Author: West Oaks Fellowship

TERRORISM

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The word terrorism does not appear in our biblical text as one may currently employ the word in modern day English.  Nonetheless, the Bible clearly addresses the concepts behind terrorism and those that “bring” or “strike” terror.  Unquestionably in 21st century America, and perhaps throughout the modern world, terrorism has become a constant on the minds of most individuals, and has worked to alter our lifestyles in one way or another. Psalm 34:14 offers clear instruction to those who resort to these ungodly, almost inconceivable acts, “Turn away from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.”  Terrorism is good only in the eyes of those that seek peace through fear, and the destructive power of an ungodly, oppressive, legalistic regime that hides behind the words and works of works-based religious systems, and their false prophets who seek the total annihilation of all their opponents/enemies. Personal peace comes only through a meaningful and dynamic relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ – civil/world peace can only be envisioned and accomplished as Christ is enthroned as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.  

Proverbs 6:16-19 reminds us that:

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.”  How many of these traits are easily identified as common attributes of modern day terrorists and terrorism?

Conversely, as believers, we uphold these truths from Romans 12:19-21:

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’

To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’” In addition, certainly we cannot discount the message of Nahum 1:2-3 concerning God’s wrath against Nineveh:

The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord is avenging and wrathful; the Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and keeps wrath for His enemies. The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty. His way is in whirlwind and storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.

The word “terror” appears at least 7 times in the Old Testament, and all of them are derived from the Hebrew word “pachad” which relates to a sudden feeling of fear; by implication something dreadful; great alarm or being filled/full of fear.  That’s the exact goal of modern day terrorism – cause feelings of fear in the hearts and minds of individuals … those being terrorized!  In I Chronicles 14, David overwhelmingly defeats the Philistines, and according to verse 17, all the nations were in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear (Hebrew text) because of him.  This is the purposed/intended response of terrorism today, seeing whole communities and nations bow in terror/great (almost paralyzing) fear.

So how then shall we live in a world filled with terrorists and terrorism?                    

  • Pray (Ephesians 6:18): When suddenly our culture seems to uncharacteristically crave the necessity of supernatural intervention in the face of evil …  we are the only ones with the direct link! So pray diligently.
  • Help/Take Action (Matthew 25:40): All humans are loved by God and made in His image – a divine creation.  WWJD?  Minister according to the leadership of God’s Holy Spirit in word and deed/action!  A situation of terror will most likely present opportunity for selfless, sacrificial service.
  • Do Not Fear (II Timothy 1:7):  As images of violence, hate, blood and panic flood our computer and television screens, it’s easy to be overcome with fear.  Psalm 23:4 … “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Followers of Christ should be seen as sources of mental/emotional/spiritual strength, courage, comfort and peace in times of trials. Unfortunately, Christians too often respond in the exact opposite manner.
  • Have/Demonstrate Hope (confident expectation in Christ):  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope! —  Romans 15:13

In life’s worst situations, we must look to our Lord Jesus — not government, police, military, media, peers, or others — to stand firm in Christ alone.  We live and move by faith in Him under the glorious and far reaching protection of His wings … the omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent ONE – TRUE — GOD!  Therefore, prepare now to properly respond should a day of terror rudely assault your life, family, etc.    

— Pastor Frank 

SPRING

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The idea of spring brings pleasant thoughts to most of our minds … new growth, fresh flowers, enjoyable temperatures, smiles for the delightful season and sometimes even a lift in one’s human emotion and attitude.  In Zechariah 10:1, Judah and Ephraim are instructed to ask the Lord for rain in the season of spring (translated “latter rain” in NKJV and KJV).  Perhaps April showers truly do bring May flowers!  The scripture goes on in this verse to declare,

… the Lord who makes the storm clouds; and He will give them showers of rain, vegetation in the field to every man.

Certainly if one lives in an agricultural community, rain is absolutely essential.  Even for those that don’t, the ground must be watered if fruits, vegetables, and grains are to be planted, grown,  harvested, and distributed for food.  It’s interesting to note that they weren’t instructed to sow seed or remove weed.  That’s a given, but they were directed to seek the ONE who makes the storm clouds for the rain needed to water all they had planted, the actual works of their hands. These showers not only were critical for their crops’ development, but also an indispensible benefit/blessing for the entire society.  The well-being of the people is in play here, and God’s mercy is needed — in fact categorically and undeniably expected.  Here we see human dependence in its simplest form, and God’s trusted design and creation bringing provision and prosperity to His people.  

See, all was ready on God’s part, “ask and ye shall receive!” (See Matthew 21:22, John 16:24)  God’s blessings are usually both temporal and spiritual, but in this case the people of God were to call upon their ONE, TRUE, EVERLASTING, LOVING, OMNIPOTENT, IMMUTABLE Lord in order to fully receive His promised blessing.  Why call upon the teraphim or a diviner, as they had done in the past according to Zachariah 10:2-3? (See Hosea 2:1-13, Jeremiah 44:15-28)  Instead, ask Him who had made a covenant and promise like that found in Deuteronomy 11:13-15.

It shall come about, if you listen obediently to my commandments which I am commanding you today, to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul, that He will give the rain for your land in its season, the early and late rain, that you may gather in your grain and your new wine and your oil. He will give   grass in your fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied.

Does the Lord want us, His followers, to simply ask?  Perhaps God’s blessings are given not to supersede prayer, but rather to encourage and stimulate believers’ prayer.  Consider this concept in relation to II Corinthians 6:18:

And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,” says the Lord Almighty.

Doesn’t a father take great delight in fulfilling the request of his son or daughter when it’s exactly lined up with what’s good and right for his children?  Recall the teachings of Jesus on prayer in Luke 1:1-13 when Christ’s disciples desired to learn about prayer, stating that John the Baptist taught his followers to pray.  Consider the instructions Jesus Himself offered in verses 9-12:

So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.  Now suppose one of you fathers is asked by his son for a fish; he will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he?  Or if he is asked for an egg, he will not give him a scorpion, will he?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly  Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?

Certainly as believers, we understand that the Lord knows our needs even before we ask. (See Matthew 6:8)  In the same manner, spring is guaranteed to come around once a year, every year.  Nonetheless, our Lord told His people to seek Him for the spring rain anyway!   There is definitely a spiritual connection between prayer and promise … In this case, prayer and the process of nature put in place by the Creator, Jesus Christ.  The Holy Spirit inspired writers of the Old and New Testament scriptures find no difficulty connecting prayer and the process of nature, spiritual impact, and/or the miraculous works of God’s Holy Spirit throughout history.  This includes all Old and New Testament believers, Christ Himself, and those called according to His purpose(s).  Do we suppose that when God promises or when He begins to bless abundantly, that we may then relax our prayers or cease in our efforts to please Him (bring Him glory through our words and deeds) 24/7 ? 

Without question, the former rain did it’s work, all it was intended to do, but now the spring rain is needed.  Perhaps this stimulates our sanctification, sweetens our fruit.  Shouldn’t we ask of the Lord who brings greenness, who gives growth, healing, maturity, wisdom, and strength to all who ask?   Matthew 7:11 reminds us:

If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

John Osorius, a Spanish post-medieval preacher once stated, “He (Christ) exhorts all frequently to ask for the dew of the divine grace, that what had sprung up in a heart from the seed of the Word of God, might attain to full ripeness.”  What a great thought for spring … may the showers of God’s promises and blessings bring forth much fruit! 

Now, let’s consider the prayers of the saints (all true believers) as they come up before the throne of God.  Are they not more significant than the seasons?  The natural laws that govern our universe were set in place, and in motion, (study Psalm 104:13-35) by the same Lord who hears our requests and brings answers to bear.  Sometimes those answers are even contrary to the laws of nature and the natural processes that He, in His immeasurable wisdom, divinely established!  Just think … can you imagine … the God who gives rain to earth attends to human (believers’) prayer.  In the eyes of God, is humankind greater than anything material?  For us, as faithful followers of Christ, a cry to the Almighty, in celebration or distress, in joy or when encompassed by trouble, is the instinctual reaction of our soul/spirit — thanks to our spiritually acquired divine nature!  Instead of interfering with nature’s law, prayer is the law of our new nature in Christ Jesus.  While prayer for the spring rain, or anything else is an expression of our dependence, the act of asking our Lord is something much more.  A precious privilege, an unsurpassed, sacred, incumbent duty for all His sons and daughters! (See John 9:31) – Pastor Frank    

SUMMER

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In Psalm 32, David speaks of summer in reference to its unpleasant and exhausting “fever heat” as an example of how he’s feeling when bogged down by his own un-dealt-with sin. Without doubt, all of us in Houston, as well as those from many other parts of the world, are fully aware one’s vitality can easily be depleted in the midst of a summer day.  In this case, the Psalmist is experiencing that feeling, yet not because of the outside temperature, but because of internal conflict.  According to verse 4, God’s hand was “heavy” upon him both “day and night.”  The seriousness of this emotional and spiritual internal conflict is revealed when David declares that his body is “wasting away” and that he is “groaning all day long.”    

One of the things one should admire about this psalm, as well as many others, is David’s ability to identify exactly what’s causing the struggle.  It’s not some physical illness, and even though he feels sick, beat down, defeated, etc., he knows the truth.  He understands that he’s not in depression, that he doesn’t need different medication, nor does he need to read another self-help book, listen to feel-good theological mumbo-jumbo, or the psychobabble of some worldly psychiatrist.  No, David simply needs to be honest and at that point he can deal with his issue … sin! 

However, in much of today’s contemporary, culturized church, (particularly those in liberal denominations and/or in the emerging/emergent church movements) sin will not be identified as/for what it is . . . instead those things which are reprehensible to our Lord, Jesus Christ are simply brushed under the carpet, ignored, or actually viewed as tolerable behavior.  Is everything really ok?  In a futile attempt to recognize that God truly loves all humanity and genuinely desires for them to come to the knowledge of the truth, many church’s are indiscriminately and openly, without guilt, shame, or conviction, declaring that everyone is all right/ok. 

How can this be when God alone, through His inerrant scripture defines good and evil, right and wrong, and according to Him, no one is spiritually ok? This is not a matter of one’s own opinion and feelings are certainly not able to determine an individual’s spiritual well-being. Instead, a commendable spiritual condition occurs  through an objective and resolute commitment to the Lord, Jesus Christ, accompanied by adherence to His Word/Truth without reference to a particular social or cultural bias.

In/by/through the “fever heat of summer” David is being graciously disciplined by the Lord (see I Corinthians 11:32; Revelation 3:19) Who desires him to effectively and forthrightly deal with his sin.  This simple, yet substantial action will result in the restoration of David’s spiritual fortitude, as well as his physical, spiritual and emotional healing (see Psalm 32:5-7).

Perhaps one should look at the heat of summer not as a restrictive, confining environment, but a catalyst in one’s life that spawns spiritual growth and stirs the development of godly character.  No doubt, David matured through this process and even learned the benefit of the Lord’s disciplinary, yet merciful hand. How faithful is our Lord, who undeniably caused this “fever heat of summer” in David’s life so he could learn to deal with issues/sin promptly and resolutely. Therefore, when you’re basking or baking in this summer’s sun, remember that the Son provides tremendous opportunities for spiritual development in every situation and season of life.  May we, as His children, fully embrace the indelible imprints of His firm, yet gracious and glorious grip/hand/touch in our lives. 

There is always heat in the kitchen when something good is cookin’!                                                                        – Pastor Frank                                 

RESURRECTION

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We are once again quickly approaching the anniversary of the greatest days in all of human history (His story) — Christ’s matchless atoning and sacrificial death, followed by His unsurpassed victorious resurrection! Biblically speaking, this one event is unquestionably incomparable to any other miracle when one considers its unparalleled theological and spiritual consequences when Christ forever conquers sin and death!

I Corinthians 15:55-57 – O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY?  O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

While visiting earth, our Lord Jesus clearly explained that all humanity would die and be raised again from the grave at a designated point in the future.                                                                                                                          

John 5:28-29 – Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.

In this passage, Christ actually reveals that human history awaits not one, but two resurrections.  One, a resurrection of, or unto life, and another of, or unto judgment.  Needless to say, as true believers, we affirm and avow our belief in a bodily (physical) resurrection.  This hope (confident expectation) and promise rests at the cornerstone of our faith, and without it, our Christian beliefs are in vain … God’s promises are merely bursting bubbles of fantasy … the Scripture/Bible is an unreliable source, mendacity … Jesus Christ Himself, the world’s chief imposter and most prevalent scam artist.                                                                               

 I Corinthians 15:16-19 – For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.

Many individuals, among them true believers, have been taught and believe that there is one “general” resurrection at the end of the world when all the dead are raised.  This is a very serious error, robbing many believers of their joy and victorious Christian living.

Nowhere in the Scriptures are we taught that the bodies of all humans will be raised simultaneously.  It is absolutely true that all the dead will be raised at some point and brought into judgment, but neither the time, the place, nor the type of judgments will be the same.  Unquestionably, the Bible distinguishes between a believer’s resurrection and that of an unbeliever.  Two classes of individuals will be raised, one group to eternal life and immortality, with the other group facing banishment from the Lord’s presence … certainly a “resurrection of life” and a “resurrection of damnation.”

When Paul testified before Felix, he said, “that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (see Acts 24:15).  John makes the same distinction speaking of the redeemed as those who “lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” as part of the first resurrection (see Revelation 20:4-6).  However, the rest of the dead “lived not again until the thousand years were finished” and subsequently face the “great white throne” of judgment.

Revelation 20:11-15 – Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

At the “Great White Throne” judgment, individuals are assessed “according to their deeds.”  However, this judgment is not conclusive.  Ultimately every individual who appears at the “Great White Throne” is carefully considered based upon only one issue … is their name “found written in the book of life?”  Sadly, but absolutely just, no one’s name is inscribed! This is the second resurrection, that of the “unjust.” (see Acts 24:15)  The same omnipotent power that raised our Lord from the dead, and that will reunite our redeemed eternal being with a resurrected body (as seen in Christ), will cause all the “dead”  – “the great and the small” to rise and stand before Him who sits upon the throne.

Now, for the good, great news of Christ’s gospel.  Every true believer has passed out of death into life (see John 5:24).  Our lives are joined with His triumphant, sin and death conquering/overcoming resurrection, and are therefore, “hidden with Christ in God” (see Colossians 3:3). Not only that, but one must vigorously and continuously consider, “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” (see Ephesians 1:19-21). 

This power, that we as Christ’s followers, experience now and forever is,

in accordance with the working of the strength of His might which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His (The Father’s) right hand in the heavenly places,  far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.   

NOW, THAT’S SOMETHING WORTH CELEBRATING EVERY EASTER … actually, how about EVERY SINGLE SUNDAY!  Let’s do it together in the presence of His people!  

— Pastor Frank 

ARMOR

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As you’re reading this article, it’s likely that I’ve already started teaching on God’s Armor as part of our new year sermon series … “You’ll Need More Sonscreen In Twenty Thirteen.”  We’re all becoming fully equipped to stamp out SINBURN!  However, there are numerous concepts concerning armor presented in God’s Word that should be considered as one heeds the New Testament’s admonition to … “put on the full armor of God” in accordance with Ephesians 6:11. 

Generally speaking, biblical references to “armor” in both the Old and New Testaments refer to military equipment designed for the protection of the body/person, and are clearly distinguished from arms or weapons.  Heretofore, as offensive weapons developed and improved, combatants quickly learned that defensive counter-measures had to be taken in order to ensure a degree of security while engaged in battle. The types of defensive armaments employed depended on the offensive weapon of the attacker(s), on the weapon(s) that complemented the defensive protection, on the required mobility, and upon the nature of each individual battle (e.g., siege, open field, chariot, etc.)

The apostle Paul meticulously and systematically describes the “panoplía” (the New Testament Greek word for armor) and the various defensive armaments of the Roman soldier in Ephesians 6:14-17 (which we’ve been studying).  In this context, the word armor is all inclusive, meaning the inclusion of every individual piece.  However, it’s very interesting to note the occurrence of a seemingly purposeful  overemphasis in the scriptural text, encouraging the absolute need and effectiveness of every piece, thus the “full (nothing excluded) armor (all inclusive) of God.” The superb English translation, “whole” of the Greek text that is found in the American Standard Version and Revised Standard Version — both predecessors of the NASB/NASV (New American Standard)  — is excellent and admirably precise, equally in the sense of a literal translation and the idea or message being conveyed/communicated.     

While the armor was intentionally designed as body protection, to shield vital parts of the warrior, it also required a fit that allowed full mobility of a soldier’s arms and legs.  You may recall the situation in I Samuel 17:4-8.  Goliath was six cubits and a span tall (9’9″), had a bronze helmet, and was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze (125 pounds). He also had bronze greaves on his legs, a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders, and the shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, with the head weighing in at six hundred shekels (15 lbs).   

In addition, his shield-carrier walked in front of him.  Not only was he  huge, he was fully protected and fully armed … “the whole armor.”  When young David (biblically speaking still in his youth — I Samuel 17:33) determined to take on Goliath, King Saul (I Samuel 17:38-40) clothed David with his armor, including his sword and bronze helmet (a whole or complete armament).  However, David was totally immobilized by the armor … it didn’t fit and he couldn’t walk!  Therefore, David said to Saul:

I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.

Subsequently, David took off the ill-fitting armor and proceeded against Goliath with the weapons he knew … a stick in his hand, five smooth stones (perhaps one for Goliath and each of his four brothers), and his trusted, proven sling.  

As true believers, enlisted and called as good soldiers (see II Timothy 2:3-4) in our Lord’s army, how can one stand firm or plan to launch a victorious battle against the enemy, if God’s armor lies in a corner without familiarity, untested, not trusted and unproven?  

He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

—David, Psalms 18:34

Can one proceed in the same confidence as David, so familiar with the weapons of our warfare that one would stand upon the irreversible, unalterable conviction that the one and only immutable, omnipotent God is with you?  Is there such proficiency in/with God’s armor (not someone else’s, but that which Christ has designed and provided for you)?  In other words, are your hands trained and ready for war?  Unless one has spent time in God’s whole/full armor, one is obviously and undoubtedly unprepared for the conflicts and giants that lie ahead.

The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, But ruin to the workers of iniquity.

— Solomon (David’s son), Proverbs 10:29

Unquestionably, we … every faithful follower of Jesus Christ, have a few  Goliaths to face and slay!  Some are 10′ tall and others, miniature in proportion.  Nonetheless, we have a duty and calling — stand firm, having “put on the full armor of God.”  Then, as you are trained and learn to be effective in His battle apparatus, mobilize your resources and cast a defeating blow into the forehead of your enemy (the darkness of this age), mercilessly severing its head.  Certainly the time has come!

— Pastor Frank   

APOCALYPSE

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Obviously if you’re reading Fusion, January 2013, the heretical prophesies of the Mayan calendars (see the WOF web site for article in 2010 on the movie 2012) and other ancient sacrileges such as the writings of so-called prophets like Montanus and his prophetesses (Prisca and Maximilla), St Malachy, Saint Columba (aka Columbkille), Paracelsus, and Nostradamus are proven bogus and counterfeit. In addition, we have all seen and heard the “doomsday” predictions that inevitably surround international crises and other notable events such as national tragedies, catastrophes, political and/or governmental upheavals etc.

Remember the millennial-bug scare of 2000, which gave good fodder for many apocalypse and doomsday preppers?  Who can forget doomsday cults, such as the People’s Temple, David Koresh, and the Heaven’s Gate Community? Such outlandish views, as well as incessant, inevitably incorrect predictions about the future cause many to scoff at any talk of future world-wide cataclysm, devastation, and /or regional disasters.   

As a result, many in our world classify those who address these issues biblically in the same camp as other “stranger than fiction” individuals and conspiracy theorists. Surprisingly, some “bible-believing” Christians react regimentally, even vehemently opposing discussions and biblical studies on topics related to humanity’s future.  In reality there will be tribulation, unquestionably a great tribulation in which wrath consumes the earth, and all of its people/nations face the great and terrible day of our Lord.  

Sometimes our modern day media gets on board as well, presenting documentaries with “scholars” and “specialists” from many different perspectives and disciplines, which only serve to erode the credibility and authority of our biblical narative and distinctively Christian world-view.  Thus, popular misconceptions arise, distorting the true Christian viewpoint of escatology (study of end times – literally “things to come”) and any apocalypse. Undeniably, ignorance, continuous confusion, and perpetual misunderstandings of Christ’s return and its purpose prevail.  Wonder whose work that is?    

The word “apocalypse” (Ancient Greek: ἀποκάλυψις apocálypsis, from ἀπό and καλύπτω meaning ‘un-covering’), translates literally from Greek into English as disclosure of knowledge, a revealing (possibly of something hidden), a lifting of the veil, or a revelation … as in the Revelation of Jesus Christ to the Apostle John in what we biblically refer to as the book of Revelation.

Your reading of this publication is evidence, once again, that our God, the one and only true God, reigns eternally as the sovereign and supreme authority over all humanity and His glorious handiwork (Creation … all that’s seen and unseen)!  The fact that all these soothsaying prophets missed the apocalypse, or the “end of the world,” simply proves the fallacy and error of their technique.  God’s true prophets are never wrong, they never miss!  In fact, as you’ve heard me say before, while close counts in the games of horseshoes or washers, as well as in warfare with hand-grenades, mortars, and atomic bombs, close certainly doesn’t score anything in futuristic prophecy, apocalyptic considerations, or eschatology.  Only direct hits are credited with accuracy and success. 

Therefore, why would any consideration be given to the mystical, demonically-inspired predictions of a pagan culture’s calendar, or the bizarre ramblings and writings of mediums, shamanists, and spiritualists who claim to have some special gifting and unique, obscure understanding or revelation. Only the inerrant (without error in the original form/manuscript) scriptures declare the things to come before they happen — not as some complex formula with multiple variables that might or might not be fulfilled!  No, exact, direct hits are the only writings and messages worthy of one’s consideration … and consequently only a supreme being that knows the end at the beginning, the outcome before the inception, can be totally and inexplicably infallible. 

Therefore, as true believers, when considering “things to come” and the future apocalypse, let us rest assured that what God has said will surely be.  We are never to be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine or the contemporary ideas that so easily sweep through the non-discerning, doctrinally compromised modern church, society, philosophy, or culture.  Our faith and future must rest extraordinarily in Christ Jesus and His complete revelation of apocalyptic events and “things to come.”  Any and all other sources will be proven inaccurate and fallible — just like the erroneous Mayan calendar stands today!

There will come a time when each of us is called upon to express our belief/faith in an apocalyptic mode. Done properly, with biblical authority and inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit, it becomes a powerful witness to both believer and unbeliever alike.  Unquestionably our world-view includes an end … the Ancient of Days enthroned as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  This is not an expression of our own self-importance and arrogance, but a genuine desire for the world to know Christ’s forgiveness, the power of His victorious resurrection, and His abundant life, now and forever!  To have this capability, as empowered by God to change/reach our world, and yet retreat to non-apocalyptic mode because of all the heretical nonsense, denies our Lord’s ability to redeem even the darkest history and squanders a precious treasure. Undoubtedly, Christ asks and prepares His people to speak clearly in every opportunity!

— His & Yours by GRACE, 

Pastor Frank

MIGHT & POWER VS. SPIRIT

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When Solomon built the first Hebrew temple which the Babylonians destroyed (586 BC – See 2 Kings 25:8–10), he had almost unlimited resources at his disposal since his father, King David, had fought many battles and collected huge spoils of war to be used in building God’s original temple. (See 1 Chronicles 26:20, 27-28) King Solomon was a powerful monarch with a vast kingdom, even ruling over some Gentile populated regions, but the Jews in the days of Zerubbabel and the prophet Zechariah had no such power, authority, or wealth!

In 538 BC, Zerubbabel, a leader from the tribe of Judah, was allowed to return to Jerusalem with other Jewish captives. (See Ezra 1:1-4) The Persian king appointed Zerubbabel as governor of Judah (See Haggai 1:1), and he began rebuilding the temple with the help of Jeshua, the high priest. (See Ezra 3:2-3, 8)

It took Zerubbabel two years to rebuild the Temple’s foundation. Construction was then delayed due to hostile opposition (See Ezra 4:1–5) and as a result, Persia withdrew its support.  For seventeen years the temple construction remained unfinished. (See Ezra 4:21) 

Nonetheless, while undoubtedly many had given up on the project, our Lord had a different / superior plan for His temple.  God then spoke to the remnant of His people in Jerusalem through His prophet in Zechariah 4:6-7:

This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel saying, ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain; and he will bring forth the top stone with shouts of “Grace, grace to it!”

Here in this text, the word “might” is referring to military strength, what people can do together as an army … but the remnant had no soldiers. “Power” refers to the strength of a commanding individual, but Zerubbabel’s abilities were no doubt limited, nothing like that of King Solomon! The idea of not being discouraged and trusting the Lord was at the heart of the prophet’s message.  Is it possible that the Spirit of God would enable them to accomplish something even in their apparent weakness?

There are three ways we can attempt to do the work of God:

1) We can trust our own strength and wisdom.

2) We can borrow the resources of the world.

3) We can depend on the power of God, the Almighty (omnipotent).

The first two approaches may usually appear to succeed, but the true work of the Lord is not accomplished in that manner! Only work done through the power of God’s Holy Spirit will glorify Him and endure the fires of His judgment. (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

With limited resources, completing the temple looked to those Jews as impossible as moving a mountain! However, God told Zerubbabel that he would, by the power of God’s Spirit, level the mountain and make it a plain! In a similar manner, Jesus told His disciples that simple faith like a mustard seed (small but alive) could move mountains. (See Matthew 17:20; 21:21).

How often do we say that we are depending on God’s Holy Spirit? Revivalist Vance Havner (1901-1986), in commenting in that context on the methods of the modern-day church, stated:

But actually we are so wired up with our own devices that if the fire does not fall from heaven, we can turn on a switch and produce false fire of our own. If there is no sound of a rushing mighty wind, we have the furnace all set to blow hot air instead. God save us from a synthetic Pentecost!

God finishes His work! (See Zechariah 4:7b-10) God assured Zerubbabel that he would complete the rebuilding of the temple and the people would rejoice. The Lord gave a clear promise that Zerubbabel would complete the temple! (See Zechariah 4:9)

Shouldn’t this remind us of God’s promise and the true working of His Holy Spirit in us?

For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. (See Philippians 1:6)     

Are you serving and living in the strength our Lord supplies through the presence of His Holy Spirit? (See I Peter 4:11)  

Think about it, pray about it!                                                    

His & Yours, PF

PERSECUTION…AN EXAMPLE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

The following message was written by Joseph Hay, Youth Ministry Director 

The high priest questioned them saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.  –Acts 5:27-32

In this passage, Peter and the other apostles are in front of a court of the religious leaders where they are accused of not following the law. Peter defiantly said that the apostles would not stop preaching and teaching the Word of God and the teaching of Jesus Christ because they must obey God over any man or law.

Today in Houston, pastors, elders, church leaders, and Christians are facing a similar situation. The mayor of Houston, Annise Parker, and the city attorney’s office previously subpoenaed several pastors’ sermons in which the topic of homosexuality and/or “HERO” (Houston Equal Rights Ordinance) were mentioned. It is apparent that the city is planning to use these sermons to accuse pastors of hate speech as an attempt to censor what Christian pastors may say from their pulpits, thus attempting to either modify or sensor God’s Truth.

This article is not aimed at fighting these actions, or at speaking to their legality, instead, it focuses on how believers should conduct themselves in times like this.

It is open persecution when individuals involved in the Lord’s work/ministry are told to stop preaching the Gospel and the Truth of God.  We are clearly now in that time of persecution, and we should respond … However, we should not respond with anger and hatred toward those persecuting us. Instead, committed believers should respond as the apostles did when they were faced with a similar situation:

So they went on their way from the presence of the Council (persecuting entity), rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. –Acts 5:41-42. 

We should REJOICE in this time because it is our city that is found worthy to suffer for His name. Persecution of God’s holy, ordained church has never been a bad thing because our Lord has used times of persecution to strengthen and grow His church.  One of the main reasons for this growth is that persecution commonly produces both purity and unity within God’s people. Purity of both the message and the people increases because if one truly doesn’t believe in Christ and His power then most likely one wouldn’t be willing to give up one’s life for Christ. 

Unity among believers also increases because when facing a common problem, believers put aside issues/differences to focus on the larger crisis. We have seen this unity during this current crisis because hundreds of churches are praying and supporting the targeted Houston pastors. Certainly, we should rejoice during this time of persecution because our Lord has seen fit to allow us to suffer for His great name.

Nonetheless, the New Testament apostles did not stop with just rejoicing, they continued to boldly proclaim the message of Jesus Christ even though they were ordered to be silent (attempted censorship).  This, church (WOF), is what we MUST do. We MUST continue sharing the truth in love and teaching the Word of God, even if men, cultures, governments, religions, or any other powers on earth command us to stop!  Before Christ ascended he said:

All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. –Matthew 28:18-20

— Joseph

DEACON

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In Acts 6:1-6 one finds some of the minority groups, in this case Hellenistic Jews, who were not being properly cared for in Christ’s early church.  In Acts 6:3 the Jerusalem congregation (the only one in existence at that time) is instructed to, “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task.”  The original apostles gave this instruction for three, very distinct, reasons:

1.   There were practical needs in the church body/membership.

2.   The unmeet needs presented an opportunity for potential division/conflict within Christ’s body.

3.   The Apostles needed to stay focused on their duties/calling and establish the church’s  ministry in Christ’s physical absence.

“But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

Over the course of church history, the role of “Deacon” has been modified to mean everything from a group of humble servants with no official capacity in Christ’s church, to a committee of individuals with excessive ecclesiastical  authority, or even to something totally non-existent, ignored.  Some modern-day ministry organizations have even implemented substitutes by various names in an attempt to fulfill the biblical roles of deacon perhaps without yielding to or considering the biblical processes or qualifications for such a distinguished office in Christ’s church.  I Timothy 3:13 reminds us, “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”

At West Oaks Fellowship, we strive, and it’s our duty, to diligently arrange and organize the functions of our church/ministry according to the pattern(s) established in the New Testament.  Certainly, we don’t ignore centuries of church heritage and development, but give careful considerations to our predecessors views and practices from which we were conceived.   Even so, our efforts remain continuous and steadfast in every attempt of church polity to restore the functions of church offices as they are defined for us in the Lord’s New Testament scriptures.

The Greek words for servant and deacons, dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) / diako/noi$,‎ diakonois (dee-ak’-on-ois), are similar throughout the New Testament.  However, contextually speaking there is always a distinction between the references to those holding the biblically-ordained service office of “Deacon” (appearing in plurality, a noun), when compared to other uses of the word, in reference to those rendering their services/ministry to Christ and/or His church.  As an example, any believer can be an effective servant/minister, ‎dia/kono$‎, diakonos (dee-ak’-on-os) (to/of Christ and His church), without necessarily holding the office of “Deacon.”  Epaphras is a perfect example found in Colossians 1:7-8 or Tychicus in 4:7-8.  At WOF, we have a servant team made up of men and women who serve our body by taking care of practical needs for our Sunday and Wednesday ministries. These faithful servants are highly appreciated, though generally unrecognized.  Some of them are “Deacons” and some are not, but most of them have the spiritual gifting of “service” (Romans 12:3-8) and employ their gifts on a regular basis in ministry unto their Lord, Jesus Christ (I Peter 4:10-11)!  

Those holding the position or office of “Deacon” at WOF are nominated by the body of Christ (in accordance with Acts 6:1-6), screened by the leadership (in accordance with Acts 6:6 and I Timothy 3:10), meet the biblical qualifications for “Deacon” (in accordance with I Timothy 3:8-9 and 12 with consideration of Acts 6:3), tested (in accordance with I Timothy 3:10), and then set apart for the specific office of service in Christ’s ministry (in accordance with Acts 6:6).  Needless to say, since this isn’t a popularity contest or a position of power, our “Deacons” are an outstanding group of men who are true servants of Christ and His body, with their role being very simply defined here at WOF as:

Biblically-qualified individuals who serve Christ by ministering to the needs of His body (the local New Testament Church).

This month we are seeking your recommendations for men (Deacons, not Deaconesses) to serve Christ and all of us at WOF in this capacity.  Please prayerfully consider the men in our church body whom you find faithful in the light of your knowledge of them and use the Deacon Nomination inserts found in your weekly bulletin to submit your recommendations. All nominations are strictly confidential until each nominee is considered and biblically qualified by the Elders and current Deacons.  Then those eligible and agreeing to serve will be publicly presented as DITs . . . Deacons In Training!          

Not much is actually known about all the Deacons of the New Testament, but we know of two that started serving in a practical way to meet the needs of Christ’s church in Acts 6.  Philip, according to Acts 8:5-8, proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ in Samaria with great success bringing much rejoicing throughout the community as the Lord affirms his ministry through miraculous manifestations of God’s Holy Spirit.  Later, Philip serves in the office of Evangelist, according to Acts 21:8 and trains four daughters in the ways of the Lord, serving His church as “prophetesses.” Then there is Stephen, “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” (See Acts 6:3) who, as a minister of Christ, in a very short period of time is called to lay down his life as the first known martyr of Christendom.  Deacons … Yes, all for His glory! 

— Pastor Frank

OCCUPATION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Biblically, the record of agricultural pursuits begins with our Lord’s mandate to humanity in Genesis 2:15:

Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it.

Adam was charged initially with two responsibilities … 1) cultivating the garden and 2) keeping the garden. In addition, we know that the immediate post-Edenic situation featured both the agricultural and the herdsman way of life as represented by Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:2:

And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

Before long came Enoch who built a city in Genesis 4:17, musicians in Genesis 4:21, and Tubal-Cain, a forger of all implements in bronze and iron in Genesis 4:22.

E.K.V. Pearce, in his work, “Who Was Adam?”  suggests that this period represents that era known to anthropologists as the “New Stone Age Revolution,” introducing farming and horticulture into human society with archaeological evidence of early farming being found in the lower Jordan River Valley around Jericho. However, there is no biblical evidence demanding a separation of the age of hunter-gatherers and the age of farmers-herdsmen.  Apparently, God established the latter at the outset of His creation even though modern day anthropologists, not unsurprisingly, take a contrarian view in opposition to the divine revelation of scripture, holding that the hunter-gatherers had to come first.

It’s also interesting to note that rudimentary agricultural tools, flint sickle and hoe blade, were discovered in the Carmel caves (located on Mt. Carmel of the biblical text in Israel some 20 kilometers from the City of Haifa), which obviously depicts the on-going responsibilities of cultivating and/or keeping/maintaining crops/gardens.  Nonetheless, the biblical account indicates that farming was not the prominent profession of Seth and the chosen bloodline . . . Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, all being herdsmen.  However, Lot seems to have preferred the settled life of a Jordan Valley farmer according to Genesis 13:10-13:

Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the Valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere … like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar. So Lot chose for himself all the Valley of the Jordan, … Thus they separated from each other. Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled in the cities of the valley, and moved his tents as far as Sodom.   

It’s too often said of Adam and Eve that in their pre-sin/pre-fallen state they didn’t or weren’t required to work.  While it is absolutely true that they didn’t have to eat bread by the sweat  of their face as described in Genesis 4:19, work itself was originally ordained by God Himself for all humanity with God being the initial, leading, ultimate, perfect, and prime example!  Accordingly:

Thus the heavens and the earth were completed, and all their hosts.  By the seventh day God completed His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made. (see Genesis 2:1-3)  

Sounds like God was busy at work, establishing the opportunity to work/labor as a God-ordained task and vehicle of blessing for all human beings. Perhaps that’s why Paul’s address to the Thessalonians is so blunt:

If anyone is not willing to work, then he/she is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.  But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. (See II Thessalonians 3:10-13)

Now Labor Day, when Americans pay tribute to the those in the work force, has come and gone, but that shouldn’t stifle gratitude for our Lord’s marvelous design … work! Let’s be thankful for the opportunities afforded us of gainful employment, always remembering the admonition found in Colossians 3:23-24:

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Therefore, here’s my somewhat difficult challenge for those desiring to be imitators of Christ.  Today, will you take a moment and thank God for your job, even if it’s not so perfect and even if you’re totally disgruntled and unfulfilled?  You are fulfilling His design and purposes, accomplishing that which can glorify Him and bring blessings to your life.  He has placed you right there, right now, so even if you hate it, seek to know Him deeper and more completely in and through your current situation/opportunity!   

Think about it, Pastor Frank aka PF