Tag: john

“FAITH OVER FEAR”

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

In a world increasingly characterized by uncertainties, anxieties from numerous sources, and persistent fears such as global pandemics, economic instability, political corruption, media deception, general turmoil stirred by social media, moral / ethical compromise, and individual / personal challenges, the timeless Biblical concept / principle of “FAITH OVER FEAR” stands as a beacon of strength for us as believers. This phrase should become a rallying cry for each and every faithful follower of Jesus Christ – not just in 2026, but as a deeply embedded lifestyle.

Genuine faith in our sovereign Lord, the God of all the known and unknown throughout the entire creation / universe, is a divinely appointed antidote to the potentially paralyzing grip of human fear. But what does “FAITH OVER FEAR” actually mean from an exclusive biblical perspective? It must rise above, being far more than some catchy promotion slogan or motivational cliché. At its core, this basic biblically based principle represents a fundamental choice that every believer must make daily … an intentional / deliberate decision to trust the Lord God’s character, His promises, and the absolute truth of His providence … rather than surrendering to the worries, concerns / apprehensions, and fears that seek to engage, even controlling, our minds and hearts.

FAITH OVER FEAR requires an anchoring of one’s soul in the unchanging, immutable Truth found only in the Word of God rather than the shifting circumstances and experiences of one’s life. It means believing that Jesus Christ is exactly who and what He says He is … that He will do and accomplish all He has promised to do, and that His purposes for our lives are not only good, but perfect, even when we don’t fully understand them. This means choosing to walk in faithful obedience to God’s Word, the Lord’s callings, and the direction / leadership of His Holy Spirit even when every natural instinct screams at us to shrink back in fear (retreat), hide, or surrender in some mental / emotional compromise.

The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this tension that all believers routinely deal with while encouraging Pastor Timothy to be steadfast and fulfill his ministry / calling / life-purpose in 2 Timothy 1:7!

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

This verse reveals that paralyzing fear, as “a spirit of timidity,” can attempt to control, thwart, or even destroy divine purposes! This “spirit of timidity” obviously does not originate from God, as the biblical text clearly states, but instead, the Lord has properly equipped believers with power (dunamis in Greek, from which we get “dynamite”), love (agape, the self-sacrificing, benevolent love that comes from God – 1 John 4:19), and a sound mind (sophronismos, meaning self-discipline / control and sound / good judgment)! These divine endowments purposefully enable believers to continually face our life challenges with spiritual courage and discernment that’s rooted in faith rather than cowering in fear.

Throughout the Scriptures, recurring commands like “Fear not” or “Do not be afraid” appear at least 365 times. (Side note — one for every day of the year, as if God knew we would definitely need this daily reminder). This repetition is not coincidental, but directly reflects God’s understanding of our human nature / weaknesses, and His desire for His children to live an abundant life (John 10:10) in the framework of His freedom with genuine faith, rather than being captivated by one’s worldly fears. Authentic faith in the Lord is designed to overcome any “spirit of timidity!”

Biblical faith is far more than intellectual assent to certain propositions or wishful thinking about particular desired goals / outcomes / objectives. The writer of Hebrews provides us with the description of God-centered / Christ-centered / Word-centered / Truth-centered faith that some might deem as a little confusing.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.

Hebrews 11:1-2

The Greek word for “assurance” (hypostasis) carries the meaning of “confidence” — genuine biblical faith provides reality / substance. Then the word for “conviction” (elenchos) means “evidence” or “proof” — faith provides convincing proof of realities one cannot yet see / experience in the framework of our human understanding. This is exactly how the “men of old gained approval” as exemplified in the balance of Chapter 11.

As one reads through that text, notice this kind of faith is not passive or abstract. It is active, dynamic, and transformative. It is a confident trust (biblical hope) in God that produces action, obedience, and much perseverance – even in the face of overwhelming odds and obvious obstacles. Those mentioned in this “Hall of Faith” clearly demonstrate, by their obedient actions, that biblical faith always results in courageous action, rather than the paralysis of human fears.

Furthermore, biblical faith is not faith in faith itself — not something stirred up from the human spirit (as often being taught by many ministers in many modern-day churches). No, it’s faith in God Himself and His Truth – removed and separated from the best efforts, wisdom and thinking of any human being! This single, proper, object of one’s faith holds all the power and determines faith’s effectiveness. The woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9, Mark 5, Luke 8) had been suffering from a hemorrhage of some 12 years and had spent all her money seeking healing from the doctors. This ailment deemed her socially and spiritually “unclean” and forced her into isolation. Nonetheless, her persistent, single-minded faith in Jesus Christ caused her, in unwavering belief, to reach out and touch His garment. Notice her thoughts as recorded in Mark 5:28 . . .

“If I just touch His garment, I will get well”

Her belief was not based on anything other than the known works and reputation of Jesus Christ! One does not overcome fear by mustering up more positive thinking or by believing harder in our own abilities. No, fear is overcome by knowing God / Truth more deeply and trusting Christ more fully and completely!

As one matures spiritually, growing in a better / fuller understanding of our Lord’s nature / character, His sovereignty, love, power, and faithfulness towards those who believe, one’s genuine faith increases, and the fears that creep in, making us timid and holding us back, will continually weaken! Ultimately, faith-living becomes the lifestyle of every believer as one trusts the Lord more and more each and every day of our lives. Therefore, Christ’s genuine followers come to comprehend and actively experience Hebrews 11:6!

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.

Help us Lord Jesus, may we be / become Your men and women of genuine biblical faith that will indeed triumph over all our worldly, cultural, religious, relational, situational / circumstantial, family, and personal fears!

We can do this … FAITH OVER FEAR … let’s work on it together by encouraging one another to actually LIVE OUR FAITH OUT LOUD!

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

Pastor Frank

CHOICES

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

As we enter this Advent season, I find myself reflecting on a simple yet profound truth: Christmas doesn’t just happen — we choose how we will celebrate it. The choices each of us make in these upcoming weeks will reveal exactly what one truly treasures. As a child growing up, even though raised in a faithful Christian home, I never really thought about anything other than the presents I’d receive. Certainly, there was always the shared understanding of Christ’s birth, but it seems we always chose the exact same patterns year after year.

I often wonder if you’ve also felt the strange, but obvious tension that builds starting about Thanksgiving and invading December. The world around us accelerates into a frenzy of activity: shopping lists grow longer, social calendars fill to overflowing, decorations seem to demand serious attention, and everywhere we may turn, someone is trying to sell a neat experience, a distinct product, or some special feeling(s).

Meanwhile, at the heart of it all, a quiet voice whispers the most revolutionary announcement in human history: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (See John 1:14)

The question before each of us is not whether we will be busy this Christmas season — we will be! However, the question that should be asked is: What will all our busyness actually mean or serve?

For sure, I’m not suggesting that we abandon all our celebrations or family traditions. There is most likely nothing inherently wrong with festive meals, thoughtful gifts, or beautifully decorated homes. But I am asking us to examine our hearts and even our motives this Christmas season.

When we crawl into bed, most likely exhausted on the night of December 25, will we have encountered Christ our Lord, or merely survived another holiday? Will we have worshiped the Savior, or simply participated in cultural rituals that attempt to bear His Holy Name?

Consider how easily our focus shifts. We plan elaborate meals but neglect the very Bread of Life. We stress over finding the perfect gifts while forgetting that God gave us the best Gift ever given, never before offered, or even deserved! Some of our homes are filled with guests, friends, family and glitter, but little room left for the One whose visit to earth began by being laid in a very humble feed trough.

We sing carols about His birth but rarely pause to marvel at this staggering reality: the Creator of the entire universe entered His creation as an infant. The One who declared light to be light came as the true light to shine in a world of darkness! (See Genesis 1:3, Isaiah 9:2, John 1:4, 9)

This Christmas, each and every one of us will make choices – perhaps even deliberate, counter-cultural choices. As believers, will we choose to create space for silence and reflection in a season that demands noise and activity? We must choose to prioritize worship and spiritual gatherings — even when family obligations, traditions, and travel plans actively compete for our time. Will believers choose to serve others as Christ did (See Mark 10:45), actively remembering the example of Jesus Himself? Will we choose to engage in conversation about the Lord’s incarnation, not just enthusiastically sharing about our special holiday plans?

These choices may, most likely will, cost us something. They may even mean disappointing others’ expectations. It may require us to say “no” to good things in order to say “yes” to better things. Perhaps we will be judged as less festive by our world’s standards, or unenthusiastic about Christmas trees, decorations, and lights or the season’s overplayed pop songs.

Here is what I know: the Messiah Who came to us through a miraculous, one-of-a-kind birth still shows up for us today—in His Word, through the presence of His Holy Spirit, in the gatherings and fellowship of His people, and in quieter moments of reflection and meditation when we turn our hearts, thoughts, and activities toward Him. He is not forcing us to draw near – no, He is simply offering Himself as the primary focus! After all, it is CHRISTMAS, and He is undoubtedly worthy of our wholehearted, undistracted devotion and sacrificial praise.

Therefore, my fellow, faithful servants of Jesus Christ, make some intentional choices! Choose Christ over the crazy chaos. Choose worship over senseless worry. Choose the eternal over the temporal. Choose to celebrate the first coming of our Savior and King in the sincere reverence of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love that has been so graciously and lavishly poured out upon us! (See Ephesians 1:7-8)

The world will have its Christmas. Let us have ours — centered on the One who was, and is, and is to come!

Please consider these words, perhaps some implementation, and have a great Christmas!

-PF

“WHY FUSION”

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Technically speaking, the definition of FUSION is the process where two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus, releasing enormous amounts of energy, which is nuclear fusion. However, the term FUSION has taken on some other meanings, generally referring to a merging or blending of different elements, like in “fusion cuisine” that combines different ethnic foods, or the union or uniting of political concepts, interest groups, or parties.

We named our West Oaks Fellowship monthly newsletter “FUSION” many years ago from the concepts of a merger or blending, because that concept applies to so many areas of our church and a believer’s spiritual life. While the word “FUSION” doesn’t appear in the biblical text, the word fuse is used in a few English translations, referring to things being joined together or united as used by Darby in Job 41:23. Nonetheless, the concept of spiritual union or unions, unity, and oneness, is a central and important biblical concept / theme that’s often emphasized in numerous contexts throughout the scriptures. 

  1. Oneness with our Lord and Father God is a supernatural “FUSION” that Christ Himself prayed for in John 17:20-21 in His High Priestly prayer, as well as for all of us as His followers. Perhaps our oneness should somehow mirror the perfect harmony and unification of the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God, the Holy Spirit). Needless to say, in this process we become more and more like Him!
  2. We “abide” in Christ Jesus according to John 15:1-6. This “FUSION” is essential if one becomes, or hopes to become, a fruit-bearing believer. According to our Lord’s teaching, this intimate connection / joining / uniting of the “TRUE VINE” and branches is the only possible process by which Christians can bear fruit!
  3. The Body of Christ, His CHURCH, according to 1 Corinthians 12:12–13, is a very unique  “FUSION!” All true believers, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or language, are all spiritually baptized by God’s one Holy Spirit into one universal church body. This merging  of diverse members into one spiritually-joined church body illustrates the unity, as well as the interdependence of believers in Christ.
  4. The prophecy of Jeremiah 31:33 presents a beautiful futuristic “FUSION!” “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. “They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the Lord, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.”

In the realm of our bible-based Christian faith, genuine “FUSION” must be absolutely confined to the things / elements of TRUTH! There are many efforts to fuse pagan concepts with the things of the ONE TRUE GOD AND HIS WORD! However, spiritual “FUSION“ emphasizes a profound, transformative, experience of divine nature and character that highlights the powerful interconnecting of believers with the Lord God. This relationship is enjoined by His gracious salvation and then with one another in His Church Body through our shared experiences, ultimately seeking the same purposes in our lives of bringing glory and honor in this life to JESUS CHRIST!

So that’s why we have “FUSION!”

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

PF

INDEPENDENCE

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

If you are a true Texan, then this word, for many of us older individuals, seems to be imbedded deeply within our minds and hearts. Yes, that seems true for many of us who grew up in our great state, being exposed to, and / or studying the many intriguing aspects of Texas history.

This weekend, the United States Of America, the greatest nation in the entire world, will celebrate our “Declaration of Independence.” It’s been 249 years since that came forth after ??? months of hard work and deliberation. While the actual decision to declare independence was made by the Continental Congress on July 2, 1776, the actual document explaining the reasons for this world changing decision was finalized and adopted on July 4th after Thomas Jefferson worked on the actual writing of the document in isolation from June 11 until June 28. Then, the official signing of the document by most of the colonies’ delegates occurred on August 2, 1776. 

The word “INDEPENDENCE” as commonly used, is defined as, “the state or condition of being independent,” which in normal conversational English use refers to being self-reliant, not needing support, and / or not under the control of others. The USA basically abandoned itself to its own destiny with the support or control of any other empire, nation, or government (constitutional monarchy and parliament, which was made up of The House of Lords and the House of Commons or elected representatives).

It is certainly of great significance and importance that all citizens of the USA understand our independence as a nation and the independence that exists, or should exist, within our society! As an example, one can be an independent voter, not committed to the political platform of any party. An independent business is not owned or controlled by any other company. Personally, being independent implies that one has the life skills necessary to make one’s own decisions, pursue one’s own goals, and provide for one’s own needs. (On a personal note, I’ve being doing this since a short time after I graduated from high school at age 17 and started living on my own when my parents moved to San Antonio and I stayed behind in Austin … and then as you all know, they died a short time later when I was 18, on December 26, 1972 in the Woodlawn Baptist / Crocket High School Bus Accident.)

“INDEPENDENCE” may be applied spiritually as well. Biblically speaking, we as faithful followers of Jesus Christ, are to live independent, absolutely free from all forms of man-made religion, which loves to define righteousness based upon its own tenants! All these are simply humanity’s attempt to either reach or appease a god, based upon a limited understanding of truth (which is usually not absolute) and experiential wisdom, as well as some elements of ancient or current reasoning / philosophy.

As Christ’s children, ‘INDEPENDENCE” focusses in on the blessings of liberty and the freedoms we all have the opportunity to enjoy! While the significance of INDEPENDENCE DAY in America, which was obtained through much toil, suffering, and sacrifice, and is undoubtedly worthy of our celebration, yet nothing can compare to the independence afforded us in Christ Jesus alone. We are freed from sin, free to live independent of its weighty bondage and its ever-invading curse through faith / belief in Jesus Christ! This 100% free gift to us was actually provided through much toil, suffering, and sacrifice!

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Galatians 5:13

The word in this biblical text rendered “freedom” is also the Greek word for “liberty,” and the phraseology is speaking directly to the concept of independence from slavery. In the Greek culture, a slave could not provide money to be manumitted (freed). Only the master could pay the price to a god by bringing it into a pagan temple’s treasury while in the presence of the slave. Then a document was immediately prepared for the former slave with the words, “for freedom.”

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

At that point, no one could ever enslave him / her again, the former slave was now the property of the god and now completely independent. In Galatians 5:1, in the Greek text, the combination of the noun with the verb denotes / stresses the completeness of an act, which is in the aorist tense, indicating both its momentary and comprehensive action! Thus it was done / accomplished once for all time. In addition, the concept of not ever becoming subject to another form of bondage is clearly communicated. Christ made us independent of as well as fully liberated from, that to which we were born and subject to! Therefore in Christ Jesus, I am also now free from all and any constraining forces . . . independent and liberated to follow Him, know Him, obey Him, and serve Him!

However, all independence, liberty, and freedom comes with personal responsibility, whether that’s in relationship to our nation as its citizens, or to our Lord as citizens of His Kingdom. What I’ve learned, through many years of believing and serving Christ, is that I will gladly trade my independence for dependence upon my Lord, and give up my liberty / freedom to have the humble, yet honored position of being His bondservant / slave, always simply being hopeful of being available and well used for His glory!

How about you? Have you selfishly set limits on what you do for Christ Jesus? Are you in bondage to your own will or someone else’s? While not running from personal responsibilities in our society / culture, are you in bondage to those things of our world, or are you actually available for the work and ministry of His Kingdom while still in the world but not of it? NOW BEFORE YOU ANSWER … PLEASE STUDY JOHN 17:13-21

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

Pastor Frank

DARKNESS -V- LIGHT

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Jesus Christ, while visiting our world, made a very revealing and thought- provoking statement in Matthew 6:23

“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!”

Undoubtedly, at an initial reading of this passage, one must interpret it within the context of Christ’s message to a Jewish/ Hebrew audience, dealing with the worldly aspects of materialism and greed, both being selfishly indulgent. The “eye” therefore, would have been fully understood by them as the spiritual aspect of an individual’s heart / mind. Therefore, if the “eye is bad” (or perhaps according to the Greek work, “evil”) . . . then the whole person is “full of darkness!” Then, if the light that’s provided to the body by the bad (evil) eye is, in reality, darkness, then, “how great” is that “darkness” that permeates one’s life?

Human minds and hearts become encumbered by darkness, which actually is a form of blindness, since no light can enter a bad or evil eye!  Christ’s teachings in Luke 11:33-36 adds some perspective and understanding for us as well.

“No one, after lighting a lamp, puts it away in a cellar nor under a basket, but on the lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. Then watch out that the light in you is not darkness. If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays.”

The eye is like a window which, when clear, allows light to shine through, but, when bad / evil, it prevents light from entering just as Jesus stated so clearly in  John 3:19-21,

“This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.”

Speaking theologically about Christ Jesus as “THE LIGHT”. . . The Apostle John wrote, “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” – John 1:4-5

It seems that the darkness of the light that was within humanity … self-deception / spiritual blindness . . . blocked out the true light, so there was no way of recognizing the “TRUE LIGHT,” because what was thought of as light was in essence great darkness! That’s pretty sobering, but provides clear revelation to the issue of Darkness -v- Light — a spiritual barometer for the continued human condition of evil due to lightlessness. Nonetheless, there is a pathway out of darkness into the true light, where believers become children of the Light!

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” -John 8:12

“While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons (Greek word – children., being those born) of Light.”

John 12:36a

“I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

John 12:46

So, here’s the real question for the faithful followers of Jesus Christ: “How much light does it take to dispel the darkness?” Have you ever wondered why our Lord in Matthew 5:14-15 made this declaration? “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” 

And then, there is this imperative (according the NT Greek text) command, from Matthew 5:16, which also answers the “why” — “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

While we all glory in the promises, provisions, and positions granted to us as believers according to 1 Peter 2:9-10, perhaps we forget or neglect His purposeful calling! “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;  for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”

Simply pray about the church’s (all of us as individuals and collectively as a group) appropriate, obedient response or action – considering the darkness of our world.  

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

– PF

A CHALLENGE FROM PASTOR FRANK

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

On Tuesday evening we gathered as believers in preparation for the year 2025, reaffirming our commitment to Christ Jesus by participating together in Communion (The Lord’s Supper).

Before the partaking of Communion, the Lord encouraged me to take the opportunity that was available and share a few things that He was stirring my heart with. For those of you that attended the New Years Eve service Tuesday evening, this is simply a reminder of the challenges I shared. For those that weren’t able to make it, here are a few things “the Church” (at large) and our local New Testament Church body, aka West Oaks Fellowship, needs to focus in on immediately, as we say goodbye to 2024 and shift our focus to what lies ahead in 2025 and beyond!

Believers are called to live a life of spiritual awareness (alertness),  spiritual fulfillment, and faith because we are made alive (have life, are now living) in and through our Lord and Christ Jesus! As the Lord’s people, we have an open (standing) invitation to live moment by moment, fully embracing these concepts as essentials for successful and productive Christian living.

However, the challenge started with a reminder that our God / Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever from Hebrews 13:8 and Psalm 102:25-28. Therefore, no matter whatever is going on in our lives and / or in our world. . . in good days of celebrating and rejoicing, or difficult ones . . . we must rest in the confident assurance of our Lord’s faithfulness with all our hope fixed solely on HIM! We serve the same Lord, who remains the same in every one of our situations … suffering or in prosperity, strong or weak, meek or bold, doubting or fearless, sad or in joyful celebration!

YOUR LORD IS NOT CHANGING — even though you will be, and according to James 1:17 there is no variation or “shifting shadow” in the framework of His character / nature!

CHALLENGE #1 – Be SPIRITUALLY ALERT (aware) IN 2025!

1 Peter 5:8 reminds every one of Christ’s genuine followers to be of “sober spirit” and to be “on the alert” (spiritually aware). Know this, spiritual awareness is essential according to 1 Corinthians 16:13; believers are not asked, but told / commanded to “be alert” and “stand firm” – acting like grown-ups instead of babies!

CHALLENGE #2 – Be SPIRITUALLY FULFILLED IN 2025!

John 10:10 confirms that Jesus Christ came so that we might have “life” and have life “abundantly!” Spiritual fulfillment is a vital aspect because, according to 1 Corinthians 3:20, our Lord is able to work in and through us, as believers, far more “abundantly” than we even can “ask” or “think!”

CHALLENGE #3 – LIVE BY FAITH IN 2025!

In Galatians 2:20, New Testament Christians are challenged to this perspective and calling. This is not about religious participation, but a responsive life lived in conjunction with Christ’s purposes and goals for each individual believer. Death – the crucifixion of one’s own flesh – opens the door to this exhilarating life of faith! One must forever stop living by sight, or human perspective, and according to 2 Corinthians 5:7, walk by faith in Christ Jesus, His Word, and the Holy Spirit, because as stated in Romans 1:7 and Habakkuk 2:4, the just or “the righteous live by faith!”

Will you accept this challenge? If so, it will positively change you, making you more into the image of Jesus Christ, which will dynamically change our church, making us a stronger and more cohesive body, which will change our community / society, then hopefully our country and our world!

May our hearts unite with many, many generations of faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who have relentlessly decided to follow Jesus … “no turning back, no turning back” … the world behind me, the cross before me, no turning back, no turning back!”

His & Yours, because of GRACE

(God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

-PF

        

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

“ABSOLUTE”

Posted on by West Oaks Fellowship

Here is a word that’s meaning is slipping into human dementia (a progressive condition marked by the development of multiple cognitive deficits)!  While the actual meaning of absolute clearly refers to something that cannot be diminished in any way and exists independently of other things, our societies’ current philosophy and thinking is mostly relative and conditional! That’s how we find male athlete beating the crud out of female boxers in the 2024 Olympics and Riley Gaines losing a trophy to a biological male swimmer. 

While these are simple examples, the idea of absolute even existing is quickly vanishing! Is gravity on our current earth (closed environment) an absolute? Humans can deny the fact of its existence, but why then would we need certain velocities (based on the mass of an object) to escape its forces?

Individuals are now using all types of reasoning and philosophical arguments to escape the forces of absolutes, such as God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc.! The underlying purpose is simple … no accountability to anyone but self. Therefore, if one’s idea about something like God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc. changes, then that’s perfectly acceptable!  However, absolutes are never relative or comparative! Therefore, God or truth cannot be really good in one moment and terribly evil in another!

Yet this is the world we live in. The prophet Isaiah warned the Hebrew people concerning this type of reasoning and life-philosophy, which would ultimately negatively impact one’s entire society and existence!

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble and dry grass collapses into the flame, so their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the Word of the Holy One of Israel.” 

Isaiah 5:20-24

While this warning was issued to the Hebrew people, the value and truth of the message for any people cannot be denied! Seems the writing is on the wall (please read Daniel 5)! Recall in verse 4, using the vessels of the temple, “They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.” YIKES! And yes, “My momma told me there would be days like this.”

Nonetheless, believers must awake to the reality that surrounds us, and choose to live in the absolutes of our Lord, which includes His truth, or succumb to the relative, compromising, debauchery of the world and its system. We must choose now, and choose wisely as Joshua, speaking as the Lord’s Prophet declared,

“Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth; and put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Joshua 24:14-15

Yes there is always a choice … serve the gods of the land in which you are living, or serve the Lord!

In John 6, Jesus’ emphasis is on the fact that He Himself is the life that everyone needs, and because of the illustration He uses, many of His followers are troubled. So, Jesus said to the twelve,

“You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”  

John 6:67-69

Even though the times we live in may be very difficult — morally, ethically, legally, and spiritually … have you “believed,” and have you come to know that Jesus Christ is the “Holy One of God?” Is He your absolute? Is His Truth your absolute? Or perhaps, is there another manmade system of philosophy and belief for God, Jesus, sin, evil, the devil, human depravity, gender, truth, etc., etc. that you’re choosing as your own?  

His and yours, because of G.R.A.C.E. (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)

– PF

Please carefully consider Romans 6:16-19,

“Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

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