Tag: 1 thessalonians

APOSTLE PAUL

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

In this biblical text, the Apostle Paul is praying for those in the church of Philippi that: 

1. Their “love may abound” – be / become superfluous, overflowing in quantity and quality! The Apostle Paul puts it this way in 1 Thessalonians 3:12, “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people.” The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:22-23, “Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God.” 

2. They may abound in “real knowledge” – this idea is not seeking to know, but having exact or full knowledge. That’s the very same concept that Peter uses in 2 Peter 1:3 when he states that the Lord has “given us everything pertaining to life and godliness” through the “true knowledge” of Jesus Christ who called each one of us “by His glory and excellence.”   

3. They may abound in “all discernment” – this word could also be properly translated judgement or the idea of perception. In the sense of practical living reality, it deals with the power that lies in the ability of moral and ethical discrimination / insight. For believers, this comes from within, through the workings of God’s Holy Spirit in conjunction with the Truth / God’s Word. Hebrews 5:14 clearly lays it out, “But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”

4. They may “approve the things that are excellent” – allowing, testing, and fully embracing those things which are essential for one’s life of faith in Jesus Christ. An excellent reminder comes from the Apostle John, in 1 John 4:1-4, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 

5. They will be “sincere” – genuine, pure, and tested, like good fruit.  This is a quality possessed by God, but also comes to fruition in a faithful believer as godly integrity and honesty! (In other words, uncorrupted.)  

6. They will be “blameless” – without fault or wrongdoing. The Apostle Paul, while defending his faith before Governor Felix, stated in Acts 24:16, “I also do my best to maintain always a blameless (no fault) conscience both before God and before men.” 1 Corinthians 10:31-32 serves us as a great reminder / initiator, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.” 

7. All of the above “until the day of Christ!” – as we patiently, but with great anticipation, await the moment of our snatching away (being caught up together with Him – 1 Thessalonians 4:17 aka “the rapture”) as His bride (the glorified church)!  

Brothers and sisters, fellow servants of Jesus Christ, I said these things to simply say this: The above is my dream, my hope, my vison, and my prayer, with many tears and much joy as well, for each of you as an essential, functioning part / member (1 Corinthians 12:14-27) of Christ’s Church / Body that gathers as West Oaks Fellowship. 

His & Yours, because of G R A C E (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) 

Pastor Frank

WHY ADVENT?

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

I grew up in a committed Christian home and a bible teaching denominational church where, while Christmas was celebrated wholeheartedly, the concept of ADVENT was never mentioned or considered. (That was also true of other important celebrations like Pentecost and Reformation Day!). These were simply not incorporated into our framework of ministry and were generally left to the more orthodox, ecumenical and liturgical styled churches. After Thanksgiving, the lights came out, every strand checked, and every bad bulb was replaced (our house lights were 100% red). After the lights were up – usually by midday Friday – a tree would be purchased (absolutely nothing fake allowed), then laboriously fully decorated (seemed I always dropped a highly breakable ornament or two). Nonetheless, we weren’t finished until my 1954 Lionel Electric Train & Track set was completely up and running, with track laid out around and beneath the Christmas Tree. Upon completion my dad would then sit at his organ and play a Christmas carol or two and sing with my mom. Then, we were ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

However, as I grew in my understanding of Church history and started abandoning those things from my denominational heritage that weren’t founded on biblical / scriptural foundations, I continually discovered significant elements of genuine Christianity that should have the recognition of all believers and should not have been so easily or readily discarded just because styles of worship were different or due to various (generally numerous) doctrinal distinctions. While many of those doctrinal issues were certainly worthy of theological battles, we’ve all heard about throwing out the baby with the baby’s bath water!

At West Oaks Fellowship, we have attempted to recover, or reinstitute, some of the most meaningful, biblically based, historical celebrations such as ADVENT (coming or arrival), in which genuine believers can find spiritual value and truly rejoice!

As an example, one might consider the question, “Why do we meet on Sunday mornings?” On Sundays (for the early Jewish believers in Jesus Christ it was after the sun went down on the Sabbath day, or what we call Saturday afternoon / evening) the first / early Christians gathered to celebrate Christ’s victorious resurrection! Therefore, since the inception of Christ’s Church, believers have continually met on the day after the Sabbath (Saturday), being Sunday, to rejoice in the conquering power of Christ Jesus over sin and death! In reality, that’s exactly what we are doing every Sunday morning when we gather for spiritual enrichment and fellowship as His church! Obviously, that magnificent, unsurpassed event would have / could have never happened without His first ADVENT (coming)!

Consequently, shouldn’t we also celebrate Christ’s incarnation (our Lord’s embodiment as a human being . . . John 1:14–

And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth, which in theory, we also do every time we gather in His Holy and highly exalted Name!?

Here are some reasons that ADVENT has become incorporated as a significant aspect of our Christmas worship services (every Sunday In December) at WOF.

The weekly ADVENT themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are all gifts made available to us (as genuine believers) in and through Christ Jesus, along with the indwelling presence and power of God’s Holy Spirit. Each weekly biblical theme works powerfully within, helping us to fully appreciate and properly appropriate these essential and precious elements of a meaningful Christian life – only permanently acquired in / through faith in Jesus Christ!

By participating (fully engaging) in our ADVENT services, one can emotionally, mentally, and spiritually escape / separate from the paganism and materialism that infiltrates the current American Christmas spirit, allowing a sincere and intentional (direct) focus on the Lord as the single most significant entity of this year’s holiday celebrations!

Advent can serve as a reminder that we are not the center of God’s ultimate plan, even though sometimes we think we are what matters the most! Every week of our ADVENT celebration presents a perfect opportunity to refresh one’s perspective! God has a grand plan that is much larger than any of us can possibly grasp or imagine. In the midst of a cultural holiday that tends to have an emphasis on the sentimentality of enjoyment and pleasure, gift-giving / receiving, we can easily drift to an inappropriate mind-set about the reason(s) for Christmas. So, in the midst of a season that works to distract our central focus, Advent reminds us to pan the camera back out on the big picture, a larger scope of a life lived for God’s purpose(s) and glory!

Biblically speaking, ADVENT brings to mind the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy and of course, promises from the scriptures. Here’s what Jesus said in Luke 24:44 in reference to Himself, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 

God’s faithfulness is at the very center of ADVENT! God promised and He sent Messiah. This provides confidence and assurance for all of Christ’s followers who are living in the anticipation of His next / second ADVENT!

“And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.” 

Revelation 22:7

“Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.”

Matthew 24:42-44

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”

Matthew 24:14

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

While I can’t point to a particular scripture that says to “celebrate” or “participate” in an “ADVENT” celebration, I can provide numerous scriptural reasons why, as believers, we should exuberantly rejoice in Christ’s first coming, as well as on the day of His second! Therefore, please come to church at WOF every Sunday in December with a specific purpose in mind concerning the HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE of ADVENT, and a readiness to find delightful joy in Christ’s first coming!

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

Galatians 4:4-5

While I may not get all excited and actually decorate for Christmas the way some of you will, my deepest desire is that you will know Christ Jesus in this Christmas season, and throughout the holidays, as your redeeming MESSIAH – worthy of all praise, glory, and honor that will be properly exalted, and His incarnation will be enthusiastically and gratefully celebrated during ADVENT 2024!

So if you are like me, and did not grow up with the tradition of Advent in your family or church, consider the great benefits this blessing will bring to your walk with the Lord this season by joining fellow believers who have personally experienced great benefits by purposefully preparing during Advent for their Christmas gatherings and celebrations.

May our hearts unite with many, many generations of faithful brothers and sister in Christ who have relentlessly declared, with great anticipation (hope), “O come, O come, Emmanuel!”

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

– PF

GUILT -V- CONVICTION

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Too often believers (true followers of Jesus Christ) ask, “Is what I’m experiencing (feeling)guilt or conviction?”

Initially, one must come to recognize the ultimate goal / purpose of these sentiments and responses or reactions as an elementary (basic / foundational) part of successful, abundant Christian living (John 10:10). The ultimate objective or purpose of biblical / spiritual conviction is to bring about behavior modification / transformation, working to shape or mold an individual into a stronger, more mature, disciple of the Lord. The overriding objective of guilt is spiritually destructive, working to make one feel worthless, unlovable, unacceptable, and even, perhaps, as useless as possible, due to recent or even past improper, sinful behavior. Feelings of guilt leave out the most critical, spiritual step of “turning from”from something of disgrace and rebellion and “turning to” something of righteousness and truth!

The palmist put it this way … “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.” (Psalm 34:14-15) Romans 10:9b declares, “Abhor (shudder from) what is evil; cling to what is good.” Then consider 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; abstain from every form of evil.”

Christ’s church / believers in Thessalonica had an incredible testimony among those in Macedonia and Achaia because they had, “turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God!” (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10)

So genuine conviction, either in the aspect of salvation, or in the process of spiritual development and growing into maturity, embraces the concept of a significant turning! This behavior is the turning away from something, as in laying something aside (those things which so easily entangle us – Hebrews 12:1), and turning to and fully embracing something else. That’s turning from known sin / rebellion, as a result of spiritual / biblical conviction, and then turning fully to … wholeheartedly embracing the Lord’s (biblical) Truth on the matter through spiritual, mental, and behavioral transformation / extreme modification. (Romans 12:1-2) Our Lord’s objective in conviction is always change for the better, His people becoming permanently more like Him! (2 Peter 1:4)

“For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed (fashioned or shaped, having likeness) to the image of His Son!”

Romans 8:29

Therefore, conviction, as a result of God’s Word and the working of God’s Holy Spirit in one’s life, is an awesome gift and incontestable blessing from the Lord to assist each and every one of His followers while remaining in life on this earth as His children, servants, ministers, and ambassadors.

With all that said, guilt, on the other hand, is not good and is not a gift from above, but instead a tool of the enemy to cripple and render useless the Lord’s people. That’s why being able to discern each feeling(guilt or conviction) – and its true source – is a highly valuable tool in the daily walk of every believer. By the way, the way we use the word, in relation to “feeling guilty” about something isn’t really in the scriptures, although the word for shame may in some biblical references be similar. Our enemies, whether that be self, one’s own flesh, the world or the devil himself, are always actively presenting the human emotions of guilt, regret, blame, and shame. They want these emotions to plant voices and negative, destructive feelings right inside believers; telling us that we are no good, that we are not free (to obey Christ rather than one’s sin nature), that we will undoubtedly do that ugly sin and rebellion again (over and over), and that if anyone finds out — the hat of unworthiness will surely rest upon one’s head for everyone to see, and surely God’s love, as well as His redemption, is nullified due to one’s own actions / behavior!

Remember …“he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). In reality, guilt declares that we are responsible for saving ourselves, and that because, for humans, Christ’s disciples know and understand that that saving oneself is impossible, therefore the enemy throws accusations at believers (remember he is the accuser of Christ-followers – Revelation 12:10), declaring that grace is exhausted (all used up because of one’s sinful behavior)and there remains no hope, no peace, no deliverance, etc., etc.!

An individual’s feelings of guilt will result in hiding from the Lord in shame, just like Adam and Eve did in the Garden. One either runs to Christ or runs away … hiding in guilt and shame! There are all kinds of issues, mental and physical, related to living in guilt and shame, besides the spiritual consequences, which are not addressed in this document. However, there is a way out, a path to victory, if guilt has its debilitating stranglehold on you!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

Ephesians 6:11-13

“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

James 4:7

Deal with one’s sin before the Lord

“How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit! When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord’; and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.”

Psalm 32:1-5

Never let the past have a place in or control your future

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:13-14

Guilt is not for us, but spiritual conviction is a precious tool for the Lord to keep us moving forward on the right path for His glory!

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

PF 

THE HAMAS (RELIGIOUS/POLITICAL) CULT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

How is it that Hamas protesters (hiding under the concept of being pro-Palestine), some now rioters, can openly / publicly chant, “From the river to the sea,” “death to Israel / death to America,” “we are Hamas” and / or “intifada” and at the same time, in the same breath, accuse the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) of genocide? Those very mantras promote, and are undoubtedly, inexplicably, declaring the complete elimination / annihilation of an entire people group from the face of the earth! That, in essence, ties in perfectly with the ideology of Hitler and his Third Reich (within its first 6 years issued 400 legal restrictions against Jews with them ultimately becoming “Enemies of the State” – nationalizing their businesses, confiscating their assets / property, encampment, and promoting their total elimination) which exalts the value of one people group (Aryans) as superior to all others (instigating Aryanization and the “popular anger” movement within Germany), while discounting and eradicating the value of one group to being useless (Jews), therefore not even worthy of life itself (The Holocaust)!

As believers in Christ Jesus, we recognize the value of human life, holding, that according to the scriptures, all humans are created in the image and likeness of the Creator (see Genesis 1:27) and that life is viewed as precious (see Psalm 139:13-16)! Job 12:10 asks, “In whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?”

Humanity is not some cosmic accident, as many who desire to live unaccountable lives promote and encourage others to believe, but instead is the product of a carefully executed creation by a perfect, holy, sovereign, and eternal superior being … God. Human dignity is therefore derived directly from God Himself, with individuals being finite, dependent creatures who have been assigned a high value / worth by their own Creator (enough value for Christ Jesus to suffer in accordance with the consequences of humanity’s sin and offer then full and complete restoration – see John 3:16-17).

The current pro-Hamas / anti-Israel students and professional demonstrators / students and non-student imported protestors are now using the phrase “Free Gaza / Free Palestine.” (I guess they all must have skipped out on their modern-day history classes.)  In the January 2006 Palestinian legislative election, Hamas defeated the ruling Fatah (political party) by winning 74 of 132 seats. Since that time, there have been no (yes, “zero”) free elections in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Then in 2007, a presidential decree was issued abolishing all legislative seats that were not in agreement with Hamas’ leadership / ideology. While the western media reports that 70-72% of the Palestinians currently support the Hamas regime, there is no credible evidence to document that figure and no consideration of any potential/possible persecution “fear factor” incorporated within that questionable statistic.

Do the current American pro-Hamas protestors even understand the core values of Hamas? If they did, their public outcries would most likely be drawn back in deep silence.  Is anyone even asking, “What’s the role of women within the framework of the Hamas religious / political cult society?”

Women make up approximately 50% of the population in Gaza, but have very limited influence, and their basic individual rights are systematically denied. The women’s importance is that they, “manufacture men (Hamas warriors), and play a great role educating and guiding the (new) generation.” There remains widespread discrimination, contrary to Hamas’s public statements, along with extremely limited employment opportunities, and virtually no pathways to financial independence. Female abuse is rampant, adultery laws are codified according to gender, divorcees must pay their husbands to get out of a marriage, but the men can divorce their wife cost-free for any reason, and in Hamas controlled Gaza, a woman’s testimony is only worth half (½) of a male’s.  In addition, Hamas engages a “Modesty Police,” which is empowered to enforce a “Code Of Modesty” upon the women of Gaza, severely restricting basic freedoms of movement and expression. Hijah (Islamic head coverings) should be worn while in schools, at courthouses, and on beaches. This code also prohibits the riding of motorcycles, learning to drive without the presence of a man, using a male hairdresser, submitting an incest complaint, and / or even engaging in some sporting / athletic events. In 2013 a UNRWA (United Nations Relief And Works Agency For Palestine) Marathon was cancelled due to the Hamas “Code Of Modesty.”

Hamas’ ideology combines nationalism and the political Islamism of the Muslim Brotherhood. In terms of the religion, they are Salafist, which means they adhere to Islamic Sharia law and believe that a Palestinian state should be governed in that manner.  However, within the framework of that religious system, Hamas attempts to achieve its political ambitions by combining social mobilization, political organization / negotiation, and the use of severe violence. Therefore, they should be considered a jihadist group given that it does not rule out violence as a political strategy to further or obtain its objective. It’s a religious cult whose “modus operandi” merits the use of extreme violence, in numerous /various forms, as means to accompany political bargaining. Therefore, it can and does, spiritually, morally, and ethically, justify carrying out grotesque terrorist actions against civilians (even slaughtering babies and raping children) and even a country’s military, such as the massacre launched on October 7, 2023 during the Re’im Music Festival in Israel.

It’s not difficult to see how genuine believers, true followers of Christ and the doctrines / theology of the New Testament find great conflict with any support for Hamas, its activities, and its ideology.  While certainly a person can be / should be concerned with the loss of life of life caused by war … Hamas’ ongoing war with Israel, is no different. Don’t forget, war is all about destroying things and killing / disabling an enemy. However, current social media and some regular media sources are referring to Israel’s retaliatory actions as a disproportionate response and genocide. Undocumented sources claim 30,000+ have died in Gaza — about 18,000 is actually more accurate, and yes that’s a lot of individuals! However, Hamas doesn’t value human life as committed Christians do and even other cultures / societies — that’s why they are willing to use brain-washed children and women as human shields for their soldiers and military stronghold if that action achieves their objectives!  Therefore, it is impossible to attack Hamas’ military without inflicting civilian casualties (as is the case in most armed conflicts). The real victims in Gaza are the civilians who are being used / sacrificed in a ludicrous / preposterous manner by their own “elected” government! 

Remember, Cain of Genesis? He was a violent human being. Humanity is still violent… while at times historically, we see the decrease and increase of wars and violence … currently our world is in a season of escalated violence and war. Jesus Christ, while visiting earth, warned us concerning these days … “For nation (people group) will rise against nation (people group), and kingdom against kingdom, and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes. But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.” (See Matthew 24:7-8, Mark 13:8, Luke 21:10-11) “Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom” is simply an idiom for war in and around the world or perhaps even world war … a global conflict that is signaling the approaching end of this current age. The “birth pangs” will continue and, of course grow more frequent. Deception and division in both society and the church will increase, which we clearly see and are encountering, but our Lord Jesus spoke this to His disciples / followers as well, “See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many.  You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end. (See Matthew 24:4-6)

What we are currently witnessing / experiencing on our college campuses, in the Middle East, with Ukraine and Russia, and even on our own borders, should not be unexpected, but anticipated. The consummation of the ages is coming and these type of issues and conflicts will certainly arise!

What then shall we do? How then should we live?

Encourage one another, don’t grow weary in doing good, stay connected to your church (too many are disconnected), and remember to pray for the peace of Jerusalem which will only be ratified when our Lord, Jesus Christ sits upon His throne, ruling and reigning in righteousness! (see 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Ephesians 2:10, Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 122:6, 1 Corinthians 15:24-25, Revelation 11:15)

His and Yours, Because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

–PF

AI -v- GOD

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Soon AI will be viewed as omniscient (all-knowing) and, the way things are progressing, omnipresent (constantly / everywhere present) … then, depending what it is allowed to control, even potentially an element of omnipotence (all powerful). While these are distinctly attributes of the one and only true God, and NEVER allocated as viable attributes to humanity, any life forms, or any created thing, we totter on the precipice of pridefully elevating access to information as a substitute for genuine spiritual understanding and absolute Truth (of which our God is the only proper source). 

One’s own perception and knowledge of AI, as compared to human probabilities and abilities, plays a crucial role in the use and / or dependence (willful / knowingly or unknowingly/ unaware) on AI. Unquestionably, we are connected in some way or in some manner to the broad-reaching tenacles of this technology, which is generally used to automate tasks, make decisions and somehow remarkably impact our everyday lives.  We live in an age where the unimaginable (like out of an old sci-fi movie or series) is not just within our grasp, but the emergence of AI, and its remarkable capabilities, is integrally affecting our world! It fuels our smartphones, empowers smart home devices, enables autonomous vehicles to skirt around neighborhoods and highways, and guides innumerable strategic financial decisions.  AI is not just seemingly everywhere – it’s actively sculpting the shape and intricacies of the future.

Currently, there are questionably, but acknowledged, 4 types of AI:

  1. Reactive Machines – These systems have no lasting memory, but are task specific … an input always delivers the same output. They take customer data, such as a purchase or an individual’s search history, and use it to deliver recommendations back to the customers.
  2. Limited Memory – These systems learn from history (whatever is available) to make choices / decisions.
  3. Theory of Mind (proposed to understanding and beliefs about the world, with the ability to interact socially, emotionally with / like humans) – Some experts say this doesn’t exist yet.
  4. Self-Aware – The ultimate stage of AI development. This type of AI system is aware of the world around it in such a way that it can understand, interpret, and predict human emotions and act / respond accordingly.

AI is undoubtedly transforming industries, from healthcare to finance, and revolutionizing the way humanity tackles problems and makes decisions! When AI is employed as a helpful tool, one might be fully inclined to accept it without any apprehension or concern.  However, when AI starts assuming roles typically handled by humans on a spiritual, psychological, or even an emotional level, it will ultimately lead to a sense of detachment from spiritual intimacy, from a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ, and subjugate one’s dependence of the absolute truth of God’s Word and the direction of God’s Holy Spirit.

The untethered influence and habitual use of AI, which is becoming increasingly sophisticated and pervasive, will work to make one question their uniqueness as a human being, their individual spiritual gifting, and challenge one’s one dependence and connection to a living, all powerful, all knowing, ever-present supreme/ superior being … Jehovah ‘Elyown (Psalm 83:18 – Lord Most High), El-Shaddai (Exodus  6:3 – God Almighty).

A few weeks ago, I warned the congregation about the invasiveness of AI and its influence in the ministries of Christ’s Church from sermons to counseling, music and worship, to prayers . . . bots in the pulpit!  Today, I’m appealing to you, as your pastor (an under shepherd of Christ), one who will ultimately have to give an account for your soul according to Hebrews 13:17 . . . either be or become alert!

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.”

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.    

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

In context of Christ’s imminent return, which we daily anticipate . . .

“Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly  like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. “But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Luke 21:34-36

Brothers and sisters, I can’t make us wake up, I can’t make anyone become dependent on God’s Word and the direction / leadership of His Holy Spirit.  However, I can warn, like the watchman on the tower in Ezekiel 33:1-9 (check it out). That’s my job, but each of you have a responsibility as well. 

Jesus Christ, while ministering on earth, challenged us spiritually in Matt. 6:22-23:

“The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!”

We are children of light (Ephesians 5:7-16, Matthew 5:13-16), we’ve been removed from the kingdom of darkness, and supernaturally transferred to Christ’s Kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14, I Peter 2:9). Therefore, let us live and walk in the Light of Christ, God’s Holy Spirit, and His Word, rather than the darkness of this world which is currently being disguised as omniscient and omnipresent for humanity’s benefit and blessing! There is only one True God — so listen carefully and follow Him steadfastly!   

Please carefully consider these words.         — His & Yours, PF

ADVENT 2023

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As many of you know, I never get over enthusiastic, as some do, about Christmas. Every now and then, someone will actually inquire about why I’m not enamored with beautiful Christmas trees, amazing decorations in or on a house that looks like a Santa Village, the seemingly bubbling excitement of the season, etc. Well, there are actually several reasons, none of which I ever ask anyone else to embrace. In fact, I’m generally supportive of others ideas / practices unless they somehow push the envelope too far attempting to make something spiritual / biblical that’s clearly not!

Here’s my take:

  1. It’s disturbing that the coming of Jesus Christ, His first advent, is culturally, no longer the primary focus of Christmas decor and “holiday” celebrations.
  2. The overall commercialization of the “season” has moved us to a place where the monetization of Christmas works to create enormous amounts of stress and anxiety, literally stealing the joy and peace that should accompany us during these special days.
  3. The disruption of normal spiritual routines, like prayer, reading / studying scripture, Christ-centered fellowship opportunities, and worship service participation has proven to be detrimental in many lives, while justified by, “It’s Christmas!”

In addition, as most of you are aware, Christmas, for me, brings memories of December 26, 1972 when I lost 19 of my friends, including both my parents, and was somewhat severally injured (the doctors claim my hands / fingers are 70% disabled) in The Woodlawn Baptist Church Winter Ski Trip / Retreat Bus Accident.

Nonetheless, I am very enthusiastic and truly delighted about ADVENT. Not its tradition, or the way it may be currently celebrated in various denominations and churches, but about setting aside some time every year in this season to truly rejoice in God’s Gift! The Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that is abundantly offered to all humanity through Messiah, Jesus Christ! There is nothing of greater value and that assuredly inspires worship and ascribing Him the glory due His holy and glorious name!

The word “Advent” means a coming or arrival, and comes from the Latin word “adventus” which is translated from the Greek New Testament word, “parousia” — a reference to our Lord’s next ADVENT / 2nd Coming / return to earth from 1 Thessalonians 4:15-18!

“For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and  remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the  voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.”

At West Oaks Fellowship, we celebrate ADVENT, recalling the prophecies of the Old Testament and the long-anticipated Messiah that God promised to the descendants of Abraham, His chosen / covenant people.

“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” 
Isaiah 9:6

We, as believers also recognize that as the Lord’s “new” covenant people (see 2 Corinthians 3:4-6), we too have a promise … an ADVENT, Christ’s 2nd coming, His impending / imminent return.

So when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.”

And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky?  This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

Acts 1:6-11

To me, Christmas is literally CHRIST – MASS (the original word), and when we gather as believers during this season, the Lord, Jesus Christ must be exalted above everything else as the highest and prominent priority!

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds. Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let Your glory be above all the earth.

Psalm 57:9-11

Hopefully, we can accurately and clearly see through the clutter / distractions of these holidays and focus in on Him as the fulfilment of God’s promise and, as the One promised!

JOY TO THE WORLD — THE LORD HAS COME

JOY TO THE WORLD — HE IS COMING AGAIN!

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

Pastor Frank

HOLINESS

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

You may remember, West Oaks Fellowship used to regularly incorporate the song, “Take My Life” (aka Holiness) as an integral part of our worship ministries. The message of the song, if one listens carefully, is quite challenging, but unmistakably true!  At least for me anyway …

“Holiness, holiness

Is what I long for

Holiness is what I need

Holiness, holiness

Is what You want from me.”

If I start from the last line and work up, I must spiritually, and then even practically agree — that Holiness is what You (the Lord) wants / desires for me. Moving on up to the third line from the bottom, I then, too, must spiritually, as well as practically, agree – Holiness is what I need!  Then I move up to the top two lines and pause … is Holiness truly something I am constantly longing for, or am I willing to settle for much less?

2 Corinthians 7:1 reminds us concerning the Lord’s positioning us as “the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16b) – “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

The concept of holiness, as conveyed in this text, denotes a separation unto the Lord, much like the concept of sanctification (being set apart), as well as the manifestation or continuous display of this quality in one’s life.  In accordance with this verse (2 Corinthians 7:1), believers are instructed, not asked, to be perfecting “Holiness” while living out life in this world. Too often, believers discount this admonition, relegating it to a futuristic concept that will occur in the Lord’s Kingdom or in eternity.  However, in reality, Hebrews 12:10-11 cannot be tossed! “For they (human fathers) disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” It’s apparent, according to the truth of the biblical text, that the Lord’s discipline in one’s life works somehow supernaturally, allowing us to ultimately “share His (Christ’s) holiness!”

At that … for believers like myself, that long to live in holiness, but sometimes crumble when over-stressed and driven by feelings / emotions, rather than “taking every thought captive” … it becomes impossible to ignore the instruction and admonition of Ephesians 4:20-24!

But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and  that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

Without question, unmistakably, our experiencing holiness is God’s purpose and will for all His followers / children, now and forever, just as the Apostle reminds the Thessalonians … “so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”  (1 Thessalonians 3:13)

The “Song Of Moses” (Exodus 15:1-15), asks a declarative, rhetorical question (vs11), “Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders?” Just think, as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, you’ve been invited, encouraged, challenged, and actually instructed to share in our Lord’s holiness!  While this word, HOLINESS, which has limited use in the scriptures, isn’t often considered as a significant part of a believer’s spiritual development, perhaps we should fully embrace this concept as a significant milestone on one’s path to spiritual maturity.  The mindset of faithful believers must be transformed from, what can I get away with and it be considered ok, into the truth of 1 Peter 1:14-16!

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, “YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY.”

Help me, help us, Lord!  May holiness be manifested (clearly seen and displayed) in our lives.

Pastor Frank

FOLLOW

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

It’s 2023. Media is king. If you haven’t noticed by now, chances are you have been living under a rock. Whether it be movies, TV, social media, news outlets, magazines, or newspapers, media has never been more prevalent in the lives of people today. Everyone follows someone. It has never been easier to choose and filter where your sources come from and choose which voices to listen to and which voices to tune out.

The word “follow” (Gk akoloutheó) is defined in the Scriptures, particularly Matthew 16:24, as:

“to accompany, to follow one who precedes, to join as or become a disciple.”

When we closely follow these media types, we in essence become their disciple, listening to and taking to heart what is said, whether it be true or false, good or evil, or from a biblical worldview or otherwise. We often look to these people to enlighten us, to show us the way, to explain the things going on around us, or to lead us on a path forward. And more times than not, we are hoodwinked, led astray, run amuck, and flat out deceived. Perhaps we’ve been going about this wrong.

In Psalm 119:105, we read, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The Bible itself clearly states that our paths are illuminated by Scripture. The Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13), which is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and profitable for all kinds of things (2 Timothy 3:16), shows the way that we must follow. But there’s even better news than that!

In the past few weeks, Pastor Frank and I have preached on proper Bible study and being a disciple of Christ. These go hand in hand. If we follow the Word (Scripture), we will in turn be following the Word (Jesus Christ). Conversely, we follow the Way (Jesus Christ, John 14:6) by following the way (Psalm 119:105).

This is as clear to us now as ever before, although all throughout Scripture, the Way has been revealed to all those would have ears to hear. In the Old Testament alone, the Ancient Word (Psalm 119:9-16, 160) shows us the Ancient Paths (Jeremiah 6:16), that leads us to the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9-14).

In the New Testament, several messages by Jesus reveal who we are supposed to follow. Luke 14:25-33 is one of the most powerful messages we have about the importance of following Christ, and counting the cost of doing so. But Christ, being the Word, also emphasized the heeding of His Word throughout His ministry, such as in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27).

If we continue to look forward, Paul writes regarding the Truth of God’s Word and the person of Jesus Christ at work simultaneously. In Romans 10:17, faith in Christ comes by hearing the Word. In Colossians 3:16, we are admonished to commit the Word to our hearts so deeply that it dwells in us. In 2 Timothy 2:15, we are told to be accurate handlers of the Word. And in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says as I imitate Christ, imitate me.

Time and time again throughout God’s Holy Word, we are shown how studying, understanding, meditating upon, heeding, and living according to Scripture is vitally united to knowing our Great Shepherd, hearing His voice, and following Him. There is no disconnect; if we wish to follow the Lord, we must follow His Word, and vice versa. Jesus Christ is at the same time the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No part of this is in existence without the other. Since this is the case, the ultimate Truth revealed in the Scripture and realized in the person of Jesus Christ must be considered when following the Lord.

Everyone follows someone. I wonder, who do you follow today? Will you merely profess Christ, and run around listening to everyone but Him? Or will you be a doer of the Word, and not merely a deluded hearer (James 1:22)? Don’t let anyone tell you any differently. Even in 2023,                                        

JESUS

IS

KING.

Soli Deo Gloria,

PJ

RESTRAINER

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

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

JOINED

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Almost everyone is familiar with the phrase, “what God has joined together, let no man (one) separate (put asunder).”   This statement of Christ is found in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9 as He expounds on the concept of monogamous marriage relationships and its significance for humanity.  A Greek word of similar meaning, “proskollao,” also appears in that same context, usually translated in English as “cleave to” or “cleaving to” one’s spouse as in Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, and Ephesians 5:31. “Proskollao” is the strengthened form of the word, “kollao” which expresses the idea of something being glued or cemented together, making “proskollao” even a stronger joining, perhaps like glue versus superglue.

Who doesn’t remember those over-the-top KRAZYGLUE commercials where a construction worker is holding on to his hardhat which is supposedly inseparably attached to a metal beam with the superbly powerful grip of their product. Certainly we all know it’s a “crazy” demonstration, but it definitely communicates the conceptual meaning of this biblically significant word.   

In Romans 12:9, believers are encouraged to “cling” or in a more literal translation, “be joined to” that which is good!  Obviously it’s appreciably better to be identified with, and joined (cemented or glued) to that which is called “good” (as defined by the Lord) than anything of lesser value.  According to 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, Christ’s faithful “examine everything carefully,” holding “fast to that which is good,” while intentionally, with commitment and determination, abstaining “from every form of evil” (again, using the Lord’s definition of evil).

As members of Christ’s body (His church) in Ephesians 2:12, we are uniquely joined and precisely fitted together into our Lord’s “Holy Temple.”  Ephesians 4:16 further expands on this useful illustration stating that the whole body is “fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part.”  In other words, we are perfectly joined by the Lord so that each individual (part/member) supplies (brings to the table) exactly that which is needed in/by His church so Christ’s body functions properly, fully, efficiently, and effectively!  

After considering all these examples of “join” or “joined,” there remains one passage in 1 Corinthians 6:16-17 that demands our sincere and solemn consideration. “Do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her?  For He says, ‘THE TWO SHALL BECOME ONE FLESH.’  But the one who joins himself to the Lord is one spirit with Him.”  Each individual determines to whom or what they are joined … either to Christ Jesus, becoming “one spirit with Him,” or to the enchanting enticements of this world and all of its willful suppressions!    (Romans 1:18-19, “who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.”)  To Whom or what shall we/you be joined?            

— Pastor Frank