Pastor Mike’s Weblog

Know That You Know God             1 John 2:3-17

When researching the topic of knowing God, one article I read was entitled “The Agonizing Problem of the Assurance of Salvation.” What people seem to agonize over is whether or not they “know” God. Knowing in a sense of relationship; not just knowing information about God, but knowing Him in an intimate relationship. How is it possible to have a real relationship with someone who cannot be physically seen, touched, or heard?

In our passage for this week, the Apostle John unequivocally affirms that evidence of a relationship with God is obedience (1 John 2:3). Many will characterize this as “doing” faith. “I do, therefore I know God.” However, we run hard against Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23 (HCSB):

“Not everyone who says to Me ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in Your name, drive out demons in Your name, and do many miracles in Your  name?’ Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from Me, you lawbreakers!‘”

These unfortunate people were “doing” many great things that most would characterize as evidence of knowing God. But Jesus condemned them as lawbreakers and declared their lack of relationship with Him. The key in the Matthew 7 passage above is found in the phrase “does the will of My Father in heaven”. Genuine faith is not evidenced by mere activity, but by transforming obedience.

1 John 2:5-6 explains this further. Our obedience to the will of God transforms us, changes us to become just like Jesus. God’s love is perfected in us and we “walk just as He walked“. In essence, genuine saving faith is evidenced by transforming obedience and not mere activity for God.

So, what is this transforming obedience? It is growth in Christlikeness. It is progress as a mature disciple of Jesus. One of the greatest evidences of this is a growing aversion to sin. The more we “walk just as He walked“, the more that walk will lead us farther from sin. We will enjoy sin less, we will no longer consider sin as trivial, we will no longer be comfortable with habitual sin, we will not plan to sin, brag about sin, play with sin, or seek to hide sin. God’s love is perfected in us when we love God too much to play with sin. How do I know that I know God? My love for Him drives me to a life of transforming obedience, which in turn makes me like Christ. a great evidence of that is an aversion to sin.

As God’s love is perfected in us it will be aimed at others through us. We will demonstrate love to others. Believers and non-believers. John uses a contrast of light and darkness to emphasize this important truth. If God Himself is love, and we are engaged in transformational obedience that makes us like Christ, how can we know God and not exhibit His love? If we are becoming like Him we are taking on His characteristics. “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son…” John 3:16 (HCSB). This is how God loves the world: He gave His very best! If we are not growing in a love like this, we are “walking (sic) in darkness” and do not know God.

It all boils down to this: our affections indicate our allegiance. The Apostle John essentially tells us in 1 John 2:15-17 that if we love the world and everything that is worldly, we cannot love God. If our affections are more closely tied to the things of this world, our allegiance cannot be with God. Knowing God is evidenced by transformational obedience that makes me like Jesus, sacrificial love that is directed toward all people, and a settled allegiance to God that supersedes everything else.

Boomerang Express VBS 2009 Theme Sermon - It All Comes Back to Jesus

1 John 4:9-11

Discover the Vastness of God’s Love!

Introduction:  Beatles - “All you need is love….love is all you need”

·       If you go to online book retailer Amazon.com, there are at least 32,507 books currently in print with the word “love” in the title (over 145,000 that deal with the subject of love) and over 11,000 music CDs with “love” in the title.

·       If you were to do a Google-search on the internet, you’d discover at least 121,000,000 web-sites that that use the word “love” as one of their key words.

·       It is unmistakable, how important love is to our culture — to people in general.

·       But with all this information available, love has also become a very confusing subject.
When I watch TV, or scan magazines in the checkout lines, it’s clear that our society has a very poor understanding of love.

       I.          It Begins With God (vs. 9)

A.     True Love is never static or inactive

B.     “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (NKJV) 

C.    “We love Him because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NKJV)

D.    “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (NKJV)

     II.          It Was Evident on the Cross (vs. 10)

A.     “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (NKJV)

B.     Propitiation

1.     Greek ‘hilasmos’, meaning atonement, or appeasement; a means of appeasement

2.     Correlates to Old Testament Hebrew ‘kaphar’; root word for “mercy seat”

C.    “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

    III.          It’s Demonstrated Through Us (vs. 11)

A.     God is our Example

1.     He loved sacrificially and unconditionally

2.     Jesus’ death on the cross was the appeasing of God’s justice and judgment for sin.

B.     Love is to be Expressed

1.     To the brethren (one another)

2.     To everyone

            ABC’s of Becoming a Christian

·        Admit to God that you are a sinner; repent, or turn away from your sin

·        Believe that Jesus is God’s Son; His sacrifice on the cross paid your debt of sin

·        Confess Jesus as your Savior and Lord; put Him in charge of your life

Phillip: The Man Who Loved to Tell Others About Jesus

Acts 6,8,21

People are lost. They need to hear about Jesus. Yet, many believers do not share the good news as Jesus commanded. Why?

Many feel unqualified, unworthy, or afraid of the reactions their witness may generate. Others, sadly, do not see sharing the good news of Jesus as a priority. It is just not important to them. and still others just never think about it. Their thinking is shaped by other priorities, their day is consumed by another focus, and sharing Christ with the lost never comes to mind.

Whatever the reasoning behind a lack of bearing witness, it is still disobedience. We are commanded to share the gospel with everyone, to share it as we go through our daily lives, to seek to create opportunities to share. Phillip is a good example for us to follow.

We see first in our scripture passage for this week that Phillip stood out among the early church. When the church was directed by the apostles to select 7 men to handle a dispute, men who were wise and filled with God’s Spirit, Phillip was chosen. To be led and made wise by God’s Spirit is a necessary prerequisite to being an effective witness. Our words and efforts are nothing apart from the Spirit’s convicting and regenerating work. If you are seriously considering becoming more proactive when it comes to sharing your faith in Christ, study and seek God’s fullness daily.

Phillip was also willing to serve. Serving tables was perhaps an ignominious duty, but Phillip served without complaint. When our acts of service are done out of a desire to honor and serve God, much can be accomplished. Meeting needs will open many doors of opportunity to share Christ and His love and forgiveness.

Recently our church packed gift bags, passed them out, and helped serve meals and give away door prizes at a local truck stop where we maintain a strategic ministry. It was the truck stop’s 40th anniversary, and many drivers came through that day. Because of our willingness to serve we had many chances to share Christ with truck drivers who criss-cross the nation. Serving and sharing go together!

Phillip is a great example of crossing barriers to share Christ. When persecution scattered the church at Jerusalem Phillip chose to go to a city in Samaria. Ordinarily Jews and Samaritans held one another in great scorn and derision. They would have no dealings with each other, even traveling out of their way to go around one another’s territories and not through. However, Phillip preached the gospel of Jesus to these Samaritans! He did notlet old, handed-down prejudices keep him from preaching about Jesus. They paid heed to his message and believed, exhibiting great joy.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a cross-cultural message of hope. There is no culture where the gospel is not relevant or needed. It knows no barriers. We erect barriers to the gospel when we shun people of other colors, ethnic backgrounds, socio-economic status, or other man-made distinctions. We see this example again as Phillip speaks to a Gentile, the Ethiopian eunuch.

Phillip follows God’s instructions to venture away from a great revival in Samaria and go into the desert. There he follows the Spirit’s leadership and catches up with a chariot, only to hear the man riding in it reading the Hebrew bible! What a divine appointment! Phillip quickly engages the man in conversation regarding what he was reading and has a chance to share Jesus with him. We should always be ready to engage others in a dialogue regarding the scriptures. We cannot take advantage of these ‘divine appointments’ unless we have prepared ourselves with a working knowledge of the scriptures. Witnessing entails work and preparation. It is work!

Perhaps the greatest aspect of Phillip’s life for parents is that it was evident he shared Christ with his family. In Acts 21 we find Phillip again and are introduced to his 4 virgin daughters, who are said to prophesy. This means they were unmarried and they knew and taught God’s Word. they had followed their father’s example and caught the witnessing bug! What greater example could we set for our children than being a verbal witness for Christ?

What is holding you back from sharing your faith? Perhaps you have determined to be a ready witness in the future. Prepare yourself by daily spending time in the scriptures and prayer. Ask God for the fullness of His Spirit. Practice sharing your personal testimony and seek to tell it to others. Ask God for divine appointments and trust Him to provide faith to accept them and the words to share. Your world needs to hear the life-changing message of Christ. From you!

Later Addition: a link to the following video was sent to me from a good friend. It is a fantastic testimony from an atheist about the experience of a Christian giving him a bible. May we all be like this!!

Abigail: Living with a Difficult Husband (Spouse)      1 Samuel 25:1-42

A sad but significant part of my pastoral ministry has included ministering to marriages in trouble. It is a sad fact that many times God’s children do not reflect His characteristics in their family relationships. Disagreements arise, harsh words are spoken, belligerent actions are taken, and turmoil is the inevitable result. Perhaps you live with a difficult spouse. How does a person cope?

Our bible story for this week is truly a story of beauty and the beast. Abigail and her husband Nabal are completely different people. We are told that she was intelligent and beautiful, but that Nabal was harsh and evil. Why do kind and gentle people pair up with harsh and domineering mates? Social theorists likely have many differing opinions concerning such marriages, but one fact remains: they happen. Frequently. Perhaps one sees another, more private side of the other, and is drawn to those favorable characteristics that others do not see. Surely if Abigail were truly an intelligent woman she would not blindly marry a fool (Nabal means, literally, fool). Of course, in their day marriages were arranged. Abigail may have had no influence whatsoever in choosing her own mate. However, I would question my parents’ wisdom in promising me in marriage to a man whose name means fool!

As the story unfolds we see that Nabal is a wealthy man. He is shearing sheep and preparing for the sale of the wool, which would bring much money. It was a time of celebration and generosity. Servants would be rewarded for their faithful service to the master. David, destined to be king, but at this time on the run, is hiding in the hill country with a band of armed men. As a neighborly gesture, he and his men watch over the herds of Nabal to protect them from harm from robbers, predators, etc. At shearing time, David naturally expects that the owner will reward he and his men for their services. Instead Nabal acts true to his name and his nature by insulting David and his men and sending them away empty-handed. As you may imagine, David was furious and commanded his men to gird up for a slaughter.

When Abigail receives word of her husband’s boorish actions, she takes redemptive actions of her own. She gathers a large gift of provisions and delivers them to David along with her apologies for her husband’s lack of gracious hospitality. How many times has she had to repeat such actions? How many times in the past has she been embarrassed, belittled, harassed, insulted, and ashamed? We are never told the full extent of Abigail’s life-long ordeal with Nabal, but many can identify with her plight.

Many husbands and wives cry themselves to sleep each night over their spouse’s cruelties. Many wonder why they even stay, and if holding out any longer is in their best interests. Love, promises, convictions - all are strained to the limit when abuse, neglect, and shame are the daily diet. This article cannot even begin to offer answers to questions concerning when to leave and how long to say. But let’s examine Abigail’s story and learn from her.

Several important things stand out. First, when her husband caused trouble by his obtuse behavior, she acted with humility and grace. Although her husband possessed none of the social graces, she was wise in the ways of dealing with people. “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1.

Second, she did not make excuses for her husband’s actions. When speaking with David, she readily admitted Nabal’s actions were evil. We cannot condone the sin of others, even when we love them the most. Making excuses for our loved ones only breeds anger in those they have injured, and gives our errant loved ones license to continue their sinful actions.

Third, she gave glory to God and acknowledged Him as she dealt with David. God was in charge of her life and David’s life as well. He was Lord of both. She used God’s wisdom in dealing with David, and appealed to him to emulate God’s character as well. Because of her initiative and discernment, a deadly encounter between David and Nabal was averted.

Fourth, she wisely knew when to confront her husband, and when to wait. When she returned from speaking with David, Nabal was drunk and in no condition for intelligent conversation. she waited until a more opportune time. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Proverbs 25:11. How many bad situations were made worse when spouses explode in anger with harsh words? These kinds of reactions build more barriers instead of tearing them down! Knowing when to speak, and when to refrain from speaking, is as important as knowing what to say.

As is evidenced in her words and actions with David, Abigail trusted her future to God. She willingly followed and honored Him even in a difficult marriage relationship. As a result, God honored her faithfulness. He delivered her from her wicked husband Nabal, and David knew a good woman when he saw one! She became his wife.

This article may find you in the middle of trying circumstances. Your spouse may have caused you to endure countless heartache, shame, fear, and pain. You may struggle with staying every moment of every day. Look to the example of Abigail and know that the God who loves you sees all your travail. He waits to give you His comfort and peace, and maybe even His deliverance. Acknowledge Him in every way and surrender to Him completely in every way. Trust Him with your present and your future. He is Lord of all circumstances, including the impossible ones.

The following is excerpted from Church Health Matters, a regular publication included in the Baptist & Reflector, the Tennessee Baptist State Newspaper. To see the entire publication, which concerns VBS, go here.

During Pre-VBS Preparations:

• Pray for people who will come to know Christ during VBS. Pray that God will prepare their hearts to hear about Jesus. Pray for those who will share the gospel that the Lord would provide divine appointments.
• Pray for parents of children that will be attending VBS that God will send laborers into their lives and that the Lord would use the children as laborers in lost parent’s lives.
• Pray for those who teach that they may have the gift of discernment as they minister to VBS participants.
• Pray for open doors of “utterances” as those in the community are invited.
• Pray for each leader and volunteer to be unafraid and unashamed to share the gospel. Pray for boldness.
• Pray for the enemy to be defeated in the lives of workers, parents and children.
• Pray for all the leaders who are preparing rooms, making final lesson preparations and getting organized at home. Pray for them to be inspired in ways that prepares hearts for the gospel.

During VBS:

• Pray that compassion would fill the heart of every laborer.
• Pray for the laborer to share and serve as though he/she was doing it for the Lord.
• Pray that the gospel would be proclaimed boldly, compassionately and clearly.
• Pray those who attend that are hungry for love and affirmation would find it not just from the VBS workers but in Jesus.
• Pray that when the ABC’s of becoming a Christian are presented that it would be done so clearly and powered by the Holy Spirit and covered by prayer.
• Pray for those who have not responded to the Holy Spirit’s call. Pray for others who will be touched by the Holy Spirit.
• Pray that Christians will have a desire and confidence to share the good news.
• Pray that VBS participants would become connected to the church for long term discipleship.
• Pray for Family Night and that unchurched families that will come. Pray for them to feel welcomed, loved and most of all come to know the Lord as their Lord and Savior.

After VBS:

• Pray that people who have accepted Christ as Savior can be brought into the fellowship of your church (or another church) and begin growing in Christ likeness.
• Pray that VBS prospects and their families will come to Sunday School and worship.
• Pray that the church will begin to help meet needs discovered during VBS.
• Pray that what was learned during VBS will make a difference in the lives of those who participated. Pray that those who worked in VBS will sense God’s pleasure and satisfaction with their efforts.
• Pray that those who conduct follow-up on those who participated may have open doors into the lives of the whole family.
  

Today, Thursday May 7, is the National Day of Prayer here in the United States. On this day Christians gather in numerous venues to lift up prayers on behalf of our nation and its leaders, and to ask for spiritual renewal for our nation and its churches. Following is a suggested prayer composed by Beth Moore, renowned bible teacher and 2009 NDP Honorary Chairperson.

In the name of our
Lord and Savior,
Amen

Pause and pray for our nation today. The sanctuary at our church, Ararat Baptist Church of Jackson, TN, is open all day for prayer. Visit the National Day of Prayer web site for more prayers, video, and webcasts from around the nation. You may also visit VoteSmart.gov for specific names of elected officials for which to pray.

Hannah: Ideals of Motherhood  1 Samuel 1-2

What separates Godly parents from other parents? Most parents I know strive to provide the best of all things for their children. They willingly invest what is necessary to guide their children to become adept students, talented athletes, skilled musicians, wise outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, and well-adjusted friends. But what do Christian parents have to offer above these sedentary things?

This lesson for Mother’s Day finds us examining the life of Hannah. Although we can discern great characteristics of motherhood in her life story, these same attributes will benefit all Christian parents who want to pass on a Godly influence to their children.

When we are first introduced to Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, she is immediately viewed as the underdog. She was one of two wives of a man named Elkanah; his wife Peninnah had borne him children but Hannah was childless. Because Hannah was childless Peninnah taunted her mercilessly. Hannah desperately wanted children, but for reasons known only to God at the time, she remained childless.

Have you ever desired something so badly that it hurt? Have you ever grieved so deeply or felt sorrow so keenly that it consumed your every thought? In this despondent state she turned to God in prayer. This was no meaningless mumbling of rote prayers; 1 Samuel 1:10 shows us Hannah weeping and praying earnestly. When distressed she earnestly laid her needs before God.

Her prayer as recorded in scripture gives us insight into her relationship with God and her level of commitment to Him. She called God ‘Lord of Hosts’, meaning “Omnipotent Deliverer”. Hannah is the first person in the Old Testament to use this title. When presenting her need to God she affirmed who He was and is by faith. She also called herself “your servant”, affirming her total submission to God. She understood that her life belonged to God, and was to be lived for His glory. Even when presenting her request, she acknowledged that she was subservient to God whether He granted her request or not.

She also made a vow. Hannah is the only woman in the Old Testament to make a vow with God. If God would grant her a child she would dedicate that child to the Lord’s service. The phrase about not cutting the child’s hair refers to the Nazarite vow. This was a vow of dedication to God for His service. Hannah was giving her child back to God by faith before God granted the child! This is a vow all parents should make. All we have comes from God and we are stewards of His gifts and blessings; this includes our children. We should commit our children to God and then bring them up saturated in His truth and service.

Notice the change in Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:18. After laying her burden before God she was no longer downcast, and began to eat again. Jesus called us to come to Him as dear children (Matthew 18:1-4; Luke 18:17). A child that knows his daddy loves him will come boldly and ask for what is needed. He will ask in confidence and wait in peace, knowing that daddy will do what is best for the children he loves.

Hannah fulfilled her vow. When Samuel was old enough to leave his mother she brought him to Eli the Lord’s priest and presented him to the Lord. She followed through on her commitment. Sometimes our obedience requires sacrifice. What have you committed to do before God? What promises have you made to Him? We may say how important serving God is to us, but how faithfully do we carry it out?

Finally, Hannah worshipped the Lord with joy! She prayed, God had answered, and now she comes before Him to offer thanksgiving and adoration. God is truly our “Omnipotent Deliverer”, the One who is a tower of refuge and our abundant source of provision. He is worthy of our praise and deserving of our gratitude.

For all the mothers out there, thank you! For all the Christians and Christian parents out there, learn from Hannah’s example. On Mother’s Day … and every day!

As many of my friends may know, I have moved into a new pastoral ministry in Jackson, Tennessee. This past Sunday, April 26, 2009, was my first Sunday as senior pastor of Ararat Baptist Church. The pictures below are from our New Pastor Installation / Passing the Mantle Service we did with the retired senior pastor, Bro. J.V. Davis.

Pastor Davis served Ararat for 18 years before his retirement, and will continue to be a valued asset to the church in the future. Bro. Davis issued a charge to the church, as well as to me as the incoming pastor, before symbolically passing the mantle of leadership on to me, by draping a hand-made mantle over my shoulders. I then preached a message of challenge to the church.

It was a wonderful way for the retiring pastor to present his blessing on the new pastor and the church’s transition. It was a day of New Beginnings, which I will not soon forget. I am blessed and privileged to be assuming leadership at this pivotal point in Ararat’s long and prosperous history. Our greatest days of serving in Christ’s Kingdom are ahead!