone like Timothy or Epaphroditus (Philippians 2) or Jim Eilott or __________. You fill in the blank, hopefully using your name.

"Adoration to the King of Kings" was the name of last night's cantata. The music was wonderful, the message of the music even better. I left feel that I needed to lift up my King, love Him, seek Him, surrender to Him, and above all serve Him. He is worthy; He's my creator, sustainer, and salvation, He supplies my needs, He strengthens my weakness, and allows me to walk with Him. "All Hail, King Jesus"! Amen.

I'm so glad that the Christian's hope doesn't imply doubt. We are as sure as our future as God is true. It is for certain that Jesus is coming again, that Heaven is our home, and that we will be rewarded or suffer the loss of reward. Since that's all for sure let's get ready by watching, working, and waiting. Amen?

The sequel this week is not to a sermon but from an adult Sunday School paper (Power for Living) and is a "you comment" sequel. The story is about Tim Tebow, an outstanding quarterback for the Florida gators. How would you advise him is the sequel. Suppose he felt called by God after college to be a missionary or pastor and yet had on his table a multimillion dollar contract to play professional football and he asked you what to do - what would you tell him and why? Think about it and write a comment.

Sunday morning the message was about being rich in this world's goods. Most of us would say that we are not rich but does stale, moldy bread say we are? How about leftovers we end up throwing out instead of eating? How about clothes in our dressers we haven't worn for months? Do they say we are rich and selfish too? When was the last time we gave some food or clothing to our Jesus? Think about it just a little and read 1 Timothy 6:8-20.

"God is a giver of daily bread, so we ought to be a giver of daily thanks". That's what the preacher said yesterday and then he went on to say, "It's a great insult for the creature to receive substance from the hand of the Creator and not say thank you.". All of God's people ought to at least say "Yummie" to our God even if we forget to say thank you. Agree?

Yesterday I heard a message where the pastor said we live in "a freaked-out world" but we should expect the world to become like this (Matthew 24:4-12). He then said "but don't worry, God is still in control and He can be trusted". Good, isn't it?

Yesterday's message was about God as a giver of strength. It was taken from Philippians 4:10-20. In a sentence summary we said that in every aspect of our weakness God come through with sufficient strength for our need. This passage reminds us that God doesn't "zap us" but rather uses the Scriptures and the saints to strengthen us. For a follow-up to the message make a list of the times God has strengthen you and how He used the Scriptures and /or the saints to do it. When you have make your list thank Him for it and share one of those time with everyone who reads this sequel. Remember we are able to give thanks because God is a good, great, and generous giver!

Everlasting life,God's gift to us. Yesterday I said that the greatest gift we could ever receive is the one we need the most. Yet all of us can remember times when we never thought that we needed salvation, the new birth. Yet God still made sure the gift was purchased and presented to us. How thankful we are today that someone, somewhere, somehow told us how much God loved us and had a gift for us to receive. All that to bring us to the sequel. Will we continue the offer and present the gift to someone this week?

Will we say that missions month is over? As far as the calendar is concerned it is over but will it be over in our lives? We have a month of missions every year with the purpose of increasing our vision, involving of lives, and instigating new people to go to white harvest fields. So as a sequel we can ask ourselves these questions - Is there a need in a specific place for God to work? Will I pray, give, and even go that this place may have a better gospel witness? Would I answer "Here am I, send me" if we hear the voice of the Lord saying "Who can I send, who will go?" Missions month should never be over in our fellowship or our lives - will it be?

Our speaker yesterday was a "home" missionary ministering to the Amish people of Ohio and the USA. In the morning he brought a wonderful salvation message explaining that so many religious people believe in Jesus, have been taught that from birth, but have never received Him and God's gift of salvation. This truth struck home as I was a good religious boy who learned all the things I was taught in Sunday School, church, VBS, and other places where the Word was taught but was blind to the fact that faith had a starting point, that I needed to receive a gift from God. PTL that happen to me when I was about 12 and God has never or will never ask or take that gift back from me. Anyone else like that?

I don't know if anyone missed this sequel on Monday but it's a little like we are on Monday. We are at church on Sunday, hear a good message, enjoy good fellowship, make a good commitment to do what we have heard. Yet Monday comes and we just don't get around to it, Tuesday is busier so it's forgotten that day too. Sometimes by Wednesday we remember (Thank you Holy Spirit) and finally put feet on the message. The best part of all is that if we heard the Word it is there for the Holy Spirit to bring to our minds that we might do we have learned. So be faithful to coming to church and join in with a listening ear and a committed heart and you will be blessed.

Yesterday's speaker used the Apostle Paul as an example of what can happen in a life that turns to Jesus. He said God will save us no matter what we had done, this salvation will change us from what we have been, and the world will hate us because of what has happened in our lives. It was a joy to me to realize that although my salvation experience was not exactly the same these 3 things happened in my life too. A sister came to me after the service and said that the message was so good and encouraging to her because of past "baggage" and present struggles. How about you today? Is salvation taking place in your life? Will your salvation story be an example to others? Let's hear it!

I closed the message last night by saying "thus ends the epistles of Thessalonians AD 55 and begins the epistles of the Thessalonians 2009 AD. We are a living epistle read by the world around us and we are the best translation the world reads. So, what is the number 1 lesson God has taught you that you want to live in your life? Tell us by way of a comment.

In last night's message I poked a little fun at the students of prophecy who make it their job to speculate. There is and always has been among us as Christians an interest in prophecy especially when it relates to what is happening around us. Yet we do need to be careful that we don't replace what God has revealed about something with something that we think he revealed. Hitler was a prime target for such thinking, he was proven to be the antichrist for many of the years he was alive and even now a few think he might be resurrected to become this character.
It's best to remember that God said He would unveil this person and we won't know who it is until God chooses to do this. In the mean time it's better to "abide in Him, so that when He comes, we'll not be ashamed at His coming" (1 John 2:28). Prophecy allows us to see the end so let's believe what God has said and allow prophecy to be used of God to give us endurance, growing faith, and abounding love. (2 Thessalonians 1:1-5) "Come quickly, Lord Jesus!"

It was good this weekend to learn about the stars and the mighty God who created them and cares for them. It seems so easy in the day by day routine called life to forget to lift up our eyes and behold Him who created all this. When we do we receive a new appreciation of the greatness, might, and awesomeness of God. It's amazing that this great God who created also cares. Such was the great nature lesson of the book of Job who, when it was over, said "I know You can do everything". So take a look at the stars tonight and remember the one who created them is mighty enough for any problems we may have and cares enough to bear them (Matthew 6). Wonderful, isn't it?

One of the blessings I have seen as a pastor is the truth that God works in and through us so that we can be doers. The list in 1 Thessalonians 5 would be impossible if it wasn't for the Lord. Just remember that so many times when we know God wants us "to do" and we say "I can't" it's really our self will coming through saying to our enabling God "I won't"! I hope this week you will come back to God's list and let God enable you to become a doer. You will be blessed, God will be glorified, and others will receive good. (Galatians 6:1-10)

The two words that caught my attention yesterday in 1 Thessalonians 5 were comfort and edify. As I thought about these things I began to realize that to do this isn't hard but it does take time and heart. If I really "come alongside" of someone I will be opening my heart to them to allow God's love to flow out to them and that would be good. So I need to pray that the Holy Spirit would open my eyes to the need around me and act before being asked. Yet the big issue is time. If I reach out in love I will have to part with some precious time (maybe a lot) and that is where we often hesitate. Maybe I should see time in the light of love and it would be easier to find to time to care. Agree??

During the message yesterday I used my pen to write down some notes. It is a good thing to do as I can go back now and review in my mind and in the Scriptures the things I learned from the Word. It is a good thing to do everything possible to sow the Word in our hearts and review is a good tool. The next step is to share it with someone else and let them be blessed too. What will you do with what you heard yesterday?

As I prepared and preached yesterday's message, I couldn't help but wonder just how much of my Christian life is "ought to" but seldom "roundtoit"??? Does anyone else have that problem in your Christian life?

Prayer is as simple as talking to God. It is so true, we know the Scriptures about prayer, we repeat the clichés about prayer, we gather weekly to pray, we hear of big and little answers to prayer, and know we ought to, need to, want to, could, and should pray but for so reason we don't. Is God wondering "why doesn't he just talk to me?" Let's stop making prayer so complicated and just have a little talk with Jesus.

"Take it or leave it" was a saying I heard when I was growing up. In yesterday's message we discovered that the believers as well as Paul, Silas, and Tim did things just a little differently. They received the Word in an attitude of "take it and live it". In last night's message we were reminded that this is the reason a life house doesn't fall down in the storms of life. Both builders had the materials for a solid foundation (they both heard the Word) but the successful builder was the one who "did" it, as we said had the life action motto "take it and live it". So as you got up this morning was it "take it or leave it" or "take it and live it"?
Don't comment (you can if you want), just let me know if you read this. You vote counts.

The very best sequel to the Word of God is to do what the Word has said and the Holy Spirit has taught us. The devil wants to take it from our hearts before we act on it or stir up the things of our life so we soon forget it. Let's make an effort this week to show to those around us a work of faith, a labor of love, and an endurance of hope. If we do these three things our neighbors will be talking about us and the opportunity to share the Word will be easier. As I often say about the Word - "Try it, you'll like it".
By the way, if you do, share in the comment section what you did and let a brother or sister try it your way.

Last night we were blessed to have a living example of a "Berean" believer. That is, as we saw in the morning message, a person above the average. More noble are the words God uses and were able to witness such a person. As Mike Spencer shared his testimony it was evident - the determination to do God's will, the dedication to accept challenges and changes. The delight of seeing God at work in the lives of the African people, and the desire to continue to serve God to the end was a cut above the norm. What a joy to see such a one!
Yet I've known Mike most of his life and realize that he isn't of himself this way. He is just an average guy who chose to let God have first place in all that matters and so he is making choices and doing things that the average Christian doesn't. It does make him a little unusual but a refreshing blessing to all who come in contact with him.
Couldn't this be true of all of us? With a little more of a desire for God and His people we could have God raise us above the "norm". Just think, how soon it would be before the average would be raised? Are you willing?

Yesterday's message was from Acts 17 and the beating that the believers in Thessalonica had to take for believing in Jesus. We're blessed, I think, in America since we don't suffer persecution because we believe. I said, I think, because maybe persecution could deepen our faith and trust in the Lord. Like everyone, I don't wish to suffer for my faith but realize that if I did it might reveal just how important Jesus is to me. Think, maybe, that's true?

In yesterday's message we were reminded that our first and foremost citizenship is in Heaven. That reminder was good because sometimes it's easy to forget where our allegiance ought to be. The Bible in 2 Corinthians states that we are ambassadors of heaven in this foreign country and Hebrews tells us that we're strangers here while we pass through. Yet with all that the Scriptures say about this world, my love, and being a good solider in it I do forget and live like this is my first and final country.
Yet while I'm here I do my part as a good citizen of where I'm living. I obey the laws because I don't want to disgrace my true country by my arrest. In addition it reflects how I submit to the laws, rules, and chain of command of the country of which I am a citizen.
I speak well of the authorities of the country in which I live even though they are not as good as the leadership of my country. I my not agree with the policies of the country in which I live and I will try to explain why the way my country does that thing is better but I don't disrespect or dishonor my country by running down the leaders of the country were I'm residing.
But most of all I never forget that someday I'll come home. Somehow, no matter how much I settle in where I'm at I never get over the longing of home. My place in heaven is not something that will take place in the future after I run out of all the enjoyments of earth but a living desire right now in my life. So as a good citizen of heaven I do my part as a good citizen on earth.

Wasn't it good yesterday to be reminded that the first and foundational work of a husband and father is to be the prophet of and for the home? It was a point well made and important to be headed. It is vital to have someone represent the family before God to make sure God's Word is brought into the home and received by the family. This is the position of leadership God has given, the chain of command He has established.
It is so good because it transfers the greatest of all love into the home, it gives direction (Will of God), provides disciplines (children are raised in Ways of God), gives a proper view of God (He's talked about by dad), and provides a living example of the Christian faith. The father as a prophet is important to the wellness of the family.
So dads are we up to the challenge? Are we going to take the steps necessary and see that God indeed is our choice as a family, that "as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

Yesterday I was reminded of a basic truth when it comes to the preaching and teaching of the Word. If the Bible is going to produce fruit in a life it must be heard. In Matthew 7 the wise man was able to obey the Scriptures because he heard the Word. The people at Pentecost were saved because they heard the Bible (Acts 2). Even Jesus told his disciples "if any man has ears let him hear."
I had taken a pain pill before the service so I was a little dull to begin with and made it a little hard to focus on the message. Then I sat in the overflow and as I looked up toward the preacher I was distracted by the crowd (It's amazing how many funny things people do while listening to a message). During one point in the message my thoughts drifted off to another Scripture that related to the point he was making. Then being a little deaf I had to really focus to hear all the words. To top it off I couldn't get off my mind what was coming next, all I could picture was dinner!
I thought later, it wasn't the preacher's fault I didn't receive much from the message, he was well prepared and presented it well. It was my lack of disciplined hearing, I wasn't paying attention. I learned a good lesson about my hearing and prayed for listening ears. Will you do the same the next time you sit under the teaching of the Word?
By the way I did leave the service desiring to have the determination and faith of Gideon.

I'm writing the sequel from the viewpoint of a person in the pew rather than the pastor in the pulpit. For the next few weeks I won't be preaching because of my radiation treatments.
Yesterday's message by Pastor James was about choosing between the gods of this world and the God that saved us. (Joshua 14-24) Such a choice should be a no brainier but it's really not that easy, is it? I have found that the three top "gods" that we fall prey to by choice are the multitude around us (Proverbs 1:5-12), the money we have and wish we had (1 Timothy 6:10-18) and me ( I Corinthians 10:12). Life seems to pop them up before us daily and they want to destroy our walk with God, our trust in Him, and our dependence on Him.
So I did a self-check yesterday and re-affirmed my choice in the Lord God. I know this week will bring some battles but, by the grace of God good choices will be made and victory won. Who will be your choice?

Yesterday's sermon was about the victory we experience as Christians. Although Joshua's victory was an actual battle our victories are spiritual (Ephesians 6:12). The truth is the same, if victory is to be ours it must come through the power of God who has promised to be with us (Hebrews 13:6) and through Him we are victors. I'm glad, as your Pastor, to see God's people living with victory in their daily lives.
Last night I warned several of those who were baptized to prepare for battle. The public witness of their desire to follow Christ is taken as a declaration of war by the devil. So soon the attack will begin, it may take the form of the material, physical, emotional, or even a combination of several ways to destroy their commitment to Christ. I encourage all who read this not only to be strong in your spiritual battles, but remember those who are fighting battles as well. We need one another as we live for our Lord Jesus. Let's pray for and encourage one another today. There is victory in Jesus.

There are times when there are no visible sequels to the sermon. That's what happened Sunday night when Pastor Barbee gave the invitation for people to receive the Gospel. He was shocked that among the over 200 people present no one would say publicly "I need to be saved". It would seem that among so many, someone would want the cleansing, joy, assurance of eternal life that only the Gospel can bring. Yet there was no sermon sequel.
I cannot tell how many times I have preached with anticipation of visible results only to give the invitation and stand alone at the altar in the front of the church. I've wondered why people don't respond publicly anymore. I've searched my heart and life wondering if I preached in the flesh or the Spirit, do I as a preacher of the Gospel hinder the working of the Holy Spirit in any way? I often wonder why isn't there a public sermon sequel?
I've come to realize that often the best and longest sequel to any sermon is the one that isn't public but is quietly received into the heart and over a process of growth becomes visible. One of the beautiful things about Christianity is that it can't be kept quiet it always becomes visible. Always remember the "light" principle of our faith (Matthew 5:17; Philippians 2:14). There will always be a sermon sequel to the Word of God if we receive it. (Hebrews 2:12; Acts 2:37-41)
So as a Christian why not make it public when the Holy Spirit tugs at your heart? Why not speak to the one standing near you and ask them if they would want to go forward and kneel at the altar? Why not declare quickly and publicly who you need and want? The next time an invitation is given why not be a living sermon sequel? You'll be a stronger person because of that choice.

In yesterday's message I said that it would be good to create a memorial of something God has done in our life so we could tell the generations that follow us. The focus and purpose of these things is not the beauty of the memorial but the desire to teach the generations that follow us just how great our God is and what He has done.
If we think about it, creation is a lasting memorial to our all wise, powerful God. Although some would like to say it's not so, the Grand Canyon is a memorial to our creator God. As we look around the birds of the air and the flowers of the field are memorials to the faithfulness of our providing God. I can't help but praise Him when ever I see a garden growing and thank Him for the food on my table.
In the world around us God has living memorials that He is God and God alone. (Psalm 8 and 19) As a believer I ought to tell others of the great things God has done in creation, I should give Him credit for His handiwork, and stand in awe of my Lord God. So everytime I see that beautiful sunset, watch the amazing bee at work, see one of the natural wonders of the world, I should tell someone in the generations that follow that it's the God of the Bible who has done this!
What's the greatest memorial you've ever seen that God created? I think when it's all said, done, and seen the greatest memorial to the glory of God that He has ever made is the changed life of the believer. It shines bigger and better than even the Grand Canyon because it can speak and tell the great things God has done! (Mark 5:19)

As I closed the message yesterday I tried to remind us all of the great opportunity of service we have today. I spoke of God's calling some to "full time" service and the great open door that this calling brings. I wanted us to remember that God has given us all spiritual gifts and with these gifts we have specific areas of service in the body of Christ. This opens a door of special purpose and place in service. Yet with both of these there are also the many things all Christians are given to do, such as, being a witness to others (Acts 1:8), being hospitable (Romans 12:12), bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:1-10), and several other regular actions of the believer that follow Christ's example who went about doing good. The doors are there, most are open wide, some need just to be pushed a little, but we all need to make an effort.
How I wished that the Holy Spirit would have pressed all of us through a door of simple service (Maybe He did) such as cleaning a room at the church, sweeping a sidewalk, washing windows, inviting a neighbor, preparing a meal, starting a Bible study of prayer group, writing a letter of encouragement, or another daily or weekly task that could go on unseen by most but invaluable to the body of Christ. Just doing a small part adds up to big things so ask yourself "What am I going to do for Jesus today?" Maybe you would share your open door on the comment response. Let's be workers together for His Kingdom.

Yesterday during the message I mistakenly said Raybelle for Rahab. It caused a few chuckles and a big moment of embarrassment for me. It's awful when my tongue gets over my eye tooth and I can't see what I'm saying!
Anyway that night when I sought Raybelle out to say I was sorry for the slip up she said something that blessed me. She said "You can call me Rahab any time if I can have faith like she had!" What a truth, what a great attitude, what a right way to think about others. She saw what God had made her not what she was before faith. She knew the new Rahab, a product of God's mercy and grace, was a worthy hero and she wanted to be like her. Rahab was her blessing not her bad example.
So, why is it that we have such a hard time seeing what God has done in the lives of people He has saved? Why is it that the past is remembered as if there is no changing power in the Gospel we preach? Although God refers to her as the harlot in the New Testament does He only so we don't confuse her with other Rahabs. God makes her an example of a real, visible, working faith for us to follow. So who is Rahab to you, a harlot or hero? What about that brother or sister in Christ? Are they the person with a sinful past who should be avoided or a brother or sister with a forgiven present who is worthy to be followed? Remember 1 Timothy 1:12-16

It was encouraging last night to hear so many people say that Joshua was their favorite Old Testament book. The comments ranged from "I can't wait for the series of messages!" to "How can I get a copy of the message the week I can't be at Church?" It wasn't just the comments that caught my attention but the countence too. The smiles, the twinkle in the eyes, the overall look of excitement was an equal blessing. The eagerness to hear the Word is always an encouragement to a pastor.
It is true that our attitude toward the preaching and teaching of the ought to be eagerness. The Bible says we should desire it as new born babies desire milk, as a hungry person wants bread, and as a student desires learning. A desire for the Word is Spirit given but is developed by the faithful receiving of the Word. A willingness to be led of the Spirit will always bring us to the teaching of the Word. Check out Acts 17.
Desire of the Word should also have discipline with it. For the believer to receive the most from the Word we need the attitude of a student who will study, search, and apply the Word to his life. It's important to come to a place of the teaching of the Bible with an open mind, a soft heart, and a pencil to write something down to remember and think about later. It's important to seek to keep what we learn in our mind over the next few days until the Spirit of God has put it into practice in our lives. Check out James 1.
Last but not least is to remember to distribute to others the things we have learned from the Word. In 2 Timothy 2:2 the Apostle Paul taught this principle and it proved to be a strength to the churches where he ministered. Maybe you would consider starting a small "afterglow" group to meet together during the week and discuss questions and blessings learned from the Word at church or Sunday School.
I admit I left church last night with a greater desire to prepare to preach this series from the Book of Joshua, looking forward to the growth it will bring in my life and in the lives of those who hear and obey it. It is our solid foundation (Matthew 7).

As I prepared this message and I thought about our satisfaction and contentment in the days of recession and evil (hard) times (v.19) I noticed the unceasing work our God does for us. He sticks close to us during the tough times and, unlike money, doesn't take wings and fly away. Take your Bible this week and read again this passage and notice the words "the Lord". Some things He does is conditional, like verses 3-8, but most are unconditional and happen just because He loves us and cares about our needs. Take a look at the words "the days" in verses 18 & 19 and the promised, proven fact in verse 23.
It is so true that if we are unsatisfied with our lot in life it's not the Lord's fault but ours because we have our eyes on the conditions and not the controller. It's so important every day to see Jesus, remind ourselves of His presence (even if we don't feel it), and present the day to Him. Romans 13:11-14 applies to this and is our privilege daily.
May the reminder that the Lord is at work for us this week bring contentment to your life, joy to your heart, and a message to your neighbor. Let Psalm 37 fill your mind, soul, heart, and body until you're bubbling with the truth of verse 19. Have a good, Godly, and glad week!

Someone said to me, "Pastor how can I grow?" I don't want to be at the same spiritual stage next year at this time. I wish there was a special little bottle of spiritual growth tonic to take every day but there isn't. Growth is a lifetime on earth experience and requires regular discipline. Remember the disciples became a disciple when they came to Jesus and grew as disciples the remainder of their lives because they stuck together at the place Jesus said He'd be.
I pointed out the role the church and it's teaching ministries have in spiritual development and want to remind you again why the ministries are important for our growth and development as disciples.
In 1 John 2:11-14 we find the 3 stages of growth and at each stage of development the teaching and fellowship is profitable. For the children it provides the required "food" for growth. New born again Christians can't get enough to fill their spiritual hunger and take it all in. For a new born again person to miss a service or not take part in a ministry destroys an appetite, invites malutritation, and slow spiritual starvation.
For the young men who have learned enough of the Word to effectively fight spiritual battles and overcome the evil one, it is a resource for more spiritual ammo and a rest from the battles. This is an age of practical growth for these believers coming with eagerness to apply the Word to daily life and decision making. For them not to take advantage of the ministries of a local church can leave them defeated by the enemy and discouraged spiritually.
For the grown-ups in the Christian life (called in the Scriptures fathers), fellowships are a time of rehearsal and remembrance. It's not that they know everything there is to know about God but they have grown into a daily intimate relationship and fellowship with God's people and Him, which at church make them glow. They love to be there because this is where Jesus is spoken about and exalted.
Church going is important to spiritual growth for disciples and that's why Jesus made it His habit. Maybe that's why we should too. A disciple does what His masters says and does. Jesus knew attendance and involvement at the ministries of a local church would grow us that's why He said what He did in Hebrews 10:25.
Yet when it's all said and done it's about the things we think are valuable. The choices for growth is ours and out of the things our heart says is important we will choose. Will church attendance be part of that choice?

Last night's service was one and a half hours long. Someone remarked that if I'd had preached that long someone might have grumbled a little. I would hope not, even though we've made it almost Biblical to have a worship service only one hour long!
But it's not the time I want to comment about, it the blessing that it was to all who came. The songs were about Calvary and our Christ and when it was all over I felt as if I had been in His presence. I was feeling joy and thankfulness and really didn't want the service to end. I noticed that others were slow to leave also, most stayed around and talked with others for another half hour, some were still there an hour later. It seems that when we feel the fellowship with the Spirit we want the fellowship with the saints.
Yet the thing that impressed me the most was the joy that radiated from the faces of those who ministered the Word through music. It wasn't just a performance of talent, but of young people and children who believed in what they were singing about. There was a desire to be there and minister, a word of personal testimony, a twinkle in the eyes, and smiles that reached from ear to ear. It was a heart to heart service and was a blessing to all.
I had a brother leave after one of the services yesterday say to me, "I came because I needed encouragement and I got it". That's what our fellowship is all about and we find what we need when we come. What a blessing is the ministry of the Word and the fellowship of the Saints.

Last night as a person was leaving the service he made the comment, "I think the signs of His coming will be much more intense than anything we see today".
It is so true. The time of the tribulation will be an unbelievable time of trouble and terror. The judgments of the book of Revelation describes them in a way that should bring fear to the readers. They are so fearsome that men cry out to God to die. We have never seen anything even close to those coming signs.
Yet even those things that happen are mild in comparison to an eternity in the lake of fire, eternally separated from God. How much more we should we be moved with compassion to reach the lost as we see just a glimpse of things to come.
As Paul said to be with Jesus is far better, but it is needful to be here. How shall they hear except someone tell them.

There was a lot of Scripture to explain yesterday in the time I had to preach so what follows was left out. For those who didn't hear the message it was from Matthew 23 and the subject was the Pharisees or for us today, legalism.
I have at times been accused of being a legalist and at other times of being a liberal. I guess it all depend on who is looking and what they see. I will admit to sticking to some of the old time standards that were legalistic and I'm thankful for them. I still don't drink alcohol and will encourage others to join me in not drinking. I prefer the Holy Spirit over wine any time. I still don't go to movies or dance or gamble and to the amazement of some I'm still happy. I expect there are a few other things that I choose not to do that cause some to think I'm still a legalist.
Which brings me to the sequel to the message. I have experienced what I call "liberityism". It's when other Christians look down their holy nose at me because I won't drink, go out dancing, to the casino, and whatever else is called liberty. Some have even wanted me to preach about liberty in that sense and have been disappointed because I haven't. It's almost a reverse legalism and is just as, if not more, dangerous. I believe Romans 14 applies in both cases.
Sometimes I look at it this way - How close or how far away do we want to be to the world, the flesh, and the devil. As for this old legalist, I want to be as far away from sin as I possibly can be. How about you?

Yesterday's message was good. The Word was presented by missionary Tim Cowell and the challenge was from Ezekiel 3. I liked his statement when he said he didn't want anyone to appear before God who had not heard the Gospel. I thought what a wonderful challenge to me, that I need to not only take the opportunity to share the Gospel but also to make opportunities. The bottom line is will I?

This week's sequel is a comment on a message I heard this Sunday at the 1st Baptist Church in Webster, Florida. It was a good and challenging message and I pray, a fruitful one in my life.
The subject was commitment, the Scripture was Acts 15, and the sermon compared Mark the quitter and Silas the committed. The Pastor merely pointed out that Mark became discouraged and left the task God had given him and Silas, although arrested, beaten, and jailed, didn't give up. He summed it all up by saying, "commitment is staying with it until it's done".
There were a lot of amens in the crowd, I was encouraged, and resolved to remain committed to what God has called me to do.
Then Mark came to mind and I remembered that by the care and love of Barnabus he returned to the work of the Lord and was reconciled to Paul. So even if for some reason you have become discouraged don't give up! If you know of a Mark become a Barnabus and encourage that one to continue on in the Lord.

Yesterday's message was about marriage, children, and eternal rewards. These 3 are connected not only in a message but in life too. Just think about how much spiritual influence the everyday activities of home teaches our children.
The love a husband shows for his wife teaches them how much Christ loves the church. The respect a wife shows the husband how the church loves Christ. The witness of the home to neighbors and how we treat them reveals our belief in the gospel and brotherly love. The home's willingness to resolve problems and seek reconciliation supports the Gospel's message of reconciliation. Where do children first learn how to forgive but in the home.
The home's attitude about work, money and material things reveal to our children how important eternal things are as well. The home that has provided well materially but has never rejoiced over the salvation of a sinner or the fellowship of a saint has taught a lesson as powerful as the young man in yesterday's Scripture.
God has blessed our church with good homes. Let's keep making them better. They are effective teachers of the Word.

Yesterday I preached about the extra-ordinary day the disciples had with the Lord and said that we could have days like that as well. I had a member say as they left church, It's true, my devotions this week were so special.
While preparing the message I thought about the feelings and emotions of faith. The joy we receive, the warmth we experience, the feeling of His presence, the excitement of the Word, and a host of other emotions are all part of our faith experience with our Lord in regular devotions. They are so real, so true, and they do make some of our days extra-ordinary.
Just remember the feelings can't be manufactured by us, but they will come from the discipline of daily communication with the Lord.
Make the effort to spend time with the Lord and enjoy the feeling our Lord's presence will give you!

Yesterday's message was about the church and we shared the definition that "churching" basically means to assemble, to gather together. As I thought about that definition I became aware of several things.
We have several things that make "churching" possible for everyone. We have a "how to" come, America has cars and transportation, we even run our vans to bring you to church.
We try to explain the "why to" come by Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:25.
Our church sets up the "when to" come by having all sorts of ministries at various times during the week. Sometimes the times conflict with other things but we try to make it easy time-wise to come.
We even work on the "want to" part of coming by improving our preaching, having special music, bringing a variety of special programs, encouraging fellowship, and overall providing the things that help us in our walk with God.
All of these things bring us to the last part over which no one has charge except us and that is our "will to". To be a part of a church and receiving all the good it can bring is a personal choice we make before our God. He doesn't force the issue just allows us the opportunity. Aren't you glad God allows us to make good, beneficial choices?

As I prepared and preached yesterday's messages on compassion I thought of the "better" Samaritan. He actually was a Jew for he was the man who was laying along the road that was the one to whom compassion was given. The good Samaritan, as we call him. was such a good example of compassion, giving his time, touch, and treasure (money) to see that this stranger was back on his feet again.
So why do I call the guy the "better" one. I can only think that the act of compassion that saved his physical life also became a motivation to "go and do likewise". It seems to me that he would want to do the same for someone else.
I've never been a "huggy" person but after standing in line at Megan's funeral and receiving hug after hug, many with tears on faces, I have become a hugger. The love, care, and compassion given to me that night is something I want others to feel as well. It's just a simple act of compassion but to a hurting person it's enormous.
So the Lord taught me two lessons - 1. Never be so proud you can't receive compassion and 2. What you have received give to someone else. Be the "best" Samaritan!

First Entry to The Sermon Sequel

A Sermon Sequel

(An additional thought from the morning message)

Yesterday, as a brother was leaving, he said to me, "So I should go home, rest, catch up on my Bible reading, read a good Christian book, spend some extra time in prayer, invite a Christian family in for fellowship, and plan on returning for the evening service!" Wow, it left me almost breathless, I said to him, "Why not?" They are certainly good things to do, would bring blessing, but don't do them because I said this is how to observe your Lord's Day, do them to achieve the most out of the day the Lord has made.

Isn't this what we should do with the things God has allowed us to do? We should find ways to do what God has asked us to do to the max. It will only increase His blessing on us and glorify Him all the more.

Let's put plenty in our passion as we obey His Word. (Ecclesiastes 9:10; Colossians 3:23)

Pastor Thomas

Pastor's Pencil November 2007

It was one of “Those” mornings. I woke up a little later than normal, my allergies were bad, the temperature had dropped 20 degrees, it was raining a little, and I just didn’t feel like walking. I looked out the window and didn’t see one person walking, running or biking. I felt as if I had plenty of excuses not to go for a walk. It wasn’t too bad just to sit down, and read my Bible and pray that morning. Yet in my mind I knew I should walk. God had told me in the Word that I needed to keep this temple, that is my body (I Corinthians 6:19) under subjection (I Corinthians 9:27) and my way of doing that was by walking. The doctors had verified it was good for weight control, it helped with blood pressure, and was important for good health. There was no doubt a walk was good for me but I didn’t feel like it on that morning. As I sat there with my coffee and doughnut, I rationalized, argued and excused my unwillingness. I had all the excuses of the first paragraph and so I thought maybe I’ll just pray. After all God is able to keep me healthy. He wants me well so I can serve Him, so I just explained to Him I’m just too busy this morning to take a walk and He’ll just have to zap me with the effects of exercise and give me good health. After all, God should understand I just don’t feel like walking this morning. Then I thought that is just the way I am as a disciple of Jesus. The relationship I have with Jesus as His follower requires discipline, a daily choice, an act of my will, a commitment to what Jesus said I should do. If I am going to be a strong healthy follower of my Lord Jesus Christ I must develop discipline in my life. I know I can only grow by daily reading and obeying the Scriptures, through prayer, and daily witness but this doesn’t happen in my life just because I know I should do this or that it is good for me. It happens because I choose to do these things even when I don’t feel like it. I can come up with excuses, I can even pray God will zap me with spiritual growth, but the fact is, I won’t grow without the discipline of life, without the deliberate choice of doing what God’s Word says. It is good for my growth as a Christian. So that day I made myself take a walk. I wish I could say that the sun came out, that I had a spectacular sight, or that when I got back I felt better about it. The walk was very uneventful, just a good duty done, a part of the discipline of my life. It was good for me. I’ve read my Bible and nothing had really stood out to me, prayed and it seemed my words didn’t reach the ceiling, and gone through the day ____?____ in my witness and wondered if maybe it was a waste of time. No, I was good for me, it is the discipline of a healthy spiritual life. I’ve learned to walk with discipline, I’m learning to grow through it too. I walk because I choose to walk, not always because I feel like it. I keep a relationship with Jesus the same way.
The Lord bless you,
Pastor Thomas

Pastor's Pencil August 2007

“In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. We sometimes forget we live in the world but God allows some things to come into our lives to remember where we are and who we need.
This summer I began a day with a walk to the church. It was a beautiful day, the temperature was perfect, in the 60’s, the sky was a brilliant blue with a few marshmallow clouds and God’s handiwork was all around. (Psalm 19) In addition to that all my senses were working; my eyes saw the beautiful colors, ears heard the birds singing praise to God, nose smelled the flowers, my fingers touched and felt the neighbor’s horse and my mouth tasted the freshness in the air. I couldn’t ask God for another thing and my heart exploded into the praise of “How Great Thou Art.” I felt as rich as any man on earth, blessed by my God who gives me all things richly to enjoy. I Timothy 6:17
Then I turned into the woods. Part of my path includes the woods and what usually adds to the enjoyment of the morning. As I entered the path through the woods, a fly discovered a concrete landing pad, normally called my head. It attempted a landing, slid off or took off again, only to turn around and try it again. I thought, no big deal, I can deal with a little fly, after all, I’m 6’ tall, 199 pounds and have long legs so I can walk a little faster. The fly was enjoying my head so much it put into practice a church growth principle. It called a friend (now there were two), who tried it out and called their friends (now four), who called their friends (now eight), who called their friends (now sixteen), who got all excited and called their thirty-two, and they continued the movement (now 63), and finally I think every fly and tormentor in Susquehanna county was present.
Then something happened, my praise turned to grumbling, singing went sour and I began to walk faster, complain louder and pray. My happiness was gone, the walk misery and I felt as if God had deserted me. Why, Lord was my question; Why me, Lord, was my complaint! I forgot I live in a sin cursed world until that one fly showed up.
As I came out of the woods and turned toward the church a wonderful thing happened. A breeze was in my face and those flies, try as they could, couldn’t get near me. I was thankful, my song returned, joy was restored and I could finish my walk with a spring in my step. I even thought of those people who were walking in the area where God blew my tormentors and so I prayed for their patience.
It’s the little things in this world that often rob us of the joys we have in Christ; they become big trials and if we’re not careful one can rob us of the joy we have in our walk with the Lord!
May God bless you and fill your heart with joy as you walk in this world!
Pastor Thomas

Pastor's Pencil February 2007

It’s time for my annual Pastor’s Pen about giving and this February issue on love is an appropriate time because Christians love to give.
I want to remind you about The Apple Story of Tithing. I must admit that at times I’ve wanted to bite the apple. Tithing was God’s way of providing a place of worship, atonement, forgiveness, and for the people who took care of it.
Although some dispute it, tithing continued in the New Testament (Hebrews….) and today provides a place of worship, provides for the pastors and the fulfillment of the purpose of the Church.
It’s amazing but if all of God’s people would tithe, needs would be met. Unlike some, I don’t teach tithing as investment; give God 10% and He’ll give back 100%. Nor do I teach it legalisticly – Give God 10% or God will zap you. It’s our privilege, joy and expression of gratitude to joyfully give at least 10% of what God has given us to Him.
Pastor Thomas February, 2007

Pastor's Pencil May 2007

As I think of godly mothers, I’m reminded that a part of their life is a well worn, underlined Bible. The picture of the godly grandmother is her rocking chair, a lap blanket and an open Bible in her hand. Timothy came to a trusted faith through the faith of his mother and grandmother which could not have happened without regular Bible reading. (II Timothy 1:5) “…when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” As I see the children of our church, learn about their salvation, and see their growth in the Christian faith, I usually find a Bible reading, Bible teaching, Bible loving mom behind them. (Romans 10:17) “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
Mrs. Thomas didn’t have the privilege of knowing her grandmother but was given her Bible. It was a wonderful adventure to come to know her as we looked through her Bible, seeing verses she underlined, and reading the notes she wrote in the margins. When our Lord Jesus took Gretta Aults home, I looked at her Bible and found a time of struggle she had and how God had given her comfort, strength and hope. She had underlined verses, wrote dates, and added a sentence of personal encouragement. A mother’s Bible often reveals their faith.
The Bible provides the desire of Christian moms for their children. First and foremost it brings children to faith in Christ so they can be sure of eternal life. (II Timothy 3:14 & 15) “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” What mom would ever want to be blessed with children, see them grow and develop into fine adults and lose them for eternity?
Moms also know that the Bible develops character, convictions and brings right choices. It provides a foundation of right and wrong heroes to follow (Hebrews 11) and safety in evil times. (II Timothy 3: 1-17)
The child who graduates valedictorian of their class, without knowledge of the Bible, is not equipped for life. The godly mom reads, teaches, and lives the Bible to her children.
Motherhood brings thorns along with roses and because of that moms flee to the Word as their source of comfort and courage. The testimony they share is that God’s Word, because it enables us to know God, does not let them down. It’s hard to find a godly mom, who at the end of her life, doesn’t have a few verses in her Bible that isn’t stained with tears. (Psalm 119: 50, 71, 75, 76, 92)
I’m thankful for the Scripture moms of our church; teaching their children the Bible, training them to walk in it’s ways and taking them to the places they can be with others to learn and live the Word. It doesn’t hurt moms, every so often, to check up and commit themselves again to learning, living and loving God’s Word.
Pastor Thomas

Megan's Name

Megan’s name and life from a grandpa’s point of view.

Merriment – that was our Megan; did you notice how many of those pictures have a smile? Her happy view of life flowed through her smile, her song and her skipping.

Energy – I’ve often said she never learned to walk. It seems she took off running, exploring, looking, trying, doing and finally at the end of the day collapse.

Godly – How can I say that about a 5 year old? That’s a term for old men, yet children have faith, too and that’s all God asks for. Megan believed that Jesus died for her sins and asked Him to be her savior. She was learning how to live for Him and was enthusiastic about it.

Angel – For several of her cousins that’s how they’ll think of her, for her dad & mom they might remember a small moment or two that wasn’t so angelic but for grandpa she was sent by God on a mission of love to my heart.

None other – Her death will leave a void that nothing or nobody will ever replace. Yet life will go on. God will give strength, grace, and courage; we are choosing to accept His will, trust His Word, and await the day when we will se Jesus face to face. It will be great to see Megan running down the streets of glory, hair flying and saying “Poppy Larry”!

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those to sleep in Jesus. I Thessalonians 4:14

God's Gift of Megan - March 2006

God’s gift to me of Megan!
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men…I’m not sure what that crown means but Megan made Ed & me feel like royalty!I remember that day Sam called us to say that Megan was born, she was so eager the get going in life she had to come early. They included my mom’s name in her’s, I was so proud. I’d like to think that last Friday night an angel interrupted a worship service in heaven and said “Bink, I have a surprise for you” and Megan jumped from the arms of Jesus into mom’s arms. Then mom said, I’d like you to meet… and Heaven partied because another saint had come home!Well, God was good and before I could catch my breath she was running up to me for a Giggly Hug- she never walked, life offered too much fun for her to walk.As soon as she talked I became Poppy Larry….and the fun continued. Her smile and glow, wow, but it was the twinkle of excitement in her eyes that showed her enthusiasm for life.Last summer, we ran down to the swings for Poppy to push her, but it never happened- by the time I got there she was already flying high. All Poppy had to do was hold the swingset down cause she was going so high.But the most delightful thing of all was that she taught me how to dance- I’m an old stuffy Baptist preacher- I don’t know when or where happened, but in one of those bubbly enthusiastic moments, we joined hands and I said, “Let’s Dance” and we began to jump up and down (like Tigger) and round and round in a circle until Poppy tired out. It became our thing. She taught me that life is more than serious faithful work; it needs moments of enthusiastic joy.There is another legacy Megan leaves me and that is her faith and trust. Ahead of us there will be times of acceptance, fears, weakness, anger, needing forgiveness, trust, leaning, learning and ministry. We may not have all the answers but with simple trust like Megan’s we can and will go on to victory.Many of you know that the accident happened right at the driveway of our church, so everyday of ministry I’m going to have to pass by that place and I know that Satan could (and will) kick me in the gut. Yet I want to let God turn it into a reminder that my Jesus died for children as well as adults and continue to reach children, sharing the Gospel, teaching the Word, so they, too, can have assurance of everlasting life, enthusiasm, and excitement about coming to church, just like our Megan.Thank you, Jesus, for those 5 years of excitement! We will be together again.
Poppy LarryMarch 23, 2006