foundation

AMERICA

Posted on May 3, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

Some familiar words from one of our most popular patriotic songs . . .

America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!

In the refrain above, one sings of God’s grace being poured out, or “shed” on America. Undoubtedly this has been true throughout certain periods of our incredible history and undeniably, according to the scripture (See Daniel 2:21, Acts 17:26), this nation was birthed and exists to glorify the Lord. When our Lord formed and raised up the nation of Israel as a witness to the world of the One True God, He Himself declared:

So keep and do them (the Lord’s commands), for that is your wisdom and your understanding in sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him? Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?

While we, as believers and Americans, fully understand that this scripture refers specifically to the Hebrew people as they walked in obedience, the underlying spiritual principle remains true for any and every nation that understands their formation was by Him, and their very existence is perpetuated according to His ultimate plan and purpose. Thus, the admonition of Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people (people group, culture, nation, etc.),” remains distinctly true for us in America today, as well as for every nation currently functioning on our planet.

However, there is one great distinction that exquisitely, yet blatantly and irrefutably appears in the formation of these United States …the biblically-based faith of our nation’s founders and the influence of those beliefs upon the design, development, and organization of this great land.

While certainly the structure wasn’t (and still isn’t) perfect, and obviously reflected several human flaws such as those of slavery and women’s rights, the understanding of it’s imperfection was undoubtedly a divinely inspired building block offering opportunities for spiritual development.

America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control, Thy liberty in law!

Today in our somewhat hostile environment towards anything labeled Christian (admitably not that everything labeled Christian is biblical Christianity), many choose to argue, or attempt to refute in ignorance the simple facts, the overwhelming, absolutely undeniable evidence, that a firm belief in one true God and Jesus Christ as redeemer of mankind provided an unyielding and stable foundation for our nation’s then inventive and resourceful paradigm of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

America! America! May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness, And ev’ry gain divine!

When it comes to America, I’m always drawn to topics of study that include the concepts of both political and spiritual liberty/freedom. That’s primarily due to the fact that political freedom can only be achieved and maintained in a society that experiences spiritual freedom, and has been liberated from the holds and bondage of sin’s separation from God, and its consequential spiritual depravity, destruction, and death. Therefore, consider these irrefutable words that provide unambiguous transparency and obvious, comprehensible evidence of our forefathers’ persevering convictions and biblicaly-based faith!

… with firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. — The Declaration of Independence

We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. — John Adams

Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.–Benjamin Franklin

The Bible is the best of all books, for it is the word of God and teaches us the way to be happy in this world and in the next. Continue therefore to read it and to regulate your life by its precepts. — John Jay

Religion and virtue are the only foundations, not of republicanism and of all free government, but of social felicity under all government and in all the combinations of human society.–Samuel Adams

And to the same Divine Author of every good and perfect gift we are indebted for all those privileges and advantages, religious and civil, which are so richly enjoyed in this favored land. — James Madison

The Hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations. — George Washington

Nothing but grace, peace, hope, liberty, and freedom for all through Christ Jesus our Lord! — Pastor Frank

ANNIVERSARY

Posted on April 19, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

An anniversary is the commemoration or celebration of a past event that occurs annually on the same date of the year as the initial, inaugural event. Needless to say, the simplest example would be one’s wedding anniversary. As far as we know, this word was first used in relation to religious memorial days that venerated various saints. These feasts were similar to those associated with Judaism when the Hebrew people gathered to worship the Lord and express their gratitude for all His work in their nation, as well as in their individual lives and families.

This June, West Oaks Fellowship will observe her 30th anniversary. In some ways it seems like only yesterday when a handful of young committed believers gathered in hopes of forming a new ministry in association with Westheimer Baptist Church/First Baptist West Houston. As that aspiration quickly diminished, we came to believe that the Lord was leading us to embrace what seemed to be the next best viable option … start an independent, biblically based ministry/church/fellowship.

There I was, 30 years old and wading out deep in unfamiliar waters with no bridge back. Sure, I had led Sonburst (a Jesus band that I was instrumental in forming in 1972), organized and managed my own construction businesses, and served in staff positions for several ministries, but now I was truly out on my own as Christ’s undershepherd … fully responsible and accountable for His flock/people. Yes, it was somewhat of an intimidating position; one matched only by the loss of my parents and 19 friends in our youth group at age 18 on December 26, 1972, seven months after I had graduated from high school. Unquestionably, it was truly sink or swim, yet every time I think about those early days of this ministry, then called Grace Church, I am overwhelmed by His abundant grace, and I find myself eternally grateful for three essential elements that God had uniquely orchestrated and put in place for that day and the initial formative years of WOF:

1. A supporting bride (Brenda) who was succeeding in her own businesses which provided us with not only the funds needed for our well-being, but resources to help underwrite this newly-born New Testament based ministry.

2. A few godly young men (all around 30) and their wives (some singles too), who loved God, respected one another, and knew His word. They gave consistently, sacrificially, and responsibly to the ministry of both their time and resources and each of them stepped up to provide the leadership we needed to insure that our initial steps were positioned on a sure, unshakable foundation.

3. Then, there were all those that came without much expectation (cheap chairs and creative uses of spaces), but with a strong desire to seek and know the Lord more intimately. Most, wholeheartedly and enthusiastically, even though perhaps nervously, embraced the vision of becoming a church patterned in accordance with the concepts found in the New Testament rather than that of any particular denomination or church entity.

Over the last 30 years, we’ve experienced innumerable blessings, been through some truly difficult seasons, and witnessed a few marked moments when one could certainly declare, “How marvelous, how wonderful is our Savior’s love for us!” At times our tears, which have been plentiful, have been turned to rejoicing and our sorrows to hope (confident expectation in Him) and celebration. His faithfulness has guided us through each and every dark time, caused us to overcome seemingly overwhelming odds and difficulties and yet at the same time, learn to be jubilant in the victories. Through it all, we’ve grown stronger through the trials, becoming steadfast and unrelenting in our pursuit of genuine spiritual transformation. (See Romans 12:1-2, II Corinthians 5:17) Furthermore, scores of lasting, authentic, meaningful, Christ-centered relationships/friendships have emerged within our church body at WOF, providing biblical encouragement, acceptance, and support for one another. (See I Thessalonians 5:11, Romans 15:7) The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been affirmed as TRUTH, and God’s Word has been boldly declared with uncompromising passion in well over 3500 public presentations. (See I Corinthians 1:22-25, II Timothy 4:1-5)

Have you ever considered that throughout our fellowship’s history, over 15,000 songs of worship and praise, along with many of the enduring hymns of Christ’s church, have been offered in declaration of God’s character/nature and in adoration of the Lord? (See Ephesians 5:18-21, Colossians 3:16, Psalm 150) How many came to know Christ, how many baptized, how many lives positively impacted and changed for His glory? Only the Lord really knows the fruit of our labor together in this ministry, but most of us would agree, it’s been a good race!

Now let’s consider … What do the next 20 – 30 years look like? If our Lord graciously tarries, and we haven’t joined Him in His end time conquests, then I sincerely pray that the foundation and heritage that’s been laid by all of us at WOF will continue to provide all the necessary support that’s needed for the next generation to assume and continue the work of Christ until He returns and establishes His Kingdom.

It’s been an incredible blessing and distinguished honor to serve each of you over the last 30 years.

Thanks, Pastor Frank

AMERICA

Posted on April 15, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

When one thinks about America, what pops into your mind? Currently, the greatest nation on earth? What a blessing it is to be an American? The “land of the free” and “the home of the brave?” A nation once again thrown into the divisiveness of minority/equal rights struggles? A country at war with terrorism? A people embattled with economic, health-care, social security, immigration, and defense issues? Perhaps we are seeing what once upon a time may have been referred to as a “Christian” or “Judeo-Christian” America/nation, quickly sinking into the vast cavity and hollowness of pagan secularism.

In addition, while I’m not proposing that these United States of America were ever 100% Christian, nor were its founding fathers all believers in the Jesus Christ of the Bible, or our faith and practice, unquestionably these brave individuals were influenced by a both a belief in deity and fear/respect of Almighty God! Nonetheless, in these latter times of the “Information Age,” is it possible that our nation’s obsession and quest for data, digital communication, and information has actually exalted itself above a need/desire for God? In II Timothy 3, the scriptures declare that difficult times will come, and thus issue a clear and distinct warning concerning this scenario. All those who choose to listen and truly/faithfully believe, are provided with the Lord’s counsel concerning those who are “lovers of money” and “lovers of self,” that they are, or always will be, “learning and/but (are) never able to come to the knowledge (or understanding) of the truth!” They would rather have gratification and information than become subject to the transformation of our Lord and the presence/indwelling of His Holy Spirit!

Doesn’t all information require proper sorting and thorough sifting before it can be effectively applied to any situation? As faithful believers, we must, “take every thought captive” (II Corinthians 10:5-6) by applying the discerning and discriminating filter of God’s Holy Word/Truth to each and every slice of information that comes our way. One might ask, “Exactly how does one select information and use it in the process of personal transformation?” When it comes to a nation, or people group, how does one determine the authenticity and proper value/importance of information, and then select and process pertinent information in order to affect or impact national transformation?

Listed below you’ll find some biblically-based concepts, that if incorporated into your Christian life and that as an American, will help provide some spiritual understanding as we move into the difficulties of serving Christ within the framework of a pagan secular society.

Confront current issues with an eternal perspective (divine viewpoint). (See Colossians 3:1-2)
Move your personal life “from information to transformation (in Christ Jesus) … from rhetoric to righteousness (living righteously)… from finger-pointing and blame-shifting to personal responsibility. (See Titus 2:11-14)
Stop being a labeler . . . we must avoid labeling. Labels have become “libels” (vilifications). (See Ephesians 4:31) They increasingly paralyze relationships, legitimate conversation, communication and the exchange of creative and/or beneficial ideas.
Be committed to the restoration of Biblical/Scriptural authority in every aspect of one’s life. (See II Timothy 3:16-17) It is not talk, but living the truth, which has the potential to restore the foundations of faith and freedom in Christ’s church and our society/nation.
Always remember, we are first Christians! God did not call us to be conservative, liberal or libertarian, but men and women of faith in Jesus Christ and His Word. We must call things as they are (by “The Book”) (See Ephesians 5:25) — not by our political persuasions, political correctness, or in light of our rhetoric defined by any/various label(s).
Never forget, we speak the truth in love when confronting issues, as well as people who disagree with us. (See Philippians 2:3-4) People are sinful and driven by fleshly passion(s) … we all know that! (See Ephesians 2:1-5) Therefore, let us rise above with a proper attitude towards every individual, because every human is created in the image and likeness of God — whether we agree with their lifestyle or not! Our attitude towards the confused, lost, and dying world speaks volumes. (See James 3:8- 18)
We must overturn the rotting logs and mossy rocks that hide our personal sins (See Psalm 32:1-5) as well as those of our nation (See Proverbs 14:34) . . . openly, yet honestly confronting the deepest issues of our society and Americans’ hearts and homes.
Let’s be solution-oriented . . . not just provide tough talk. (See James 2:14-26) Transformation can always occur — even in the toughest and most troubled times! Let’s demonstrate Christian hope and Christ’s healing in our own hearts and homes, as well as for America’s broken families and our nation/society. (See II Timothy 2:23-26)

By employing these concepts and principles, we might just see a genuine transformation.

Don’t just think about it, let’s do it! — PF

THE BIBLE & AMERICA

Posted on March 31, 2022 by West Oaks Fellowship

The foundation of our society and government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.
President Calvin Coolidge

Much like the threads of a huge, carefully woven tapestry, God’s Word is a natural fiber stitched throughout the fabric of America! Our history speaks clearly … the Bible has been consistently valued and held in high esteem by individuals in our nation even before its revolutionary birth. In addition, the scripture’s influence in science, education, law, society, government, and politics is historically undeniable even though many intentionally fail to recognize or acknowledge the scripture’s contribution in these areas of human development and America. Truly, America would not be America without the Bible!

Simply put, the Bible is the most influential book ever written.
Time Magazine, March 22, 2007

Even today, in what some call “a post-Christian America,” a recent ARG (American Research Group) poll recorded that only 26% of our parents never (or refuse to) read the scriptures to their children. This statistic alone reinforces the idea that many in our nation still look to the Bible as an authoritative source for morals, ethics, and spiritual direction while believing in (holding to) the precepts that it presents for our society.

WE OWN IT

No other book of any title or kind comes remotely close to Bible ownership in America. Currently 94% of adults in our nation own a least one copy/version of the scriptures and many homes have multiple copies. (2 – 28%; 3 – 21%; 4 – 10%; 5 – 4%: over 5 – 12%, more – 3%) Accordingly, at least 47% of American households have at least 3 copies of God’s Word! In addition, Bibles are given as gifts to friends and relatives more than any other publication in the United States.

WE SAY WE BELIEVE IT

According to a recent ARG survey, Americans say they have significant confidence in the scriptures. Actually, 90% said they still believe that the Bible applies to today’s problems and/or issues. This statistic confirms that the scriptures hold a place of sacred significance within our culture/society. When asked in a recent Barna survey, the vast majority (86%) of U.S. adults said the Bible came to mind “first” when asked to name books they consider to be sacred literature or holy. FYI … That’s 10 times greater than the Koran! The book of Mormon and the Hebrew Torah both rank at less than 4%. It’s also interesting to note that only 17% of Americans actually believe that the Bible, Koran, Torah, and the book of Mormon are simply different expressions of the same spiritual truths.

WE READ IT (sort of)

In current American homes, 40% read the scriptures to their sons and daughters on a weekly basis, and about 75% manage once a month. On an individual basis, an ARG poll discovered that 52% read the Bible weekly and 75% at least once a month.

Now all these statistics seem incredibly encouraging, but also somewhat confusing when one considers the spiritual condition of our country. Here’s the facts … 94% of Americans own Bibles; 90% of our nation believes that the scriptures are still applicable today. A large number read God’s Word to their children somewhat regularly; however, only 29% of American adults read or study God’s Word in any form outside of their own/family’s church attendance.

While we own and declare we believe the Bible, Americans just don’t read it very much/often on their own initiative. Is there something wrong with this picture? How about this stat … when asked, “Do you think it’s time for Americans to go back to reading the scriptures?” … 88% answered, yes! When asked, “Is America in more need of the Bible today than ever before? … 91% answered, yes! Even 84% said they’d like to learn more and have greater knowledge about God and His Word! Even the brilliant, genius physicist, Albert Einstein once stated:

I want to understand the thoughts of God.

Fellow believers and faithful participants of West Oaks Fellowship, the implication of this data is pretty simple and woefully stunning. We, as Americans, seem to have a built-in longing for these Holy Words of God, yet many are living in starvation and continued malnourishment even though the Bible is readily available right under our noses, right in our homes – on demand, or right at our finger tips — via cell phones, tablets, media devices, and computers, etc.

If a man is not familiar with the Bible, he has suffered the loss which he had better make all possible haste to correct … a thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.
President Teddy (Theodore) Roosevelt

I wonder … What would it be like if Bibles weren’t so easily available or if there was a great price to pay?

Think about it. — Pastor Frank