acts – Page 2

PERSECUTION…AN EXAMPLE

Posted on April 29, 2022 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 April 29, 2022 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

BELIEVE

Posted on April 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In Acts 16 one finds Paul and Silas ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the community of Thyatira. However, they have been tossed into jail by local magistrates for disrupting some of the town’s commerce when they cast a demon out of a female fortune-teller who was hindering them. According to the biblical text (Acts 16:24) they were placed in the inner prison and their feet were secured in stocks.

Then around midnight (Acts 16:25), while they were praying and singing praises, a great earthquake causes the foundation of the prison to shake (Acts 16:26) and amazingly all doors are opened and everyone’s shackles are unfastened. Needless to say, at that point it’s only logical that all the prisoners would have escaped, but not in this case, instead they all stay, which ultimately saves the life of the jailer (Acts 16:27). Acts 16:28-30 reveals what happened next:

But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!’ And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

Isn’t it incredible how the Lord literally moves heaven and earth to bring one soul … one family, into His Kingdom! Notice their clear answer to the jailer’s question in Acts 16:31:

Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.

The directive is, “Believe in the Lord Jesus” … it’s simple and to the point, only requiring a genuine belief/faith in one thing/person, Jesus Christ! There are no, ZERO, conditions attached!

The Greek word for “believe” used in this passage, “pisteuo” (pronounced – pist-yoo’-o), means to fully commit, put in trust with, to have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing. By implication, in this case, it means to fully (whole-heartedly) entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ!

But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “DO NOT SAY IN YOUR HEART, ‘WHO WILL ASCEND INTO HEAVEN?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), or ‘WHO WILL DESCEND INTO THE ABYSS?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” — that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.
For the Scripture says, “WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.” — Romans 10:6-13

Ever since SALVATION IN CHRIST ALONE came into view, humans have attempted to add something of individual merit to the process without understanding that this approach takes away from the completed work of Jesus Christ. This methodology actually denies the teaching of Christ Himself, the apostles, Christ’s early church, and the revelation of Scripture! In Acts 15:11, after a hearty debate concerning salvation and the part that the “Law of Moses” should play in the conversion of Jews and non-Jews/Gentiles, our early church leaders boldly declared:

We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they also are.

However, here is the persisting problem — salvation doesn’t come by simply stating, “I believe Jesus.” James reminds us that one does well to believe, but according to 2:19 … “the demons also believe, and shudder.” Genuine salvation is placing your full faith/trust in Jesus Christ. When that occurs, a process of spiritual transformation begins which makes one’s belief and/or faith in Jesus Christ absolutely and undeniably evident. According to James 2:18-20 the works of one’s living faith becomes obviously apparent (dynamically observable)! I John 5:1-10 speaks of such undeniable proof … true believers love God, love other believers, follow the Lord’s commandments, overcome the world (its philosophies, lies and fleshly passions), and possess an inner testimony of our Lord’s work that ultimately shines forth from within the heart and soul of Christ’s faithful.

As one looks further into this matter of believing, genuine salvation, and understanding who is a true believer, Hebrews 12:4-11 cannot be ignored. Our Lord is faithful to discipline those He loves for their own benefit (eventual blessing), as well as in accordance with His definitive and decisive plan/purpose. Unquestionably, if one isn’t receiving discipline, then no relationship exists according to Hebrews 12:7:

For what son (child/heir) is there whom his father does not discipline?

Certainly other spiritual qualities confirm one’s position in Christ such as the indwelling presence and abiding power of God’s Holy Spirit in causing believers to bear fruit (John 15:1-11), equipping them with spiritual gifts for service in His Body (Romans 12:3-8), providing supernatural manifestations (I Corinthians 12:7-11), and the substantiating Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25).

Please hear the essential, indispensable questions: Are these qualities/traits yours and are they ever increasing as you live a life of faith (trusting and relying/believing in/on Jesus Christ)? (II Peter 3:4-11) As the Lord’s people, are we laying aside every encumbrance, the sin that so easily entangles us and running with endurance the race He has set before us with our eyes fixed upon Jesus? (Hebrews 12:1-2) If not, isn’t it time to truly, (full-heartedly) believe? Call upon the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ and experience His abundant mercy and grace, then the transformation will begin and you’ll never wonder again if you’re truly saved because the evidence will be apparent, noticeable by you and others as well!

Just do it!

His & Yours,

Pastor Frank

For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
— Titus 3:3-7

MOHAMMED V JESUS

Posted on April 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Mohammed was the prophet of war;

Christ is the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6-7)

Mohammed’s disciples killed for the faith;

Christ’s disciples were killed for their faith. (Acts 12:2; II Timothy 4:6-7)

Mohammed promoted persecution against the “infidels”;

Christ forgave and converted even His chief persecutor. (I Timothy 1:13-15)

Mohammed was the taker of life;

Christ is the giver of life. (John 10:27-28)

Mohammed and his fellow warriors murdered thousands;

Christ murdered none but saved mllions. (John 12:46-48)

Mohammed practiced FORCE;

Christ practiced and preached FAITH. (John 6:29, 35)

Mohammed was a WARRIOR;

Christ is a DELIVERER. (Col. 1:13; I Thess. 1:10)

Mohammed said to the masses, “Convert or die!”;

Christ said, “Believe and live!” (John 6:47; 11:25-26)

Mohammed was swift to shed blood (see the evil spoken of in Romans 3:15-17);

Christ shed His own blood for the salvation of many. (Ephesians 1:7)

Mohammed preached “Death to the infidels!”;

Christ declared “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

Mohammed declared a holy war (Jihad) against infidels;

Christ achieved a holy victory on Calvary’s cross (Colossians 2:14-15) and His followers share in that victory. (John 16:33)

Mohammed constrained people by conquest;

Christ constrains people by love. (II Corinthians 5:14)

Modern terrorists derive their inspiration from Mohammed and carry out their despicable atrocities in the name of his god;

Christians derive their inspiration from the One who said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” (Matthew 5:9)

Modern day disciples of Mohammed respond to the terrorist attacks by cheering in the streets;

Modern day disciples of Christ are deeply grieved by atrocities carried out by those who were “Christians” in name only (the Crusades, the Spanish Inquisition, Westboro Baptist Church, etc.).

Many Muslims claim to be peaceful and peace-loving because they are not strictly following the teachings of their founder;

Many Christians are peaceful and peace-loving because they do strictly follow the teachings of their Founder. (Romans 12:17-21)

Mohammed called upon his servants to fight;

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight . . . but now is My kingdom not from here.” (John 18:36)

Mohammed ordered death to the Jews (see A. Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad, Oxford University Press [1975], p. 369);

Christ ordered that the Gospel be preached “to the Jew first.” (Romans 1:16)

The Koran says, “Fight and slay the Pagans (idolaters, polytheist) wherever ye find them” (Qu’ran 9.5);

Christ said, “Preach the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Mohammed’s mission was to conquer the world for Allah;

Christ’s mission was to conquer sin’s penalty and power by substitutionary atonement, (II Corinthians 5:21;I Peter 3:18)

Mohammed claimed that there was but one God, Allah;

Christ claimed that He was God. (John 10:30-31; John 8:58-59; John 5:18; John 14:9)

Mohammed’s Tomb: OCCUPIED! No assurance of eternal life.

Christ’s tomb: EMPTY! Full assurance of life. (John 3:16)

JIHAD VS THE GOSPEL Jihad is the “peak” of Islam, held up by the five and the second greatest command of Muhammad. It is not only commended, but clearly commanded in the Quran. Even though the crusades ended many centuries ago, Islamic Jihad is carried out right now, to this day! Millions of people have been slaughtered throughout the centuries by Islamic militants – such as in 1915, the slaughter of 1.5 millions Armenians in Turkey. Christians have continued to be slaughtered by Islamic militants throughout the world as well. We don’t kill people because they fail to believe, instead we pray!

Therefore, before faithful New Testament believers buy into the lie of this so called “peaceful religion” or accept some responsibility for the atrocities of the Catholic endorsed crusades, which ended over 700 years ago … it would be extremely wise to first learn from reliable sources what the crusades were all about, study Islamic teachings, and consider the track record of Jihad over the last 14 centuries.

Do it! His & Yours, Pastor Frank

NEW

Posted on April 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

As we approach a new year in 2016, I’m praying that each of us will fully embrace with great anticipation our position/role in Christ’s plan for our church/ministry, as well as in our lives and family. Just in case one hasn’t figured it out yet, our Lord is always up to something “new,” and unquestionably He has plenty of “new” lined up for you!

In Mark 2:22 Jesus states:

No one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the wine will burst the skins, and the wine is lost and the skins as well; but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins.

In this text, Christ reminds the Hebrew people that His presence with humanity (see John 1:14) was something “new,” and He wanted the people to clearly understand that this newness (or current fulfillment of God’s promises) unmistakably signaled the passing of the old. Any attempt to bind the newness of His Gospel to the old religion of Judaism is as futile as trying to patch an old (‎Gk – palaion‎, “worn out by use”) garment with a new, unshrunk piece of cloth. When the new (‎Gk – kainon‎, “qualitatively new”) piece (‎Gk- pleroma‎, “fullness”) becomes wet, it will shrink, pull away from the old, and make a larger hole.

It is equally disastrous to pour new (Gk – ‎neon‎, “fresh”), not fully fermented, wine into old (‎Gk – palaious‎, “worn out by use,” with no elasticity, brittle) wineskins. Inevitably, as the new wine ferments (expands), it will burst the skins and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Salvation, available through Jesus, was not to be mixed with the old Hebrew/Judaistic system of legalism (religious laws, statutes, and regulations) as explained in John 1:17:

For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

Jesus taught:

1. He came to save sinners by/through grace and truth!

2. He didn’t come for those that wanted to remain in the status

quo … dead religion … instead He offered grace and truth!

3. He came to introduce the new by/through grace and truth —

not to patch up or attempt a revitalization or remodeling of

the old!

Jesus came to relentlessly usher in the new, not to unite with the old. The Mosaic system was decaying, getting very old, and ready to vanish away (See Hebrews 8:13). Therefore, Christ fulfilled and abolished the old so that every believer would have a new life in Him (See II Corinthians 5:17). The Lord established this New Covenant in/by His blood (See Luke 22:19-20) and this new Law would be written on human hearts, not on stones or tablets (See II Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 10:15-18). Additionally, the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit would enable His people to live rightly/righteously (See Romans 8:1-4).

By using this illustration, the Lord refuted once and for all, the popular idea of a compromising “world religion.” Well-meaning but spiritually blind leaders often suggest that we take “the best” from each religion, blend it with what is “best” in the Christian faith, and thus manufacture a synthetic faith that would be acceptable to everybody.

But the Christian faith is exclusive in character; it will not accept any other faith as its equal or its superior. Remember, according to Acts 4:12:

There is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved!

Salvation is not a partial patching up of one’s old life … instead, we put on something new. (See Isaiah 61:10) II Corinthians 5:21 declares:

He (Father God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Therefore, the Christian life that each of us will embark upon in 2016 is not a mixing of one’s old life with the new; rather, the old being crucified and transformed (Gk – metamorfousthe – from Romans 12:1-2 meaning completely changed) into the new. An acorn is planted in the ground and it is ultimately destroyed, but out of that seed pops an oak tree! Small ones, young ones, big ones, and not so young ones — all reaching for new heights because of the our relationship with Christ!

Are you ready? May 2016 be a year when each of us is …

Like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he/she does, he/she prospers.
Psalm 1:3

That’s my prayer for all of us this year.

His & Yours, Pastor Frank

RESURRECTION

Posted on March 29, 2022March 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Being raised from the dead has three primary meanings in our Old and New Testament Scriptures.

1. Miraculous Healings In this usage, resurrection refers to individuals who have been brought back to life from death (resuscitated). Such raisings are recorded in: I Kings 17:20-24 (a widow’s son), II Kings 4:32-37 (the Shunammite’s son), and when a dead man’s body touches Elisha’s bones in II Kings 13:21. Mark 5:41-43 records Christ raising Jairus’ daughter, and in John 11:43-44 Lazarus comes alive after already being entombed. Peter is used by the Lord to raise Dorcas in Acts 9:40-41, and Paul ministers resurrection to Eutychus in Acts 20:9-12. It is important to note that in each of these biblically recorded (as witnessed by many) resurrection cases, there is no suggestion or evidence that these individuals would not again experience physical death.

2. Our Lord’s Resurrection His resurrection is undeniably linked in the New Testament with victory over all the powers of both sin and death. For Paul, and us, Christ’s resurrection (as witnessed by many) is the basis for the doctrine of resurrection.

(See I Corinthians 15:12-19)

3. Human Resurrection Many of the Greek philosophers, such as Plato, believed that an immortal soul inhabited a body, and that at death the soul left its bodily prison and soared upward to the divine spirit. In the Old Testament, we learn that “Sheol” is actually the place of the dead, a form of weakened existence. However, it was a faithful Hebrew’s firm belief that the righteous dead would yet again see God. (See Job 19:26) Upon this expectation was laid the foundation concerning the resurrection of righteous individuals to life!

The Hebrew peoples’ concepts of the resurrection were born out of her relationship to God throughout their tumultuous history. The prophet Isaiah seems to express a view that the wicked would face eternal separation from God, while the faithful will come to experience a bodily resurrection. (See Isaiah 26:14 & 19)

In addition, God’s prophet Daniel announced:

Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. (See Daniel 12:2)

Our New Testament scriptures consistently teach a hope (confident expectation) in a physical resurrection unto life for every genuine believer, based upon the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the “firstborn from the dead.” (See I Corinthians 15:12-58; Colossians 1:18; I Thessalonians 4:14-18; I Peter 1:3-5) This concept of a physical, bodily resurrection is also expressed in terms such as a transformed body (See Philippians 3:21) and new clothing. (See II Corinthians 5:4; Revelation 6:11) The scriptures also contrast the resurrection unto life with a resurrection unto judgment. (See John 5:29; Acts 24:15) A similar contrast also lies behind the statements in Revelation 20 about the first resurrection (which is that unto life) (See verse 5), and those who are part of the resurrection unto judgment, who ultimately face the lake of fire and the second death. (See verses 12-14)

Sadly, not all who attempted to be identified with Christ’s Church proclaimed the truth of a future resurrection. In fact, some preached a spiritual awakening, or resurrection, that had already taken place. This view point was adopted by Hymenaeus and Philetus and later promoted by Gnostic heretics. Needless to say they were sternly rebuked and condemned by the Apostle Paul. (See II Timothy 2:17-19)

Do you believe in resurrection? If so, let’s gather as genuine believers for a earnest, heartfelt, jubilant celebration on Sunday, April 16! It’s victory over sin and death … a time for rejoicing in the precious gift of life, life abundant and everlasting, which has been bestowed upon us through faith in our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ! Let’s do it!

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

— PF

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

Posted on March 29, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Certainly, as an American citizen, one has the right to generally say whatever one desires about whomever or whatever one may choose as a right protected by our nation’s constitution. Benjamin Franklin once stated:

Freedom of speech is a principal pillar of a free government; when this support is taken away, the constitution of a free society is dissolved and tyranny is erected on its ruins.

However, in March of 2016, a post-grad student at the University of Sheffield was expelled from a college course for making a personal Facebook comment about same sex marriage. Felix Ngole, a committed believer, was found guilty of “bringing the profession into disrepute” because he quoted a biblical text in his post. While we, as American Christians, are indeed empowered to stand against those attempting to make a mockery of our faith and our right to speak openly and freely, we also have a higher mandate and deeper obligation to align ourselves in our personal speech with the truths that we claim to uphold and adhere to in/with our lives.

Unquestionably, Jesus spoke freely concerning truth, whether rightful in the sight of the law, the lawmakers, or the audience. However, His words were always (100%) molded and guided by God’s Holy Spirit … actually being the exact same response that God the Father would have spoken in the same situation. Was He prepared to offend? Surely. God created human beings with the ability to use logic, reason, and participate in forms of argumentation. In fact, many of Christ’s teachings were designed to appeal to these exact traits found within humanity. We are not to be treated as delicate little feathers who must be personally protected from dissenting views.

In reality, there will always be a vocal minority, or in even in some cases, the majority who will oppose almost anything. Some will be totally against truth — anything having to do with God, Christ, or the Bible, as well as any concepts working to distinguish the absolutes of right and wrong, or values and mores of righteous Christian living. Therefore, are believers free to say anything they want about anyone or anything they want, whenever they want? Colossians 4:6 reminds us:

Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Actually, at least for me, it’s difficult to combine GRACE (the idea/spirit of unmerited/undeserved favor) with SALT (endurance, offering preservation against corruption, wise, moral value, wholesome, and a lasting or proven worth) as part of the same ideal/concept in my speech … with my words. Yet, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, this is my scriptural admonition.

In the above stated passage, believers are instructed concerning their conversations. The very words that are spoken should both exemplify and recommend the ways of Christ and His word. Let them be not only pure, as well as holy, but wise, gracious, and intelligent. Often a harsh method of defending or proposing sound doctrine and/or a Christian lifestyle only serves to repel individuals from the truth they so desperately need in their lives, including the forgiveness of sin and Christ’s indescribable gift of salvation.

This verse also encourages a judicially managed discourse … “so that you will know how you should respond to each person .” In Acts 17:16-34, the Apostle Paul is ministering at the Areopagus. Instead of using biblical texts and arguments familiar to a monotheistic God-fearing group of native of proselytized Jews, He communicates reasonably, graciously, and persuasively with truth in an uncompromising fashion. However, guided by God’s Holy Spirit, he speaks to a biblically illiterate, pagan audience in a style and with terminology they can fully comprehend. That’s GRACE and SALT!

Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this. Acts 17:32-34

So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed.

While most of us find great joy in the liberty we call “freedom of speech” as Americans, it’s difficult to support this concept as a pure “Christian right.” We speak or share the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Christians do not allow their speech cause them to sin (Ecclesiastes 5:6), and in fact, we put aside abusive speech (Colossians 3:8). According to Titus 2:8, believers speak soundly, which is above reproach, and not against one another (James 4:11). It actually all comes down to this from Colossians 3:17:

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Our freedom of speech, as faithful followers of the Lord, Jesus Christ, is a tremendous blessing and great opportunity of speaking that which glorifies the Lord and is guided/directed by His Holy Spirit in agreement with His word/truth. We are equipped, as no others … just as Christ was while carrying out His mission on earth … just as the Apostle Paul did in Athens, to speak as the utterances of God (I Peter 4:11) in, and to, every situation and circumstance.

What do you think, can we do this? — PF

STAND FIRM

Posted on March 25, 2022March 25, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul uses this term 3 times in four consecutive verses as he provides spiritual training to the believers in Ephesus. The first use in verse 11 uses the Greek word “steenai” from the root “hestemi” referring to one’s steadfastness of faith/belief being employed against the “schemes (the crafty, deceitful, and cunning devices) of the devil.”

Moving on down in the biblical text to verse 13, we find Paul using “antisteenai” as instruction to boldly, after being clothed in the full armor of God, oppose, resist, and withstand evil, with the resulting consequence being one who is doing everything (“all”) possible to be immovable (stand firm as in verse 11, Greek — “steenai”) with the snap and curtness of a military command! This is to be obeyed at once and once for all. The biblical implication is a once-for-all action for any follower of Jesus Christ throughout their entire life.

Paul then uses the active imperative Greek verb, “steete” at the outset of verse 14 in view of the previous statement. The significance of what one is upholding by standing firm is very similar to the Apostle having to stand trial for the cause of resurrection, and in particular, that of Christ’s! (See Acts 23-26)

By these actions, a genuine believer quickly discovers who their enemies are, and how/when they come on the attack. We know where our strength lies, and quickly come to understand that prevailing through Truth and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit is the only option.

Therefore, we are to stand firm, stand firm, stand firm against all … every false religion, false doctrine, and each of the various winds of man-made, skewed doctrines that invade the body of Christ and prey upon its somewhat susceptible members. Every one of Christ’s sincere followers must be on the alert for shrewd, astute, calculating individuals, and insidious and crafty strategies, along with devils/demons that lie in wait to deceive God’s chosen.

While these foes are numerous and mighty, the idea of “standing firm” is not simply a defensive posture where one attempts to hold their ground, but the main idea of this Greek word, “pros,” most certainly implies taking affirmative action directly against each and every enemy force or power. However, fully engaging in this activity requires the individual to be entirely protected by, and completely within, the full armor of God. Therefore, believers are undeniably and indisputably called to recognize the following:

We do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh (worldly or carnal) but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We (as Christ’s faithful disciples) are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.
II Corinthians 10:3-6

Now this doesn’t mean or even imply that Christ’s people are out prowling around looking to pick a fight, (that’s what the enemies of Christianity do – I Peter 5:8) but that we are alert, equipped, ready, and able to “stand firm” … victorious against all attempts to obstruct the liberating Truth of the Word and Christ’s Gospel!

Perhaps, in our modern-day society where serious theological study is nil, personal biblical application is found often waning, and where the culture is often over-stimulated by electronic media and entertainment, one of the greatest dangers lies in not being able to recognize or effectively and accurately identify the lurking and cunning approach of the enemy(s).

In these passages, Paul does not discuss the theory of war. Instead, he simply draws from the familiar, that which was a matter of fact in his world. Undoubtedly, a warrior differs from the merchant or the farmer in that he is constantly dealing with the antagonist and conflict. The soldier also differs from the athlete of ancient Olympic Games in that his antagonist is not merely a competitor, but an enemy out to steal, kill, and destroy!

Nonetheless, this metaphor as used by the Apostle, seems to correspond perfectly to the real case scenario of the normal (if there is such a thing) Christian life/experience. Believers are not merely involved in a struggle for spiritual successes; he/she is, before everything else, engaged in a unpleasant contest with implacable enemies. The forces arrayed against us are such that they oblige every genuine Christian to neglect no precaution, spare no exertion, and accomplish whatever is required to escape defeat!

May we be always found, “standing firm!” — PF

FELLOWSHIP

Posted on March 21, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

WHO NEEDS IT ANYWAY?

Many believers have adopted such an attitude for various reasons, and offer numerous excuses of why they don’t or won’t fellowship with other believers. Perhaps a biblical definition would help curve that attitude into something of authentic value. As with many things, a broader or better understanding often results in a new perspective.

God has provided and revealed His direct thoughts through the Bible, but as time passes, some of His concepts have grown obscure in our culture and become ambiguous. We somehow manage to morph His intentions into our own comfortable practices, often discounting the true intent and purpose of His Word/Truth. The biblical concept of fellowship among Christians/Believers is one that has been especially confused within the framework of Christ’s Church!

Today, churches have fellowship halls, fellowship dinners, home fellowships and various fellowship groups, etc, etc. However, very few have actual fellowship … and yet for a Body of Christ (church) that seeks to be guided and directed in principle and practice by the New Testament, fellowship is absolutely essential. The well-being and spiritual development of the entire body/church, as well as that of every individual participant, is directly impacted by the type and quality of fellowship one experiences in their church.

So, what is fellowship as purposed/intended by the Lord? As one looks back into church history and digs into the original languages of the Bible, there are several significant facts that illuminate God’s projected meaning/intent for fellowship among His faithful.

The first fact concerns the meaning of the Greek root word “koinos.” This term is a prefix in ancient Greek from which our English word, “fellowship” or “koinonia” is derived. If you were to add this prefix to various words like “living,” “owning a purse,” “a dispute,” or “mother,” you would get words meaning “living in community together,” “owning a purse in common,” “a public dispute,” and “having a mother in common.” The root of the word “fellowship” means “to hold something in common.”

The Greek word “koinonia” would be commonly used to describe corporations, labor guilds, partners in a law firm, and the most intimate of marriage relationships. Therefore, from the usage of the word, we can conclude that fellowship is a word denoting a relationship that is dependent on more than one individual . . . an interdependent relationship.

I Corinthians 1:9 states:

God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note this – the word “fellowship” is never used in the biblical text concerning a relationship between humanity and deity until after God’s Holy Spirit indwells believers, making it an exclusive post-Pentecost experience/connection/affiliation! Initially, fellowship focused in on spiritual unity, a personal relationship as emphasized in Philemon 6, II Corinthians 13:14 and Philippians 2:1.

Nobody had to come to the disciples and other new believers on the day of Pentecost and say, “Now you need to go practice fellowship.” God’s Holy Spirit had come upon all these people and uniquely formed a bond of unity! Their inclination (not natural, but supernatural through God’s Spirit), thanks to their new nature in Christ Jesus, was to exercise it outwardly. Acts 2:41-47 speaks clearly:

So then, those who had received his (Peter’s teaching) word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

This is fellowship, not as a concept or idea, but as an action in the midst of His church! If one was to remove themselves from these activities, they would no longer be experiencing fellowship with other believers. Fellowship was unquestionably a hallmark of Christ’s early church, yet today it’s been sadly reduced to annual potluck dinners despite the admonition of Scripture. I John 1:6-7 presents genuine fellowship as the obvious by-product of an authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ:

If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Let’s rediscover the truth and value of Fellowship –PF

STRENGTH

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God, the God who girds me with strength and makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, and sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.
Psalm 18:31-35

The Hebrew word “chaayi” — translated here as “strength” — is used approximately 244 times in the Old Testament, with about 20 of those references in the Psalms related to God’s might/omnipotence. In this passage, “strength” is used in an absolute state which indicates possession; thus God is viewed as girding (binding up) the psalmist with His strength.

It’s important to note that in a practical sense, or modern-day application, the phrase “girds me with strength” means to make strong — assuring the readers that, in context, it is the one true God that is working to make the writer strong.

Our psalmist is now a warrior, being trained for war with a might far above all other created sources or strengths! Without this wondrous girding/belt, he would have been feeble, with uncertain energies and a misguided or misdirected human force/ability. Now, however, he himself is daring in purpose, courageous, and in possession of, or perhaps possessed by, a concentrated, holy power.

Have we too, as believers, and Christ’s disciples, been made more than human conquerors? Are we fully equipped and empowered from on-high with strength and might greater than anything known to humanity?

If yes, then let us ascribe all the glory and honor to Him Who has girded us with His own inexhaustible strength — that we might be unwearied during our pilgrimage of faith, and victorious throughout our battles with the world, the flesh and the devil (our enemy, Satan).

As we turn to our New Testament, we find the Apostle Paul, early in his ministry (Acts 9:22), “increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” The Greek word used here, “endunamoo,” translated “increasing in strength,” is a compound word from the Greek root word “dunamis,” meaning power. Should we even question or ever wonder what’s actually at work in him?

It was also this same apostle, who, in Philippians 4:13, boldly declares, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Do you suppose he had been girded with strength from the Lord above?

I Peter 4:11 brings this concept home for us… for each of our own individual, day-to-day lives –

Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Now, as many of you have already anticipated, this lands us right in Ephesians 6:10-17:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 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. Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Whose armor is this? Is He not girding us with His strength? –PF