faith – Page 2

WALK

Posted on March 31, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Yes, I walk my dog (Wof-E-Too) twice a day, morning and evening (Brenda usually goes with us in the evening), rain or shine, except on Saturday, when I do the morning, and Sunday when I do the evening. Brenda catches Saturday night because we work late and Sunday morning because I head out to our early service and I’m usually on a tight schedule. This has been a consistent pattern for me for many years, first with Wof-E and now with Too. Recently, one of my doctors told me that people who walk their dogs regularly/daily live better, more productive, and even longer lives, which, while I don’t know the source of his data, certainly sounds valuable and there is plenty of data on the benefit of walking in general (dog excluded).

As we approach 2017, going for a daily “walk” may be an excellent New Year’s resolution; however, the Apostle Paul reminds us in I Timothy 4:8 that “bodily discipline is only of little profit (which doesn’t mean no benefit), but godliness is profitable for all things.” Therefore, I’d like to challenge you to also seriously consider another “walk” this year.

In the Old Testament there is a very interesting Hebrew word, yeelkuw, translated into English as “walk” in Micah 4:5. This passage provides hope for Israel’s future restoration (including Christ’s Kingdom on earth), where two types of individuals/people are referenced. Some “walk” after their own god while others “walk” in the name of the one true Lord God. The Hebrews must, in confident reliance, stand upon God’s promises and covenant, being steadfast in preserving and participating in continuous obedience as true and faithful worshipers of their one true Lord. However, the nations around them, who were superior in power, military, and economic strength, as well as in numbers/population, continued to “walk” after their (own) many gods.

Obviously the word “walk” in these passages is referring to something other than walking the dog around the block or walking for health benefits. This “walk” is uniformly used throughout the biblical text in reference to an individual or nation’s (people group) moral and spiritual life or direction/path/lifestyle … meaning some lived in agreement with God’s statutes that guided their lives, while others lived in accordance with different/pagan views/beliefs and lifestyles.

Below are five clear examples of this concept from our Old Testament scriptures. 1) Genesis 5:22 – Enoch walked with God. 2) Isaiah 2:5 – The prophet issued a challenge to walk in the light of the Lord rather than in the ways of other pagan religions. 3) II Chronicles 17:4 – Jehoshaphat walked in the ways of David and did not seek the baals. 4) Genesis 17:1 – God Almighty (El-Shaddai) challenged Abram (Abraham) to walk before Him (in His presence, in relationship with Him) and be blameless. 5) Ezekiel 36:27 – Through His prophet, the Lord promised to put His Spirit within His people and cause them to walk according to His statutes.

The New Testament, also provides similar statements, affirmations, and encouragements:

II Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

II Corinthians 10:3-4 – “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.”

Galatians 5:16-17 – “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Ephesians 4:1-3 – “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Ephesians 5:8-10 – “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.”

Seems we may all have some more walking to do! Would you like to have a different walk in 2017? Perhaps a more fruitful, productive, and beneficial walk? Based on these scriptures, and many more, I am confident that the Lord desires each of us to walk with Him. In this new year, each of us will walk … either under the influence of deceitful, lying, pagan deities/philosophies which attempt to define life, goodness, and happiness, or in a genuine relationship with Christ as one’s Saviour, friend, and Lord.

Will you choose to walk with HIM?

FAITH & FREEDOM

Posted on March 18, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Over the past 34 years of our newsletters, I’ve written numerous articles on various aspects of “faith” and volumes on the subject of “freedom.” They are undoubtedly 2 of my favorite topics because both are absolutely essential elements of abundant and successful Christian living this side of Heaven or Christ’s Kingdom! Today, I will connect some of the dots between faith and political, as well as spiritual, freedom.

The USA is unquestionably the freest, strongest, and most prosperous nation in all of history. This miraculous development is in large part thanks to one American leader’s significant contribution of bravery in battle, perseverance through hardships, patience with those who opposed him, and wisdom while in power. This astonishing, gallant, Virginian rode a majestic white horse and actually lived by the ideals of which he spoke. There were not many dry eyes in America on September 17, 1796 when George Washington announced his final farewell from public life. At that moment, he stated that the survival of freedom in our nation would have nothing to do with him, and everything to do with the character of its people and the government that they would elect. He said,

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, … religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all the connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

Washington knew well that a nation’s laws spring from its morals and that its morals spring from its “religion.” The religion of which Washington spoke was clear to all who knew him: “It is impossible to govern rightly without God and the Bible.” Unquestionably, “religion,” as used by President Washington, was faith in God/Jesus Christ and His Word, the Bible!

In his essay, “What I Saw In America,” the Englishman G. K. Chesterton observed that

America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed. That creed is set forth with dogmatic and even theological lucidity in the Declaration of Independence.

Chesterton was referring to the second paragraph of America’s founding document which states:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The very starting point of the Declaration’s argument was faith in the “Creator!” Have you ever considered the similarity of this statement to the Apostle Paul’s initial proposition in Romans 1:19-20? …

because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

YIKES-seems like our founders believed, by faith, in the CREATOR referenced in Romans 1!

While I’m constantly amazed at the bondage many believers choose to live in (Galatians 3:1-5), as well as gaps of faith that destroy one’s joy and peace in everyday life, one must come to recognize that spiritual freedom is the free gift from God (Romans 5:15), and that it only comes to individuals who believe the truth of Jesus Christ (John 8:32).

Then, upon that faith, one is able to live daily by faith (in God/Christ and His Word – Galatians 2:20), free from the bondage of this world’s system’s sin and death (Romans 8:2-4). That faith is the very root of one’s own spiritual freedom in Christ, and the only valid, sustaining basis of political freedom/liberty in society.

Remember, without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Is that true for a nation and its leaders as well? What is a nation without faith in the one true God? Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord! (Psalm 33:12)

Are we, as the people of America, able to declare, “In God we trust,” or is that so politically incorrect that it’s being swept under the carpet in absolute denial and complete rejection of the Creator that was openly acknowledged at the birth of our great nation? Only a fool declares, there is no God (Psalm 14:1) … and whose country is it anyway … our government’s, the politicians’, the people’s or the Lord’s (Job 12:23-25)?

I know, lots to think and pray about … His & Yours, PF

WAITING

Posted on March 10, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Generally, waiting is not something of great pleasure when one lives in a culture and society that often seems to crave the instant. Who doesn’t break with their basket to the shortest line at the grocery store or quickly position one’s vehicle to secure the nearest open fuel pump? Nonetheless, waiting is a part of everyone’s daily life, whether one likes/enjoys/embraces it or not. In a similar way, believers may experience the perceived difficulty, or even the frustration, of having to patiently wait, while the Lord is up to something for His glory and purpose that far outweighs the delayed fulfillment, gratification, or satisfaction of the immediate.

In Psalm 25:3 we are reminded, “Indeed, none of those who wait for You will be ashamed!” Then, consider the sincere, committed, faith statement proclaimed in verse 5, “Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day.” Listen to the urgent cry of one who is fully trusting and relying on the Lord in verse 21, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.” The last portion of this statement could also be properly translated, “I have,” or “I place my hope in You.” In this biblical context, to lose hope would be surrendering the future to the enemy, and even works to destroy the meaning of the present. By embracing the waiting, King David demonstrates his confidence in the Lord, His design, purpose, plan, etc. Therefore, the waiting is the pathway to God’s provision!

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.
Isaiah 40:28-31

As we approach Christmas, the time believers have set aside to celebrate our Lord’s first coming (Advent) and the promises of His eminent return (2nd Advent/Coming), perhaps it’s good for us to consider the endurance of the Old Testament prophets and the faithful, as they waited and watched for the promised Messiah, the Anointed One, Christ Jesus! From Genesis 3:15 until His birth (thousands of years) they lived in confident anticipation awaiting His appearing (1st Advent) in accordance with over 300 Old Testament prophecies (all completed by 450 BC) concerning our Lord’s birth, life, ministry, death and resurrection. Mathematically speaking, the odds of anyone fulfilling this amount of prophecy are staggering … 1 person fulfilling 8 prophecies – 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000; 1 person fulfilling 48 prophecies – 1 chance in 10 to the 157th power; 1 person fulfilling 300+ prophecies — Only Jesus!

Nevertheless, He came! Just consider all that happened while they waited … He came at the appointed time (See Galatians 4:4-5) and “Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.“ (Romans 15:4)

Today, we find ourselves, as New Testament believers, waiting. But we wait in full faith, genuine hope (confident expectation) — knowing and believing, based on history (His Story), the promises of our Lord. However, in the wait, there is much to be gained if we can grasp the proper perspective and escape our demands for the instant. By the way, instant coffee or tea cannot be compared to that which was allowed to brew properly!

Yes, fellow believers and servants of Jesus Christ … think about this … there is most likely a really good reason/purpose for the wait!

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

Pastor Frank

I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His Word do I hope.

— Psalm 130:5

You are my hiding place and my shield; wait for Your Word.

— Psalm 119:114

REFORMATION

Posted on November 4, 2020November 4, 2020 by West Oaks Fellowship

While this word doesn’t appear in our Bibles, it is a very important word within the framework of New Testament Christianity, meaning, “the action or process of reforming an institution or practice.”

On October 31, 1517, a significant event took place for all believers, and it wasn’t Halloween! A dynamic protest was birthed – Reformation Day — which commemorates what was perhaps one of the greatest moves of God’s Holy Spirit since the works of the Apostles in Christ’s first century Church. So one asks, “What is the significance of Reformation Day?”

At that time, few would have suspected that the sound of a hammer striking the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany would soon be heard distinctly, and ultimately lead to the greatest transformation of Western society since the Apostles first preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman empire. Martin Luther’s nailing of his “Ninety-Five Theses” to the church door provoked a debate that culminated in what we now call the Protestant (Protest) Reformation.

Initially protesting the Pope’s attempt to sell salvation, Luther’s continual (unrelenting search for truth) study of Scripture soon led him to oppose the church of Rome on issues including the authority and supremacy of the Bible over church tradition, as well as the means by which an individual becomes righteous in the sight of God.

Though clearly declared throughout the New Testament, and found in the writings of many of our early church fathers, the medieval Roman Catholic bishops and priests had largely forgotten the truth that one’s own good works cannot/will not gain God’s favor. Salvation is by grace alone (Sola Gratia), through faith alone (Sola Fide), in Christ alone (Solus Christus / Solo Christo).

A believer’s good works are a result of his/her faith, not a means by which one obtains salvation/redemption and/or the forgiveness of sin. (See Ephesians 2:8-10). One’s justification (God’s declaration of … “not guilty”) and righteousness in His sight, comes through faith, by which the Father imputes or reckons to a true believer’s account — the perfect righteousness of Christ Jesus!

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
2 Corinthians 5:21

Martin Luther’s rediscovery of this truth led to a whole swarm of other church and societal reforms … reformation. Much of what we, as believers, take for granted in today’s churches would have likely been impossible had he never studied the scriptures diligently, and then fervently protested! Luther’s translation of the Bible into German put the Word of God in the hands of the common people — a language they could clearly understand. This reformed the Latin church mass by putting the liturgy into a common tongue, allowing non-scholars to actually hear and understand the teaching and preaching of God’s Word. Worship also experienced complete reformation … God’s people could now sing with clarity, songs with words and meanings the congregation could fully embrace/comprehend.

Luther also lifted the unbiblical ban on marriage for the clergy, and by his own teaching and example radically transformed the concept of church ministry as well as the institution itself. In addition, Luther’s protests recaptured the biblical concepts concerning the priesthood of each and every follower of Jesus Christ.

We should all understand and gratefully consider the importance of the Protestant (Protest) Reformation. May we equip ourselves to be knowledgeable proclaimers and defenders of biblical truth, eager to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Christ, thereby sparking a new reformation for Christ’s 21^st century church and our culture. Isn’t it about time and desperately needed?

What then shall we do?

His & Yours,