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