We had a great Sermon / Interactive Message by Dr. Ross Jutsum today (April 7, 2012). His songs (many composed himself) were wonderful to listen to and hear a corresponding message. A video clip from his Daniel and the Lions is the first of our video postings. To view or download the video, click on the Church Videos link at the top of the web page, then click on Video or Download.

Enjoy!

You can now hear Pastor Michael's sermons online!
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Thank you, and enjoy the sermons! 

Jean B. Davis, 83, of Bradenton, FL, joined her Savior Jesus Christ in heaven on February 8, 2012. She was born in Lost Creek, West Virginia, on October 1, 1928 to Frank and Stella (VanHorn) Bailey. The granddaughter of a dedicated Seventh Day Baptist minister, Jean was raised in her grandparents' home. Her appreciation of the wider family of Seventh Day Baptists flourished when, at the age of fifteen, she worked at the denomination's Recorder Press in Plainfield, New Jersey, where her grandfather had taken on the work of editor of the Sabbath Recorder (This monthly periodical for and about Seventh Day Baptists has been in production since 1844, has world-wide circulation, and is now edited in Janesville, Wisconsin).

 Marrying her childhood classmate from Sabbath School, Ken Davis, she supported him when he received the call himself to become a minster. Faithfully serving five churches with her pastor-husband since 1961, Jean's loving support as wife mother, counselor, teacher and friend has been emulated by other pastors' wives. Her listening ear and tender heart have soothed not only family and friends, but also those who seem to have no family or friends. She not only listened but responded with practical help when she could. Jean and Ken opened their home several times to help young people find their way.

 Jean gladly shared her musical gifts by singing for church and community as well as accompanying several choirs on piano or organ, playing faithfully in recent years for her Bradenton SDB Church family who will miss her very much (This past Thanksgiving, while visiting the Daytona Beach SDB Church, she was asked to play, and she received a standing ovation for the inspiring five-hymn medley she courageously pieced together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit practically at the last minute). In addition, during the winter months, for many years, she played for the non-denominational church at Winterset RV Resort in Palmetto.

 She remained active not only as organist, but also as a deaconess and the Sabbath School Superintendant in her church until this month. Devotedly loyal to her husband, she had remained at his side in his declining years, taking on increased responsibility in the church as his health declined. Until the Lord took her Home, Jean supported her church's new pastor Michael Spearl, helping him plan worship music and proctoring his exams as he pursued his ministerial studies. Jean was surprised and humbled when in 2008 the Seventh Day Baptist General Conference in USA and Canada honored her with the Women's Robe of Achievement for her years of service.

 She is survived by her five children: Susan (Rich) Bond of Palmetto; Deborah (Steve) Giles of Battle Creek, MI; Kenneth (Karen) Davis of Lancaster, PA; Paul (Dusty) Davis of Salem, WV; and Janice (Bob) Noel of East Leroy, MI; 19 grandchildren; and 45 great-grandchildren.

 Jean was preceded in death by her husband and by her daughter Sally. A memorial service will be held in Salem, West Virginia, in August following the annual General Conference of Seventh Day Baptists.

Sister Jean Davis had been a member of the Bradenton SDB Church for almost 20 years. She accompanied her Husband, Pastor Kenneth Davis when they were called to minister to the saints in Bradenton in June of 1992. Jean was the church organist up until the time of her death. She was also a Deacon, the church Clerk, and the Sabbath School Superintendent. Jean kept track of birthdays and anniversaries and always had cards for the congregation to sign so she could mail them out. She encouraged and monitored our memory verses for the Scripture Memorization Program. She was a mentor and inspiration to so many people. We cannot begin to say all of the ways she will be missed. We will feel the loss of her presence for a long time, but we know she is in God's hands. She is out of her pain-racked body. The last word her daughter Susan and son Ken heard her say before she passed was, "Wow!" We think she saw the LIGHT!

"1) Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my meditation.

 2) Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for unto Thee will I pray.

 3) My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning. O LORD, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee and will look up."

Here in Psalm 5:1-3 we see in King David the model of a wonderful prayer life. Verse three shows us that David was sure his prayer was heard and accepted. God is a prayer-hearing God when the one praying prays from a heart of faith. David was promising God that He would hear his voice every morning as he began his day with Him.

God not only expects but also requires our prayers. Frequent prayers strengthen our resolve to be obedient to God's directions. Heads of families need to take responsibility to lead their families in prayer at the beginning of each day.

People without the Lord seek comforts in worldly pleasure, but the godly person finds that only when he is filled with God's presence and grace is he comfortable.

Referring to Psalm 4:3-8 we see that David keeps in touch with God throughout the day, and at the end of the day, David could rest satisfied in confidence of God's presence. For David, God's favor was enough. He did not need man's favor. He had a holy serenity that can only come to one who is blessed by the fruit of God's favor. It's a reasonable assurance that David had; if you wait on God, if you pass through the day with God as your guide, then it is reasonable for you to recognize that you are under the omnipotent protection of your approving Father.

With every reason to be thankful when we retire in our beds, let us lift our hearts and make Him the God of our praises. King David certainly recognized God as the source of his blessings, saying, "Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation! (Psalm 68:19)" Think on the goodness of the LORD --- the abundance of food, clean water, pure air, satisfying relationships. God is so good! He even works with us to turn our disappointments and afflictions into something to praise. Let us retire in the evening humbly placing ourselves under the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Indeed, even through our dreams the Holy Spirit can influence us to become more like Jesus. It is wonderful to end the day just as we began it: With David we can pray, "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety (Psalm 4:8)" Amen, hallelujah!

Referencing the Gospels (Mark 1:23,24; Matthew 7:7,8; and John 15:7 and14:12,13), Pastor Michael listed some of the promises that Jesus made in regard to prayer. Michael remarked further, "Even asking for salvation is an audacious prayer." After all, we who have done nothing to deserve it, are asking the Lord and King of creation to save us.

The pastor exhorted us to stop asking God how or why questions. [Two weeks ago, as he preached about justice, Pastor Michael suggested that we might better ask, "What would You have me do?" Relying on Romans 12 for direction, we know that God will answer a prayer for justice by 1) telling us to forgive and 2) instructing us to leave the results to God. God doesn't provide justice for one by robbing the freedom of another. Meanwhile, God is teaching us to be like Him. We can taste His mercies by giving them away. Prayers for justice are like prayers for His Presence.]

Again, stop asking how or why. Sometimes His answers may look like this:

 I ask for a wife ----- He gives me eternal love.

 I ask for money ----- He gives me His Kingdom.

 I ask for a better job ----- He gives me a leadership position in the church.

Having shared a personal testimony of how God answered his and his wife's prayer for a child even when the attending physician thought it impossible, and having told of the impact one of his hired laborers had on him this week as the worker prayed openly and boldly, Pastor Michael concluded today's sermon with the Apostle Paul's words, "Pray about everything" (Phil. 4:6). God answers audacious prayers.

1 Corinthians 2:6-8 (NIV)

"We...speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom...of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and...destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it ...[or] they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." What is this secret wisdom Paul was talking about?

He begins by addressing the issue of division within the church in Corinth, much of this stemming from their pride and so-called wisdom. Paul challenged them to put away their arrogance and live in humility. Then he juxtaposed their pride in worldly wisdom with the simple, life-changing message of Christ crucified, "Christ the Wisdom and Power of God."

To really understand some of the issues, we need to examine the culture and mindset of the people in Corinth. The city, large and affluent, was bustling with goods and people from all around the world flowing in and out of its ports. A center for the arts, as well as philosophy and religion, it was home to pagan temples including large ones to Apollo and Aphrodite. The city had a reputation for vice, immorality and debauchery. The philosophers of the day included Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Demosthenes. Infatuated with human wisdom, the Corinthians even had schools of philosophy. They valued these philosophies and the abilities of people to use words and persuade people.

Paul himself, having once been steeped in the wisdom of the world -- the wisdom of man--- had his eyes opened. He came to realize that the wisdom of this world is ultimately impotent. It boasts about everything, but it can’t save a sinner from meaninglessness, or sin, or death, or judgment. Wealth cannot save, science cannot save, psychology cannot save, philosophy cannot save, technology cannot save, and the "keeping of the law" cannot save. The wisdom of the world cannot give meaning to man. If you distill all the wisdom of the world, you will discover it has no power to save. To the learned men of the day, who were calling the message about Christ's resurrection foolishness, Paul counters,

^{"18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate' (Isaiah 29:14) 20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe" (1 Cor. 1:18-21).}

Paul tells them to shun their pride and embrace humility: "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards.... But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; ... the weak things... to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him. It is because of Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God - that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption." This is particularly significant: "Christ Jesus... has become for us wisdom from God."(1 Cor.1:26-30).

Now, Paul also makes a distinction between the wisdom of men and the wisdom from the spirit. Coming not as a philosopher or a salesman but as a witness, he speaks: "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified." Driving home the point that his preaching was not with wise and persuasive words, but with the Spirit’s power, Paul states his purpose: "so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power." Paul understood he was not catering to what his audience wanted, for he already knew the Jews demand miraculous signs, and Greeks look for wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22), BUT preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified, he would leave all other knowledge aside. Concentrating on the gospel, with its crucified Messiah as the focus of his message, Paul relinquished his ability to persuade with human wisdom and relied on the Holy Spirit to speak through him.

This meant rejecting not only the wisdom of man (Chap 2, vs.4-9), but also the spirit of the world. "10 The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. 13 This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words" (1 Corinthians 2:10b-13).

Now, philosophers were respected as people who could search out deep truths. But Paul says that those who put their faith in Christ will know all they need to know to be saved. This knowledge, however, cannot be grasped by even the wisest people unless they accept God’s message. And, those who do not are foolish, no matter how wise the world thinks they are. True wisdom is imparted from God and revealed through the Spirit. "14The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned"(1 Cor. 2: 14). To the natural man the spiritual man’s thoughts are not rational.

Let’s define wisdom as the power to see and the ability to choose the highest purpose and the best means of achieving it. So it is from God’s standpoint, and so it is from man’s standpoint, except the latter is clouded by self-interest.

Where do we see the wisdom from God? We could cite his creation as an example. And providence -- God's continuing care of creation and the governing of creation. But the highest purpose of God seems to be demonstrated, not in creation or providence, but in redemption. Remember these words? "Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption." So, we could theorize that all creation, all providence, and the entire history of the world, is for the divine purpose of creating a people for God.

But what is true wisdom for you and me? What is the highest purpose we can strive for? To be connected with God, to have fellowship with Him, to live with Him. And what is the means for achieving it? --The cross of Jesus -- the salvation provided by Jesus dying on the cross as redemption for our sins (In this He fulfilled the law, replacing the old covenant with a new). When our eyes and ears are opened, we discover that this cross of Jesus is the means by which we can attain the highest purpose of our lives---communion with God. So, think about that -- God wants a people, and we want God!

This is so exciting! The "Mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19) is the secret of God, hidden from before the foundation of the world for our glory (1Corinthians 2:7). The Mystery is that God would make one Body of those who believe on the Christ out of the nation of Israel and out of the other nations - joint heirs and partakers of God's promises through the gospel (Ephesians 3:3-6). The riches of the glory of the Mystery are the realities in Christ living in everyone (Colossians 1:27). Now that Jesus Christ has sacrificed his life for Mankind’s redemption, God desires that the Mystery would be made known to all nations as it was revealed to the Apostle Paul (Ephesians 3:3,4).

So, the secret wisdom includes the plan that God meant to call the Gentiles, a plan which was long concealed, at least in part. It was not fully made known until the Savior came. It had been until that time a mystery - a concealed truth. There are many companion verses throughout the New Testament that substantiate this: Ephesians 3:4-11, 1 Cor. 2:8 (which indicates it is likely that Satan and his followers didn't know about it either), and 1 Peter 1:10-12.

So, let’s end where we began. Paul wrote, "We speak of God's secret wisdom." But that wisdom is no longer secret. It is revealed through the prophets, through the apostles and through anyone who preaches the gospel. And it is so simple. What must we do to be saved? Read tons of books? Memorize Aristotle? Study Socrates? Examine science? No. The simple answer is, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved."

Grace--- it can mean a number of things:

• Giving thanks, as in “saying grace” before eating a meal
• A general greeting as in Paul's salutations and benedictions, "Grace and peace to you."
• A pleasurable manner as in words spoken with grace.
• A condition of favor, such as “being in God’s grace.”

Grace comes from the Greek word "charis" which contains the idea of unmerited kindness. The New Testament writers use CHARIS predominately for that 'kindness by which God bestows favor upon us, grants us pardon for our offenses, and bids us to accept the eternal salvation through Christ.' "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (Eph. 2:8)

Salvation is first, foremost, and always a matter of grace! In fact, only by God’s grace is salvation even possible. God does not owe us anything. We are all sinners and fall very short of the glory of God. Salvation is a gift which God offers to all (See Romans 6:23). Tit 3:3-7 says, "For we ourselves were also once foolish ... serving various lusts... living in malice...hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared... according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs... of eternal life."

Although we cannot earn or merit salvation, God’s grace does require holy living. Don’t think that since we are saved by grace, we are free to do whatever we wish. Instead, the grace of God transforms us and teaches us to (See Tit 2:11-13):

• Deny ungodliness and worldly lusts
• Live soberly, righteously and godly
• And, look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of Jesus Christ

Holy living---living "soberly, righteously and godly"--- requires the grace of God. Our being unable to live this way on our own, God works in us to do His good will (Php 2:12-13). By His strength we can do all the things He desires of us (Php 4:13). We must grow in grace if we are going to live holy lives. Peter admonishes us to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). This we do by heeding the Word of God and drawing near to God in prayer (Ac 20:32; Heb 4:16). We must go to Him, wait on Him, and listen silently with the humility of a sinner in need of the changing power of grace. We must listen - hear - and humbly accept the word planted in us which can save us (Jas 1:21). Daily we must seek, listen, obey … seek, listen, obey … seek, listen, obey. We must endure to the end--- when we will see Christ bring our salvation. To sit quietly, struggling with our minds to listen, is a cross to our will; to obey is a cross to our will -- denying our will and yielding to thy will be done -- this is the inward cross of self-denial. Do this, and you are carrying your cross, following Jesus.

Grace is available to all by the Spirit of God, the same Spirit poured out on men and women at Pentecost 2000 years ago. Grace allows us to access the power of God in order to become righteous, whatever our past sins and whatever our current problems. Eventually, but ONLY after the process of repentance infused by faith, can we become justified (or made righteous) by grace. As we move through this process we become sorely aware of our unworthiness as our sinful nature is revealed by the Spirit (We don’t even deserve the help to change which we receive in the process of repentance).

Here is what Pastor James says: "Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (James 2:10).
And from Romans: "... no one will be declared righteous in [God's] sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin" (Rom. 3:19). But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:18)

In First Timothy we read that the law is only for those who are unrighteous -- not for the righteous!

"They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about .... We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers...the ungodly and sinful... for murderers, for adulterers... and liars...and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me" (1 Timothy 1:7-11).

There is a difference between an unrighteous person and unrighteous behavior. All people have a fallen nature -- that tendency to be our own authority over what's right and wrong. That will not leave us until we pass from this earthly existence (See Eph 2: 1-5). We do, however, have the power to bring our thoughts under obedience, set our mind on the things of God and resist sin by drawing near to God as we turn away from temptation. God has given us the power to guard our eyes that they look only upon the things that please God (Job 31:1, Proverbs 3:21); our ears that they only listen to what is godly (Isaiah 55:3); our feet that they go where they should go and not where they should not(Proverbs 4:27); our hands that they work only what is right (Psalm 18:20); our mouth that we only say what is edifying and not what causes harm(Proverbs 23:16); our heart that we guard it for out of it come the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23); our mind that we make it a guard over our heart and that we set it upon the things that are good in His sight (Jeremiah 17:10). By human effort this is impossible but by the Spirit, these things will be revealed through our lives if we walk in faith.

Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law for our salvation, but we are still called to walk in obedience (See Romans 2:15, 2 Corinthians 3:3)

God, through His Spirit, gives us new life, continuously conforming us to the image of Christ and accomplishing His good works within us. We can only have true meaning in our lives when we live in the Spirit and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.

The following article illustrates the concept of grace. Try to identify the three components of grace in this story: 1) It is undeserved and cannot be earned, 2) It requires that we accept it, and 3) And it is cancelled by our own efforts.

THE CONCEPT OF GRACE written by Charles Stanley.

"One of my more memorable seminary professors had a practical way of illustrating to his students the concept of grace. At the end of his evangelism course he would distribute the exam with the caution to read it all the way through before beginning to answer it. This caution was written on the exam as well. As we read the test, it became unquestionably clear to each of us that we had not studied nearly enough.

The further we read, the worse it became. About halfway through, audible groans could be heard throughout the lecture hall. On the last page, however, was a note that read, "You have a choice. You can either complete the exam as given or sign your name at the bottom and in so doing receive an A for this assignment."

Wow? We sat there stunned. "Was he serious? Just sign it and get an A?" Slowly, the point dawned on us, and one by one we turned in our tests and silently filed out of the room.

When I talked with the professor about it afterward, he shared some of the reactions he had received through the years. Some students began to take the exam without reading it all the way through, and they would sweat it out for the entire two hours of class time before reaching the last page.

Others read the first two pages, became angry, turned the test in blank, and stormed out of the room without signing it. They never realized what was available, and as a result, they lost out totally.

One fellow, however, read the entire test, including the note at the end, but decided to take the exam anyway. He did not want any gifts; he wanted to earn his grade. And he did. He made a C+, but he could easily have had an A.

"What does the LORD require of [us]...

Pastor Michael addressed the first requirement by asking, "What more could God do?" God showed his people justice and righteousness when He delivered them from slavery in Egypt. Throughout the Bible we see God's hand at work bringing deliverance and healing for the poor and oppressed, His hand becoming unmistakably visible through His Son and then through the disciples who followed. Acts 3-5 records how His disciples used God's power to heal and to testify of a resurrected Jesus. Peter and John had this power because they had a direct line to God through the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8-10), [the same Holy Spirit who indwells believers today and will grant wisdom and power to those who obey Him]. First requirement: Do what is right.

 In speaking to the second requirement, "love mercy (or kindness)," Pastor Michael asserted that kindness takes time. He admitted that as a young father he had been guilty of exchanging kindness for time (he was too busy to be kind). Scripture, however, is filled with examples of those who took time to be kind: Boaz to Ruth, David to Mephibosheth, Jesus to the woman at the well. Of course, the greatest kindness that Jesus provided was His death on the cross bringing us forgiveness. Consider too the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-50). He pours blessing on mercy when he forgives his brothers plus makes rich provision for them [Think what freedom of heart and mind this act of mercy gives the brothers]. Pastor Michael encouraged us with these words:

 "Let your heart be free; it only has limited space. Whatever is in your heart is what you will have to give away." Second requirement: Love mercy.

 "God can humble you, but He won't make you humble." Pastor Michael introduced the third of God's requirements, listed in Micah 6:8c, "Walk humbly with your God." There's a battle in us pitting pride against humility, and we tend to have to be humbled. We cannot defeat pride and master humility on our own, thus walking humbly with our God is key. Look at David: the youngest of eight sons, anointed to be future king, soon hailed for slaying Goliath, his popularity soared---as did King Saul's pride and jealousy. Meanwhile, as Saul sought to destroy David, David strengthened himself in the Lord. When given the opportunity to slay Saul while he slept, David refused to harm the LORD's anointed. Pastor Michael commented, "Humility chooses to receive what is provided rather than take what is demanded." Once David became King, he expanded the kingdom's land tenfold; established both the economy and secure trade routes. He became the nation's spiritual leader. David placed God in a position of priority among the people. Then it happened---David fell into temptation, ushering in the darkest chapter of his life. But---once he was faced with his sin, he humbly confessed it, taking full responsibility for it. He was transparent, having nothing left to hide as he faced God. Humility responds with a sincere desire to change. "Let [God] do to me as seems good to Him" (2 Sam. 15). David made peace with God through repentance and then enjoyed relationship with God through grace. Humility cares more about God's good name than its own. May we embrace humility. We can't right the wrongs of the world but we can change the way we live.

Picture two young boys: Aiden and Eli. These grandsons of Pastor Michael amaze him because even when they know they are in trouble, deserving punishment, instead of running away from their father, they run toward him. A person's view of his Heavenly Father determines his response when he's in trouble. One who runs away is expecting punishment rather than forgiveness. What is our Heavenly Father really like? The one manifestation we see of Him is in Jesus Christ, the personification of grace and truth.

 Joshua 20 gives us a glorious glimpse of our Father in Heaven. Throughout the book of Joshua, we see how God provided for His people in amazing ways: He supernaturally led them across a river of impossibility; demolished the fortified walls of Jericho; with gentle rebuke, showed them the need to remove sin from within the nation; and, in the face of overwhelming odds, gave them victory upon victory over their enemies.

 Joshua 20 records The LORD showing his people how to exercise judgment and compassion. This is one of four Old Testament passages that refer to cities of refuge (See Exodus 21:13, Numbers 35, and Deuteronomy 9: 1-13). God even instructed roads be built to the refuge cities. Why did He place so much importance on these cities? He wanted His people to show mercy to one another. Life is so valuable that the purposeful taking of a life requires eye-for-eye, life-for-life justice; yet there is a difference between murder and unintentional manslaughter. God's people were to send the accused to a city of refuge until a trial could acquit him. In the case of murder, the only satisfaction for the demands of justice was the death of the high priest. For the fugitive to be free, there had to be atonement.

 Today, we who are witnesses of God's Kingdom are instructed to tell others where (Who) the city of refuge is. There we are set free from sin and its wages (See Psalm 46:1, Romans 8:1, and Hebrews 6:18). If we stay outside the city of refuge, we are subject to the avenger. When you feel convicted of sin, which direction do you run? To your Heavenly Father or away from Him, to your Great High Priest or away from Him?

Everywhere we go there are others whose backs are breaking with the load of sin. Let us point others to the Way.

God's promise to Joshua is a fulfillment of the promise He'd made to Abraham 600 years before: "Be strong and very courageous; that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to be left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:7).

Joshua knew the impenetrable wall of Jericho was just across the river, but he also knew God was with him. He lived in a time of moral confusion and deadly opposition just as we do today with terrorists worldwide committed to our destruction. We also face a Jericho within---living to please ourselves (soft-core Christianity); this type tells us what feels right not what is right. The day of the "professional" Christian is over. There are people all around us who will not listen to a pastor but will talk about Jesus where they live. Just like with Joshua, the work of the Lord will not be accomplished until we step up to that which we've been called. Joshua needed encouragement to do what God asked, thus God spoke three times: "Be strong...."

We are strangers temporarily sent to a land not our own on a mission. We are not here just to gather intelligence. God sends us to share the good news of Messiah Jesus just as He sent the spies to save Rahab, thus preserving the lineage of the Messiah. To reach and rescue the Rahabs around us, we must be distinct from the world. The enemy is not the Rahabs; the enemy is Satan. God wants us to plant our feet in enemy territory and claim it for Messiah Jesus. The Rahabs want to hear your story about how Jesus set you free and gave you a robe of righteousness. Our mission is to seek and save, to be salt and light, to be ready to share the Good News. May God use us to bring the Rahabs into His kingdom of love.

Week 2

We face rivers of impossibility just like Joshua did; he knew God was adequate to get him to the other side. The difference between a livewire and a dead wire is the connection [or lack thereof]. For the livewire a difficulty is an opportunity; for the dead wire difficulty is a dead end. People traveling with Joshua might have suggested he wait for better climate conditions to cross the river. God, however, does not change His plans for our convenience [nor did He for theirs]. Joshua prepared the people for a battle in the realm of the humanly impossible. He did not tell them to do calisthenics but to consecrate themselves. God wants to use impossible situations to get us to consecrate ourselves; then we'll be ready to be dangerous for God. He'll get us to the Promised Land.

What do we do with God's promises? Trust in them, or underline them in our Bibles? Our lives (like the twelve stone at the Jordan River) should serve as living memorials to the power and grace of God. The crossing of the impossible river prepared the men of Israel to yield to God no matter what He asks. We yield to Him when we give up our own way to go His way. Why would God incapacitate the men of Israel with circumcision on the eve of the battle? When our personal strength is God, then do we see God's supernatural victory in our lives.(Most of the Israelites who crossed the Jordan had been born in the wilderness, not privileged to see with their own eyes what God had done for their forefathers at the Red Sea). It is worthy of note that the Commander of the Army of the Lord came to Joshua not to take sides but to take over. When we yield to Jesus, He too will come not to take sides but to take over. He will supply all our needs and give us a victorious life.

"I want to be more than a busy believer.  I want more spiritual fruit in me but not as a result of harder work."  Pastor Michael continued, "By merely abiding with God, a believer can be propelled spiritually to a higher level of fruitfulness. Abiding is about cultivating the most important friendship in your life, that of God's." The pastor admitted that he has difficulty just enjoying God's company. Since God made us with a heart to know Him, we are incomplete when we do not know how to enjoy His company. The Psalmist David cried, "As a deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee." "Why then don't we pursue that depth of fellowship with God," the pastor wonders. Perhaps our perception of God is askew?  Don't we know that God wants to have fellowship with us even more than we do with Him (John 15:9)?

Consider the qualities of a best friend: one who accepts you, listens to you, encourages you and makes time for you. Surely God has demonstrated these aspects of His love and more. The quality of abiding is like that of sap in the vine; it doesn't run along the outside of the vine but courses through its inmost parts. One can read the Bible or pray for years without abiding. We must deepen the quality of our devoted time with God (Psalm 27:4).  How do you do this?

1. As you read, savor God’s Word and expect the Holy Spirit to commune with you.
2. Take God with you. Maintain a quiet conversation between him and your soul that has no end.
3. Respect God's Presence in your life.  Expect Him to supersede any emotion.
4. Obey God.  Disobeying God will breach your relationship with Him.

Spending more time with God and doing less will multiply the fruit of your lifesupernaturally.  We please God when we take time to ask what He wants. Abiding will help us recognize His voice and heart.

December 18, 2010

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 The story of the birth of Jesus is wonderful.  It is glorious news for mankind.  I am always filled with joy each time I read the story (Luke 2: 1 – 20).  I love the story of Jesus’ birth.  I especially like the part of the story when the shepherds went to Bethlehem to see the thing that had happened which the Lord had told them about (v 15).  They arrived at the home where Jesus and Mary were and they likely saw the baby Jesus for the first time as he lay in a manger. 

 The shepherds weren’t just casual props to make an interesting story or to be used as pictures on Christmas cards.  They arrived at just the right moment with an independent testimony.  They were independent witnesses.  They told Mary and Joseph about the choir of angels who sang and about the angel who told them to find the baby Jesus wrapped in cloths, lying in a manger in Bethlehem.  I can see in my mind’s eye how Mary must have looked at Joseph and how Joseph looked back at her and perhaps said, “He looks like an ordinary baby, but thank you, God, for this confirmation.” 

 In verse eighteen we read that all who heard the shepherds were amazed.  Mary treasured these things in her heart (v19).  It was confirmation.  The shepherds returned to their fields, singing, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told (v20).  They were witnesses to the new born king.  One of the wonderful methods God uses to propagate his Kingdom is to place his trust in frail, sometimes frightened people, e.g., shepherds to carry the eternity-altering news of Messiah Jesus to the world.  During his ministry Jesus did not normally go to the intellectual elite, or to the wealthy, or the established religious leaders, or to the people of power.  He gave his message to men and women who were untrained in teaching technique, untrained in communication skills, untrained in marketing and publicity, yet his message turned the world on its side. 

 Jesus calls us to be witnesses.  He calls us to give an account of what we have personally seen or experienced.  We are called as witnesses to share what we know to be true; and in so doing we become evangelists, missionaries, teachers, and disciples.

 When Jesus walked the earth, he was looking for disciples.  Two thousand years later he still wants people to choose to be his disciples.  Jesus wants disciples. Will you give Jesus what he really wants for Christmas?  If you do then you’ll be on your way to knowing the secret to happiness in your life.

May you choose to be his disciple.

Blessings be upon each and every one of you. 

Pastor Michael

 Side note: Early in our worship services, Pastor Michael often shares an inspirational story to get our minds and hearts focused on the One Whom we come to worship. On this Sabbath, he told us about Henry C. Morrison, who served as a missionary in Africa for 40 years. After all those years serving God on the mission field Henry and his wife were returning home.  On the same ship Teddy Roosevelt was also returning from a big game hunt in Africa. When the ship docked the President received a big, hearty welcome from a thousand people, but there wasn’t even one person who welcomed home the missionaries. Henry was sad and a bit depressed when his wife reminded her downcast husband, "Honey, we aren't home yet."

Sermon:

Pastor Michael took us back in time with a dramatization of the Philippian jailer, Paul and Silas---a drama written by God, acted out by these three, and read today by the pastor. (See Acts 16 for the whole story). 

We then skipped ahead to a time that many of us witnessed ourselves when the Watergate scandal was in full swing: Chuck Colson stole for President Nixon. Guilty of political dirty tricks, he was the first member of Nixon's staff to be imprisoned. In both prison stories we see that God used great pain ultimately to bring good to many others. For Chuck Colson, more importantly, the pain brought him to God himself. 

The Apostle Paul insists that suffering is good for us because it helps us to grow.  Romans 5:3-5 lists benefits of suffering. God uses suffering to produce in us amazing courage and character; it makes us better Christians. Have you ever experienced such deep suffering and anguish that you had nowords? This happens even to Christians. The early Christians (AD41-AD54)were considered Barbarians by the Roman government and Emperor Claudius.Their suffering included persecution, personal calamities, hunger, lack of clothing,death. They kept their faith no matter what. Paul's letter to the Romans encouragedthem: no pain would separate them from the love of God. Paul told them that God would use everything in their lives for good (Romans 8:28). So they surely askedthemselves, "What is God's purpose in all of this?" Paul answered in the nextverse ---8:29--- that God was shaping His children in the image of His Son.

In 1504 Michelangelo presented the Statue of David (sculpted with hammerand chisel for three years) to the Florentines. God takes a lifetime to hammer and chisel away at us until we become like Jesus. He breaks away our self-centeredness, self-sufficiency, rebellion, laziness, apathy, etc. Our doubt and fear are being eliminated as well. The best person to help a sufferer is a veteran sufferer (2 Corinthians 1:3,4). Three things we can learn from this passage:

1) Our God is the Father of Compassion

2) When we suffer, God comforts us

3) God comforts us so we can comfort others

One reason God allows bad things to happen to good people is so we will be equipped for ministry like Jesus. Look again at Paul's experience in the Philippian jail and its wide-range and long-range effects:

1) It is likely the imprisoned Paul testified of Jesus Christ to all inside the prison.

2) His imprisonment emboldened believers outside the prison to testify of Jesus also.

 Following the sermon our Call to Service was Hebrews 4:15-16 and Psalm 34:18.

 Important Announcement for those with at least One Sweet Tooth (and all others, too):

 Early in our planning stages, I was approached by one of our dear sisters in Christ---whose husband is an outstanding cook. The two of them offered to provide and serve our meals during Association. They offered a price that was just right besides...if the churches would supply the desserts.

So this is my plea to you all: Will each person or duo or family who is planning to join in for our South Atlantic Association meeting on November 12-14 please bring along a gift of your favorite cake or two pies or 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies/brownies etc? That should take care of all of us for the weekend --- and keep us within the budget.

 A Reminder about Accommodations:

If you are planning to stay at the Best Western, the cut-off for registration for the SDB blocked rooms is September 30; for the Holiday Inn, the cut-off is October 22.

Directions to our meeting place in Edgewater will be forth-coming along with a more detailed schedule of events. The address of the church is:

Bella Vista Baptist Church 3232 South Ridgewood Ave. in Edgewater

(Note: Ridgewood Ave. is also US 1 and, in Edgewater, can be called Dixie Freeway).

Registration Info: You mail 1/2 of your motel cost to Clayton Pinder with your registration form now and pay the remaining 1/2 next month.

 June 15, 2010

Dear South Atlanic Association Church Family,

The following is updated information concerning your accommodations for our gathering in Edgewater, Florida, on November 12-14 

You need to mention that you are with the Seventh Day Baptist group in order to get the group rates.

Best Western Edgewater Inn (just  2 1/2 miles from our meeting place)

1730 S Ridgewood Ave.

Edgewater, Florida 32132

386-427-7101 Use this number.

[Look on the internet to see the rooms. I started at www.411.com/Florida and put in

Best Western Edgewater Inn].

Blocked for our use are 3 King-size non-smoking and 25 double-queens non-smoking (which accommodate 4) rooms; cut-off date here is September 30. These rooms include

microwaves & refrigerators. Cost is $99/two/per night, plus $10 for each additional person.

IMPORTANT: If at least 10 rooms are booked here, the price drops to $89. If at least 20 rooms are booked, the price drops to $79. This motel includes a hot complimentary

continental breakfast in a cozy nook holding 10 to 15 people.

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites (9 miles from our meeting place but located on the beach)

1401 S. Atlantic Ave.

New Smyrna Beach, FL 32169

386-426-0020 or 1-800-232-2414 Use one of these numbers (You might ask for Wilma).

14 double bedrooms [actually one room with 2 double beds] (each accommodating 6 people) and  9 King-size (which accommodate 2) are blocked off for us.The cut-off date for the

blocked room reservations is October 22, but remember there may not be any left if you wait until then to book. All rooms open out to the beach and include kitchenettes.

Breakfast is free for children 12 and under. Breakfast for adults costs $2.22 and up (This price requires that you purchase drinks separately).  Restaurant capacity: 35

The price of these rooms at the group rate is $94.60 plus tax. A two-bedroom suite which accommodates 8 may be reserved for $120/night (These have 3 double beds and a

roll-out double sofa). {Be sure to say that you are with the Seventh Day Baptists and that Wilma has guaranteed this rate}. These *two-bedroom suites are not reserved with the block so you need to call right away if you want these. There are 5 of these on the property.

Now that I have seen the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites for myself, I can easily recommend this choice for its airiness and setting. (Do note that the double bedrooms are arranged with two double beds in one room with a roll-out sofa in the living room.)

The main advantage that the Best Western holds is that it is just 2 1/2 miles from the church and closer yet to the park where we plan to eat.

Stay in a Home If you would prefer arrangements be made to stay with a church family member somewhere in the area, please call Jan Graffius at

386-258-7367 or email her at jangraffius@gmail.com.

Your blessed sister in Christ, Susan Bond

PART 1

The fear of the Lord is the key to unlocking the treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. Pastor Michael did not just invent this statement, but gleaned it from Isaiah 33:5 and 6 after which he spread before the congregation Scripture after Scripture explaining the profound difference between the fear of the Lord and being afraid of Him. Citing both Old and New Testament passages, the pastor showed that the Israelites were afraid of God (Exodus 19:10,11,18-20 and 2 Corinthians 3:7-13). They could not even look at the face of Moses after he had been with God because it reflected God's glory. At this point, Pastor Michael commented, "It's one thing to reflect something and another to abide in it and then emit it." God's glory through righteousness outshines what had been the glory of condemnation. [Hallelujah!]

The Israelites were afraid they'd die (Exodus 20:18-20). Moses said,"Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you." [Look at that again; this is the core verse]. Obviously, there must be a difference between fearing the Lord and being afraid of Him.

Does God test you so He'll know what is in your hearts? NO---He already knows what is in your hearts. God tests you so you will know what is in your hearts. If we do not fear God, then we will be afraid of Him when Jesus comes in His glory. Those who don't fear now will be afraid when at judgment they face holy terror.

Moses left Egypt with two to three million healthy Israelites (Psalm 105:37) who knew God's healing, saving power, but when God's glory was revealed at Mt Sinai, they were afraid. (Deuteronomy 5:23-27). Do we, like the Israelites, hear God's Word but withdraw, afraid to follow God's voice which lays bare the condition of our hearts? God said, "Oh that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always" (Deut. 5:28,29). A person who fears God knows God is good; he knows that any impending difficulty will eventually yield God's goodness. (The Israelites had responded to difficulties with complaints and doubts; they desired comfort over obedience to God's will). When God delivered the children of Israel from Egypt, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened and he pursued the Israelites into the wilderness with his warriors and chariots.  The Israelites were backed up against the Red Sea but God split the sea, and the Israelites crossed on dry land and saw their oppressors buried.  They celebrated God’s goodness and danced and praised before Him.  But they did not know their own hearts.  Three days later they were complaining again.  The water was bitter; they wanted sweet water. Don’t we often do the same?  We want soft words and pleasant deeds.  But it’s the bitter words and unpleasant deeds that are necessary for cleansing us from impurities.

Moses was different from the other Israelites who had wanted to return to Egypt. Moses feared God; he perceived God’s heart and ways. The children of Israel did not fear God, consequently they were blinded and their understanding was darkened.

If we have the fear of God in our hearts, we will not hide sin in our hearts, because we will fear God more than the opinions of those around us (Exodus 20:20; Proverbs 16:6).  We will become more concerned with what God thinks than with what man thinks.  Personal comfort will take second place to what God desires.  We will esteem His Word more valuable than man’s.  We will turn our hearts to the Lord! 

 PART 2

 What the fear of God is not:

• Natural fears, i.e. fear of the dark, of roller coasters, etc
• The spirit of fear given by the enemy, e. g. of strangers, of tight places
• Religious fear taught by laws of men, e.g. fear of not doing enough good things to please the Lord
• (Jesus knew this fear created hypocrisy)
• The fear of man -- opposite of trust in God -- ensnares us when we want to walk in obedience and righteousness

The fear of the Lord is different.  Yes, it is fear and it can be powerful.  Moses trembled before God at Mount Sinai… but his experience was not harmful.  He had a clear vision of the awesome majesty and power of God.

Imagine a cliff on either side of which are two scenes, one leading to a hillside of fragrant flowers, the other to steep rocks leading to a wave-tossed sea so far below that the waves are hardly distinguishable. One step in the wrong direction and you would fall on the crags and into the sea. The fear of the Lord inspires awe like that and also reverence and more. An attitude of submission is the fruit of the fear of the Lord. This is actually what the First Commandment is about. To obey this commandment, we must give God total preeminence; nothing in our lives should occupy the same level as the Lord God.  We are mere creatures of dust. If God is willing to reveal himself to us and offer us his fellowship, then our only acceptable response is to place him first in our lives.

Requirements for having the fear of the Lord:

• We must choose the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:27-29) .
• We must allow the Holy Spirit to teach us (Psalm 34: 11 – 13).
• We must renounce reliance on our own wisdom (Proverbs 3:7).
• We must renounce evil wherever and whenever we recognize it (Proverbs 3:7).

 What happens next?

"Behold, the fear of the LORD is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding."

(Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10)

Wisdom, understanding, and knowledge result from the fear of the Lord. Wisdom is not intellect.It's possible to be a highly educated fool.

David wrote, "Thou desirest truth in the inward parts" (Psalm 51:6) "and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom." God's wisdom opens our minds and our eyes so we can see better His purposes for us. There is only one road that passes into your inward part.  You cannot travel that road by obtaining a college education.  You must instead, open up to God.  He will impart his wisdom into your inward parts—into your essence, into the way you think and live.  The name of that road is the ‘Fear of the Lord’ and you must ask God to open that road for you.

The Psalmist wrote "Rejoice with trembling." Fear and joy are not mutually exclusive in the spiritual realm. The fear of the Lord is a character trait that the Lord is looking for. He confides in those who fear Him.

 "The fear of the Lord is clean" (Psalm 19:9); it keeps us from the defilement of sin.

 Blessings for the man, wife, work, and children are promised to the man who fears the Lord (See Psalm 128:1-4), and the ultimate benefit extends into eternity (Prov. 23:17,18).

Our pastor used to seek the type of balanced life that popular self-help authors promote.  This balance suggests we try to make life more manageable and convenient.  But this kind of balance is lacking something.  It lacks sacrifice and service in God’s kingdom.  God is looking for more from us than a convenient life. Jesus didn't say, "Take up your cross, follow me, and lead a balanced life."

 Proverbs 4:23 says: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life”. What we need is internal balance, not external balance.  We need hearts that love the right thing with the right love to the right degree. In Colossians 3:17, Paul exhorts us to do everything in Jesus' Name. Doing something in the Name of Jesus means doing it in His character.

 How do you get up in the morning in Jesus’ name?  It has been said that there are two kinds of people in the world: those who love to wake up in the morning and those who hate those who love to wake up in the morning. Do you wake up grumpy in the morning or do you let her sleep?  How do you drive a car in Jesus’ name?  Would your car drive differently if Jesus were behind the wheel? Are you kind?  Do you greet others with a smile?

 How do you work in Jesus' Name?  Do you see co-workers as people with families? When Jesus worked as a carpenter, He showed His character every bit as much as when He walked in ministry. Do you sense the radical difference between the character of Jesus and your convenient life?  Paul was saying, "Do life in Jesus' Name."

 The start of a race is enjoyable, but finishing the race is glory. Finishing means we continually honor our commitments, even when it becomes difficult. Pastor Michael spoke of races in which he participated: runners were smiling, exercising with enthusiasm before the race began. Anticipation of a good run was in the air. Further into the race things were a lot different.  The runners were no longer smiling.  Many of them carried a grim look of determination. Finishing was hard work.  The start of the race was enjoyable.  But finishing the race is what really counted—that’s where the glory was.  Finishing is what counts.  Perseverance is what we can offer to God no matter our talent or IQ. A life transformed by the Holy Spirit runs the race set before us; we don't quit.

Training to be like Jesus requires that we arrange our lives around activities that build us up in Him. Pastor Michael described a pillow fight scenario between him and his son Sammy when Sammy was just a child: "Life was dancing before him.  Every moment was pregnant with opportunity. At first, my mind accustomed to being on work, I almost missed this chance to just play with my son." Joy is at the heart of God's plan for humanity.

 On the first day of creation, God created the light and said, "It is good." Jesus is a man of sorrows only because man messed up God's creation. When He comes again, sorrow will be done with.

 Psalm 19 describes God's joy. Joy is the serious business of heaven. Jesus came "...that your joy may be complete." "Rejoice in the Lord always." In Nehemiah 8:9-10 we read, "This day is sacred unto the Lord...the joy of the Lord is your strength." Joylessness is weak. Rejoicing in the Lord can be as much a discipline as fasting. The time has come to take joy seriously. You cannot just pray for joy. Joyfulness is a skill. You can't expect others to give it to you; it is your responsibility. You may be joy-impaired. One discipline to acquire joy is celebration (Sing and dance while reflecting on a wonderful God Who has given wonderful gifts, simple new things in each new day). First step? Begin now! The Psalmist says, "This is the day that the Lord has made." Not yesterday or tomorrow.

How can I embrace joy in a world of hunger and injustice? Missionaries administer mercy in the worst of conditions. True joy comes to those who use their lives for more than personal happiness. Authentic joy is defiant in the face of bitterness. If you wait for conditions to be right to rejoice, you will be waiting until you die. The joy rejecters are the black holes of humanity. They will suck the joy right out of you. Proverbs 15:30 reminds us that "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart."

This is the day you eat what you love to eat, wear what you enjoy, read good books, appreciate God's good things. Consider Revelations 19:7: "Let us be glad and rejoice and let us give honor to Him." The joy that is in store for God's people is so great that the only image that can do it justice is the joy between a groom and his bride: "For the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready."

When it comes to playing golf well, you must train, not just try. Training is required for any worthwhile challenge in life including spiritual growth. One goal I had in that arena was to become more patient. I found my determination to be more patient resulted in failure, just as trying to improve golf without training failed. Conclusion? Don't train harder; train wisely. This is the key to spiritual transformation. The skill of forgiveness, the art of joy, learning to think and act like Jesus---these take as much training as learning to play golf. So, what do I need to do? Spiritual calisthenics (aka spiritual disciplines) -- I need to arrange myself around activities that enable me to bear fruit. Spiritual disciplines help me gain power to live as Jesus did. Disciples need not be rigid; disciplined people are flexible and can do the right thing for the right reason at the right time. We cannot engineer our own transformation, however. Spiritual transformation is like a ride in a sailboat; the wind powers. Whatever our season of life, we have opportunities for spiritual growth. This is the marathon for which we were born.