Author: West Oaks Fellowship

TELL IT LIKE IT IS

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In 1969, Ralph Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser produced a folk musical / drama entitled, “Tell It Like It Is,” which was fairly well received in churches throughout America as they were struggling with the rise of the Jesus Movement among the youth. This youth production included the well-known Christian camp song, “Pass It On,” with the theme song, “Tell It Like Is” which boldly proclaimed a much-needed transparency in that day and time.

Let’s tell the truth about the world we live in,                                                       

Let’s ask about the God who put it here                                                                 

Let’s tell the truth about our friends and neighbors                                               

Let’s check the cause of all our hate and fear.

Let’s look at love and find out where it comes from                                             

Let’s look at life and all that we hold dear                                                          

Let’s check it now before it quickly passes                                                            

Let’s use today before it disappears.

Let’s tell it like it is, Tell it like it is,                                                                         

We’re tired of pretty words designed for youth.

Let’s tell it like it is, Tell it like it is,                                                                              

Get down to where the “searcher” meets the truth.

If some demented, deluded (yes – delusional), scientist decided to sew 4 legs that have hooves on a fish, would that make the fish a horse? You’d say come on PF, that’s ridiculous! Nonetheless, that’s exactly what’s going on in our world. We have a society which is being influenced by certain cultural norms and pressures to actually believe that a fish can become a horse because of physical modifications coupled with its inner feelings. However, there is no Truth involved – or else, a horse is not a horse, and a fish is not a fish. It’s as stupid and as absurd as the old joke, when is a door not a door … when it’s ajar!

Truth is under serious assault / attack today and that onslaught is coming from many, many directions. Here’s a good contemporary example. A word, which is now common place today is transgender, yet in reality there is absolutely no such thing! The etymology of the word actually reveals this, perhaps stunningly! Trans comes from Latin meaning to cross over, and gender most likely is an Old Latin, Greek, and / or French word, genos, meaning species, or kind. Within the concept of this word’s original meaning lies the idea of clearly identifiable physical characteristics of a male or female. Each one human, but obviously and distinctively different.

In truth, within the framework of modern science, we know that God’s creation includes greater distinctions and differences than just the normal, usually identifiable, physical attributes of an individual. Within the exalted framework of God’s design for human beings, there is no way to cross over, even if one feels a certain way or eliminates certain identifiable physical traits … even sewing new ones on! “God made them male and female He made them” (A simple, but highly complex Truth from Genesis 1:27). A female can dress like a male, walk like a male, act like a male, and even modify her physical body to appear as a male, but she is still a she, biologically / anatomically … according to God’s purpose, and His sacred original design, all for HIS ultimate glory! NOT HUMANITY’S. The same is true for any male … all males, gay, straight, or in modern vernacular, trans. He is still a he, even if he wants to be a she, or on the inside has decided to feel like a she.

It’s interesting that medical science, even including current Covid research, where male deaths are 2.4 times higher than that of females, reveals that if only males are used in clinical studies, that a higher adverse reaction rate is always found among females. Why? Aren’t they both human? Obviously, there are too, too many distinctions to even start to discuss here, but absolute truth is essential for proper medical treatment … a female with prostate cancer or a male with cervical cancer! Really. Well now there is some true gender identity issues.

This is just one example of Faux Truth … like man-made pearls, they are simply fake. Lie after lie is being presented and promoted in our world from various sources to selfishly achieve their own agenda(s). A big lie (German: große Lüge) a propaganda technic used by Hitler … tell a big enough lie, tell it over and over, and the people will come to believe it. We can see how that worked out really well for him and the Germany people!

As God’s people, we must not be swept up and captured by / in the lies of our pagan, unbelieving culture. Instead, we must continually speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and walk / live in the same truth we speak. Please, never forget, discount, or abandon the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6)  “And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make (set) you free.” (John 8:32)

As believers, our lives are all about Truth – not some faux beliefs or faux religious system. Are we like those faux blinds hanging in your home windows, or are we authentic? If faux blinds dominate the market and are hanging in every house, before long, nobody will even know what real wood blinds are, or if they ever really existed! Are we Faux Christians or the real thing? Isn’t it time totell it like it is, like it really is, so the searching world can know the truth?

Today I’m calling us, as a church, to stop playing games with our beliefs, cease our compromises with the world system and its pagan culture of delusion, deception and lies. Let’s simply, and authentically, “tell it like it is”, “speaking / sharing the truth in love.” Are we trusting and brave enough to move forward in TRUTH? Just as I spoke about Sunday, (“That’s Too Much”) lose the calculator!

I’m asking the Lord to help me, and help us all, to “tell it like it is” as the need for truth becomes ever more apparent in our world.

His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense), PF

LIFE

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Acts 17:24-29 – “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and exist (are, have our being), as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are His children.’”

Perhaps, in reality, one doesn’t actually see or fully understand things as they are; instead one most likely sees and understands them from the somewhat skewed perspective of either fallen or redeemed humanity. In actuality, sometimes sad to say, the way one views life (and in particular their own life) actually shapes / forms one’s own existence! At that crossroad, the way one defines “life” serves to determine one’s own destiny. Beliefs will influence how one invests their time, money, skills / talents, and even, as a believer in Christ Jesus and His Word, the intrinsic value of worship, fellowship, study, prayer, and relationships!

Individuals often outwardly express their beliefs through clothes, jewelry, cars, hairstyles, bumper stickers, social media connections, tattoos, sports / hobby interests, and social circles. These somewhat unspoken influences make an impact and bring about effects (positive or negative) in life much more than one may realize or even understand. Too often they actually serve to determine expectations, moral / ethical values, spirituality, relationships, goals, and of course priorities. If life is a party, the primary value in life will be having fun. If life is in itself a battle or a game, winning will be of highest importance! However, If life on earth is viewed as a pilgrim, and one is simply passing through, the Lord’s view, God’s divine perspective, about everything becomes essential!

The Scripture (above) declares, “He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things!” If life is from the Lord, (the Lord God formed man … and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. From Genesis 2:7-8) then the perhaps simplified, but absolutely and undeniably the best way to view life is from His perspective! If then, “In Him we live and move and have our existence (being),” what other view should be effectively applicable?  

Is life a test? Is life something entrusted to humanity? Is life a race? Is life as we know it a temporary assignment?

Study the TRUTH and receive the ANSWERS!

James 1:12, Hebrews 11:6, Jude 1:3

Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:14, Romans 14:7-9

Hebrews 12:1, 1 Corinthians 9:24

Psalm 39:4-5, James 4:14, Hebrews 13:14, Philippians 3:20

This is my constant prayer for those that participate in the ministries of West Oaks Fellowship, “May the Word of God / Christ richly dwell within each of you /us!”

– taken from Colossians 3:16

His & Yours, because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense),

Pastor Frank 

RESTRAINER

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There are two programs at work in our world today: God’s program of salvation by grace through faith, and Satan’s program of sin, corruption and iniquity, “the mystery of lawlessness / iniquity.” (2Thessalonians 2:7) God has a timetable for His program in the world, and nothing Satan does can change His agenda / outline / plan. Just as there was a “fullness of the time” for the 1st coming of Christ (See Galatians 4:4), so there is a time for the appearance of Antichrist. Therefore, nothing will be off schedule (that is according to God’s purposes / plans)! Once the restraining ministry of God’s Holy Spirit has ended, the next event in God’s design is set up to take place and will move forward accordingly.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:2, Paul appeals for the believers to calm down (“not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed”) on the basis of the truth he had already taught them in his first letter. That being that the Lord would return and catch up His own to meet Him in the air according to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Once Christ’s Church is taken out of the world, Satan and his forces will be theoretically unrestrained by those living righteously, and the program / plan can be unfolded without resistant / resistance.  (As a example, just think of where the LGBT would be today in our world today … or abortion in the USA … without any stand for what is right!)

“The Day of the Lord,” as declared in this text (verse 7), is the period that immediately follows the snatching away / catching up (from Latin – the rapture) of the church. At that point, a time of Tribulation occurs for all those individuals remaining on the earth (Jew and Gentile alike). Satan and all his hosts will go to work head on, while at the same time, the Lord God Almighty will send His righteous judgments from heaven upon the earth (nations and individuals) as revealed in Revelation 6-19.

So, one must ask why is Satan unable to reveal his “man of lawlessness” – “son of destruction” in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 on a quicker / sooner timetable? God is currently restraining the forces of evil in the world and Satan cannot do whatever he wants, whenever he pleases. In 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, Paul mentions the restraining force that’s at work today in our world, and is continually keeping everything according to God’s perfectly orchestrated program / design for the end times.

With that as the proper background, we ask who, or what, is this restrainer? Paul told those in Thessalonica that the “restrainer” is now at work in our world and will continue to work until it or he is “taken out of the way” (literally in the Greek text … “removed from the midst”). The Wuest Expanded New Testament reads, “Only He [the Holy Spirit] who is holding [the lawlessness] down, [will do so] until He goes out from the midst [of humanity].” BEAUTIFULLY STATED!

In 2 Thessalonians 2:6, Paul referred to this restrainer in the neuter gender, but in verse 7, uses the masculine gender. Therefore, the restrainer is a person who is today “in the midst,” but will one day be “taken out of the way / midst.” Many identify this restrainer as God’s Holy Spirit, Who is certainly currently “in the midst” of God’s on-going program in our world today. He is at work, in and through Christ’s Church, laboring steadfastly to accomplish God’s purposes. When the Church is snatched away (raptured), God’s Holy Spirit will not be taken out of the world (otherwise nobody could be saved, which requires genuine conviction … John 16:8-11 … during the Tribulation), but He will be taken out of the midst, allowing Satan and his forces to move and work without restraint. God’s Holy Spirit will most certainly be present on the earth at this point, but He will not be restraining the forces of evil though Christ’s Church (genuine believers) as He is today.

In spite of its weakness, current condition, and seeming failure, we should never, ever underestimate the importance of the Christ’s Church in this world. We, as God’s people, living in this world, continually give unsaved people an opportunity to be saved and discipled. This presence delays the coming of judgment until the proper time. Apparently, according to the biblical text, Paul had already told those in the Thessalonian church who and / or what the restrainer is according to 2 Thessalonians 2:5, but the Lord didn’t consider that a necessity for the scriptures as they were being written under His inspiration.

Remember, Lot?  He was not necessarily a dedicated man of devotion to God, but his very presence in Sodom held back the wrath of God (Genesis 19:12-29). Answer … Biblically speaking, the “restrainer” appears to be the working of God’s Holy Spirit in and through Christ Church until we are removed / snatched away / raptured.

His & Yours, PF

NEW

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There are two primary Greek words for “new” that appear in the New Testament – καινός  kainos and neos.

Kainos is translated into English as “new,” meaning recent, something recently crafted/made, or something one has not had before (a vehicle may be new to you, but not new in age). Thus, 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” In Christ’s ministry, His statement in John 13:34-35 provides the perfect example, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The idea of a commandment wasn’t “new” to the Hebrews, but this one certainly was … “new”… according to Christ Jesus Himself!

Neos, which is also translated into English as “new,” means something is fresh, young, or youthful (an individual might get a fresh / new start), perhaps figuratively, something regenerated. 1 Peter 5:5 offers an excellent example, “You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” The factual declaration of our Lord, which holds significant spiritual implications, flawlessly demonstrates the meaning of neos in Luke 5:37-38. “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.”

In Old Testament Hebrew, we find similar meanings for something fresh, new, or in some cases repair, rebuild, renew or make anew.  Isaiah 43:18-19 is a beautiful prophetic passage for the followers of Messiah in Israel, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past. Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.”

However, perhaps the most meaningful and applicable for each of us in 2023 are the words of God’s song writer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will be converted to You.” Psalm 51:10-13

Would you consider making this a life verse for you from the Old Testament in 2023? It will change you from the inside out, and give you a better view of your life, as well as your perspective concerning others. 

Let’s do this! -Pastor Frank     

December 26, 1972

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It was before dawn. Youth age students, young adults, and a handful of more mature sponsors gathered in the church parking lot with luggage in hand. Everyone was pretty excited – it was the day after Christmas, and most had never been snow skiing! There they were, a large group, anxiously waiting to load up on 2 buses and head out on the church’s first ever Christmas break retreat. 

Youth and young adult summer retreats were common events for this church’s ministry, but this one was super cool – in the lingo of the participating young people, “far out man.”

The luggage was all loaded, the guys all chipped in to help the sponsors, and some final instructions were given. The trip to the New Mexico Ski Retreat would be really long, but that didn’t matter to this enthusiastic group – in fact that was nothing unusual for this youth and student ministry. Everyone then gathered around for a prayer, and the final, eagerly-awaited command, “load up!” was announced.  Of course, the seats in the busses were quickly filled as young men and women jockeyed to sit with friends, those they were dating, and/or those they were interested in going out with. The busses were rolling, right on schedule – perfect!   

Some slept, many played games, youthful pranks were in abundance, others just talked, sang, and laughed. A joyful spirit prevailed throughout both busses and all the young people had their good behavior turned on which made the journey a delight for the small group of sponsors (2 or 3 on each bus).

Fuel stops were planned to allow for the necessary restroom breaks as the busses rolled toward Lubbock, Texas to pick up the church’s youth pastor, who had been spending Christmas with his family. This adjustment didn’t really make the journey any longer, but did modify the route which was adjusted to travel through Clovis and Ft. Sumner, New Mexico on Highway 60 on the way to the Ski Retreat.

After lunch, things kind of mellowed out with lots of retreat participants napping, yet some still sharing and laughing.  After all, west Texas highways can seem be to be incredibly long and somewhat boring!  

Supper was exhilarating, everyone sensed that the long bus ride would soon be over. As young people loaded up for the final segment, singing was in the air accompanied by much joyful loudness. What was formerly bus 1 now became bus 2. The sunset was beautiful as the busses traveled west, and as darkness set in, the outside temperature quickly dropped into the mid -20s. 

About 45 minutes out from Clovis, as bus 2 was singing “Lean On Me,” the driver of bus 1 (now) suddenly noticed in his rearview side mirrors that the headlights of bus 2 had disappeared. He stopped so he and the youth pastor could see if there was some sort of problem.

An east bound, loaded cattle truck had lost control of his vehicle trying to avoid having an accident on the 19’9” wide bridge where bus 2 and his 18-wheeler would have difficulty passing. The largest loss-of-life vehicle accident (at that time) in the USA had just occurred. 19 were dead, everyone on bus 2 was injured, and diesel fuel was covering the site of the accident. Those severely injured were taken to a hospital in Clovis (45 miles away), those with minor injuries to a clinic in Ft. Sumner (15 miles away). This was before cell phones – ambulances and emergency responders had to be notified … it was the day after Christmas and they were all a long way out. Those traveling along the highway, which was totally blocked by the wreckage on the bridge, assisted in whatever way they could. With broken fingers, hands, and wrists, I was taken to the hospital in the back of a pick-up truck with a little camper cover. My mom and dad, Jerry (41) and Gloria (42), volunteer youth workers, both died at the scene along with many of my friends (including a former girlfriend plus a guy from my Jesus band, Sonburst).

Acts 17:28 – In Him we live and move and exist (have our being).

Romans 14:8 – If we live, we live for the Lord, if we die, we die for the Lord, therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.

Psalm 31:15 – My times are in Your hands (Psalm 139:16)

On December 26, 2022, Brenda (who was in the other bus along with my closest friends) and I are hosting a 50 YearAnniversary Memorial Service and Monument Dedication at site of the accident (on the bridge) in New Mexico.  We could sure use your prayers.   

Thanks, His & Yours, PF  

GRATITUDE

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Consider this … Is it happy people who become grateful, or grateful people who become happy? While happiness is certainly not the ultimate goal or overall objective of one’s Christian life, it does seem to be a prominent issue / desire in the life of many believers.

One of the most important aspects of a growing / maturing man or woman of God, is to learn the significance of gratitude and then value it enough to fully embrace it! 

Then one may question … For what should I be grateful? For what should I express gratitude?  In our society, we tend to eagerly criticize situations we find ourselves in, negative circumstances that might impact our lives, other people, and perhaps even ourselves! This perspective of life works to deconstruct gratitude and erect barriers that prevent one from gratefulness as an everyday attribute for life and godliness.

Once one realizes that good comes to believers through gracious and merciful acts from sources outside of ourselves, then genuine gratitude can be conceived and birthed.

1 Timothy 4:4-5 – For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

2 Corinthians 4:15 – For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks (gratitude) to abound to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:17 – Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks (the result of being grateful) through Him (Christ Jesus, your Messiah) to God the Father.

Colossians 2:6-7 – Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

The concept of “overflowing with gratitude” is our Lord’s intention for all His people. Believers are created, in Christ, to be people of gratitude, a thankful people, continually celebrating His boundless purposes and incredible handiwork!

Now, if one can find no other reason for a spirit of personal, everyday gratitude, then dwell on this good that comes totally from a source outside of one’s self! 

Hebrews 12:28-29 – Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with  reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.

Is your gratitude showing? If not, why not?

Evangelist Billy Graham stated,    

“Everything we have comes from (God’s) hands; even if we worked for it or earned it, He still gave us the ability and the opportunity to do it.” 

Don’t just think about,

His & Yours, Pastor Frank

TOLERANCE

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The word tolerance, while a very popular term in today’s western civilization, only appears twice in the biblical text. Both occurrences are in the New Testament, with Romans 2:4 referring to God’s “kindness and tolerance” towards humanity.  This same Greek word anoché (ἀνοχή) is also translated “forbearance” in some Bibles, and is not a reference to forgiveness, but instead, conveys the idea of delaying due / righteous / fully justified punishment.  God’s pretermission is in view … a willful, intentional delay or temporary disregarding of a matter or issue!

In Ephesians 4:2-3 we are instructed to walk in a manner worthy of our spiritual calling …

“with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Here, this instruction is clearly relational, as we deal with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. Nonetheless, this is not an endorsement of wicked, sinful behavior or the validation of rebellion against the Lord and His sustaining Truth. Believers are never instructed to approve sin as a demonstration of one’s tolerance or forbearance.  However, this is too often expected and / or what is anticipated under the somewhat ambiguous misused and misunderstood cover of “Christian love!” Our intolerant world seeks the approval of their sin under the skewed auspices of tolerance!  We have no such calling.

The main biblical concept of tolerance and forbearance, as found in our New Testament scriptures, conveys the idea of refusing to focus in on the imperfections of a fellow believer.

We must gracefully and patiently allow (tolerate) each individual to build his walk in his own way, helping them out of sinful, destructive patterns through the encouragement of good, wise counsel and the properly explained / illustrated / demonstrated applications of biblical truth.  We too often are frustrated because a brother or sister does not think our way, or do something our way (which actually might be the very best)! Nonetheless, sometimes an individual’s spiritual development is best left to learning from their own mistakes, failures, etc. With this we are called to forebear, demonstrating tolerance in the framework of genuine Christian encouragement, truth, and love (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Colossians 3:12-15 seems to offer a very clear perspective.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

A spirit of fault-finding and /or little inequalities in a look, temperament, style, manners, cultural issues, etc. may quickly neutralize all the good or blessing you can offer a fellow brother or sister.

Over the past 2.5 years, in what I call the ERA of COVID, a broad range of theoretical debates and attitudes regarding public health, political freedom, online worship, the wearing of masks to church gatherings, the devaluing of long-term, meaningful relationships, giving, etc., etc., etc., have stirred up great difficulties for the church and divided individuals.  At West Oaks Fellowship, we have attempted to extend tolerance and forbearance to all – however, that’s a two-way street. Genuinely redeemed humans must decide if it is their responsibility or not to embrace biblical tolerance and forbearance in response to the Truth of God’s Word. Self-restraint should not be necessary if we make sure that personal preferences and personal convictions never infringe upon or threaten the sacred fellowship and shared mission of God’s people / Christ’s Church.

Pray about it.

— PF      

SAME

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The word “same” is very familiar to most of us in English, meaning – identical to something else / another, or not being different comparatively speaking.  However, while this may be the proper understanding for some biblical passages,

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,”

stretches us to grasp a significance that may be overlooked simply because of our English use of the word “same” and our familiar definitions.

In this Greek New Testament text, “same” is a singular, nominative, masculine pronoun referring specifically only to one individual, which in this case is “Jesus Christ!” The word “Christ” is the transliteration of the “Anointed One” which is a direct reference to the promised Messiah of the Old Testament.

While it is theologically true that Jesus Christ has the same character / nature whenever, wherever He abides (“yesterday, today, and forever”), the object of one’s faith cannot be His unchangeableness. He was, and is, always the Savior, the Redeemer, Who alone was able to bring reconciliation between fallen humanity and Holy God. 

Nonetheless, the actual thought of Hebrew’s author is … JESUS (His Name) is the CHRIST (The Messiah / The Anointed One / His Office / Title) yesterday, today and forever. That person was, and is, and will always be, the MESSIAH of both the Old and New Testaments. 

Another way to properly translate this verse might be, Jesus is Messiah, (the same individual) yesterday, today and forever! 

This makes perfect sense due to the fact that the author of Hebrews is writing to document Jesus Christ’s Messiahship as more excellent … being superior to every possible aspect of Judaism, as well as showing His incomparable supremacy to the Hebrew patriarchs, human priests, and even angels!

Vincent’s New Testament Word Studies declares that the King James translation is “slipshod,” because the readers of a careless or sloppy translation may be tempted to reembrace Judaism, ultimately denying Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Then the reader is then pointed to

Hebrews 13:9a, “Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace.”

Will you take just a moment and consider this Truth? Jesus is “The Christ / The Messiah” … always … irrespective of time, dates, places or anyone’s beliefs, religion, ideas, philosophies, etc.! Therefore, if the MESSIAH IS THE MESSIAH – is He yours?  

His & Yours, Because of GRACE

(God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

Pastor Frank

SIMPLY WORSHIP

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The following was taken from a live presentation by Claire Burkholder on Worship Night, Saturday, July 30 at West Oaks Fellowship

It seems as though it’s easier than ever to take something that was meant to be simple and make it so complicated. See, church isn’t just church anymore. It’s become so focused on perfecting a show just to get people through the door – as if a church is somehow a “better fit” based on its stage production. And, if it isn’t the constant pull of society trying to distort our understanding of our own faith, it becomes “us” that so easily complicate the true purpose of worship.

Christians are being led to believe that worship is an experience made just for them. Nowadays, the true meaning and simplicity of worship is drowning beneath the competition of lights and sound. First thoughts aren’t whether a church’s song choice is biblically sound, it’s whether or not the music is trendy enough. Is it relevant enough? Is it going to give me the experience that I want? When it doesn’t meet such earthly standards, it’s us that are left to linger in our own self-made disappointment … again, as if worship was ever meant to be about us.

It’s not about being able to simply worship God, for many that just isn’t the focus, it’s about how the worship songs make them feel. How lost we have gotten in the true purpose of worship – and the funny thing is, its purpose has always remained the same. It’s us who have made it complicated.

Psalm 34 says,

“I will bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord.”

Psalm 59 declares,

“But as for me, I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; Yes, I will sing joyfully of Your lovingkindness in the morning; For You have been my stronghold and a refuge in the day of my distress. To You, O [God] my strength, I will sing praises; For God is my stronghold [my refuge, my protector, my high tower], the God who shows me [steadfast] lovingkindness.”

Again and again throughout the Bible, we see this call to praise and glorify the Lord in / through worship. THAT IS THE SIMPLICITY OF WORSHIP! It’s a moment to praise God for all that He is and all that He has done / accomplished. Genuine and authentic worship is not about us, and it has “never” been about us! What an honor it is that believers get to so freely worship our Savior, our King. Such a unique moment to give all that we are, to the Lord, to praise His Name.

Therefore, as a true worshiper, I urge you to give all that you are to the Lord. If that means laying down situations that you’ve been holding onto, resentments that you have, addictions that have a hold on you, then lay them down at His feet so you can simply praise and freely worship the Lord, Jesus Christ.

That’s all it’s about – it’s all about Him and it’s all for Him. So let us go back to the simplicity of worship, pursuing nothing but the Lord.

Blessings, Claire Burkholder

Thank you, sister! As you made this public declaration, Saturday evening my heart / soul was deeply moved as if the Lord was speaking directly to me. Then, I was prompted, actually compelled, to considered these two questions:

  1. “What have we done, is worship at WOF distinct form something our secular world could successfully produce?”
  2. “What have we made worship to be / become in Christ’s New Testament Church at WOF?”   

The ultimate point of true / genuine worship for every believer has to be … ascribing “to the Lord, the Glory due His Name” according to Psalm 29:2 and 1 Chronicles 16:29!  Please, help us Lord.

–PF 

THE KING

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Matthew’s gospel is geared primarily to present Jesus Christ as the King and God’s Son as the Messiah — with the rightful claim (and heir) to King David’s throne.

It all begins in chapter 1 by showing our Lord as the One who should rightfully reign because of the legal Messianic bloodline (See Romans 1:3, John 7:42) — indeed the descendent of David. Then, In chapter 2, the authenticity of His reign was affirmed by the Magi from the east, who, in their own understanding of Old Testament prophecy and through the direction of God’s Spirit, were led to Jerusalem, then Bethlehem in search of the One who had been born, “King of the Jews.” (See Matthew 2:2) This confirmation of the Christ Child as King is a remarkable event – an outstanding occurrence! 

In chapter 3 we have the powerful unrelenting testimony of John the Baptist, the ordained / Holy Spirit-anointed forerunner of the King, declaring, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (See Matthew 3:2)

Matthew chapter 4 presents Messiah, the King, whose power and authority is attested to by His one-on-one conflict with Satan.  The very fact that Jesus Christ overpowered the onslaughts of the enemy, overcoming the kingdom of darkness, was a clear testimony to the fact that He was God’s chosen and anointed King.  For only God’s King could fully resist and incapacitate the ultimate enemy of the Word and the Truth – our King’s Gospel message! 

Matthew 4:10-11

Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’” Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.

Unquestionably Jesus is proven by His power and authority … The King!

Consider chapters 5, 6, and 7 where He teaches and speaks with authority, much different than others (See Matthew 7:28-29, Luke 4:22, Mark 1:22), continuously revealing principles of His kingdom. Just look at the incredible, unsurpassed “Sermon on the Mount!” (See Matthew 5:1-7:27)

Then, in chapters 8 – 10, one finds further credentials of our King with three chapters of miracles which prophetically prove His Kingship as well as His Lordship … even over various laws of nature itself. (See Matthew 8:5-13) Running parallel with these credentials, seemingly in a very strange element, is also a mounting and ascending rejection of Him, His Gospel, and Kingdom message.  The greater the evidence reveals that He is truly the King, the greater the rejection of His message and His kingdom – thus demonstrating the profound blindness of the Hebrew people.

Finally, one turns to chapter 11 where Jesus denounces the sinful nation of Israel for rejecting Him – declaring a severe judgment! (See Matthew 11:20)

Nonetheless, our gracious Lord and King closes chapter 11 with an invitation …

Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.

(See Matthew 11:28-29)

Incredibly, out of His warning of judgments comes once again the message of grace, an invitation to accept Him. However, in chapter 12 the rejection of King Jesus, His Gospel, His Truth, and His Kingdom reaches its climax, and His pronouncement of judgment also reaches its climax. The final rejection is fully clarified and summed up when they unashamedly accuse Jesus of being Demonic / Satanic (See Matthew 12:23-24). At that point Christ pronounces a detrimental final judgment on the Jewish leaders and says, “You’re beyond the point of being forgiven.” (See Matthew 12:30-32)

Dr. Toussaint, in his commentary on Matthew says, “Not seeing the Messiahship of Jesus in His words and works, they have separated the fruit from the tree.”  It is not necessarily that they denied the King’s miracles, or that they were not fascinated by Christ’s words, as He taught with authority. They were even fully aware of His miraculous power … however, they could never trace the fruit, the works of Jesus, to their logical conclusion. 

They separated them (fruit / works) from the reality of who He was … THE KING who came offering HIS KINGDOM!

Can one have the Kingdom without it’s King?

Undoubtedly, they desired that; however, it was                                                                      not possible without accepting the Kingdom’s King!

Please, never ignore or forget this simple, but profound truth!

His & Yours, PF