James 4 exhorts us to “draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts ye double minded.” In this passage, James has essentially provided the framework for the concept of revival.
All of us experience highs and lows; one day we’re on top of the mountain, the next we may be traversing through the lowest valley. This is what C.S. Lewis described as the “Law of Spiritual Undulation” of the Christian life; the tendency to move from spiritual highs when the blessings of God are clearly evident, to times of spiritual lows when the trials of life provoke us to battle with doubts or discouragement. Our hearts get cold and calloused, and let’s be honest, even bored at times, and at some point, we all need revival. We need to get back to the fire and warm ourselves again.
Revival is bringing back to life that which has previously had life. Of course, this means you cannot have revival unless you’ve already had “life”. God’s people are “born again” into a new life, adopted into God’s family; yet at different seasons of life we need a new stirring of the Spirit of God; a quickening of our spiritual life. We need a personal revival.
Gypsy Smith, an evangelist of yesteryear said, “The way to have a personal revival is to draw a circle around yourself, get down on your knees and say “OH Lord send revival and let it start inside this circle.”
Charles Finney, the great evangelist said, “Revival is a new beginning of obedience unto God.”
All of us need that! Amen.
This Sunday will start our Fall Revival with Evangelist Tim Lee. I would encourage everyone to make a commitment to participate as I am sure we can all use some “revival” in our spiritual lives! This is our church and together we need to seek God’s blessings through obedience. Each night bring your family and your Bible but most of all bring your heart open, ready to receive what God has for you. Let us all pray this week that God will send us true Holy Ghost revival. I can’t wait!
See you Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
In Honor of Our Fallen Soldiers
It was certainly an emotional day this past Sunday when we honored those precious families that suffered the loss of a son in Iraq or Afghanistan. Heart-rending may actually be a more appropriate description. If you were not moved by the life stories behind each of these valiant young men, you better check your pulse! In the coming weeks we plan to have the names of these dear men engraved on the bench designed in their honor.
Solomon said “Sorrow is better than mirth (laughter).” Although this may seem to be a rather cynical attitude, it is actually rooted in Solomon’s astute observation that we tend to learn and grow stronger in faith more from times of sorrow than we do from times of joy.
Experiencing sorrow is typically not considered to be something beneficial, but Solomon would argue that it does have some positive effects. For one, it causes us to “reconnect” with our humanity, often compelling us to reach out to our fellow man in ways we otherwise would not (this Sunday’s service, for instance!). It also forces us to recognize our inherent weakness as humans, and that some things are beyond our control. This in turn provides insight as to our own limitations; we are so limited just by our being finite human beings. But God is unlimited, and God is infinitely wise and perfect in all His ways. If we acknowledge these contrasting realities, and we place our trust in God and rely on his providence, times of sorrow will strengthen our faith and fortify our spiritual muscle. I guess Solomon knew what he was talking about!
This Sunday our theme will be on “The Power of the Cross”. We have some great things planned at Chestertown Baptist Church. If you miss a Sunday, you miss a lot!
Please know that I love and appreciate you all.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Solomon said “Sorrow is better than mirth (laughter).” Although this may seem to be a rather cynical attitude, it is actually rooted in Solomon’s astute observation that we tend to learn and grow stronger in faith more from times of sorrow than we do from times of joy.
Experiencing sorrow is typically not considered to be something beneficial, but Solomon would argue that it does have some positive effects. For one, it causes us to “reconnect” with our humanity, often compelling us to reach out to our fellow man in ways we otherwise would not (this Sunday’s service, for instance!). It also forces us to recognize our inherent weakness as humans, and that some things are beyond our control. This in turn provides insight as to our own limitations; we are so limited just by our being finite human beings. But God is unlimited, and God is infinitely wise and perfect in all His ways. If we acknowledge these contrasting realities, and we place our trust in God and rely on his providence, times of sorrow will strengthen our faith and fortify our spiritual muscle. I guess Solomon knew what he was talking about!
This Sunday our theme will be on “The Power of the Cross”. We have some great things planned at Chestertown Baptist Church. If you miss a Sunday, you miss a lot!
Please know that I love and appreciate you all.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Monday, August 29, 2011
Murphy's Law
Murphy’s Law is a familiar, old adage that goes something like this: “If anything can go wrong at the most inopportune time, it will.” It is a universal precept which, I’m certain, we all have referenced at one time or another. As one preacher put it “It’s the reason why our offering plate is never dropped until it’s full of coins.”
Dear Abby published proof of the expanded version of Murphy’s law which says, “If something can go wrong, it will, and in the worst possible sequence”. As evidence she provided a four day typographical nightmare printed by a small town newspaper:
Monday - For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap.
Tuesday - Notice: We regret having erred in R.D. Jones ‘ ad yesterday. It should have read “One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707 and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him after 7:00 PM.”
Wednesday - Notice: R.D. Jones has informed us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of the error we made in his classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: “For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00 PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him.
Thursday - Notice: I, R.D. Jones have no sewing machine for sale. I smashed it. Don’t call 948-0707 as the telephone has been taken out. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she quit.”
To R.D. Jones, Murphy’s law probably understated the facts!
As we serve the Lord together, we can expect things can and will go wrong. Jesus Himself warned us “In the world ye shall have tribulation”, so we should not be surprised when a “Murphy’s law” moment invades our life. But the truth is, we can often learn more from the difficulties of life than from the successes. I am reminded of what King Solomon said as to one of the primary goals of life: “Acquire wisdom. Honor her and she will give you life”.
Murphy says: ”If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” But Solomon’s admonition takes a much different view: “Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent prosper.”
The truth is, there is no shortcut to success. The road to a fulfilling life is full of potholes and struggles, but when you are serving the King of Kings, it’s always worth it in the end!
Now the proverbial pot of gold people speak of may have a certain allure, but as author Bert Whitney warns, if this is the ultimate prize which you seek:
“If I traveled to the end of the rainbow
As lady fortune did intend
Murphy would be there to tell
The pot’s at the other end.”
Have a super week. See you Sunday! God is good, and Jesus is wonderful!
Pastor
Dear Abby published proof of the expanded version of Murphy’s law which says, “If something can go wrong, it will, and in the worst possible sequence”. As evidence she provided a four day typographical nightmare printed by a small town newspaper:
Monday - For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him cheap.
Tuesday - Notice: We regret having erred in R.D. Jones ‘ ad yesterday. It should have read “One sewing machine for sale cheap. Phone 948-0707 and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him after 7:00 PM.”
Wednesday - Notice: R.D. Jones has informed us that he has received several annoying telephone calls because of the error we made in his classified ad yesterday. The ad stands correct as follows: “For sale – R.D. Jones has one sewing machine for sale. Cheap. Phone 948-0707 after 7:00 PM and ask for Mrs. Kelly who lives with him.
Thursday - Notice: I, R.D. Jones have no sewing machine for sale. I smashed it. Don’t call 948-0707 as the telephone has been taken out. I have not been carrying on with Mrs. Kelly. Until yesterday she was my housekeeper, but she quit.”
To R.D. Jones, Murphy’s law probably understated the facts!
As we serve the Lord together, we can expect things can and will go wrong. Jesus Himself warned us “In the world ye shall have tribulation”, so we should not be surprised when a “Murphy’s law” moment invades our life. But the truth is, we can often learn more from the difficulties of life than from the successes. I am reminded of what King Solomon said as to one of the primary goals of life: “Acquire wisdom. Honor her and she will give you life”.
Murphy says: ”If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” But Solomon’s admonition takes a much different view: “Lazy people want much but get little, while the diligent prosper.”
The truth is, there is no shortcut to success. The road to a fulfilling life is full of potholes and struggles, but when you are serving the King of Kings, it’s always worth it in the end!
Now the proverbial pot of gold people speak of may have a certain allure, but as author Bert Whitney warns, if this is the ultimate prize which you seek:
“If I traveled to the end of the rainbow
As lady fortune did intend
Murphy would be there to tell
The pot’s at the other end.”
Have a super week. See you Sunday! God is good, and Jesus is wonderful!
Pastor
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
God Wants Us to Thrive!
When life is going well it’s easy to feel hopeful. But when this fallen world brings trouble into your life, feelings of hopelessness will naturally arise. Thankfully, God gives us hope that is much more than a feeling. Unlike the worldly concept of hope as a wishy-washy emotion, the biblical definition of hope is the earnest expectation borne of a settled confidence that our Heavenly Father will deliver on His promises. One of these promises is manifested in the reality of His presence with you, through the Holy Spirit, one which we can experience in any situation; when health fails, the loss of a job, or any of the multiple tragedies which life may hurl your way.
While many Christians are “going through the motions”, merely surviving the daily routine, God wants us to thrive. Even when times are tough, He desires we make the most of each day. We are never to simply endure a troubling situation; we are expected to be fully engaged in whatever circumstances in which God has seen fit to place us.
Remember, each day you have in this life is a gift from God; thank Him for it. I have a sign on the mantle of my fireplace which reminds me of this simple truth – “Today is a gift from God; remember to thank Him for it”.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind each day (see Romans 12:2!) so you can have positive attitudes that you will need to confront whatever the day may hold, and to have power to demonstrate a Christ-like spirit in your life. Remember others are watching us. Help them to be drawn to Christ though your spirit and attitude.
I was participating in the soccer camp with kids all last week. It was a blast, but the coach is not what he once was!
I’ll see you Sunday!
Pastor
While many Christians are “going through the motions”, merely surviving the daily routine, God wants us to thrive. Even when times are tough, He desires we make the most of each day. We are never to simply endure a troubling situation; we are expected to be fully engaged in whatever circumstances in which God has seen fit to place us.
Remember, each day you have in this life is a gift from God; thank Him for it. I have a sign on the mantle of my fireplace which reminds me of this simple truth – “Today is a gift from God; remember to thank Him for it”.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to renew your mind each day (see Romans 12:2!) so you can have positive attitudes that you will need to confront whatever the day may hold, and to have power to demonstrate a Christ-like spirit in your life. Remember others are watching us. Help them to be drawn to Christ though your spirit and attitude.
I was participating in the soccer camp with kids all last week. It was a blast, but the coach is not what he once was!
I’ll see you Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Love One Another
In John 13 the Lord Jesus said, “A new commandment give I unto thee, that ye love one another.” Now the disciples had been told before to love. However, this time Jesus taught them how to love. He said, “As I have loved you, also love one another, by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” You don’t need a lapel pin. You don’t need a bumper sticker. The lost will know you by your love. I am not against lapel pins, or bumper stickers, but the greatest way to witness for Christ is to show His love.
About 200 years ago an encyclopedia wrote an article on love. It took five pages. Many years later that same encyclopedia attempted to describe the atom and it took 4 lines. Recently, a new edition to that encyclopedia left love out altogether and took 5 pages to explain the atom. Jesus said, ”Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold.” We live in a day of dwindling love and abounding iniquity. Love is hard to explain. It is hard to express. However, you know when it is there.
One place where love is expressed is in the church of the Lord Jesus. What a thrill to attend a church where you are warmly greeted and accepted as a fellow-believer. I tell you there is no lodge, club, or organization that will love you like the folks at a good Bible believing, New Testament church! I am thrilled to be part of this fellowship. Thanks for loving me and accepting my family and myself. I love and appreciate each one of you!
Looking forward to this Sunday!
Pastor
About 200 years ago an encyclopedia wrote an article on love. It took five pages. Many years later that same encyclopedia attempted to describe the atom and it took 4 lines. Recently, a new edition to that encyclopedia left love out altogether and took 5 pages to explain the atom. Jesus said, ”Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many will wax cold.” We live in a day of dwindling love and abounding iniquity. Love is hard to explain. It is hard to express. However, you know when it is there.
One place where love is expressed is in the church of the Lord Jesus. What a thrill to attend a church where you are warmly greeted and accepted as a fellow-believer. I tell you there is no lodge, club, or organization that will love you like the folks at a good Bible believing, New Testament church! I am thrilled to be part of this fellowship. Thanks for loving me and accepting my family and myself. I love and appreciate each one of you!
Looking forward to this Sunday!
Pastor
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Perfume in church?
Most of us would agree that the church at Philippi was one of the most pleasant churches described in the entire New Testament. All through the letter to the Philippians it is almost as if you could smell the pleasant atmosphere generated by the love the dear believers had for Christ and for each other. It was truly a church filled with love and joy. The Apostle Paul even exclaimed in his salutation in the first chapter, "I thank God for every remembrance of you!" He was essentially telling them that they were a sweet fragrance to him. Such was the spiritual character of this church.
In John 12 we are told about Mary anointing the feet of the Lord Jesus with expensive perfume. The Bible provides this description within the passage, “and the house was filled with the fragrance." It was obviously a palpable and pleasing fragrance, one that so impressed John that he was compelled to describe the sweet aroma that permeated the scene.
Oh! How wonderful it would be to be in a church like that! There needs to be a fragrance of perfume in a church. The ministry and the fellowship of the church family should emanate such a pleasant fragrance it should be easily discerned by any visitor.
I believe that is the atmosphere we have here at Chestertown Baptist Church. The unity and harmony and the ministry send forth just such a pleasant fragrance. Our members are among the sweetest on earth. Our services are Christ inspired and spiritually uplifting. Personally, I would rather be here than in any other church on earth! I remember Dr. Tom Wallace preaching a sermon here years ago entitled, “There’s no place like this place so this must be the place!" That's how I feel!
Of course, we are not a perfect church; we are, after all, made up of imperfect people! Once in a while you will run across “problem” people. That is going to happen! But the majority of us are “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3), which produces just such a sweet fragrance.
Thank you for being the way you are. You are a delight to Pastor and fellowship with.
May all we do be a sweet smelling savor to our precious Lord!
God bless you and Lord willing I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor
P.S.
Thanks for being patient with me the last couple of weeks. My gout has flared up. I have only eaten what I'm supposed to and only drink water. I went yesterday and received cortisone shot in my right foot. I am much better! Thanks for your prayers!
In John 12 we are told about Mary anointing the feet of the Lord Jesus with expensive perfume. The Bible provides this description within the passage, “and the house was filled with the fragrance." It was obviously a palpable and pleasing fragrance, one that so impressed John that he was compelled to describe the sweet aroma that permeated the scene.
Oh! How wonderful it would be to be in a church like that! There needs to be a fragrance of perfume in a church. The ministry and the fellowship of the church family should emanate such a pleasant fragrance it should be easily discerned by any visitor.
I believe that is the atmosphere we have here at Chestertown Baptist Church. The unity and harmony and the ministry send forth just such a pleasant fragrance. Our members are among the sweetest on earth. Our services are Christ inspired and spiritually uplifting. Personally, I would rather be here than in any other church on earth! I remember Dr. Tom Wallace preaching a sermon here years ago entitled, “There’s no place like this place so this must be the place!" That's how I feel!
Of course, we are not a perfect church; we are, after all, made up of imperfect people! Once in a while you will run across “problem” people. That is going to happen! But the majority of us are “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3), which produces just such a sweet fragrance.
Thank you for being the way you are. You are a delight to Pastor and fellowship with.
May all we do be a sweet smelling savor to our precious Lord!
God bless you and Lord willing I'll see you Sunday!
Pastor
P.S.
Thanks for being patient with me the last couple of weeks. My gout has flared up. I have only eaten what I'm supposed to and only drink water. I went yesterday and received cortisone shot in my right foot. I am much better! Thanks for your prayers!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Kindness
One of the preeminent goals of the Christian life is to exhibit the fruit of the spirit. One such fruit which seems awfully short in supply these days is kindness. Kindness…..think of it just for a moment. Titus 3:4 informs us kindness is one of the attributes displayed by our heavenly Father: “The kindness and the love of God our Savior appeared”. But even among believers there does seem to be a shortfall of this virtue in our churches.
It reminds me of the little girl who once prayed, "Dear God make all the bad people good and make the good people nice”. I say "amen" to that!
Have you ever asked yourself “Am I a kind person?” Someone recently commented to me of one of our members "No one is that nice all the time." I replied, "Yes, she is!" Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that testimony were true of all of us?
The story is told of a travelling businessman who was out of town and had stopped at a restaurant. The waitress came to take his order. "I'll have the chicken casserole and a kind word." Minutes later she returned and set his meal at the table before him, but without speaking a word. The man asked, “Where is the kind word?" She sighed and whispered, “Don't eat the chicken casserole."
My pastor in Indiana, where I was studying for the ministry, closed his radio program with the words, “Be nice to everybody ‘cause everybody is having a rough time." How true! I don't care who you are, we all need to hear a kind word once in a while!
Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Famer who broke the color barrier in Major League baseball, said he would never have made it in the majors if it hadn't been for Pee Wee Reese, who told him, “I’m behind you all the way!" Certainly kind words that were an encouragement to Robinson.
The Apostle Paul, in his famous listing of the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13, includes this: Love is kind! The Lord is kind to us; we in turn are to be kind to others! I want to be a kind and gentle person! I want to be a blessing to others, not a burden. That's my goal, and I truly believe it should be the goal of all Christians.
I am blessed as a pastor in that, collectively, this is one of the kindest congregations I have ever met. Thank you for being so kind to me. I'm going to do my best to reciprocate!
See you Sunday
Pastor!
It reminds me of the little girl who once prayed, "Dear God make all the bad people good and make the good people nice”. I say "amen" to that!
Have you ever asked yourself “Am I a kind person?” Someone recently commented to me of one of our members "No one is that nice all the time." I replied, "Yes, she is!" Wouldn’t it be wonderful if that testimony were true of all of us?
The story is told of a travelling businessman who was out of town and had stopped at a restaurant. The waitress came to take his order. "I'll have the chicken casserole and a kind word." Minutes later she returned and set his meal at the table before him, but without speaking a word. The man asked, “Where is the kind word?" She sighed and whispered, “Don't eat the chicken casserole."
My pastor in Indiana, where I was studying for the ministry, closed his radio program with the words, “Be nice to everybody ‘cause everybody is having a rough time." How true! I don't care who you are, we all need to hear a kind word once in a while!
Jackie Robinson, the Hall of Famer who broke the color barrier in Major League baseball, said he would never have made it in the majors if it hadn't been for Pee Wee Reese, who told him, “I’m behind you all the way!" Certainly kind words that were an encouragement to Robinson.
The Apostle Paul, in his famous listing of the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13, includes this: Love is kind! The Lord is kind to us; we in turn are to be kind to others! I want to be a kind and gentle person! I want to be a blessing to others, not a burden. That's my goal, and I truly believe it should be the goal of all Christians.
I am blessed as a pastor in that, collectively, this is one of the kindest congregations I have ever met. Thank you for being so kind to me. I'm going to do my best to reciprocate!
See you Sunday
Pastor!
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