Physics is the study of matter and energy and the relationship between the two. We owe much to the world's great physicists. There is Archimedes, whose studies of hydraulics changed science forever, Sir Isaac Newton who uncovered the Law of Gravity, and Albert Einstein, whose theory of relativity explains how to split the atom.
Some of the most imaginative of all physicists have to be those in Hollywood. Their cartoon characters have re-written every physical law known to mankind! We've seen their handiwork develop over the last few years and it's amazing what they have done. I marvel when I watch and see how these animations have literally changed movie watching - not to mention the baby sitting services they provide for parents! These characters defy the laws of gravity, go through solid matter and run so fast they become a blur! Rewriting physical laws in cartoons is fun and reckless, but only a fool would deny the law of physics.
The same is true when it comes to Scripture. Changing or ignoring God's Word is dangerous and yet many have tried it. History is littered with those nations who ignored God's laws. Some have tried to write their own laws hoping to outsmart creation. Diocletian, the Roman Emporer, gloated when stating, "The name 'Christian' is forever extinguished" yet five years later Constantine declared Christianity as Rome's religion. Voltaire, the French atheist, said, "Fifty years from now the world will hear no more of the Bible." On the 50th anniversary of his claim the Geneva Bible Society was using Voltaire's house as a print shop! Carl Sagan, the astonomer, stated, "The cosmos is all that is or ever will be." He died believing his fallacy.
You can make the Road Runner pass through solid mountains but you cannot deny God's Word. The Bible says, "Nations that forget God will be turned into Hell!"

Getting Our Focus Right

Focus means "to concentrate on a center of interest or activity. To sharpen or clearly define."
As you study the life of the Lord Jesus you understand that He was focused. To some it may appear that Jesus was a nomad, wandering from village to village, performing miracles and displaying goodness as He went. However, nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus, God robed in human flesh loved people, but nevertheless He remained focused. Though constantly challenged, He never wavered. He was harrassed by the rebellious leaders of the day. They dogged him day and night trying to harm His ministry. His disciples always had new ideas. One time they requested Jesus to call down fire from heaven to consume those they disagreed with.

Even Jesus' hometown would would not accept His ministry. Scripture tells us he could do no great work there because of their lack of faith. Satan tempted Him, trying to turn Him aside.

Jesus remained resolute. And His focus has served as a template for all of us as His disciples.

Nothing should be more important to us than focusing on what God wants us to accomplish. Jesus said "My heart is to do the will of Him that sent me." And that also should be our desire. It's easy for us to become comfortable and stagnant. But our minstries should always be fresh; and that should be our goal. Our passion should be to be used of God so as to bring glory to our Lord.

For three years the disciples were taught by the Master. Jesus held nothing back from them. He taught them in every phase of ministry. They saw Him laugh, weep, teach, pray, challenge, rest, serve, heal, answer, and lead. When it was their turn, they never asked how. They were focused.

Our work is demanding but the model of our teacher is simple "focus".
See you Sunday!

Going Up Higher

When Joshua succeeded to leadership in Israel there was no doubt in his or anyone else's mind what his commission involved. His charge was three-fold. Lead Israel across the Jordan, engage the nations in Canaan and expel them, and settle the people in their new land according to the word of God.

Leadership is unique, in the sense that it serves as a model for others to possess the promises of God to the fullest extent. But for this to occur, leaders must insist on leaving old ways behind and charting a new course, by divine leadership of the Holy Spirit.

Many of us are not pressing forward, we're sitting back while there is still land to conquer!

I like the hymn that says, "I'm pressing on the upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day, still praying as I'm onward bound, Lord plant my feet on higher ground."

Israel was about to do what she had never done before. The Lord calls us to go up on a higher plane. It's uncomfortable at times - it's difficult at times - but nevertheless, He has called us to conquer the land.

We here at Chestertown Baptist Church have much land to conquer - and, by the grace of God, we will. However, you and I must be willing to go spiritually higher than we have ever gone. Let's take the land before us. Let's inhabit the land where the milk and honey flows. Together let's accomplish what God has for us as people.

Let us be courageous and strong, let's keep our vision secure and understand that prosperity comes from following divine intervention.

God bless you! See you Sunday!

Pastor

The True Value of Diamonds

Diamonds. They're the stuff dreams are made of. The star in Hollywood's biggest movies. Countries go to war over them. They are the fixation of many a miner and pick. They are relativly small, yet they always draw a crowd. From the world's largest (512 carat) in the Crown Jewel of England, to the tiniest chip in a bride's band, it is considered the nearest thing to priceless we have.

However, the Bible tells us of four things of greater value than a sea of diamonds, river of gold, or mountains of jewels.

Wisdom! Solomon tells us that it is worth more and is more precious than gold. Nothing we desire can compare with it.

God's Words! The psalmist said "More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold. Sweeter also, than honey and the honeycomb'".

An Excellent Woman! Solomon said that her price is above rubies, and her children rise up and call her blessed.

Personal Reputation! The Bible says "A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and favor is better than silver or gold".

Most of us have been blessed with some of these. We are a blessed people. Much of everyday is spent protecting these treasures and with good reason. They are of infinite worth. May we spend our days seeking to enrich our lives on that which God values. Jesus said "What would it profit a man if he gained the whole world and lost his soul?"

May I encourage you to set your affections on things above, not of this world. Please know I value you very much and pray God's favor will be yours.


Pastor

"Serve us" to "Service"

Most of us remember the old full service gas stations. I worked at one the better part of four years. You could stop and have someone pump the gas for you, check your oil, wash your windshield and all with a good attitude.

We would all get excited at the Texaco station whenever the bell would ring and we could go to work. If things were slow we would even check the tire pressure. Check this out, if one was low we would put air in the tire. And are you ready for this - for free!

That was a long time ago. Very few exist today. Basically, you are on your own unless you go to a $40 an hour mechanic.

In that vein, there was a time when many served this country. It seems a while ago, but many were more interested in serving than they were in being served. It seems that everyone now-a-days is more interested in what they can get, rather than what they can give. President Kennedy said "Ask not what your country can do for you; rather ask what you can do for your country". That needs to be asked again and again; and what is true with the nation is true with society. We have developed a "serve us" mentality. "What have you done for me lately?" is the mantra of many people. Our churches, schools, families, and neighborhoods have become "serve me" zones. I think it would be good for us to return to service.

Personally, I think it is a lack of committment for the greater good which is producing this mentality. That is what made this nation great! Our forefathers had it and we had better get it or we will lose something very valuable as a people; freedom! Let's move away from this "serve me" mentality towards a "service" mentality.

Our church also must have people who serve! But some of us are more interested in what the church can do for us. I think we need to flip the script on this selfish, self-centered, sinful thinking. Somewhere in the journey of faith a transition must begin. Somewhere, as Christians we must find ourselves moving away from "serving us" to service. James, in his epistle, said it best: you say you have faith, show me your faith by your works.

Thank you for the multitude of you who work like there is no tomorrow. God bless your service!



Pastor

Walking the Tightrope

Have you ever been to a circus or watched one on TV? One of the most thrilling events is the high wire act. First of all, a ladder is scaled. Then, the strong man or woman walks on this tightly strung cable out and back. They often put someone on their shoulders. At times they ride a unicycle and juggle while on the high wire. And always with a smile on their face, while inside they're sweating bullets. Personally, heights are not up my alley. I could never do what these dare-devils do every night.

However, being a Dad in this age is like walking on a high wire. You're walking a fine line, trying to balance everything for fear of the consequences of extreme mistakes. And often, you're carrying unpublicized burdens on your shoulders, while juggling a job, a family, and a personal life.

One thing I've learned these past 34 years is being a Dad is no easy task. It is at times a delightful experience, but there are times it is a difficult excursion.

Parenting is not without its rewards, but it also has its responsibilities. It has its thrills and also its tears. It has its proud moments and also its painful trials. It's a balancing act that is difficult and even impossible without divine intervention. Frustrating as it is at times there is no greater joy. I love being a Dad. I want my gang to know I love them. I hope I have balanced, juggled, and shouldered my share. If not, please forgive me. But most of all, let me say thanks for the opportunity to get on the high wire. It's been the greatest thrill of my life. Thanks for making me proud.

Pastor

A Graduation Gift

Dear Abby recorded a powerful story. A young man from a wealthy family was about to graduate from high school. It was a custom in their affluent community for parents to give their children a new car. The boy and his Dad spent several weeks visiting one dealership after another. The week before graduation they found the perfect car. The boy was certain it would be in their driveway on graduation night.

On the eve of graduation his father handed him a small package. The father said the package conatained the most valuable gift he could think of. It was a Bible. The boy threw the Bible down and stormed out of the house. He and his father never saw each other again.
Several years later the news of his father's death brought the son home again. After the funeral, he sat alone one evening going through his father's possessions that he was to inherit, when he came across the Bible his Dad had given him. Overwhelmed by grief, he brushed away the dust and cracked it open for the first time. As he did, a cashier's check dated for the day of his graduation fell out. It was the exact amount of the car they had chose. The gift had been there all along but he had turned it away.

At this graduation season, gifts are certainly in order. One is to be commended and rewarded upon the completion of a job well done. However, the greatest gift to any of us is the Word of God. In its pages, a graduate commencing life can find the answers to the most perplexing problems!

Graduates - Congratulations! Job well done! Now you must remember this is just the beginning. The how,when,where and why's all lie before you. But you're not alone. Open the Book and in it you will find the keys to a happy life.

Pastor