The Suffering Messiah

Isa 53:3-5

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.

 

When we look at this prophetic utterance regarding the death of Jesus on the cross, we see a man who is rejected, despised, stricken, and afflicted.  These are the sufferings of Jesus Christ on that day some two thousand years ago.  But the question often comes up, “Why did Jesus have to suffer?”  I did an internet search on the question;  342,000 results!

 

But after looking through about 100,000 of the answers (OK, I’m joking – I only looked at five!), something became clear:  All of the reasons that Jesus had to suffer boil down to one:  US.  You and I.  Look at the words of the scripture in Isaiah:

 

• He has borne our griefs
• carried our sorrows
• He was wounded for our transgressions,
• He was bruised for our iniquities;
• The chastisement for our peace was upon Him
• by His stripes we are healed

 

Jesus Christ suffered the cross for you and I, that through His suffering and death, we would be reconciled to God, and have eternal life!

 

Phil 2:5-11

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Join us Sunday as we look to the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross.

 

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

Pastor Clay

 

What shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?

Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"
Matt 27:22

As we prepare to wrap up our study of Matthew (only three Sundays left!), we come to the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate. By the morning of the Day that Jesus was crucified, Jesus had already been before three trials, if you can all them trials.  Perhaps “mock trials” would be a better description, since the outcome had already been determined by the religious leaders.  No matter what, Jesus was going to be found guilty.

Jesus trial before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator of Judea, contains many interesting aspects which we will explore on Sunday.  But one statement stands out, when Pilate asks the Jewish crowd "What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?"  

I do not believe that it was just a question, asked by a Roman, to the Jews.  To me this question was initiated in the mind of this Roman by the Living God, a question that was recorded for all of history by Matthew, a question that rings out to all mankind, throughout the ages:  What shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?

It is a question that every human being must answer.  What is your answer?

Join us Sunday, for “From Gethsemane to Calvary Part 3 - The Trial of Jesus”

Till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

Called out by a servant girl...

Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, "You also were with Jesus of Galilee." But he denied it before them all, saying, "I do not know what you are saying." 
Matt 26:69-70

As I read this passage I thought “Oh c’mon Peter!  A few minutes ago you were bragging to Jesus that you would stand with Him to the death, and now a little servant girl says “weren’t you with Jesus?” and you completely fail!”

But suddenly I remembered a day in my own life some 30 years ago. I had just become a Christian, and I was working really hard to stay away from my “old ways.”  But on that day I was driving around, and decided to stop by the house of one of my previous ‘partners in crime”, Rick.  It’s not like I wanted to go there, I just happened to be in the neighborhood, and I thought that since I was already there, it would be fine to just drop in and say “hi.”  You know, see how things were going. Of course I hadn’t seen Rick for a few weeks (being all ‘saved’ now and everything), and of course he wondered where I had been.  I’ll never forget his joking comment, “what’d you do, find Jesus!”  The statement hit me like a brick.  That was exactly what had happened, but the thought of admitting it terrified me.  “Ha” I laughed, “no man, I’ve just been busy!” Whew.  Close call.  Who knows what those guys might’ve thought if I told them the truth!

Funny thing, that day.  I thought I was just stopping by to say “hi”, but the next thing I knew it was 11 pm at night, and I was trashed.  Wow, just like old times. But it wasn’t just like old times.  I was different now.  I was one of God’s kids; I had a new life in me, and that old life didn’t jive with my new life.  At the end of the night I got out of there, and I remember the feelings I had.  I felt just like Peter did that night in the courtyard. I felt like I had totally failed, I had let Jesus down.

Join us Sunday as we look at Matthew 26:69-75, Peter’s denial of Christ, and why it should matter to us.

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Law and Order

Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward..."
Matt 26:59-60

The law is a funny thing.  It surrounds us, it constrains us, it protects us.  But at the same time it condemns us.  Laws are enacted by governments, yet they themselves selectively enforce only the laws they agree with. One recent political pundit commented that our own government has become “lawless.”  It gives new meaning to Jesus words in Matthew 24:

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold ...  Matt 24:12
This scripture also helps me to better understand the error of the Jewish religious leaders on that night, two thousand years ago, when they broke many of their own laws in order to condemn Jesus Christ to death.  Like our own government, the Jewish leaders had written a set of laws, based on God’s law.  Those laws were supposed to guide the process of administering justice when a person was accused of wrongdoing.  But on that night those laws got in the way of their personal agenda to get rid of this man, Jesus, so they simply broke them.

But before we judge them too harshly, we must ask ourselves:  What is my response when Gods law interferes with my agenda?  What happens when there is something that I want, some agenda that I have, and in order to get what I want I must break one of Gods laws. What choice do I make in that situation? Good question. I’ll leave you to determine your own answer.

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.
Ps 1:1-3Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Walking in Freedom

Word for the day…

Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.
Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.
Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.  
Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.
Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.
How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.
May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.
I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.
I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame, for I delight in your commands because I love them.
I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.
Ps 119:33-48

What an awesome proclamation of God's word!  The statement that jumps out at me is:  “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” In other words, aligning our lives with God’s word brings freedom!

Often people think that following God means that we are “constrained”, that we are kept from doing things we want to do.  In fact, just the opposite is true.  When a person lives according to the desires of their own heart and mind, that person ends up being enslaved to his desires.  Our hearts are never satisfied, and so we always need more of whatever it is we think will make us happy.  It is a never-ending pursuit, fueled by the worlds system of marketing pleasure.

However when we align our lives with God, we find peace, joy, and yes, even happiness.

Ps 119:165
Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

John 15:9-11
"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.  If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.  "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Prov 29:18
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law.

Still Sleeping?

"Are you still sleeping and resting?”
Matt 26:45

Have you ever tried to pray, and found yourself sleepy?  You move around a but to wake up and start praying again, and then “man...my eyes are so heavy ... so sleepy.”

Don’t think it to be a coincidence that the disciples got sleepy, either.  I believe there were dark forces at work that night in the Garden of Gethsemane, working hard to distract the mission that was at hand. Christian, that same power wants to distract us today.  The cross is a done deal, the victory won.  We now stand in the power of the risen Christ, amen!  But if Satan can keep us from walking in the power of God by lulling us to sleep, make no mistake he will! 

If we allow ourselves to be lulled to sleep by the hum of the world, our senses dulled by the sensual pleasures of the flesh, our eyes blinded by the lies of the devil, we may completely miss the work God wants to do in and through us.  Wake up church, the day is at hand!

Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 1 Thess 5:6-10

Join us Sunday for a deeper look at Jesus time in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Stepping out this Saturday!

This week CCW is going to step out and be a witness for the Lord in Wilmington!

 

In case you haven't heard, we are hosting some good friends and fellow workers in Christ "Agents for Christ."

 

AFC consists of a team of two family's:  The James family (Bill, Dani, Natalie and Nic), and the Chaffee family (Dave, Deanna, Logan and Liam).  They hail from Calvary Chapel Portland OR, and travel the country in RV"s spreading the good news of the gospel.

 

We'll be joining forces with them this Saturday at Greenfield Park for a "park outreach."  We'll have free food, live music, and an opportunity to reach out to people at the park with the love of Christ.

 

Whether you are comfortable sharing your faith or not, I hope you will join us!  Even if you just help us hand out food, hand out flyers, or just hang out and enjoy the fellowship, I believe you will be blessed to be a part of what God is going to do!

 

Also, we'll be having a 'cookout fellowship' on Friday night at Holy Grounds, and everyone is invited!  Scroll down for more information, but I hope to see you there!

 

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

 

Pastor Clay

Sellout

Then I said to them, "If it is agreeable to you, give me my wages; and if not, refrain." So they weighed out for my wages thirty pieces of silver. And the LORD said to me, "Throw it to the potter" -- that princely price they set on me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw them into the house of the LORD for the potter. Zech 11:12-13

Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, "What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?" And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. Matt 26:14-16

You have to wonder if Judas knew his bible.  Most every Jewish boy was brought up memorizing the law and the prophets (quite unlike our schools today!).  I wonder if the scripture in Zechariah popped into Judas head when the priest uttered the words “thirty pieces of silver.”  Like that sinking feeling you get when you make a terrible decision, but you are not sure if you can face retreating from it. 

In the previous account of Mary anointing Jesus with spikenard, we see an act of true worship.  At about the same time, Judas also goes into action, except Judas was heading in a different direction altogether.

The contrast is stunning:  Mary showing her love and devotion in a way that was tremendously costly to her; Judas selling Jesus out for the price of a common slave.

Join us Sunday, as we look into the life of one disciple, Judas.


Pastor Clay

Worship at Bethany

What is Worship?
Songs we sing?  The 30 minutes of music before the teaching? A state of mind?  Do we have to bow?  Eyes open or closed?

When are we supposed to do it?
At church?  Home?  While driving? 

What is it supposed to do for us?

This week we are going to look at worship, perhaps from a different perspective.  We are going to look at worship from the perspective of a little known woman who lived more than two thousand years ago.  She only appears in the bible three times.  Three very brief appearances.  And yet in those three appearances, eleven verses in all, this woman speaks volumes to us about worship.

Join us Sunday as we examine Mary, and her worship at Bethany.

Blessed be Your name in the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name
And blessed be Your name when I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name
(Blessed be Your Name, Matt Redman)


Till the whole world hears...
Pastor Clay

The Millenial Kingdom

These last four sessions of our “The Last Days” series, Jesus has covered a lot of ground, but all of it has been centered on one major theme:  He is coming back! 

It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day business of life, the struggles, the excitement, our plans for summer… the list goes on and on!  At the same time the nation looks with great interest to the economy, the political battles, and the next election cycle.  We fret about nukes in Iran, Russian hegemony, drug violence in Mexico. 

But rising above the 24 hour news cycle is a statement made two thousand years ago by the Lord Jesus Christ:

When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. (Matt 25:31)

As Christians we are called to be model citizens, and we should always stand for what is right.  We can work to maintain the freedoms that we enjoy in our country, held up as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.

But we should always maintain, at the very center of our being, the core of our heart, that we are citizens of heaven, and that our true King, Jesus Christ, will return one day in a blaze of glory. He will defeat the enemies of God in one fell swoop.  He will chain the embodiment of evil, called Satan, and toss him in the slammer for one thousand years.

And He will sit on the throne of His glory, in the Holy City Jerusalem.  And we will be His people,  Amen!

Join us Sunday for the final installment of “The Last Days: The Millennial Kingdom”

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Prayer for Children's Ministry

Dear CCW community, here is something I want you all to pray about.  My wife Tammy has overseen the Childrens ministry for the past several years (thank you babe!).  This May she is going to be moving to the Youth ministry, and we are believing the Lord is going to raise up a person or couple to lead the Children's ministry at CCW. 

I want you all to begin praying NOW that God would begin to stir the heart of the person/couple that He has already called to lead this important ministry!

We'll be talking more soon!

Pastor Clay

God's Love...

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

Aren't you glad the verse does not read:

• "For God so loved the rich..."?
• Or, "For God so loved the famous..."?
• Or, "For God so loved the beautiful..."?

It doesn't. Nor does it read, "For God so loved the Europeans or Africans..." "the sober or successful..." "the young or the old..."

No, when we read John 3:16, it simply says, "For God so loved the world."

Are you included in the world? Then you are included in God's love. God's love is just for you! Unfortunately, there are places where you are not quite as welcome. Universities exclude you if you aren't smart enough. Businesses exclude you if you aren't qualified enough, and, sadly, some churches exclude you if you aren't good enough.

But though they may exclude you, Christ includes you. When asked to describe the width of His love, He stretched one hand to the right and the other to the left and had them nailed in that position so you would know He died loving you. 

But you see, Jesus didn't just die.  Amazingly, there is more to the story.












Join us Sunday, as we celebrate Life... Resurrected!

Pastor Clay

Stepping Up...

On Sunday my wife Tammy shared with the congregation that several childen's ministry teachers were stepping down in this spring to move into other areas of ministry.  We applaud these teachers, as several have served in Kingdom Kids for several years.  Tammy challenged some of the '30-something' members to pray about serving in the CM, and I am pleased to note that on Sunday morning alone five people came forward to answer the call!

One thing about our church - our congregation has a heart to serve:  to serve God, and serve His people! I am blessed to be a part of such an awesome fellowship!

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 
1 Cor 15:58

Pastor Clay

End Times Update - Sovereign Danger

"Watching Greece and now Portugal verge on financial default due to fiscal profligacy should send a chill up every American's spine. This is our fate, too, if we don't change course — and soon."  
March 24, 2010 Investors Business Daily.

End times teaching in the bible tells us that there will be an alignment of nations into a one-world government.  Many people thing this could never happen, but things are moving in that direction, and the catalyst will be the financial systems of the world.  When things get bad, people talk 'consolidation'.  Corporations do it all the time.

Our nation is heading towards a financial cliff, and we're not alone.  European nations are finding that the model of giving people cradle-to-grave entitlements cannot be sustained, and it is bankrupting one country after another.  The US is heading down the same path. 

When everyone is bankrupt, who do we turn to?  China?


(to read the full article click here)

End Times Update - Texas Town Cross Over Play's 'Gay' Christ

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Tim 3:1-5

Just in time for Easter, Tarleton State University is playing host to a student performance of Terrence McNally's 1998 play, "Corpus Christi," which depicts a gay Jesus performing a same-sex wedding for two of his apostles.  (read the entire story here)

What does it say about our times where not only is immorality is displayed, but our Lord Jesus Christ is blasphemed in the same event?  and its called 'art'.
PC

Faithful or Foolish?

This has been quite a week for our country.  After a full year of health care debate (or at least it being in the news constantly), our nation has passed a “health care reform” law.  I know that many of you are waiting to see what comment I might have about this event, being the outspoken person that I am.

To be honest I have been a little distracted for the past week or so, as I am working on an “extreme deck makeover” for my beautiful wife.  But I have been watching, and praying, and contemplating the events of the last few days. Truthfully, I am saddened.

Today, I read from Deuteronomy 4:

"Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' "For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren… Deut 4:5-9

It really struck me that God told the nation of Israel that the reason they were to obey His laws and statutes was so that the people of other nations would look upon Israel and be amazed at  their closeness to God.  In other words, they would be a witness to the other nations around them. 

Now I know that God is speaking to Israel, and America has not replaced Israel in God’s eyes. But I find the parallels interesting.  You see since her birth, America has been “One nation, under God”. We have always been a country that was founded on Gods word, His law, and we declared that our basic human rights were given to us by our Creator. We were seen by all others as a country that stood for and practiced Christianity, while at the same time we allowed all people to freely practice the religion of their choice. Whether people agreed with our beliefs or not, other nations knew America was by and large a Christian nation. We have truly been a witness to the nations.

Well my friends, that reality is changing.  Our president declared it in a speech in Turkey, when he said “we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation”. Yes, a majority of people in our country consider themselves Christian, but our government and our institutions are rapidly turning away from our Christian heritage. I am saddened by this.  Not because I think our government should preach the gospel (heaven forbid), but because as a whole our country seems ready to discard the principles and values that have made us great.  I believe that just as Israel paid a price for moving away from God, so will America.

But on the other hand, these are exiting times. As we have been going through Jesus teaching of the “end of the age”, I can see that the time of the return of our Lord is coming soon!  The events of the world are aligning with bible prophecy.  And while the politicians of our day can pass laws, and declare great victories, all of their efforts to create a just and right world will fail, because the heart of man is desperately wicked.  Mankind is simply not capable of ruling this world.

But one day our King will return, and He will rule and reign.  The church will rule and reign with Him.  Where will He find you on that day?

"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing.  Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.  Matt 24:45-47

Join us Sunday for the 5th installment of our “Olivet Discourse” series: The Contrast:  Faithful vs Foolish

Living to tell what He died to say

Pastor Clay

The Coming King

Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.  So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near -- at the doors!   Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.  (Matt 24:32-34)

 

Jesus was known for making some pretty radical statements, but the ones He made in Matthew 24 are still rattling people even to this day!  Jesus talked about His return, and then he gave a prediction that “this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place.”  Ever since that statement Christians have been trying to figure out “are we that generation?” 

 

Then in the 20^th century an interesting even took place:  The nation of Israel was reborn in 1948.  That even really got Christians stirred up, and may held that Christ would return in 1984 (40 years, or “one generation” after the “fig tree”, Israel, put forth shoots).  But 1984 came and went, and no rapture.  But remember Jesus also said “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only” (v 36), so it would seem that Jesus is telling us we can know the season, but not the day or the hour.

 

So, are we in the final season?  

 

Join us Sunday, March 21, as we explore “The Rapture, and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ”.

 

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

Pastor Clay

 

The Great Tribulation

At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.  But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.  Dan 12:1-4

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.  Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.  And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Matt 24:29-31

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth -- to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people --  saying with a loud voice, "Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water."  Rev 14:6-7

One of the most misunderstood aspects of Christianity is probably the teaching of Jesus and the prophets concerning the time called “The Great Tribulation.”  One the one hand, the bible makes it pretty clear that this world-wide event will come to pass.  On the other hand, many Christians have a hard time grasping the severity of death, disaster, and suffering that is described in the book of Revelation.  As a result, some people explain away the event, saying that it is only ‘figurative’ and it will never come to pass literally.  Others dismiss it as colorful fiction that the biblical writers made up.  Some simply put it out of their minds and go about living their lives.

But I look at the teaching from a different perspective.  If a hurricane were coming towards our beach town, I would want to know about it.  I would be able to take action if I knew in advance.  If a category 5 storm were approaching, I would gather my family, but them in the car, and move them inland to safety.  But what would we think if the weather service knew a category 5 was approaching, and didn’t tell us?  How could we prepare? Wouldn’t we be caught unprepared?

Well a category 100 event is approaching this world.  Think Katrina, the Haiti earthquake, Mt St Helens, and Oklahoma tornado’s all rolled into one!  What would we think about God if He didn’t tell us that this event was coming?  Who wouldn’t want to know?  Unlike our hurricanes, there is no place on earth to hide from God’s judgment during the Great Tribulation.  But there is a safe place away from earth; Heaven! We can’t run away from the Great Tribulation, but we can tell everyone we know that God has an escape route – Salvation through Jesus Christ! In other words, knowing that something is coming allows us to prepare.  We can’t stop it, but we can be ready!

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  Matt 24:44

Join us Sunday for our study “The Last Days – Part 3: The Great Tribulation”

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

A Greater Song

Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, bless His name;  Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations,His wonders among all peoples.  Ps 96:1-3

This past Sunday we learned a new song - A Greater Song by Paul Baloche and Matt Redman. The song really struck a chord in my heart, especially the second chorus line:

"Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher."

It was a powerful moment, standing in the sanctuary of God's house, in unison with God's people, singing out to our Lord ... "we wanna lift you higher!" It made me think of Psalm 96, a picture of God's people singing out and proclaiming to all the earth the greatness of His glory, and the blessing of His salvation!

I thought you might enjoy having the words to meditate on today.

PC
-------------------

A Greater Song
Paul Baloche and Matt Redman
Who could imagine a melody, true enough to tell of Your Mercy
Who could imagine a harmony, sweet enough to tell of Your love.
I see the heavens proclaining You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.

To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.

Who can imagine a symphony, grand enough to tell of Your glory.
Our highest praise but a feeble breath, a whisper of Your thunderous worth
I see the heavens proclaiming You day after day,
And I know in my heart that there must be a way.

To sing a greater song. A greater song to You on the earth.
To sing a greater song. A greater song to you on the earth.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.
Hallelujah we wanna lift You higher, Hallelujah we wanna lift you higher.


Listen:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yez8mNzQW08

Full Circle

As we approach chapter 23 of Matthew, there is a significant change in Jesus’ tone. In the sermon recorded in Matthew 23, Jesus goes from teaching to preaching. He moves from grace to judgment.

In Roman’s chapter 4 Paul tells us that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance. God’s grace and mercy are a great motivation to lead a person to receive salvation. But later Paul tells us in 1st Corinthians that some are “saved by fire”. In other words, some people have to be confronted with the sure damnation of hell and judgment in order to come to a decision about Christ. That may be why, in the last sermon that Jesus gives to the crowds in Jerusalem, just days before His death on the cross, Jesus preaches hellfire and judgment to the religious leaders.

But there is another interesting facet of this sermon; Jesus seems to be coming “full circle” in His ministry. In the beginning of His ministry, Jesus taught eight blessings on the form of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Here as He approaches the end of His ministry on earth, Jesus presents the religious leaders with a set of eight ‘woes’. Interesting how they parallel.

Join us Sunday as we dive into Matthew chapter 23!

Till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

The Greatest Question

"What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”

After being grilled by the religious leaders, Jesus asks this question of them. It’s a simple question: Who do you say that Jesus is? Was He a prophet? A great teacher? A good man? A person who died for a cause? If you ask ten different people, you might get ten different answers.

But the answer to the question lies not in what the Pharisees held, but what do YOU say about Jesus? How you answer the question, will determine your eternal destiny.

Join us Sunday as we finish Matthew 22, and answer the question “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?”

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

The Greatest Commandment

“What is the greatest commandment?”  Many have asked the question, and thought perhaps that there would be a deep theological answer.  Or maybe a long list of things that we have to do to please God.  But the fact is, Jesus made it really simple:  

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the first and greatest commandment. Matt 22:36-38

Hmm… love God?  So what do I do with that?  How do I accomplish that? Obey all of his laws?  Follow perfectly the sayings of Christ? Go to church every Sunday?  Then Jesus goes on…

“And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matt 22:39-40

So how do I love my neighbor as myself?  Does that mean I have to love myself first?  Do I give him all my stuff?  Why am I so confused?  Well, let me tell you that Jesus doesn’t mean to confuse us, but He does want us to understand His meaning.  Join us Sunday as we explore the greatest commandment.

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Animals in Heaven

After Sunday's message, I received several inquiry's from people asking whether their pet will be in heaven. 

Many people who love animals have wondered “will my cat/dog be with me in heaven?”  Unfortunately this is one of those topics where the bible does not give us a clear answer (…thus saith the Lord, thine cat will comfort thee…  !), but there are several scriptures that indicate that there will be animals in heaven:

Elijah was taken into heaven in a chariot with horses of fire…

Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
2 Kings 2:11

Isaiah describes heaven with animals existing without their predatory instincts…

"The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.  The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD As the waters cover the sea.
Isa 11:6-9

*Note – this verse may be referring to the 1000 year millennial reign.

Zechariah describes horses in heaven…

In that day"HOLINESS TO THE LORD" shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. Zech 14:20

And finally, John describes a white horse carrying the Lord Jesus Christ out of heaven…

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. Rev 19:11

These verses certainly indicate that some animals will be in heaven, so one could make the assumption that their pets could be in heaven also.

Psalm 37 promises us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our heart.  Perhaps if you need for your beloved pet to be with you for heaven to be heaven, the Lord will give you the desire of your heart.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Ps 37:4


Hank Hanegraaff, the well known apologist for Christianity, makes in interesting case (see below).
-----------------------------
Pets in Heaven
by Hank Hanegraaff

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than most humans." ~ James Herriot

Scripture does not exclusively tell us whether our pets will make it to heaven. However, the Bible does provide us with some significant clues that animals will inhabit the new heaven and the new earth.
First, the Garden of Eden was populated by animals, thus there is a precedent for believing that Eden restored will also be populated by animals.

Furthermore, the Scriptures --from first to last-- suggest that animals have souls. Both Moses in Genesis and John in Revelation communicate that the Creator endowed animals with souls (see Gen. 1:20, 24; Rev. 8:9). Throughout the history of the church, the classic understanding of living things has included the doctrine that animals, as well as humans, have souls.

Finally, while we cannot say for certain that the pets we enjoy today will be resurrected in eternity, I am not willing to preclude the possibility. Some of the keenest thinkers --from C.S. Lewis to Peter Kreeft--are not only convinced that animals in general, but that pets in particular, will be restored in the resurrection.

Dr. Kreeft, for example, is convinced that animals will exist throughout eternity. "Are there animals in Heaven? The simplest answer is: Why not? How irrational is the prejudice that would allow plants (green fields and flowers), but not animals into Heaven." Regarding pets, he writes: "Would the same animals be in Heaven as on earth? 'Is my dead cat in Heaven?' Again, why not? God can raise up the very grass; why not cats?

Though the blessed have better things to do than play with pets, the better does not exclude the lesser."
One thing is certain: Scripture provides us with a sufficient precedent for suggesting that animals will continue to exist after the return of our Lord. Isaiah 11:6-9 provides a particularly stirring image.

"The soul is the same in all living creatures, although the body of each is different." ~ Hippocrates

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us." ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Life in Heaven

At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven Matt 22:30

 

So, what will life in heaven be like?  Will I know my friends? Will my dog be there? What about my wife or my husband, will we still be married?  We won’t know everything there is to know about heaven until we get there, but the bible gives us several glimpses into what life will be like in heaven.

 

Join us Sunday as we explore life in heaven!

 

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

Pastor Clay

 

Give to Caesar...

Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose portrait is this? And whose inscription?" "Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."   Matt 22:17-21

One of the most distasteful things that people do is pay taxes.  Ugh!  And if that weren’t bad enough, we can get pretty unhappy that the government often does things with our tax dollars that don't exactly approve of!  But in this interesting example, Jesus tells us there are different forms of currency: Some are tangible, I.E. the US dollar, but some are spiritual.  “Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's” . What did Jesus mean by that?

Join us Sunday as we continue our walk through Matt 22!

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Update - Haiti

Dear Saints, I just got off the phone with Safe Harbor/ACTs, and they have dispatched an Assessment Team to the country of Haiti, and they are on the ground now.  The ACTs team is going to connect with the Calvary Chapel in Port-au-Prince to determine how to best proceed. 

Please be praying for the Haitian people, and also for the relief efforts.  The reality is that the country is in such a state of ruin that we need to be very focused on our assistance.  The airport is slammed, and transportation is in chaos.  The US military and other aid agencies are utilizing all of the airspace and ground transportation, and will better deliver "immediate aid" to the people.  Giving to groups that have existing teams 'on the ground' such as the Samaritan's Purse would be wise.


Immediate Aid Donations:  https://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/Giving/Haiti_Donation

It is also important that we focus on the needs of the next 30/60/90/120 days, which will be a crucial time for churches to help. 

CCW is partnering with ACTs to help fund the "next wave" of aid; helping people put their lives back together, grieve the loss of loved ones, and sustaining their families over the next several months.

Donate to ACTs:  http://actssr.webs.com

Donate to Calvary Chapel in Port-au-Prince: all donations to Calvary Chapel Port-au-Prince Aid Funds must be directed to:

Calvary Chapel of Melbourne
2955 Minton Rd
Melbourne, FL 32904
Memo: Haiti


online:  http://www.calvaryccm.com/missions/missionaries/urgentneeds.aspx

Blessings,

Pastor Clay

For Haiti

 Dear CCW,

We have all watched the news as the country of Haiti has been devastated by the recent earthquake.  I have been praying for the Lord to show us how we can be of assistance in a way that would glorify God and be a blessing to the people of Haiti.

I feel that there are two things that we can do as a church:

#1  Pray for Haiti:

• Pray for comfort to those who are suffering
• Pray for smooth logistics for basic relief supplies to get to the people
• Pray for family’s to be reunited
• Pray that God would allow this terrible tragedy to allow His love and grace to shine forth through the various aid workers that will descend on the country.  
• Pray for revival in Haiti

#2  Give:  

• Times are difficult for everyone, but we can give from our hearts as the Lord leads. 
• I have identified a Christian Relief Agency that is associated with Calvary Chapel, Action Crisis Teams (ACTs) that is preparing to move into Haiti as the situation allows.  ACTs is a part of Safe Harbor International, a mission outreach in Rancho Santa Margarita CA.

We can give towards the Haiti Relief Find directly at the ACTs web site:    http://safeharbor.us/site/home/  (click on the ACTs Icon)

Info for Safe Harbor:

Safe Harbor International
P.O. Box 80820
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688

Toll Free 800.797.HOPE (4673)
Office 949.858.6786
Fax 949.858.6190
http://safeharbor.us/site/home/
Email: info@safeharbor.us

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 2 Cor 8:1-4

Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

Prophecy Update notes

Sunday I had a lot of people ask for my "full report" of the 2010 Prophecy Update, so I have uploaded the notes and slides onto our server.  Get the PDF's at the link below:

www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010ProphecyUpdate.pdf

www.calvaryofwilmington.org/pubs/2010PropecyUpdateSlides.pdf

Pastor Clay

Prophecy Update - January 2010

2009 has been a crazy year to say the least.  So many things have happened in the political, economic, environmental, and religious arena’s this year.  It has been difficult to keep track of all the events, even harder to make and sense of it all.

The trends we have seen include:

• A new US President and a different direction of the political and social agenda for our country
• A rise in environmental activism
• The collapse of the US housing and credit markets, steep unemployment, and a severe case of economic uncertainty
• The continued efforts of rouge nations to acquire nuclear weapons
• The escalation of Islamic extremism and violence, increased suspicion against Christians at home, and increased persecution of the Christian faith abroad.
  

It’s easy to disregard the times and go about our daily lives, we see all of these things happening and we want to put our heads in he sand!  Yet the apostle Paul encouraged us:

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. 1 Thess 5:5-6

I believe this verse encourages us to be “watchful”, discerning the times and how they relate to end-times prophecy.  We are also to be “sober”, not getting swept away in the drama, but seeking to be ever more diligent in our calling and our mission as Christians. 

This coming Sunday we’ll look at the events of the past year, and we’ll discern them through the teaching of the Word of God. 

"But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.  But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.  Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.  
Matt 24:36-44

It’s as if there is a large train coming. We cannot see it yet, but we can feel the rumbling on the tracks.  Indeed.

Pastor Clay

Unto Us...

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  Isa 9:6-7

This has been a busy week:  Preparing for the Christmas fellowship at CCW (Dont miss it!  Friday night at 6 pm!), preparing for Sunday, and preparing for a 2 week sabbatical with our family.  Oh, and don’t worry, things are in good hands while I am gone:  Pastor Mel will be teaching both Sundays, my good friends All Lines Parallel will be bringing the worship on Dec 27th, and the talented duo Josh and Tiffany Mitchell will be bringing worship on January 3rd. (If you are thinking “ALP, aren’t they a hard rock Christian band?”  Answer:  Yes.  But they can totally bring it down and worship the Lord.  If you have ever been to a Third Day concert, you know what I mean! Trust me, you will be blessed.)

But, back to Christmas. I am not a “holiday” person, and so every year Christmas seems to sneak up on me.  And then I find myself thinking the same thoughts:  What does Christmas mean?  Is there some “special thing” that I could come up with, one of those “ah ha” moments that will be a new revelation about the birth of Christ.  But I always come back to the same simple truth:  Jesus Christ, the son of God, was presented to the world.  His arrival was heralded as a blessing to mankind, because He was sent with a purpose: To reconcile man to his creator.  Jesus Christ came with a ministry of reconciliation:

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.  2 Cor 5:18-19

His coming was promised, and it happened.  Since that time, His arrival has not only changed the world, but literally changed the lives of millions – even billions – of people throughout history.

But the best is yet to come, as His second coming is also promised, and it will happen:

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”

Merry Christmas, and praise be to God for His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!

Pastor Clay

Blessed is the man...

Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plantsall around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. Ps 128:1-4

I think this is one of the most beautiful and loving promises in God’s word! Think about it:  Your efforts will be prosperous.  You will have happiness, and be “well” or contented.  Your home life will be sweet! All of this stems from one thing: “…thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.”

Remember we spoke about fear a few weeks ago:  Fear of the Lord is best described as “awe” or “reverence”. When we acknowledge the might, the power, the majesty, of the Living God, who is our heavenly Father, we come to a realization that we are under His protection.  We are filled with His power and might. 2 Tim 1:7 tells us:  For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

So today, draw into the presence of the mighty, powerful, majestic Lord of hosts, and know that you are under His protection and filled with His power and might!

Till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

Houses built in vain

Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.  Ps 127:1

Today's One Year Bible Psalm nails it:  If God isn't in what we are doing, we build in vain. That doesn't necessarily mean that if we do something on our own, without God's leading, that it will be a complete failure. It simply means that if God is not leading, there will be no "God Fruit". Fruit maybe, but not God-fruit.

That is where I am today.  I am not satisfied with real-looking plastic fruit that sits on the table.  I am only interested in the real thing:  Plump, juicy, life-giving fruit.  I don't want to come up with things on my own.  I only want to dwell in houses built by God Himself.  I only want to be part of movements initiated by the Holy Spirit. Church, we don't want to settle for cheap substitutes. Let's hold out for the real thing.

Last week we talked about allowing God to search our hearts, and reveal to us any sin.  This week let's ask Him for revelation regarding the house He wants to build in each of our lives. How He wants to use us, what work does He want to do through us.  Ask, then LISTEN;  Unless the Lord builds the house, we will labor in vain.

And don't forget the second part of that verse:  Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain.  Ask the Lord to guard the walls and gates of our lives, and not allow anything that defiles to enter in.

Till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

The Challenge

This past Sunday I shared with you that I believe our church is at a crossroads - a crisis of faith.  Our world is changing - and not for the better.  Our nation is in a state of moral and religious decay; Our government is rushing into uncharted territory, debating changes that if enacted will fundamentally change our world (and not for the better). People are hurting, jobs are scarce, money is tight.

During this time of trial we can do one of two things...

• We can hunker down, focus on ourselves, and become a prisoner of our circumstances. 
• Or we can take a cue from Peter:

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.  1 Peter 4:19

Even when things are difficult, when we are suffering, lets be faithful in doing good, remaining steadfast in the Lord. We can also take a cue from the Macedonian churches,

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity 2 Cor 8:2

Even though we are poor, we can reach out to others with love, ministry, and the gospel message of Jesus Christ.

I believe that God wants to radically change some things in our church. I believe He wants us to take our eyes off of ourselves, and look outside to the world around us.

We have something that the world needs more than healthcare, more than a job:  We have the life-changing power of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. I believe that God wants us to take our focus off of us and our needs, and He wants us to reach out to the world around us, and seek to meet their needs - practical and spiritual.  The question is not whether God wants to use us - but HOW does God want to use us. 

Challenge:  I told you that I will pray and fast between now and the end of the year. Praying daily and fasting one day per week, seeking God's face for the direction of our church; for direction on how He want to use us;  Seeking Him specifically for what He wants us to be involved in.

Will you join me? I would like to have a group of people that commit to fast one day a week, and pray with me, and seek the Lord for direction.

*Some have asked when I will be fasting.  My day to fast will be every Wednesday.  If you can join me on Wednesdays so that we can be in unity, that is awesome.  But if another day works better for you, no problem.

click here for more...

Pastor Clay

Walking on Hight Hills

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls— Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.
Habakkuk 3:17-19

Habakkuk was a prophet in the 7th century BC, during a time when the nation of Israel was in a state of moral and religious decay.  The rise of the brutal Babylonian empire was a grave threat to all nations, and the Chaldean general (and future leader of Babylon) Nebuchadnezzar was marching towards Jerusalem.  God told Habakkuk that He was going to use the Babylonians to chastise the nation of Isral, and Habakkuk was watching it all happen.

Yet in the midst of this turmoil, Habakkuk makes the statement “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” 

Wow. On the verge of an invasion by a ruthless army, Habakkuk is talking about how joyful he is.  That tells me something:  Our thankfulness and joy don’t have to be tied to our circumstances. However many times, our joy is totally tied to our circumstances. 

We are thankful for the blessings of God in our lives:  Family, food, shelter, our church, our health.  But what if something has knocked us off the road? What if we are going through a hard time?  What if we are seeing our nation and culture fall into a slow fade of moral and religious decay?  What then?  We’re supposed to still be thankful, right? We’re supposed to just focus us in on God, and by some magical act we'll be thankful again.

Maybe it’s that easy.  Or maybe there is something more called for. I believe that there is another key component to the process of how we can be not only thankful and joyful in times of difficulty, but actually empowered!  And I believe part of the secret is found in 1 Peter 4:19:

And I believe part of the secret is found in 1 Peter 4:19:

Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.  1 Peter 4:19

Join us Sunday for “Walking on High Hills”

Till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

The Fig Tree

Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you ever again." Immediately the fig tree withered away.  Matt 21:18-19

Walk through an apple orchard and look at some of the fruit trees, they'll be full of fruit.  Sweet, juicy fruit!  Exactly the kind of trees that you would expect.  But what if you walked up to an apple tree and there was no fruit?  Not one apple.  Nada. You would wonder, "What is wrong with that tree? Why doesn't it have fruit?"

Our lives as Christians should be like those healthy fruit trees, bearing forth fruit that will be a blessing to those around us. If not, maybe we need to figure out why.

Join us Sunday as we explore the account of the fig tree.

Pastor Clay

The Implanted Word

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;  for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.  But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.  James 1:19-25

There always seems to be one little phrase that jumps out at me in a text.  Tucked in between the exhortations "lay aside all filthiness", and "be doers of the word, and not hearers only" is this little phrase "receive with meekness the implanted word." The NIV calls it "the word planted in you." To me it paints a mental picture of a seed being planted. But this seed is not being planted in the soil of the earth, but into the soil of our hearts (RE: Matt 13).

Just a little reminder that when we read and meditate on Gods word, we're not just reading, we are planting the very wisdom and nature of God into our hearts and minds. We are planting seeds of wisdom and righteousness that will spring forth with life and fruit. The fruit is the action that we take, the work we do, the ministry that flows.  The person that does this "is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does."

PC

No Fear, Never Shaken

Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands. His children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice. Surely he will never be shaken; a righteous man will be remembered forever. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he will look in triumph on his foes. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.
Ps 112

As I read through the many awesome promised listed in this Psalm, one statement really jumps out at me:

Surely he will never be shaken …He will have no fear of bad news …his heart is steadfast … he will have no fear.

I get this mental picture of a muscular man, chiseled features, dressed in battle gear, outnumbered and surrounded, yet having no fear whatsoever.  He is ready to face his enemies with strength and honor.  As men we love that image, because we want to identify with that.  We want to be physically strong, and pound all of our adversaries!

But I believe that greater value lies in spiritual strength.  I believe the psalm speaks not to physical strength, but the spiritual strength that comes from the fear of the Lord.  On the surface it’s a strange concept:  Fear God, become strong. 

How does strength come from fear?
Because the “fear” being described here is not fear like you would feel for a snake or a wild animal, but is better described as “awe” or “reverence”.  When acknowledge the might, the power, the majesty, of the Living God, who is our heavenly Father, we come to a realization that we are under His protection.  We are filled with His power and might. 2 Tim 1:7 comes to mind: 

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
 
This is true strength – spiritual strength – the strength to face any problem, and bad news, and trial, that might come before us. 

Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Eph 6:10)

Pastor Clay

Give thanks in ALL things

...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thess 5:18

As Christians, we know to thank God when things are going well.  But do we thank God when things aren't going well?  What about when we're hard-pressed on every side, perplexed, persecuted, struck down... (2 Cor 4:8)?

Do we see God working in the difficult times?  Paul makes this statement to "give thanks in *all* circumstances," not some... but ALL! But how can I do that? How can I give thanks when I'm down?

I believe the answer is in recognizing that God is sovereign.  Recognizing that nothing comes into our lives that has not been filtered through the hands of our loving God. Even the hard times.  Even the tribulations that we have brought on ourselves.

If God is truly over all, then He knew this situation would come into my life.  He watched if I made wrong decisions that brought me to this place. Instead of sheltering me from the repercussions, He allowed it to come into my life so that I would learn. So that I would be strengthened. So that I would lean on Him for my comfort and strength.  It is always God's will for me to grow, and it is usually through adversity that I grow.

And in the end, I am stronger, wiser, my faith has increased, and God is glorified.

A Day in the Temple

"It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"  

Matt 21:13

 

Within a cash register tape's width of the front door, the merchandising begins. Scripture verses dress up ceramic flowers and figurines. A dove logo makes a standard purple candle into a “prayer candle.” Tiny red-and-white life preservers announce that "Jesus Saves." Bookmarks, bracelets, and assorted bric-a-brac ask "What Would Jesus Do?"   Hmmm, what would Jesus do if He walked into one of these stores, or worse, into the lobby of some of our churches?  Is our faith now defined by the merchandising industry?

 

OK, I won’t crack too hard on the nail-cross pendant business, but I think the bigger question that begs to be answered is this:  How do we present our faith to the world around us?  See the issue that day in the temple was not that it was a sin to sell something to a person of faith, but rather the effect that it had on those who came to worship the Living God.  

 

Join us Sunday as we look at a day in the temple.

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

Pastor Clay

 

Upside Down

Ahh, the perks of leadership: Big office, your name on the door, underlings to boss around, sitting at the front of the important meetings.  And did I mention those underlings you get to boss around???

Our world has a perspective of “getting to the top” that includes perks and privileges.  People relish achieving a certain position or title so you can have authority, and tell other people what to do.  But Jesus made a really interesting statement in Matthew 20:  “"You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them.  Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.”  Once again Jesus is pointing out one of those little ‘differences’ between the world kingdoms and God’s kingdom.

In the world system, you work to become great so that you can receive power and privilege.

In God’s system you serve others, and in doing so you become great.

Sounds kind of upside down, doesn’t it?  But which one is upside down, and which one is right-side up?  Join us Sunday as we explore God’s promotion system.

 

Till the whole world hears...

 Pastor Clay

 

Surprises in Heaven

So the last will be first, and the first last.
Matt 20:16

Ever think about the reward ceremony that will take place in heaven? We can imagine that Peter and the other apostles will receive great and wonderful rewards.  Some of the early church fathers, such as Polycarp, Ignatius, Justin Martyr, will receive wonderful crowns of distinction!  Then there were the great evangelists Billy Sunday, Dwight Moody, Billy Graham; men who won thousands to Christ.  And then there are the current roster of men who have reached millions through TV, Crusades, and the internet:  Chuck Smith, Greg Laurie, Franklin Graham. Oh and we can’t forget the great women of the faith:  Deborah, Priscilla, Lydia, Mother Teresa, Joni Eareckson Tada,  Ann Graham Lotz. Just to name a few.

When we think of all of these people that have made such a mark on the world for Christ, it can be a little intimidating.  We might even become apathetic about the “Bema Seat” of rewards that Paul talks about in 2 Cor 5, as we think we’ll be sitting in the five millionth row back!  Talk about a nose bleed section!

But is that the way it will really be?  Is that just our “human perspective” of those rewards? Might the Lord Jesus have another perspective?

Last week Peter asked about those ‘rewards’ and Jesus gave him assurance that whatever we invest now, we will receive a hundredfold return (get some of that, Wall Street!).  Now as we move into chapter 20, Jesus gives us a parable that describes how those ‘rewards’ will be allocated in the Kingdom.  And trust me, it’s not how we do things here on earth. I believe there will be some real surprises in heaven!

Join us Sunday!

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Till the whole world hears...

Pastor Clay

How good do I have to be, really?

Over the past few weeks we have looked at things like: “How many times do I forgive my friend?  When can I cut him off?”, or “How much do I have to take at home before I can ditch my spouse?”  We have found that people often look for a measuring stick for grace, and yet the answer we keep getting from God is “keep forgiving, keep loving, stay married…”  In other words “keep pouring out love and grace.”

 

As we move further into chapter 19 of Matthew, we find a young man coming to Jesus with a similar question:   “…behold, one came and said to Him, ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"  

 

In other words this man is asking “so, what’s it gonna take to get into heaven?  What do I do?  How good do I have to be, really?”

 

The question is reasonable and logical.  It’s an excellent question.  As with any excellent question, it brings us to a place of self-examination:

1. What is important to God?

2. What is important to me?

3. How do the two resulting answers align with one another?

 

Join us Sunday as we explore the account of the rich young ruler, and how his encounter with Jesus might help us to see what really matters to God, and perhaps what should matter to us.

 

Till the whole world hears,

 

Pastor Clay

 

If you can accept it...

For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it." 

Matt 19:12  NKJV

 

After Jesus taught on divorce, some of His disciples thought “wow, maybe its better not to get married!” (my paraphrase!).  Jesus then goes on to talk a little about celibacy.  Celibacy??  Who would want to consider something like that?  In reality… not many.  But some will. Yet the conversation can go much deeper, with questions such as “What if my husband is not a believer?”  “What if my wife leaves me?” What if I never find that perfect mate, should I settle for “almost perfect?”

 

Join us Sunday as we continue our discussion about marriage, and singleness.

 

 

Till the whole world hears...

 

Pastor Clay