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
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
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!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
America has enjoyed the signature blessings of God throughout our history. We have indeed been a providentially blessed people. However, when the virtues of our nation are mentioned there are those who seek to deny its Christian influence. Some even derogatorily claim the early years of our nation was governed by Old Testament rules, as if this is a bad thing; they are ignorant of the fact the Old Testament is brimming with the basic tenets upon which a moral and prosperous society can be developed.
Today we are constantly bombarded by those who want to argue that the fundamental ideals upon which this country was founded were not conceived by those of the Christian faith. However, an honest, forthright investigation of the motivations of our forefathers makes it impossible to separate America’s founding from the Christian faith that provided the framework which guided their efforts.
John Witherspoon , one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, oversaw the project of printing the Bible authorized by Congress. Charles Thompson, secretary of Congress, was responsible for America’s 1st translation of the Bible from Greek to English. In fact, a number of the signers of the Declaration were involved with starting 121 Bible societies within an eight year period. During the signing of the Declaration, Benjamin Rush asked John Adams regarding the impending war , “Do you think we can win this conflict?” Adams replied, “Yes, if we repent of our sins and rely on God.”
This is just a small sampling from the historical record of the overt Christianity expressed by the founding fathers, and it is a far cry from what is being taught today. Historical Revisionists, with an agenda to misrepresent the truth, have poisoned much of our youth. And, although it is consistent with the intent of the forefathers that other religions would be free to worship in this land, it is imperative to remember it is because of the Christian faith and its established principles that this freedom was instituted.
I trust you will have a blessed 4th of July. Bow your head and thank God for the privilege of living in the greatest nation on earth – America!
Don’t forget the Fellowship on Sunday. I want all, and I mean all of us to take part!
God bless you, and God bless America!
Pastor
Today we are constantly bombarded by those who want to argue that the fundamental ideals upon which this country was founded were not conceived by those of the Christian faith. However, an honest, forthright investigation of the motivations of our forefathers makes it impossible to separate America’s founding from the Christian faith that provided the framework which guided their efforts.
John Witherspoon , one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, oversaw the project of printing the Bible authorized by Congress. Charles Thompson, secretary of Congress, was responsible for America’s 1st translation of the Bible from Greek to English. In fact, a number of the signers of the Declaration were involved with starting 121 Bible societies within an eight year period. During the signing of the Declaration, Benjamin Rush asked John Adams regarding the impending war , “Do you think we can win this conflict?” Adams replied, “Yes, if we repent of our sins and rely on God.”
This is just a small sampling from the historical record of the overt Christianity expressed by the founding fathers, and it is a far cry from what is being taught today. Historical Revisionists, with an agenda to misrepresent the truth, have poisoned much of our youth. And, although it is consistent with the intent of the forefathers that other religions would be free to worship in this land, it is imperative to remember it is because of the Christian faith and its established principles that this freedom was instituted.
I trust you will have a blessed 4th of July. Bow your head and thank God for the privilege of living in the greatest nation on earth – America!
Don’t forget the Fellowship on Sunday. I want all, and I mean all of us to take part!
God bless you, and God bless America!
Pastor
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Amazing Grace!
The town of Olney, England is famous for two things; it is known as “The home of the world famous pancake race” and it is also the location where John Newton penned what may arguably be the most beloved hymn of all time, “Amazing Grace”. I personally know nothing of the pancake race, but I am very familiar with “Amazing Grace”.
John Newton served as Pastor for the Olney Parish Church,. They say to this day you can walk down the street past the church and see the window of the room where Newton wrote this awe inspiring hymn. I have often wondered if Newton had even the remotest sense of the emotional impact that his song would have, or that it would be sung by Christians the world over. Truth be told, I believe the reason “Amazing Grace” is so compelling to Christians is because it is the story of every one of us.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Twas blind but now can see.
The older I get, the more I marvel at the wonder and magnitude surrounding God’s amazing grace. Apart from this grace, I am hopelessly lost. However, by God’s grace, I, an undeserving sinner, have been changed, I am a new creature! I am reconciled with my Heavenly Father, I am an adopted son, a co-heir with Christ!
Today, why not bow your head and thank God for all He has done for you, and most of all for His marvelous, wonderful grace that has provided us a place in heaven through Jesus Christ.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord.
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured.
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe.
Grace, grace ,God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
See you Sunday!
Pastor
John Newton served as Pastor for the Olney Parish Church,. They say to this day you can walk down the street past the church and see the window of the room where Newton wrote this awe inspiring hymn. I have often wondered if Newton had even the remotest sense of the emotional impact that his song would have, or that it would be sung by Christians the world over. Truth be told, I believe the reason “Amazing Grace” is so compelling to Christians is because it is the story of every one of us.
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Twas blind but now can see.
The older I get, the more I marvel at the wonder and magnitude surrounding God’s amazing grace. Apart from this grace, I am hopelessly lost. However, by God’s grace, I, an undeserving sinner, have been changed, I am a new creature! I am reconciled with my Heavenly Father, I am an adopted son, a co-heir with Christ!
Today, why not bow your head and thank God for all He has done for you, and most of all for His marvelous, wonderful grace that has provided us a place in heaven through Jesus Christ.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord.
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt.
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured.
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Grace, grace, God’s grace
Freely bestowed on all who believe.
Grace, grace ,God’s grace
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
See you Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Wedding Blues
Last week was a blur of emotions. Three funerals and a wedding. I wear a host of hats in my role as a Pastor but the one I put on Saturday to marry my son was a tight fit.
Of course you're thrilled for your children as they grow into adulthood and find their way while exhibiting the good Christian principles they have been taught. At the same time an event such as this does cause a sense of melancholy when you realize, as in my case, three down and one to go.
The joy of raising Bill was one that I am truly thankful for. All of my kids exhibit different traits. David is fearless; he will look you square in the eye and tell you what he thinks. Beth could run a corporation with her "lets get it done" attitude. Emily has a great positive attitude about life. Bill, his greatest gift is humility. In high school he scored over 1,000 points in basketball and that really wasn't his first love. But it made no difference to him. During his four years in soccer our little school won 3 state titles, yet he was never proud or cocky. Last Saturday was his wedding day and what a day it was. I love his new bride. She was made to be Bill's wife and he her husband. It is, as the saying goes,"A match made in heaven". I'm thrilled with the mates our kids have married.
It's an emotional rollercoaster I'm on, however, it's been a great ride. God bless you, I love you. God is good, Jesus is wonderful.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Of course you're thrilled for your children as they grow into adulthood and find their way while exhibiting the good Christian principles they have been taught. At the same time an event such as this does cause a sense of melancholy when you realize, as in my case, three down and one to go.
The joy of raising Bill was one that I am truly thankful for. All of my kids exhibit different traits. David is fearless; he will look you square in the eye and tell you what he thinks. Beth could run a corporation with her "lets get it done" attitude. Emily has a great positive attitude about life. Bill, his greatest gift is humility. In high school he scored over 1,000 points in basketball and that really wasn't his first love. But it made no difference to him. During his four years in soccer our little school won 3 state titles, yet he was never proud or cocky. Last Saturday was his wedding day and what a day it was. I love his new bride. She was made to be Bill's wife and he her husband. It is, as the saying goes,"A match made in heaven". I'm thrilled with the mates our kids have married.
It's an emotional rollercoaster I'm on, however, it's been a great ride. God bless you, I love you. God is good, Jesus is wonderful.
See ya Sunday!
Pastor
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Stay Faithful!
In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon wisely said, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but time and chance happeneth to all.” In other words, the strongest, the fastest, the most qualified people do not always win in the game of life. While it is imperative that we each strive to be the best we can possibly be, it is equally important that we understand life is a marathon, not a sprint. Because we may succeed at one stage of life doesn’t necessarily mean we will succeed all together.
Why is that? Because God does not want us to run our race looking back at past successes, but rather He desires we should keep looking forward for new opportunities to serve. Retirement may be the life goal of the worldly, but it is not in God’s plan for His children. In describing our duty as believers in regard to the second coming, the Bible commands us “to occupy til He comes.” We are to be working fervently and faithfully until we breathe our last.
I am so thankful for the faithful people here at Chestertown Baptist Church. May God bless you as you labor for the Lord. Stay after it, and don’t let up as we know our labor is not in vain, for as Jesus Himself proclaimed in Luke 6:23: “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven”.
Be faithful this summer, and do your best to be at all our services; Sunday night as we continue our study of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus, and Wednesday evenings as we study the book of Deuteronomy. Don’t put your spiritual life on hold till the fall. I guarantee Satan doesn’t take a “summer vacation”!
See ya Sunday for our “Fellowship Sunday”!
Pastor
Why is that? Because God does not want us to run our race looking back at past successes, but rather He desires we should keep looking forward for new opportunities to serve. Retirement may be the life goal of the worldly, but it is not in God’s plan for His children. In describing our duty as believers in regard to the second coming, the Bible commands us “to occupy til He comes.” We are to be working fervently and faithfully until we breathe our last.
I am so thankful for the faithful people here at Chestertown Baptist Church. May God bless you as you labor for the Lord. Stay after it, and don’t let up as we know our labor is not in vain, for as Jesus Himself proclaimed in Luke 6:23: “Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven”.
Be faithful this summer, and do your best to be at all our services; Sunday night as we continue our study of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus, and Wednesday evenings as we study the book of Deuteronomy. Don’t put your spiritual life on hold till the fall. I guarantee Satan doesn’t take a “summer vacation”!
See ya Sunday for our “Fellowship Sunday”!
Pastor
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